Who doesn't LOVE going to the dentist? Said absolutely NO ONE EVER!…read more
Every six months, like clockwork, I show up for my dental cleaning! I've been coming to Dr. Gunnell's office since 2022, and there's a reason I keep coming back!
This visit started with a little insurance adventure. The office texted me a week before my appointment to confirm, and I informed them that I had new dental insurance. I was told I wasn't covered, even though my insurance portal clearly showed that I was. Rather than argue, I decided to do a little investigating myself.
I contacted my insurance company and had them call the dental office directly to verify my coverage. Sure enough, I WAS covered! I had even asked the office for a referral elsewhere if my insurance wasn't accepted, but unfortunately, that message was left on read.
My advice: If you really like Dr. Gunnell and are told your insurance isn't accepted, don't automatically take that as the final answer. Be proactive! Call your insurance company and have them verify your benefits directly with the office. I'm glad everything was eventually worked out because I genuinely enjoy coming here. However, I do feel the front office could improve its communication and follow-through when it comes to insurance questions.
Now, let's talk about the people who keep me coming back!
First, a SPECIAL shout-out to my hygienist, Kim!
Kim always has the gentlest hands, which I especially appreciate because I have sensitive teeth! Let's face it, nobody looks forward to having their teeth scraped and polished, but Kim makes the experience as comfortable as possible. She takes her time, is mindful of my sensitivity, always shares the BEST advice and tips for keeping my teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean between visits.
What I appreciate most is that she doesn't just clean my teeth and send me on my way. She genuinely cares about educating her patients and helping us maintain good oral hygiene. Kim, thank you for making my six-month visits something I don't have to dread! You're definitely one of the reasons I keep coming back!
And then there's Dr. G!
One thing I appreciate about Dr. Gunnell is that he attended one of California's best dental schools (USC)! I also like that he stays current with the latest advancements in dentistry. He's knowledgeable, thorough, and makes those twice-a-year checkups quick and easy.
I'm also pretty sure I'm his FAVORITE kind of patient! No cavities, no major dental work, just a quick and easy checkup! That's exactly how I plan to keep it!
Now, I have to give a little credit to my secret weapon: my Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush!
Yes, I'm giving my toothbrush a shout-out in a dental review! You can find Sonicare toothbrushes at Costco, Best Buy, or Target. Mine alerts me when I'm brushing too hard and offers different cleaning settings, including whitening & extra cleaning.
Is it an investment? Absolutely! But I'd much rather invest in a quality toothbrush than spend money fixing cavities or dealing with receding gums down the road. Combine that with flossing, regular cleanings, and Kim's helpful advice, I'd say it's a pretty good recipe for keeping my smile healthy!
Overall, I'm happy to continue trusting Dr. Gunnell and Kim with my dental care. While the insurance communication could definitely use some improvement, the actual dental care has kept me coming back since 2022.
I believe in giving credit where it's due, but I also believe in sharing the entire experience, good and bad. Hopefully, the office takes the insurance feedback constructively because the quality of care deserves equally good customer service.
After all, finding a dentist AND hygienist you actually enjoy seeing is half the battle!
See you in another six months, Dr. G & Kim! Hopefully, still cavity-free & making your jobs easy!