TLDR: Dr. Taba, Mirium, and Alexis went above and beyond to help me out when I needed it. Even…read moremore, they did a great job overall. Highest recommendation.
The story: Up until his recent retirement 3 months ago, I employed the same dentist for the past 20 years, so I was nervous trying to find a new dentist and navigate all the unknowns that entails. My dental insurance carrier listed multiple "preferred providers" including Pleasant Hill Smiles Dentistry (PHSD.) by the time I finished contacting calling multiple other providers, I called PHSD in the afternoon and spoke with a very nice person on the phone. It turns out that it was one of the Dentists who was answering phones just to help out, but she was able to answer all my questions and offered to stay late today for my appointment if I needed it. I jumped on the offer because my schedule makes it difficult to know when I can keep an appointment during regular hours.
When I arrived, they had already made an electronic chart, and I filled out all the appropriate info. The office appointed nicely for a strip mall dentist office, and the staff was very helpful and friendly during my visit. I waited for about 30 minutes before I was called back for my x rays. That's where I met Alexis. He is a very nice, dental assistant/radiographer who shepherded me through the initial x rays and scans so that Dr. Taba would have all the info she would need moving forward. Alexis made me feel comfortable and made sure I knew where to go and that I was settled ok.
When Dr. Taba came in I was surprised at how young she was, but she was very thorough and reassuring in our discussion. It turned out that I had 2 cracked teeth and a cavity beneath an old filling - none of which I came in for today - and she took a lot of time explaining to me what she saw on my X rays and how that equated to what we needed to do and what we could do. She wasn't pushy about her observations, and she was understanding when I was unsure if I wanted to proceed. She and the new Office Manager, Mirium (congrats on the job promotion and sorry for likely misspelling your name), went through what insurance should cover and what it would not. Mirium explained that she wouldn't be able to get an immediate quote from the insurance carrier because it takes 2 to 3 days for them to respond, but she also reassured me that she would help me any way she could with the insurance company if any reimbursement issues arise. Although she seemed young (or maybe everyone seems young to me these days), she was knowledgeable, thorough, and detailed in the cost estimates and explaining all the options available. By the time we all agreed on what needed to be done it was already closing time for the office, but Dr. Taba and Alexis offered to stay until the procedures were completed.
I was even more impressed with Dr. Tada and Alexis as the 2 crowns and inlay proceeded. They worked seamlessly and efficiently such that the crowns, inlay, cleaning, and other procedures were finished in about 90 minutes. Even more impressive to me was Dr. Taba's technique for local anesthesia and her thoughtfulness as she worked. I've been through cavities and implants and bone windows under local and can handle a lot of discomfort - which I was expecting to go through with a new provider. My experience was pleasant, almost no pain, and quick. I could not have asked for more.
The Good: The office staff was polite, helpful, and nice. Dr Tada was really nice on the phone and answered all my questions before I even came in. She stayed late just so I could get this dental work done and performed the work effectively, kindly, and most importantly- without causing me undue pain or anxiety. Alexis was great as was Miriam.
The Bad: nothing
The Mediocre: The cost - but then that has as much to do with my insurance as anything, so I'm not really complaining. Dental costs in general are expensive.
Overall: I would go back to PHSD see Dr. Taba anytime for any future dental work I require. I have sufficient confidence in her knowledge, professionalism, and chair-side manner that I would also recommend her to anyone needing a dentist. The office met my expectations and their staff was excellent. How lucky I was to find her and this office!
