Deserves 6 stars, hands down.
First of all, there was a disturbance in the force that told me to make my dental appointments asap. Which is why I was calling dental offices on a Friday afternoon. Memorial Day Weekend Friday afternoon. I actually had to laugh at how much of a folly this endeavor was, and started to accept that I might just be totally screwed.
But lo! I had called no fewer than 5 other places before getting an answer at Coal Creek Dentistry. The receptionist was kind, calm, and gently answered all of my questions, then promptly scheduled me for two appointments for later in the week - one for initial exam and xrays, the other for a routine cleaning. She mentioned that they'd had some cancellations, gave me detailed directions to the office, and offered to put the paperwork in the mail so I could have it done before I arrived! That's 5 star service even before getting in the chair, people.
Now I'm just going to review the highlights of why you should immediately bring your dental needs to Dr. Chiu and his amazing team:
1. You know the part where they stab your gums with a sharp metal tool to measure your gum line and determine overall health? 1st of all, Dr. Chiu did it *himself* vs outsourcing to a hygienist. 2ndly - didn't feel a thing! While Dr. Chiu pointed out that this meant that my gums were healthy, I'm also telling you that he has a VERY gentle hand and superb "bedside manner".
2. The disturbance in the force was real: I lost my job the day before my initial appointment. Which meant my insurance coverage was going to end at the end of the month. Unfortunately for me, I also had a few cavities to fill. So I asked Dr. Chiu how long I could wait to have them fixed. The worst one needed fairly immediate attention, so I explained my situation to the receptionist. She then squeezed me in for an early morning appointment before my cleaning later in the week, and placed me on their cancellation list.
3. Day of my cleaning. I explained to Dr. Chiu and Tish about losing my job, and they came through like superstars, completing 2 of the 3 cavities that morning! This saved me quite a bit of money and worry, and their genuine concern and willing to help me was greatly appreciated.
4. Didn't feel the needle AT ALL. Again, Dr. Chiu has a very steady, gentle hand to go with his calming demeanor - and even without the cheek jiggle I doubt I would have felt anything. And like Sarah C - I also totally fell asleep.
5. Two cavities and a cleaning in a 4 hour period meant my Friday was pretty loopy. I felt no real pain, just very tired and my mouth wasn't particularly up to anything strenuous like chewing. The front office staff went over my billing, reminded me to call about the last cavity, and even gave me directions on meeting Riss & Aaron for lunch in Factoria! They were so caring, I really felt like I'd made some new friends.
8pm that night my phone rings. The house phone. No one has that number, no one calls it, and I generally don't even answer it. But I did out of curiosity - it was Dr. Chiu! Asking how I felt and if everything was okay! I was sleepy, tired, and completely shocked that he would call me personally that evening instead of waiting until business hours.
There aren't enough stars to convey how great this place is. read more