I can't believe I gave this dentist a 5-star just a year ago…read more
I feel compelled to express how deeply disappointed, hurt, and upset I was by the treatment I received during my appointment with Dr. Ferrage at Statesville Dental on May 5, 2026.
I came to your office seeking dental care during what was already a vulnerable and stressful situation. A tooth in the back of my mouth had fallen out, and part of the remaining tooth still needed to be removed. As a patient, I expected professionalism, compassion, guidance, and understanding. Instead, I left feeling dismissed, judged, emotionally defeated, and frankly angry.
Rather than focusing on the immediate reason for my visit, the conversation quickly shifted to a previous recommendation made by my periodontist regarding osseous surgery. I explained that I understood the recommendation, but I was trying to explore less invasive alternatives, specifically LANAP laser treatment, because traditional gum surgery is frightening to me. My concerns were not hypothetical. I shared that my twin underwent traditional gum surgery and described the experience as agonizingly painful. I was simply trying to advocate for myself and explore options that felt less traumatic.
Your response to my concerns was, "That's your business."
I then asked whether you had referrals for periodontists who use LANAP laser technology. You mentioned a few names but then told me I would need to "look myself." I explained that I planned to work with my health advocate to identify a provider with a LANAP machine since Dr. Phillip Weller's office did not have one at the time. Your dismissive response of simply saying "OK" with no additional context made me feel foolish for trying to advocate for my health and explore alternatives.
That statement immediately set the tone for the remainder of the appointment. Rather than feeling supported by a healthcare professional, I felt dismissed and belittled for asking questions and attempting to make informed decisions about my own care. At no point did it feel as though my fear, anxiety, or emotional state mattered.
The interaction only became more upsetting from there.
At that point, I attempted to end the conversation respectfully. I acknowledged that I understood your recommendations and explained that I would follow up with Dr. Weller's office directly. Rather than ending the appointment professionally or compassionately, you responded by saying, "It's on you."
That comment was completely unnecessary and deeply offensive.
It reinforced the overwhelming feeling that throughout the entire consultation, I was viewed not as a patient deserving compassion and care, but as an inconvenience. I walked into your office already scared and uncertain about my dental situation. I walked out feeling small, judged, embarrassed, and emotionally exhausted.
I want to be clear that I fully respect your education, training, and expertise as a dentist. I understand that part of your role is to be honest and direct with patients regarding their oral health. However, honesty should never come at the expense of empathy, kindness, professionalism, or basic human decency. Patients often come into dental offices scared, vulnerable, embarrassed, overwhelmed, or in pain. The way healthcare providers communicate matters just as much as the clinical care they provide.
