A lot of people on other websites give very negative reviews for Dr. Samson, either at his Old…read moreSaybrook or Hartford locations in CT, but I believe they are because they worked with one of a variety of fill in temps or rare part-timers, or are put off by the minimalist feel to the office. Well, I honestly don't care how sparsely decorated or kind of raw the place LOOKS, I care about the Dentist and the quality of work and value I get.
I don't have insurance any more, but I first started seeing him because he was one of only 2 dentists anywhere near me that would accept Medicaid Dental insurance (I'm disabled). The first I went to said my teeth were so bad he wouldn't work with me for the little he'd make from Medicaid. Literally said bye bye have fun losing all your teeth. Pretty upset, I went to Dr. Samson, and he said what is wrong with that other guy? Of course I'll help you, we'll fix all your teeth! He worked with my Medicaid until I lost it by winning disability and losing all dental insurance (go figure), and afterword worked out a payment plan based on my very limited income. Very nice of him. His prices are MUCH cheaper than almost any other dentist, especially since he tends to pro-rate his charges based on your situation once you get to know him and he'll work with you. His bed-side manner is a little unorthodox, but he's funny and outgoing and not all stern and quiet like most. I like that though. He's very kind, saying to me "I'm not in this to get rich, I'm in this to help people with financial problems get their teeth fixed so they're not in pain and have a nice smile." How often do you hear that?! And he means it, I believe him.
I have had some of the most painful experiences during extractions with him, but I can't blame him - we used more novocaine then I'd ever had before, it just could only do so much with this mangled molar. He tried to be as quick as possible and get it over with once we realized novocaine just wasn't going to do much.
Whenever I have an emergency, he almost always fits me in that very day. I've had to wait an hour to be called in for an appointment I was on time for, a few times, so speed and scheduling aren't his strong point, but again with out of pocket prices literally half that of most dentists, I can put up with it.
Other patients I've talked to in the waiting room have told me that his partner, Dr. Tariq (sp?) is a great dentist as well, and highly recommend her as well as him.
The bottom line is if you have trouble affording a dentist, he's your man (or the other Dentist. Tariq, you're woman, though I've never worked with her myself). Affordable rates, downright cheap really, but while not the absolute prettiest work, cosmetically the appearance of work is pretty darn good, and again you have to trade something off for the very low rates compared to other Dentists.
And if you have Medicaid or Husky, he's one of the few Dentists in CT (or at least in his Old Saybrook office, one of only 2 Dentists I know in Southeastern CT who'll take it.