First, I want to say that the dental hygienist was excellent and the highlight of my visit. She was…read moreprofessional, kind, and made me feel comfortable throughout the exam and X-rays.
I scheduled an appointment expecting to receive an exam, X-rays, and a routine cleaning. I received the exam, X-rays, and an Invisalign consultation. After the dentist completed the exam, she recommended a deep cleaning, fillings, and an extraction.
Instead of moving forward with a cleaning, I was taken to speak with the financial coordinator, who reviewed the proposed treatment plan and costs. The deep cleaning would have cost over $1,000, with my portion being $477 after insurance. I was comfortable discussing the fillings, but I declined the extraction because it has never caused me any problems, and previous dentists have told me it could be monitored if it remained symptom-free.
I explained that I was not ready to proceed with the deep cleaning and politely asked if I could receive a regular cleaning instead. I was told that I could not and that I should find another dental practice. That response was disappointing and felt unprofessional.
What frustrated me most was that the deep cleaning was presented as a recommendation, yet I felt I had no choice if I wanted any cleaning at all. At every other dental office I've visited, when a deep cleaning was recommended and I declined, I was still given the option of a regular cleaning after discussing the risks and benefits. This was the first time I have ever been refused a cleaning altogether.
I understand that treatment recommendations are important and that practices need to discuss available options. However, I also believe patients should be able to ask questions, decline recommended treatment, and still be treated respectfully. I left feeling like my concerns and preferences were not taken into consideration.
To make matters more frustrating, my insurance benefits were used for the exam and X-rays, and I now have to schedule another appointment with my previous dentist to receive the cleaning I originally came in for.
Overall, I left feeling disappointed by the experience. While the hygienist provided excellent care, the way my treatment options were handled and the lack of flexibility in discussing alternatives left me with a negative impression of the practice.