I was a patient at the Livermore office for many years. When I first started going Dr. Rickey was still around, but I was soon transitioned to Dr. Wong. Both doctors were great. They took on another dentist and switched me to him, and again, he was fine.
However, this office has a problem with the care the hygienists are providing. Normally, one sees the doctor once a year and he only goes in and pokes around your mouth to see if everything is healthy and there are no concerns. Hygienists provide most of the care (cleaning) of one's teeth. I've never been particularly fond of the care I received from the hygienists at this office. They were rough and I left their office with cut and bleeding gums so often I came to dread the torture sessions in the chair. My mother works in dentistry and I've always had very healthy teeth and gums, and had never encountered such rough treatment before. I was even told by the hygienist who roughed me up every 6 months that my gums and teeth were as healthy as could be. I tolerated this care for years, mostly, I admit, because I dread finding a new dentist office more than I dreaded those every-6-months sessions in the chair.
However, my last/final appointment with this office came when they switched me from my usual hygienist at the last minute because another patient complained. I should not have tolerated the pain of this so called "cleaning". For three to four months after this session (one could only call it torture) my teeth hurt so badly that I could not floss and could barely tolerate brushing my teeth. As she chatted away while brutalizing my gums and teeth, she revealed that she had been out of dentistry for many years and was just returning to her profession. I regret not stopping her and leaving after the first few cuts were made. I later learned from my mother that it is possible for hygienists to cut the tendons to your teeth if they do not know what they are doing, and to cause permanent damage.
I have not been to a dentist since (this was over a year ago), and fear the experience. But I know better now. If it hurts, get up and walk out. You cannot be expected to pay a bill for "treatment" that can cause permanent damage to your teeth. I hope which ever doctor is running this office reviews the work of their hygienists on a regular basis. If they're not careful, one of those people that walk out of there with permanent damage could come back to sue them.
Since the office experience is never complete without an interaction or two with the front desk, it's also important to state that for many years there was a very friendly/kind face to the office that greeted you for your appointments. But in the last few years, she has been replaced with a gossipy unpleasant person who talked for at least 15 to 20 minutes with a patient (she knew outside the office) about inappropriate subjects while I, and several other patients, were forced to listen. The new reception to the front office is not business-like, and leaves a bad taste in ones mouth.
It is worth mentioning the office hired a temp at one time who happened to clean my teeth with care and gentleness, as I used to be treated at other places. If only they had hired her, I wouldn't have to start over looking for a new dentist, and despite the reception at the front desk, I would have continued going to this dentist. The office is clean, has updated equipment and has a lot of potential with the right staff. But overall, I do not recommend this dentist as the care I received there has put my dental health at risk. read more
