I really wanted to find a dentist in my neighborhood of East Harlem, but everyone in my neighborhood I asked had dentists elsewhere - downtown, Brooklyn, Jersey - what's up with that? So I checked with a list of providers under my insurance and took a chance on a Dr. Julius Morton. I called the office and spoke to a very helpful and patient receptionist, Shanique (don't know if that's the correct spelling). I asked her point blank if Dr. Morton was a good dentist. She said his patients love him and he's very good. She then made an appointment for me, but called me back to tell me my insurance company did not have any record of me. It was true - it was a temporary glitch in the insurance company's stystem, but Shanique kept at it and sorted it out, then called me back promptly to tell me we are clear for takeoff. Good sign.
At my appointment, which was to be a checkup and a cleaning, I noticed several of Dr. Morton's degrees and certificates, showing he keeps current with all things dentistry. The office was clean and orderly, and I even liked the art prints he has on his walls. More good signs.
Dr. Morton examined me, then chatted with me about my history. As a 2-time cancer survivor, I was recently diagnosed with "Cemento-osseous dysplasia". This abnormality mimics cancer on an xray, in that it is a mass (usually painless) which encroaches upon tooth roots. As I am a caucasion woman, and this abnormality typically affects women of African decent (I didn't seem to fit the profile), the orthodontist who eventually diagnosed it was inclined to think it was cancer (especially given my history) and had extracted a tooth in order to perform biopsy. When I told Dr. Morton this, something didn't sit well with him, so he took the time to check with a colleague at Columbia School of Dentistry to find out more.
In the meantime, Dental Hygienist (is that still the term they use?) Bianca came in and started my cleaning. Man, she went deep! This was -- hands down -- THE BEST cleaning I have ever gotten in all my 57 years on this planet! She was so thorough, yet gentle - I really never thought that was possible! I'd gotten used to becoming a wet and slobbering mess, with stuff dribbling down my face; that "saliva sucker" (probably not the technical term) jabbing me in the most sensitive area of my gums and not doing very much. But in Bianca's able hands, this normally sloppy task was done with such a sure hand that I was able to leave a dental office - for once - relatively dry, and without those random pieces of plaque imbedded in my face. I could walk home with dignity!
After my cleaning (I felt like that old Pearl Drops commercial - yeah I know I'm showing my age - where the woman can't believe how fresh her mouth feels), Dr. Morton came back in, checked Bianca's work (he's a stickler, but I'm tellin' ya, she was thorough!), and after having gathered a bunch of info about Cemento-osseous dysplasia from his Columbia colleague, offered to get my films from my last dentist (my bad - I didn't get to my former dentist in time for him to send them to Dr. Morton's office) so he could compare and see how this 'cemento' thing is moving. Bottom line Dr. Morton took the time, asked a lot of questions, got to know MY case. I get the sense he is truly passionate about his chosen field. I also get a sense he's not the easiest guy to work for. He seems to be a no-nonsense pro who also demands excellence in his staff - that was very evident from receptionist Shaique and Hygienist Bianca. He's a tough cookie. But in this case, that's my favorite kind.
So wake up East Harlem!! Do you know what a gem you have in your OWN neighborhood?!! I dare you to find a better dentist downtown - or anywhere. (I hope after this posts I will still be able to get an appointment!) read more
