Gledhill Dental is the most amazing dental office I have been to in my entire life! I have been pretty consistent with receiving regular cleanings throughout my 29 years, and after a second round of orthodontia following me not wearing my retainer for some time, in my late teens I started to really value my smile.
From Nevada to Oregon to Washington, I have been to my fair share of dental professionals, but never have I felt entirely welcome and valued at a dental office.
From the moment I made the appointment via phone at Gledhill, I was treated with kindness and respect. Upon the day of my appointment, I was not left lingering in the waiting room; I was called back at my appointment time. And here is where it gets interesting -- Christina, the registered dental hygienist whom I was graced with that day, not only stuck with me and only me during my appointment time, but she had some of the most refined active listening skills of any human being I have ever met. This was made even more exceptional because I was at an appointment! As it typically goes, whether at a doctor, dentist, or any other professional's office, one is far too often treated as a number. One can come in with a script in mind regarding concerns x, y, and z -- buttttt, when you've finally got the floor, the professional often barely makes eye contact because he or she is busy setting up and/or already working on your chart.
Christina asked me what I was there for, followed by another open ended question or two, and while I became extremely loquacious, rather than checking out and becoming irritated, she allowed me the space to speak. I shared a concern, and then that turned into a story, and before we even actually got started with the appointment, we had developed a rapport where I felt like I wanted to go grab an ice cream or something! (Sugar free, of course.)
The exam, cleaning, and x-rays: WOW! I don't even know all that was done, as I've not kept up on my dental terms, but I DO know I didn't have crap just pasted on my teeth followed by a swift kick out of the door. I was at the appointment for quite some time, part because I talked too much, yes, but mostly because of the level of thoroughness of this exam, x-rays, and cleaning. I would also like to note that this was the first time, ever, that I didn't cringe when the RDH was flossing my teeth near the end. Not only did Christina provide me with logical directions on how to floss better, but she demonstrated it so well and she did not hurt me AT ALL, even when getting to my front two teeth -- which ALWAYS happens at the dentist's office! They're too dang rough! Christina was gentle, yet incredibly thorough and she paid close attention to detail to what she was doing. Oh! And don't get me started on the cinnamon flavored polish... that's my favorite flavor and scent ever (of gum, and of things like wax melts) and never have I ever had a cinnamon polish. YUM!
I have pretty good dental health, as alluded to prior in this review, however due to some circumstances I have neglected a cleaning for about a year or more. With that, I did have some tartar buildup as well as slightly inflamed gums when I looked closely, prior to my trip to Gledhill. Walking out of the appointment, though, my gums and teeth FELT cleaner and absolutely wonderful overall - albeit a little worked over - but I'm not complaining. It needed to happen!... and the next day? Pretty pink gums, sparkling white teeth, and for the first time in the two years after my root canal, that one particular tooth/cap DID NOT BLEED WHEN I FLOSSED AROUND IT! This was a point of focus that Christina had during my cleaning; she noticed the fragility of that gum tissue surrounding the cap on her own and she spent extra time doing her thing around there. Then, she emphasized that I should start to brush really good in that area. So, was I shocked that I've not had it bleed at all during my multiple brushes since my appointment? YES!!!! Am I ecstatic? YES!!!!
Dr. Petersen was extremely polite when I met him, extremely thorough in his exam following Christina's work, and he was complimentary of my smile! (As was Christina! I appreciated this a lot, you two!)
Finally, when I got word from both individuals that I had no cavities, I just smiled and melted into the chair, as I have been victim to other dental offices fibbing (at times) about the existence of certain cavities thus drilling away at non-compromised teeth and wasting my money. And I HATE being taken advantage of.
Thank you all for making me so happy, putting forth a concerted effort to form a trusting professional relationship, and for bringing me on as a patient for life. read more
