If I could give zero stars, I would…read more
I was referred to Palmdale Children's Dental specifically because I have a child with special needs who requires extensive dental care, including sedation. My son has already undergone numerous medical and dental procedures, and our family has previously paid more than $20,000 out of pocket for dental care. At this time, that simply was not financially possible again.
My son has Medi-Cal, and I personally contacted Medi-Cal to locate a provider who could perform the necessary dental work with sedation.
After searching, they referred us to Palmdale Children's Dental, which is approximately an hour and a half from Los Angeles.
Before making that drive, I contacted the office and explained my son's needs and the dental procedures that had already been recommended. I specifically wanted to make sure we were not traveling that distance unnecessarily. I was told that the office would need to perform its own X-rays and evaluation.
Unfortunately, from the moment we arrived, I felt uncomfortable with the environment. It also has cameras with signs indicating that we are being recorded. The facility appeared very outdated, felt hot and crowded, and seemed chaotic, with people constantly walking around. The furniture and overall environment did not feel welcoming or appropriate for a child who already has significant anxiety surrounding dental care. I also witnessed the dentist speaking disrespectfully to the receptionist, which added to my concerns.
I was then informed that I would not be allowed to accompany my son during his dental X-rays. This was especially concerning because my son has special needs and becomes extremely fearful and panicked during dental procedures. Supporting him during medical and dental appointments is extremely important.
The dentist who spoke with us did not introduce himself to me. During our interaction, I found his communication extremely condescending and dismissive. We were speaking in a very small corner area rather than privately in an office or consultation room. At one point, he positioned my son's legs between his own while examining him, which made the entire interaction feel even more uncomfortable to me.
When the issue of the X-rays came up, I explained that I wanted to remain with my son to support him. The dentist responded that he did not have a protective vest for me, did not want to be sued over radiation exposure, and that these were his rules. I attempted to explain my concerns and suggested that I could wear appropriate protective equipment. Instead of having a respectful conversation about possible accommodations for my son's disability and anxiety, I was essentially told that if I did not agree with the way he operated, I could leave his office.
That response was completely unacceptable to me.
As a parent of two children, including a child with significant medical and special needs, I have been to many medical and dental offices over the years. I understand that offices have safety policies and procedures. However, I have never experienced a healthcare professional communicate with me in such a dismissive and disrespectful manner when I was simply advocating for my child.
What concerned me most was the apparent lack of sensitivity toward a child with special needs. Even if a parent cannot be present during a particular procedure for legitimate safety reasons, there are respectful ways to explain that policy, discuss accommodations, and help a frightened child feel safe. I did not experience that here.
After driving approximately an hour and a half from Los Angeles for specialized care that Medi-Cal specifically referred us to receive, I expected professionalism, compassion, and some understanding of the challenges families of children with special needs face. Instead, I left feeling disrespected, uncomfortable, and extremely disappointed.
I ultimately did not feel comfortable moving forward with my son's care at this office.
Families seeking dental care for children with special needs deserve an environment where both the child and parent feel respected, informed, and supported. Unfortunately, that was not my experience at Palmdale Children's Dental.
