This practice is a nightmare. If you can make it to a different dentist, even on the mainland, get in the car, take a Greyhound, and go. The billing is a joke and you must comb through each statement to address the discrepancies. The office is filled with nicknacks and dust collecting odds and ends, it is a filthy facility and not like any hygienic dentists office in the real world. But if kitsch is charming to you above service then enjoy this second rate gift shop.
Moments added up over the years using this practice that were red flags and I should have not been so polite and perhaps found a different practice. But, this is an island community and clearly they would have your health and interest at heart...
Which brings me to a teeth cleaning first thing in the morning. I was met with a dental assistant cursing and yelling at the staff, slamming things, and shouting at everyone. The partitioned wall between each patients room is clearly not permanent. On the other side was pounding and banging by workers as they fixed or did something on the other side. I commented to the staff how the pictures on the wall were literally bouncing. The dental assistant left the room to get tools ready for my cleaning. With a loud bang I felt cold and saw black. When I came to, I yelled in agony and asked what happened?! With ringing in my ears I realized I had been knocked unconscious and I instantly had a splitting headache and felt nauseous. The staff came rushing in. I thought the heavy metal arm with the light attached over the chair came loose and fell knocking me out. A staff member picked up a dust covered birdhouse built out of 2x4's, not plywood, from off the floor. Blood and my hair was caked on the corner and blood was running down my head. I was handed paper towels I kept bleeding through, whereupon I mentioned I needed to go to the ER. The pain was unbearable and I was bleeding so much. The staff convinced me it was a small cut and the head bleeds a lot. How no one there had the foresight to remove items from the high partitioned ledge is baffling. My critical thinking skills were compromised as I just experienced a concussion.
They proceeded to work on my teeth for the next hour as I laid there holding a rag on my head, disoriented and with a splitting headache. It wasn't even 10am yet. After all this, I stood up as I was finished. Blood started pouring from my head, an hour or more later, and I felt faint and saw spots. Again I mentioned I needed to go to the ER. They wanted me out of the office ASAP. Knowing me for years, that I ride a moped, and that I just had a concussion, I was advised to ride home, take aspirin (which thins blood) and to take a nap! So essentially, they wanted no legal recourse and thought it best I thin the blood leaking from my head and go lay down. Great way to die. Thanks Sandy Pape and your remarkable medical knowledge.
The very next morning I went to work, same job for 7 years on Duval, and my staff could tell I wasn't right. I felt completely off and a coworker who went to school for nursing said I have all the signs of a concussion. Called a friend to drive me to stock island to go the ER. The staff there cleaned my hair from the wound and said after treatment that I had a concussion. I would have needed 5-7 stitches but being the next day it was too risky for that so I had liquid stitches administered and had to treat the would so it would heal. 3.5 years later, I still have ongoing issues from this concussion. Sandy Pape refused to provide insurance information to my attorney. No ER bills were covered, nothing paid out. Isle Smile did send flowers to my house.
The office is insured should accidents happen. But this wasn't even related to risks associated with treatment. I got a concussion due to their negligence and they feel flowers were appropriate.
This experience says so much about the staff, their responsibility and advice. Without foresight, ownership, or humanistic tendencies, is this the place you can trust or spend money? Good luck. Thanks Sandy. read more