I've been going to Allen Family Dentistry for over three years now. I know, I should have reviewed…read morethem long ago. The thing is, I couldn't... why you ask? Yes, I was happy with my services to this point and haven't had any real complaints. The staff is friendly, the office is super high tech, and I've got a great rapport with Dr. Allen (Mrs). My usual hygienist Colleen does a great job, I never feel like I'm getting ripped off, and they have a cute little dog in the front office. All great stuff!
The thing is, until recently, I hadn't completed any major procedure with them. I was in process for years with an implant and until it was finished, I felt like I couldn't truly evaluate my experience. It seemed like anyone can have a great experience getting a cleaning every now and then, but the real challenge is to perform an involved procedure on a patient and see how happy they are by the end.
You may be wondering why it took all this time to complete the implant procedure and in full disclosure, that is one hundred percent my fault. We discussed it, agreed that it was necessary, scheduled the extraction with the oral surgeon (different office), and completed the extraction while placing the implant. After that, you wait about six months, re-visit the oral surgeon to give the final okay, and then go back to the original dentist for the cap and crown... the part people will actually see. Instead of taking six months to go back, it took me somewhere between a year and a half to two years. Not for any reason, just because I kept putting it off... shame on me.
Although they were waiting on me to get clearance from the oral surgeon to finish the job, Dr. Allen and her staff never pressured me at cleanings to get it done asap and even assured me it wasn't hurting anything by not completing the procedure yet...which was appreciated. For that matter, they never guilt-tripped me for not flossing as much as I should, or pushed me into expensive/unnecessary procedures. We always discussed potential work, weighed the options, and I was given a clear breakdown of the costs. That is probably why I love this office. They are authentic with their recommendations and treatments.
Now I may be overly analytical in this department but I feel like it's something I'm particularly sensitive to. Growing up, my mother worked with dental students at Tufts University and then managed dental practices for as long as I can remember. The Doctors she worked with became family friends and I always felt like a family member at my appointments. As I got older, I was definitely aware of the perks I received too like a free $200 toothbrush, bleaching trays, and insanely discounted braces. When I moved away for school, I would get private dental work done when I came home for a visit... the works. Eventually, that was no longer viable. I was out of school, working in Mt P and had to find a local practice.
I've been to a few and had some experiences better than others but I have always felt like just a patient. Simply a name in the computer. I felt like my opinion wasn't of value in consultations or I wouldn't have reasons to why a procedure was necessary, just that it needed to be done. There was even a time that I was in-between jobs without dental insurance and was almost forced into an expensive procedure and practically mocked for not moving forward at the time. Luckily, I sent all my X-rays back home to be evaluated by a Doctor I trusted only to find out the procedure was not a pressing issue at all.
You shouldn't feel like you're at a used car lot when you're dealing with a medical professional regarding your health (in this case, your dental health) and should never be forced into procedures you don't feel comfortable with. You should always feel free to ask questions and feel like you're getting honest answers. As a family office, Allen Family Dentistry treats their patients as they would like others to treat their family and it shows. That's why I've continued seeing Dr. Allen and confidently smile when showing off her work :)
