Finally able to get to see the dentist. Been waiting for a long time to be able to get some work done since my crown was broken last year. I was sent to Macon by the Dublin VAMC Community Care department. Exterior appearance of the facility was good. Parking decent. Interior was welcoming ...if a little too busy for my taste, but welcoming nevertheless.
Receptionist Erica (sp?), who was sitting on the right as you come into the office, gets 5 five stars. Minimal paperwork, brilliant smile (even from under the mask:-), temperature taken, concise instructions brilliant multi-tasker, and great listening skills. Wait time was about 15 minutes from the time I sat down, completed paperwork and was called by the dental assistant/ technician, Emily. She took me back to x-ray and once that was completed back to start the cleaning. Emily was Awesome and gets 5 stars. But 3.5 stars due to the fact that she used foam as opposed to the varnish for the fluoride treatment. Here's why:
On average, studies have found that foam only reduces caries by about 25% in adults and adolescents and around 40% for children. In comparison, varnishes reduce dental caries by anywhere from 50% to 70% across the board. For individuals who are moderate to high-risk for dental caries, this additional 45% can make a massive difference in long-term dental care.
Beyond the benefit of enhanced remineralization with varnish, it is also ten times as effective at lessening the amount of cariogenic bacteria, S. mutans. Fluoride foam, on the other hand, is less effective at fighting S. mutans than a simple chlorhexidine mouthwash. This means that it will remain on the tooth for much longer than foam, allowing the patient to eat and drink soon after application while also allowing the fluoride to continue being absorbed by the tooth. But while the varnish does stick well to teeth, it also dries quickly and is not negatively affected if saliva is present, making the whole process easier for both the dental hygienist and the patient. In fact, when the varnish comes into contact with saliva it hardens and can stay on the tooth and continue to be absorbed for up to seven days. Foam fluorides, on the other hand, will only remain on the tooth for roughly 15 minutes. is not negatively affected if saliva is present, making the whole process easier for both the dental hygienist and the patient. In fact, when the varnish comes into contact with saliva it hardens and can stay on the tooth and continue to be absorbed for up to seven days. Foam fluorides, on the other hand, will only remain on the tooth for roughly 15 minutes.
As you can see this is definitely one of my issues. And from that point it went downhill pretty quickly. My dentist, Dr. M, was...let's just say wasn't prepared for a pedantic individual such as myself. The exam/assessment itself lasted about 5 maybe 10 minutes.
I strive daily with PTSD and anxiety, y'know, due to previous military experiences/bad hair day/life and the millions of other issues that we all keep bottled up. However...I don't expect to have to ASK my health care provider to provide the details of my treatment plan after discussing with my hygienist/tech behind my head or have them not offer me a written plan either within a reasonable amount of time after the appointment or upon request. When I commit to medical treatment I assume, since I'm the subject to be willingly consulted/included throughout. I expect to NOT be told "you're not paying for it anyway" as the punctuation to said treatment plan either. Ummmm, what does that have to do with the price of tea in China? Excuse me? I paid over 30 years ago. Y'know, when I signed on the dotted line. This is not welfare or charity. This is owed. Hence the two stars.
To sum up. I do not recommend this facility for dental work, especially for Veterans. But the receptionist, she was Perfect...I want her to be my receptionist for every appointment. In. Life. read more
