YELP should have a special sixth-star option for rating. Paul Grewal joined the practice of Dr. Cowen around the turn of this century, and then assumed Cowen's practice when the latter retired. Cowen had been our family's dentist for many years, and of course I was referred to his practice when I returned here at the end of my career in the mid-Atlantic. Paul then took over my dental care.
He has a small staff with a records technician, receptionist, hygienists and assistants, and maintains a modest but neat office that doesn't feature large pictures and promotions of beautiful women sporting perfect teeth. He is a conscientious medical professional, and he has high ethical standards. He does very good work. He cares about his patients. In some ways, he seems like the heroic character in Sinclair Lewis's "Arrowsmith". I shudder at the thought that the dental profession could be eventually overwhelmed by men and women seeking a fast buck, preying on people of limited means. And indeed, I had discovered that such dental "clip joints" exist. But Paul seems driven by higher motivations than money. For that, I wish for him and his staff that they earn more than enough to live comfortably.
As a matter of honesty and disclosure, I must say we became friends, mostly limited to our contact as patient and dentist. We had some common interests. Paul had likely built, bought or configured the computer system and network for his office, and once every few years, I would help him install a component for one of his computers. For this, he might knock a few dollars off my dental bill. I was grateful for that, because I'm a senior citizen living on a fixed income.
Over a good part of 20 years, I've never needed any repair or replacement under warranty for work Paul had already done. He never prescribed unnecessary dental work, and I must emphasize that point, especially. What he charges is modestly in line with what prevails among dentists in competition for patients. Eventually, my brother, who had missed regular dental care for a long time, received an estimate for some serious work of about $24,000 from another local dentist. Paul was able to work with my brother to perform the dental work for less than half, or maybe a third of that amount.
And Paul has magic hands. He has many years remaining before the inevitable may overtake his abilities. He is a very good dentist. He runs a practice which follows a business model; he does not run a for-profit-only business masquerading as a practice. For this, he with his staff are an asset to the entire community. read more
