This review might end up being a bit long, so for those who don't care to read in-depth reviews, here's the short version: I was told by Dr. Kim and staff that I had a cavity in one of my wisdom teeth and that I would need other expensive procedures (bridge replacement) right away. After having x-rays taken at a different dentist, I was told that there were actually no cavities at all in any of my teeth, and no mention was made about my bridgework showing signs of decay. Had I not gone for a second opinion, I would have spent thousands of dollars on dental work that I didn't need.
The long version: I saw Dr. Kim twice. Both times left me feeling as if my own dental health was a mystery that I was not privy to. During my first visit, Dr. Kim never really addressed me directly. He spoke to the dental hygienist as if I was not in the room; saying things like, "Tell her that I think a crown is her best option." After I left the exam I overheard the hygienist telling the receptionist something about "decay in her bridgework." Wait..what? Why hadn't the Dr. mentioned that during the exam? Why did I have to find out about that at the reception desk in front of everyone in the waiting room? Awkward! They really pushed me to have my bridge replaced, and told me that I needed braces again as well, despite having already had braces for 6 years when I was a teenager. I did not have dental insurance at that time, so I was unable to act upon their suggested treatments.
The hygienist was pleasant enough, but did not do a very thorough job. She missed a rather obvious patch of calculus between two of my front teeth. I've never had that problem at any other dentist office that I've been to before.
I do like to give people the benefit of the doubt, so I chalked my first experience up to misunderstandings and miscommunication. Hey, it happens. Everyone was friendly and pleasant, despite the aforementioned awkward moments.
So I went back to Dr Kim the next time I was due for another cleaning and check up. The second visit was off to a rocky start when, while reviewing my x-rays, the hygienist turned to me and said, "Oh, you forgot about that cavity in your wisdom tooth." I'm sorry but...WHAT. No mention of a cavity was ever made at my first visit. There was the exchange about the decay in my bridgework. But no, I was never told about a cavity. I think I would remember something as important as that, had it been brought to my attention! It's actually kind of insulting to assume that I forgot. If they had told me about it during my previous visit, then why was no attempt ever made on their part to schedule some kind of follow up visit for a filling? Why didn't the Dr show me the cavity on my x-rays and discuss treatment options? Nothing about that made any sense to me, and it made me very uneasy.
This time the Dr. was more personable, and spent time talking to me directly about his assessment of my dental health. I did appreciate that. But I do have to say that once again the hygienist missed that same area of calculus that she missed the first visit. Overall she was once again pleasant and professional (the comment about me forgetting my cavity aside). However, when I go to get my teeth cleaned I do expect them to be cleaned completely.
Once again they pushed for me to schedule all kinds of visits with specialists and orthodontists. This time I relented and did schedule two exams with two different specialists, one which would have cost me about $150 (if I remember correctly) just for a consultation. There were so many little instances that occurred during both my visits to this office that just left me feeling so unsure. I ended up cancelling both specialist exams a few days later. I did not schedule a follow up with Dr. Kim regarding my "forgotten" cavity because I did not feel right about the way the situation was handled.
Flash forward to the next time I was due for a trip to the dentist. This time I chose to go to a place called Salinas Dental Health. I'd been there before and loved it, but stopped going due to the distance. I am so glad that I went back. After x-rays and an exam with Dr. Andresen, I was delighted to find out that I actually DON'T have cavities in any of my teeth. He also poked around my bridgework and made no mention of any signs of decay. I was not pushed to schedule all kinds of expensive visits with specialists or told that I need braces ASAP.
It really blows my mind that I could have gotten myself into debt following the unnecessary advice that I was given at Dr. Kim's office. Clearly there are many other people who have had wonderful experiences here, since there are many glowing reviews. But I personally can't recommend this dentist in good conscience. I don't like writing negative reviews (who does?), but in this case I felt like I needed to share my experience. read more