This place doesn't even deserve one star! I took my daughter here for the second time and was very disappointed. Dr Velez was there the first time my daughter had to have a couple of stubborn baby teeth pulled. He was great with her. He explained everything he was about to do and made her relax feel much more relaxed.
We went again last week for her checkup and cleaning. The whole practice had a different feel to it. Kids were all nervous and everyone around sensed the unease. By cramming all the dental chairs so close together and in the open, everyone is able to see and hear exactly what everyone else is doing. We heard the doctor and hygienists getting personal medical and dental histories with absolutely no regard to privacy. I heard one dentist asking about a child's medical history and talking about where they go to school, their teachers names and even where their parents work! I know I would not want to share any of my child's personal information with random people at any dentist or doctor's office. I have never heard of a more blatant violation of HIPPA laws.
On top of all this, the hygienist spent a whole 8 minutes with my daughter telling her, and scaring the hell out of her I might add, that she had gingivitis and if she didn't start flossing better immediately that she might loose some of her teeth! She is very good at brushing twice a day with a Sonicare tooth brush and flossing at least every other day. Then she told her that she needed a "deep cleaning" and would have to come back for another much more expensive and painful cleaning in a few weeks. She didn't try to reassure her or offer any advice. Then she was off the the next chair, like it is an assembly line. Henry Ford did not have children's dentistry in mind when he created the concept of an assembly line!
So, finally, after waiting another 40 minutes, the doctor finally graced us with her presence. She spent exactly 4 minuted examining her just to say that she looked great and to keep up the good work. I asked her about what the hygienist said and she said, "just keep up the good work. I have a lot of patients to see." I don't know who was worse, the hygienist trying to scare her. Or the doctor saying the exact opposite of what the hygienist said.
The receptionist up front asked us when we would like to schedule our next visit. I wasn't sure if we should come back in three weeks like the hygienist said or 6 months like the dentist said. They didn't even know which. I have seen cattle round ups and meat processing plants with more professionalism and compassion! I will never darken these doors again and, if you want to protect your children you will avoid this place like the plague. read more
