I've been avoiding going to the dentist for a variety of reasons. As a person that deals with some slight anxiety when it comes to exposing my teeth in a dental chair, finding a good dentist goes beyond having a clean office, convenient hours and location, and state of the art features (all of which this place has). Like everyone, I want someone that is honest and professional, but more importantly, I want someone that handles patients needs and concerns with care and respect, and an overall sensitive and mindful approach. Bedside manners are everything.
I know it's silly, but as I desperately scoured through all the endless online reviews for a dentist, I decided to give this place a chance due to both its positive online reviews, and because someone had posted a picture of Dr. Kanack and he just seemed to have a friendly face and warm smile. He didn't seem intimidating or arrogant which many of my previous dentists have been. Again, I know it's silly and isn't a real gauge for anything, but in a city full of dentists where it's like a dating app, I was really tired of seeing yet another picture of a dentist with their arms folded.
True to that picture, Dr. Kanack lives up to to what other reviewers have said. He is patient, thorough, and has very good bedside manners. He is easy going and approachable-just seems like a nice guy and someone you'd want to hang out with beyond the dental chair. He explained what was needed as far as a treatment plan without being pushy and aggressive, nor did he make me feel like a boob with my questions. He took the time to address my concerns and left me leaving my appointments with some dignity vs being ashamed and mortified.
One huge plus for me about this office, is I like how the individual exam rooms are set up. One thing that gives me the deepest anxiety when going to the dentist (even more so than the actual work) is the lack of privacy. A patient lays there completely vulnerable with their mouth wide open, dentist and hygienist loudly discussing patient issues, and ones x-rays are displayed on a huge monitor for all those to see.
Sure it's mostly the anxiety in my head, as I doubt anyone even cares or knows what's really going on as they are briefly walking by; but as someone that gets embarrassed easily, this office didn't have the typical shame monitor set up. The back room felt completely private as it was at the very end of the hall, and the monitor was visible only to whomever was in the room only. Not sure if the set up was intentional, dentist preference, or what, but it was a huge plus for me.
Another thing I'd like to mention, is I appreciate the text follow-ups from this office. It's a nice way to keep everyone in the loop, minus the annoyance/inconvenience of actually having to talk to someone over the phone. After one of my visits, I did have to email a follow-up question the next day; and Dr. Kanack was very prompt to reply and addressed my concerns personally over the phone.
End to end, I've been pleased with my visits here. All of my appointments have been pleasant and with little anxiety.
One other quick mention, the rest of the team are also nice and professional-something that is a rare find in Seattle for some reason across all levels of customer/patient care.
TL;DR: If you're in need of a new dentist, I'd highly recommend you give this place a try. read more
