I went to Paul Koepke for regular dental needs. Looking back, I wish I would have had second opinions since he really wanted to do a lot of work...more than any other dentist had ever said. I went ahead and did fillings for what he said were cavities. I know better now and my mouth will never be the same. The work seemed to be fine, but didn't like his manner in how he discussed things and used defensiveness and words to make you feel guilty if you didn't listen to him and do what he said. Also, I felt that him and the office were not up front about expectations of things that may come up and their possible costs when going to a specific appointment. For example, if x-rays were determined to be needed at the visit in this situation, this is what the cost would be.
When I returned after a couple years of not going because of an emergency, they did fit me in to file down a sharp chipped tooth that was hurting my cheek and a couple or so days later for the procedure (the good). But when I went, he had an attitude that I hadn't been there for two years and used condescending wording in our conversation. When he filed down, he asked if it felt ok before he stopped and I said just a little more, since it was still a bit sharp. He made a face and took a breath like I was a bother and he just wanted to stop. I felt very uncomfortable and thought twice about moving forward. But, I'd started in this situation and it was urgent, so went ahead with it, hoping he would be gentle.
Before going in for the procedure, I was told ahead of time by phone that there would be a discount if paying with cash, but I wasn't told that I needed exact change. After the procedure, when I was gassed up, in pain, numb, puffy, and had cotton stuffed in my mouth for the blood, the girl I would pay said I needed exact change. She couldn't break my larger bill and offered no help to make change from another source. I asked if she could ask her co-workers. When they couldn't she sent me next door to do it. I had to walk over to the gas station and with cotton in mouth, barely understandable and out of it, asked the cashier for change and walk back to finish with paying. After I left I couldn't believe the poor customer service that I had to do that at that time. Especially since the staff seemed nice and helpful up to that point.
I haven't returned to that office since. Another dentist that I've been going to since, easily solved a problem that Dr. Koepke wanted to address by only a custom made mouth guard, which I got. It was expensive and I hated it. The new dentist solved the issue by just shaving down the tooth a little that touches the ones below causing the problem. Such an easy solution and cost nothing extra! read more