I don't think I have ever returned from a dentist's office just rarin' to write a review--much less a five-star review. But here we are. My dentist of two decades will soon be closing shop, and it seemed as good a time as any to find a new tooth-care provider closer to home. I found this practice using the Delta Dental website, which listed it as an in-network provider (perhaps my only negative thing to report, then, is that the practice tells me it is not actually in-network but that they would bill Delta Dental and it would come out about the same cost-wise for me and I got a little confused about the insurance intricacies). Anyway--I needed to get in because some fillings I got three months ago were giving me trouble. When I called, they were able to get me a same-day appointment (!). Michelle at the front desk sent my new patient paperwork over by email and I was able to complete it in advance of the visit. (The paperwork was very thorough and even asked about my past dental experiences and my feelings about dental work!) When I arrived, then, fifteen minutes before my appointment, the very friendly hygienist, Ash, introduced herself and got me in the chair within five minutes. They even asked if I had something I preferred to play thru the music system. Since I am looking for a new dental "home," as it were, I opted for the full set of X-rays, not just images of the sensitive area. For me, this was a plus: all the images were displayed on the screen in front of me. (They did ask if I wanted that, which I think is nice: body images aren't comfortable for everyone.) I even got a cool panoramic radiographic image of my teeth as well as full-color photographs of the backs of all my teeth. Then the "gum boss" came in, and I didn't clarify how to spell her name but it started with a K, and she did a periodontic mapping, calling out my gum scores as she went. She clearly explained the reference range and significance of the numbers. What I am getting at here is that this visit totally satisfied the data-nerd part of me but also that this office keeps patients in the loop so they can be informed enough to make good decisions. So often dentists just poke around, mutter, and then tell you it's going to be $600. I sincerely appreciated the information. Then the dentist, Dr. Salvatore, came in and she was also friendly and good-humored and really clear about explaining what she was seeing. Her recommendation made sense to me and I felt that she had read my pre-visit paperwork in which I explained my other medical issues and my feelings about my dental situation. When I left, I decided to opt for the discount plan they offered--again, finding Michelle's explanation of its benefits to me convincing even if I got pretty tangled in the weeds of why I pay this and not that. I am very optimistic that I have found my newe dental practice. I came home feeling good--better!--about my teeth, absent the latent shame and insecurity that usually comes with dental care. I will be mandating that my husband go, too. read more