Having moved to St Augustine and needing a new Dentist, I picked Palencia Dental based on the fact that A) They are in Delta Dental's network, and B) they have a fancy website, generally a good sign.
I submitted an appointment request online late one night and received a call the next day to set one up, so off to a good start. The appointment I got was a month in the future. Seems like a long time, but I requested a specific day, and I was able to get it. For a general cleaning, I wasn't too worried about it anyway.
Arriving for my appointment, I found a polite and helpful receptionist in a very nicely appointed office. Eventually I get called back by the Dental Hygienist for some digital x-rays and to get the cleaning started. Which is where the fun begins.
By fun, I mean the sales pitch.
The cleaning starts with a question of what kind of toothbrush I use, followed by a well-rehearsed sales pitch for the Phillips Sonicare toothbrush. It's the best out there and here's why, etc. Followed by, "And you can buy them from us!"
Super. My teeth are being cleaned by a Phillips Salesperson.
Turns out, that's not true. They're actually being cleaned by a Listerine Salesperson!
Next question: "Do you use any sort of rinse, like Listerine?" .... "I use Crest Pro Health" .... "Well, Listerine is really the best. It has alcohol in it and it gives you that nice burning sensation."
So, 5 minutes into the cleaning, 2 sales pitches.
During the cleaning, I'm asked if I'd consider Orthodontics, as my teeth have shifted slightly since having my braces removed. But really, they are still pretty straight, and I can still fit my retainers from middle school in my mouth just fine.
If you're keeping count at home, that's 3 sales pitches.
A bit later into the cleaning, the hygienist recommends I come back in 3 months, instead of the usual 6 covered by insurance, to make sure I don't need a "deep cleaning." At the end of the appointment she goes ahead and schedules that visit for me.
(up to 4!)
Finally, Dr. Kinsey finally shows up after an hour or so. She pops in, takes all of about 30 seconds to peer in my mouth, and recommends a crown on my front tooth (which had been broken and repaired, but isn't bothering me) and replacing two fillings (also not bothering me) with porcelain on-lays (which my insurance doesn't cover, only metallic). As quickly as she arrived, she's gone.
(5 and 6)
The appointment wraps up and I go to collect an estimate for those on-lays.... $1050, after insurance... "Would you like to schedule that appointment now?" ... "Uh, no thanks."
So, now I have to find a new dentist. Again. read more