I strongly caution anyone considering this office. My experience was marked by a consistent lack of…read moreprofessionalism, poor communication, and what felt like deliberate lack of communication around costs.
I scheduled a root canal consultation and 3D scan over the phone, provided my insurance information, and was asked to arrive 20 minutes early to discuss details. Upon arrival, the front desk staff were visibly distracted -- chatting and laughing among themselves -- and barely acknowledged me. I had to stand up multiple times to ensure I hadn't been forgotten. No one communicated an estimated wait time, and after 40 minutes, someone finally brought me to the back.
Dr. Higgins briefly examined my mouth and recommended a 3D scan. I asked about the cost before proceeding -- both he and the assisting nurse failed to answer. After the scan, I was placed in a treatment room where a staff member, Sandy, presented me with a tablet to sign for nearly $2,000 in charges -- without Dr. Higgins having reviewed the scan with me or discussed any treatment plan. When I expressed concern and asked to speak with the doctor, Sandy appeared annoyed but left to retrieve him -- only to return alone and hand me the tablet to sign again. I refused to sign.
Dr. Higgins eventually came in. I asked to review the scan together and hear his clinical assessment. He was unable to pull up the scan on the in-room computer where the root canal would've taken place and had to seat me in an outside chair to view it. The actual consultation lasted approximately five minutes. When I asked about next steps -- specifically the cost of a crown, which I learned would be performed by a separate dentist, Dr. Paek -- Sandy initially told me she couldn't provide that figure because it wasn't currently on my dental plan. Only after I pushed back did she produce a total: nearly $4,000.
I asked to speak directly with Dr. Paek to discuss the crown before making any decisions. Sandy assured me I could, and had a nurse escort me to the front desk. There, three staff members sat in front of their computers staring at the schedule screen -- no movement, no eye contact, no acknowledgment as I approached and spoke to them. I paid the $385 I was told covered both the consultation and the 3D scan, and was informed the scan would be shared with me digitally. When I asked about speaking with Dr. Paek, I was told he was with a patient. I said I was happy to wait, and one of the front desk assistants -- without looking up -- told me flatly that he would be busy for an hour and a half. I left without having spoken with him.
About an hour after leaving, I received an email stating the office had "graciously waived" the $250 3D scan fee -- implying I still owed it. When I returned to clarify, I learned that the $385 is a standard consultation fee alone for Dr Higgins, and the $250 is a separate, additional charge for the scan -- the opposite of what I had been told at checkout and I could've had this cost before any consultation and scan was done, and would've chosen not to do it.
The lack of upfront cost transparency, the pressure to sign financial agreements before any clinical discussion had taken place, and the consistently dismissive attitude toward a patient's reasonable questions were deeply concerning. At every touchpoint -- from the front desk, to the treatment room, to checkout -- staff showed little regard for clear communication or basic courtesy. This office does not appear to prioritize patient trust or experience. I do not recommend it.
