When I made an appointment for a teeth-cleaning for my mother, they told me that their doctor would…read morehave to exam her first prior to cleaning, which seems to be a standard. In fact, I recently had a teeth-cleaning at a different dentist, and they took the x-ray and then the doctor checked out my teeth and cleaned them.
When we arrived, Brandon asked us what my mother was there for that day, so I said "Teeth cleaning." They started with x-rays, and in the process, they told me that there's no cleaning that day, and it would be scheduled for September! That was not what I was told. When I made the appointment, I made it clear that the exam and cleaning had to be on the same day. My mother was taken to the ER by ambulance a month ago, got a stent, discharged, was recovering well, but took a fall. Consequently, there are barrage of her medical care, and I'm the sole caregiver. In addition, I'm also the sole caregiver for my 18-year-old dog, which is even more challenging. So, I would not have made an appointment had they told me that they would not do both on the same day. I have not even had a moment to work for a month now, and would have never agreed to make two trips.
When the office manager said that there was not going to be any cleaning, she also said the charge for the day would be $540 (even without cleaning!). So, I stopped them right then and we left. I've never seen a dentist that would charge $540 for an initial exam and imaging, then would not schedule a cleaning appointment for 6 months! Aren't we supposed to have it done every 6 months? Alicia was polite and cordial, but there was a really rude woman who harassed me as we were leaving, and if she was the actual dentist, I'm so glad that we left before she touched my mother.
They doubly deceived us; 1) they should have told me that there would be a 7-month lag for the cleaning when I made and appointment, and 2) Brandon should have told us when I said my mother was there to get her teeth cleaned that day. Instead, he proceeded with the x-rays and injured her mouth (see photo). I've never seen anyone got injured like this for a simple dental exam. Never. I am giving 2 stars instead of 1 for Alicia's polite attitude and fairness to withdraw charges.
My mother's experience was the farthest from holistic care. It was brutal.
: After reading the reply from Dr. Mallery herself to my Google review, I am reducing the review to 1 star -- I wish there were an option for negative stars. She lied through her teeth (pun!) that my mother didn't want to leave and I'm an elder abuser.
She well knows that my mother was appalled by the way her staff treated her. My mother was telling them that they deceived her, and I even had to calm her down.
This morning, she further complained that they not only injured her lip but caused multiple canker sores!
Dr. Mallery is not only unethical, but now publicly slandering me. Accusing someone of elder abuse is a serious defamation that faces legal consequences. I'd like any government officials to directly interview my mother and hear how upset she is with this practice and what a disgusting liar Dr. Mallery is! Un-bloody-believable!
