These people seem to operate in an alternate universe where dentist's offices and doctor's visits are pleasant, efficient, and conducted with heartening care.
I'm relatively new to the area and visited the Dentists Studio on the recommendation of my wife. The appointment consisted of the initial exam and a cleaning. It was vastly unlike *any* medically-related appointment I've ever experienced-dentist or not. I've lived in four states and have had varying experiences, but this easily takes the cake.
The office is clean, modern, and comfortable. I was in the opening (8am) slot and happened to show up twenty minutes early, yet I was ushered in when the staff got there and they happily got me that initial paperwork as soon as the computers booted up. This first interaction started something amazing: every single human being in that office was friendly, personable, and seemingly excellent at whatever role they occupied. You'd be lucky to have any *one* of the people working there in your office, but it was freakishly staffed by *only* amazing people.
Then came the exam. First, they let me know it'd be free because of a referral. Secondly, the assistant taking x-rays offered me a warm neck pillow, choice of TV to watch, and was personable, chatty, friendly and efficient. The equipment was all digital and clearly modern, the assistant happily explained everything as she did it, and the chair even seemed to be covered in soft leather. If it was fake, it was at least the most convincing fake dentist's chair leather I've ever seen and felt. Individual x-rays, panoramic x-ray, and tiny in-mouth camera shots. Done.
I was ushered into another room to meet the hygienist, who introduced herself and was also incredibly friendly and personable. The little things she did, like moving the light out of my face if she got up, or cleaning with another tool so it'd be more comfortable, made it feel like my comfort and well-being were high on her list of priorities. I can't express how much I appreciated that. I certainly wouldn't have expected that meticulous level of care - and it seemed more second-nature than forced.
When it came time for the fluoride option, I was presented with a printed estimate before they proceeded. I expected to have everything done and brace myself for a bill afterward (out of pocket), but they gave me options instead and they happened to be surprisingly affordable especially given the level of care.
Finally, after a brief wait chatting with the hygienist, I met Dr. Hodgins for the final exam. He introduced himself, asked me who I was (as a human, not just a dental patient), and went through basic dental questions that you might expect from ... you know ... a dentist. Despite being busy with several patients, he was relaxed and personable and took great care checking out my mouthy bits. It was a brief visit that didn't feel rushed. He also looked closely at my x-rays and referred me to someone to get a curious (and probably minor) issue checked out.
I scheduled my next appointment with a friendly woman who noticed and corrected my misspelled name before I got a chance to mention it to her. If that's not the dentally-friendly icing on the cake, I don't know what is.
I will be astonished if I ever encounter another dentist's office like this one. Every person seems on top of his or her game, the cool technology is well-matched with knowing humans, and the level of personal care is still surprising as I reflect. read more