Background:
I've never enjoyed the dentist. I probably haven't gone for a solid 2 years. I've always found them vaguely abrasive individuals, consistently painful experiences, and overall a legitimately unpleasant yearly ritual. I've always handled it well (let them do their horrors upon me, saying nothing as they hurt my gums/mouth or abused my taste buds), but always left feeling pain of some sort or another and a vague feeling I'd just been assaulted by someone who could have not hurt me if they'd taken the time to spare a thought for my feelings.
Not this time.
Experience:
First interaction beyond pleasantries: the dental assistant was very sweet and explained people with small mouths might find the x-ray machine uncomfortable and to let her know so she could use a different method if I experienced discomfort. I've previously been the victim of (clearly) sadist dentists because, while it was uncomfortable, it didn't register on the scale of pain I've come to expect from the dentist-folks (yes, even for something as simple and seemingly painless as x-rays) and I have quite a small mouth (likely motivating her comment). The dentist also walked me through how he was analyzing the x-rays, which made me feel informed rather than at the mercy of an expert.
This conscientious trend continued; before they did anything they checked in to make sure I knew what was about to happen and to raise my left hand if I were ever uncomfortable during any portion of the cleaning. They stopped if my body language showed I was in any discomfort to check in, even if I hadn't raised my hand. Not only were they verbally checking in, but their choice of implements clearly had taken into account the maxim "do no harm" because instead of cleaning my teeth with just a basic scraper they had some vibrating scraper that made it SIGNIFICANTLY less painful and applied it with care.
Further, when I expressed distaste (tact is not my forte) for the polishing experience (always tastes nasty), the dentist offered not to do it and explained it was a selective, cosmetic procedure so I wouldn't be putting my teeth in danger by opting out but that it was included in the price.
Thorough. Honest. Straightforward. Thoughtful.
Loved it.
Post-Experience:
I was explicit about why'd I'd come in (I'd noticed significant tartar buildup on the back of my front lower teeth) and they made sure to let me know because I'd had so much tartar my teeth might feel a bit "loose" for a few hours after the cleaning but it was an illusion and as soon as my tongue got used to the new spaces it would go away. Great communication!
Facts:
* I got the new patient special for $250 which included x-rays, cleaning, and exam
* have my next appointment scheduled for six months from now
* they recorded on my chart which teeth they were keeping an eye on and why
* they found nothing that required further care (indicating, to me, they aren't scam artists out to make some quick cash on my own lack of dental knowledge beyond 'pain' and 'no pain')
* was an easy location to get to and easy to find read more