On September 29, 2021, I went to my very first appointment at this dental office. When I checked in…read morewith the receptionist for my 1 p.m. appointment, she asked for my Driver's License (DL) even before she gave me any paperwork to fill out. When I asked for the reason, she initially told me it was needed to verify my appointment. Then she informed me that a copy of it was needed to have on file and to verify the information on the patient forms.
Before I handed her my DL, I told her that she could not make a copy of it but that she may use it to verify my appointment and the information on the forms when I fill them out. She repeated that a copy was needed on file for future references. But, I emphatically told her that she could not make a copy.
I stated that government agencies advise people to exercise caution when providing personal information and to not hand over DL or Social Security Card when it is not necessary due to rising cases of identity theft. But, she insisted that it was needed for insurance purposes. Again, I told her not to make a copy. Plus, when I made the appointment, I stated that I would be paying out of pocket instead of with insurance.
Despite my concern for privacy and without having my consent, the receptionist surreptitiously put my license on the scanner while I looked away at my phone. However, I caught her taking it out of the scanner just as I looked up.
When I asked her if she had just made a copy, she answered--"No, I scanned it"--with a smirk. My instinct told me that this establishment could not be trusted. Despite my intense toothache, I immediately told her that I was cancelling my appointment. Better safe than sorry. She then proceeded to slide my license under the patient forms on a clipboard instead of handing it back to me and placed the clipboard behind the scanner as if I would not notice. When she realized that I was on to her game, she reached in and took out the license. Her actions and body language spoke clearly to me that this establishment could not be trusted.
I asked to speak with the office manager who turns out was present the whole time I was interacting with the receptionist. I explained that my license was scanned without my consent and that I would like to have it deleted from the computer. To which, the receptionist stated that I had given her the consent--what a liar!!! What kind of place is this? Without addressing my concern, the office manager told me that a copy of the driver's license was needed for insurance purposes. However, I was not nor will ever be their client, therefore, my license was not needed. But, my concern fell on deaf ears.
What are they going to do with my license? Are they going to use it for insurance fraud? Receptionist, along with the manager, is the face of this establishment. With such people, who clearly lack integrity, customer care, and professionalism, one can't but question if Duluth Dental and Dentures is a trustworthy place.
If they can't show decency and respect when I first walk in to their office, how can I trust this dental office with the care of my teeth, health, and personal information?
Based on the dishonest behavior of the receptionist and the lack of professionalism of the office manager, something in this establishment is very much amiss. If you are looking for a new dentist, I would think twice before visiting Duluth Dental and Dentures. Better safe than Sorry!!!