THE CAR WASH DENTIST/"WE'RE NOT A CAR WASH!"…read more
A decade ago, when I lived nearby, this was my dentist. Their building and furnishings weren't as swanky as they are now. I found out why yesterday.
I was in town, so I called to ask if an opening was available for a cleaning, by itself. No x-rays, exam costs, etc. Cleaning only. They said yes. I asked again to be crystal clear on the cost. Told $220. Agreed. They said but not this week, not until next week but we'll call you.
I drove the hour back home.
As soon as I got back, they called with good news that an opening had appeared that afternoon. I asked again if a cleaning was possible a la carte. Told yes, again. I drove back.
I asked if a cleaning was available, by itself. No x-rays, exam costs, etc. Cleaning only. They said yes. I asked again to be crystal clear on the cost. Told $220. Agreed.
Upon arrival, I was told I had to complete 9 separate forms. I did so. One of the questions asked what name I like to be called. I entered "Alex." Receptionist then stated that the best deal for me would be to pay $399/year for their annual maintenance package. I declined, indicating I no longer live in town.
I waited in their swanky reception area.
After awhile, someone called out "Come back, Ivan!"
So much for asking me what name to be called. No biggie.
I enter the room and remove my jacket. There's a hook on the wall with a garment on the lower hook. I look at it as the attendant tells me I'm afraid there's no place for your coat. I look at her. She says well you could put it there. I do.
The dentist walks in and, while behind me and apparently speaking with the other lady, asks "What's your complaint?"; I didn't even know she was speaking to me, as I'd just filled out 9 forms indicating none.
She repeated herself and I realized she was speaking to me and I said, oh no complaints I just want a cleaning. She says well it's been 9 years since you've been here, so I need an x-ray.
I said "But I have no issues or complaints, I specifically asked if you did cleanings alone and was told yes." She said why don't you want one? I said because I don't want to spend the extra money unnecessarily on that, in addition to the cleaning cost.
She asked if I'd like her to show me prices. I said no thanks. She then offered me the $399/year package. I said no thanks, that was offered by the receptionist. She said "We're not a car wash!".... Well, that's good because I'm not a car.
I explained that I specifically asked this twice on the phone, and that if this is their policy then they should make sure that it's clearly conveyed by staff.
She dismissed that as not an issue.
I said it is an issue, as I will now have done two hours of driving for no reason. She dismissed the miscommunication as not really being their fault and then asserted that she cared about my dental health and wouldn't I like to spend more money?
I see why their offices are swanky now. It's an upsell center that behaved just like the car wash earlier in the day that insisted the wheel wells wouldn't get washed unless I bought the more expensive undercarriage package, and then repeated the offer after I'd declined.
Scammy, dishonest, disrespectful, rude, irresponsible, poor communication to put it mildly, bait and switch.