I would give them zero stars if I could…read more
I'm a bit shocked to be writing this, but I feel that I should share my personal experience with Clifton Dental Care. Unfortunately, it is not a good one.
I totally can empathize that emergencies happen. While they will tell you (and probably respond to this post) that I'm a "monster", it's quite the misunderstanding. In my opinion, if there is a personal emergency it's best to go take care of what you need to do.
Context:
I first had a scheduled for optional dental work October 16th. I was given proper reminders on October 14th for an upcoming appointment. It was mere hours when I was called to be informed I must be moved as Dr Lowe must provide anesthetic, and she had a personal emergency. Fine. I understand and had no problem. Unfortunately, I had moved all of my meetings / took time off for this planned 2 hour visit and considered it an unfortunate event.
My next appointment date was scheduled for Monday, November 4th, three weeks after the originally planned date. I again take another half day off on the 4th. I was given prompt reminders, and a bizarre "warning" text a week out that failure to cancel in a 24 hour period of time would end up in a $100 cancellation. Ironic, but I sent a text back to confirm, ensuring that I would be there for this visit.
Less than a business day before on Friday, November 1st in the afternoon, I receive another call from Clifton Dental Care. The receptionist informs me that due to another emergency, I must be moved again up to the 19th of November. Shocked - and time-constrained - I did in fact have more questions asked than answers and expressed concern.
Again, I couldn't believe I found myself in another reschedule, another afternoon already approved to take off, zero consultation of a new date. It was as if they assumed that I could simply rebook meetings, work travel, etc. for this optional dental work.
I simply stated (and, fairly, firmly) it was unacceptable. Sure, my frustration was noted, and I wanted to get in this same week of the cancellation if possible, or not at all. They left a message an hour later and, miraculously, got me in November 8th. I took a final half day off.
November 8th comes - they complete the work, all goes very well. It was cordial, perhaps a little tense... sure, but fine. I paid for the work, and was sent on my way with after care instructions.
Today, November 13, I received a MAILED LETTER stating "based on your recent interactions with our office, we think it's the best next step to find a new dental home where you will feel most comfortable, and perhaps you feel that way too."
So... I guess my cleaning scheduled for December 12th isn't happening.
How unprofessional. If you have a problem or we had a tense moment, state it in person; you were in the same room with me. Or, give me a call to express your feelings. Let me know that you felt offended, and please the provide me with more context so I understand why I was pushed so many times. In fact, maybe I was in the wrong, and I could have apologized. But this passive aggressive approach so unprofessional, especially without any concern for a patient taking a day and a half of PTO and having to cancel, reschedule and adjust meetings myself.
Again, I must be clear: I absolutely understand things happen, but this is not how you treat patients, period. A gaslight soliloquy on mailed letterhead does not solve the issue. I've been to many medical professionals and have never been treated this poorly.
I'm afraid that I will **never** recommend Clifton Dental Care to anyone. What an unfortunate experience.