As far as Dental skills of Dr Welch, I have no issue but office staff and his personal skills at handling criticism of his staff ... letter edited to fit
Dr Welch,
I was told that the price could be anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000 depending on what Sure Smile said. I was told I would pay around $350 for your services and if I decided not to go with Sure Smile, I would forfeit that money. That is what I heard, that is what I thought. If you want to get upset because a client misunderstood... This was all verbal, I did not receive any written estimate.
When I called to talk to Deann about how she had spoke to me, I was in tears at how she belittled me and made me feel like I was wasting your time by not paying the $5000. I was very professional when I started the conversation with you, just as I was very professional when I spoke with her.
Understand I was calling you because I was hurt, felt belittled and felt like I was not valued as a person or client.
You also berated and harangued me stating that your office had called me multiple times and that I did not answer, refused the calls, and refused to call back.
I only missed ONE phone call from your office. I am surprised you felt comfortable making those statements without verifying the facts and the way you spoke to me as a client and fellow human being was cruel and damaging.
I was very professional and listened to you Berated me for miss understanding the price and falsely accuse me of, in your words, "refusing" your office's calls BUT when you began interjecting, interrupting and trying to drown me out while I was talking... quite frankly..I HAD HAD ENOUGH!!!!! I called because I felt hurt and instead of being kind and understanding to your client you decided to treat me like, like, I'm at a loss for words on what word to use. You should be ashamed of yourself for speaking to a woman and a client like that. Yes, I did hang up on you while you were yelling and talking over me. I will not permit anyone to speak to me in that manner or tone.
The way normal conversation goes, Dr Welch, is you have your say then you keep yourself quiet while the other person speaks, then if you don't agree, you can counter. I was very professional with your office manager, I did not speak down to her, talk ugly to her or in any way speak unprofessionally to her and if she said so, then I will tell you now, she is not telling you the truth. When I got off the phone with her we had an understanding that it was a misunderstanding BUT after speaking with you, I can see now that it wasn't a misunderstanding. She was just rude and condescending and ugly to me and I can now see where she gets it from. Obviously there is a toxic work culture in your office and it is very contagious.
So understand.... this is not an isolated incident with your office belittling your clients which obviously you foster. I also went down the rabbit hole to look at some of your online reviews. I suggest you do the same. One posted 2 years ago states "Deanne at the front desk has a horrible nasty atitude", another posted in 2023 "Never have been treated so poorly by a front desk clerk.....She was so rude", another posted in 2021 "THis is the worst dental office in Mobile, the staff is new since 2020 and is not trained in patient care. They hang up on you, talk back to you...." "Dr Welch has hired all newly graduated inconsiderate staff from RECEPTIONIST TO INSURANCE VERIFIERS..." And these are just the ones who are outspoken. It begs to be asked, how many others are out there who were treated rudely and just resigned themselves to the mistreatment?
I'm sorry things ended this way. I came to your office for care and respect, and I didn't receive that. I'll be finding another provider, but I hope you'll address the way you and your staff speak to patients so others don't have the same experience. No one who is paying for your services deserves to be talked down to, belittled or insulted. I wish you well. read more
