A couple of weeks ago it was *that* time of year. You know, when you quit procrastinating and you get all the things done that you were meaning to get done at the beginning of the year. Yearly physical - Check. Optometry appointment - Check. Dentist appointment - Check. Having hopped around so much the last couple of years, I hadn't visited a dentist since 2008 *cue horror movie music*. My first appointment back in 2 years could have gone either way, however lucky for me, I was lucky enough to see the fine people at Dental Choice. My appointment started off with Dental Hygienist Jade. She was professional, she was delightful, she was thorough and she made me feel comfortable enough to laugh, despite the multiple oral instruments in my mouth (there's a Seinfeld episode somewhere in that description...). Once Jade was through, I saw Dr. Violet Newman, who again, was nothing short of professional, friendly and thorough. Her expertise was evident within moments of meeting her and what I appreciated most was that she was honest, efficient and easy to talk to. Going to the dentist isn't my most favourite thing to do on a day off, but with the kind of staff that's at Dental Choice, looks like I'm gonna make it a point to make my two scheduled visits/year. Thank you for your expertise, thank you for your efficiency, and most of all, thank you for these brand spankin', new-lookin' pearly whites ;) read more

I did not appreciate or enjoy my experience with this business. Within my two visits within a year, I given hidden charges to which I had to deny in the front lobby and have them removed. Both of my visits were routine cleanings and during my last cleaning, I was told by my dentist that she wanted me to hang tight while she grabbed the head dentist. He sat down and gave me some brushing tips and told me about my teethe and then I finished. Then, when I went to the front desk I was told I was being charged for the head dentist coming to see me and they told me that I asked for the service? To which I told them that I hadn't and they removed the charges. My third and last encounter was via phone. I called in to confirm my appointment today and the manager explained to me that "because I didn't confirm by booking through the automated text or email my appointment was cancelled without notice, and she explained that it said so in the email and text". I then checked to confirm if it said that in the text or email, (while still on the phone with her) and it didn't. The manager then said "oh, I'm sorry, I will be changing the emails now so they say that, but there is nothing I can do for you". Now I've missed a days work and have to find another dental choice because I will not provide this dental choice my services. read more

Since moving to Calgary for university 3-4 years ago, I hadn't visited the dentist (honestly I usually try to avoid it as much as possible). But after an excruciating few days of wisdom teeth pain (which unfortunately for me happened over the weekend when the dental clinics are closed) I called these guys on Monday morning and they were able to slot me in for a consultation with Dr Watson that afternoon. This was on Nov 5th. Unfortunately reading break was the week after and they were pretty booked up. Yesterday I had all 4 of my wisdom teeth taken out (after seeing the x-ray during the consultation I could definitely see why it was needed). Morgan and Dr Watson did a great job of explaining the procedure, answering my questions and keeping me comfortable at all times. They even called me today to follow up. Very professional, knowledgeable and friendly staff! Thanks everyone! read more

This place operates like a shady massage parlor, offers you a great deal at first, "insurance will cover this and that", followed by "oh there is this one extra thing we need to do", "won't cost too much" but it all adds up. Gives you a quote of the amount, and sooner or later one of the staff will update you on the extra cost once they have started your procedure. It doesn't just happen to me, I can overhear other patients being deceived and pressured as well. Learn to say no to them. The friendly staff are the only reason I tolerate this place. read more

Ugh. My experience at Dental Choice was not as great as Sapna G's. When I called to book an appointment at this location, the only available appointments were either one that conflicted with my exams, or at 7:30 am on a Thursday. I am only a morning person when I want to be, but I decided it was better then, than never. I showed up right on time for my appointment, at 7:30 am...to locked doors and all the lights shut off. It was...closed? Though the sign said they were open from 7:00 am every morning. Eventually a few minutes later a girl showed up and let me in and turned on some terrible radio while I filled in my forms. There was no receptionist in yet to answer any questions. She came back out to the desk a few minutes later and asked if I could "come back later" for the dental exam part because there was no dentist in right then. Uh...I had to get up at 6 am to make it into my appointment, show up to an office that isn't even open at its scheduled time, and then you ask if I'll come back because the dentist can't be bothered to come in on time for his appointments? I don't think so. I said, "No. I'm unable to that." The response from her was, "Really? Not even in a couple hours?" No, I am sorry, but I am not going to spend "a couple hours" hanging out when I have already made my way over to a scheduled appointment. I told her that would be completely inconvenient, and was ready to leave right quick. Her response was, "Okay then. Well I guess we'll figure something out." Yes, you probably should consider figuring something out, Dental Choice. I was led back for my cleaning, kind of weirded out and not sure what was going on with the dentist thing. The terrible Country Music Channel was on. I am sure some people appreciate the television screen as a distraction, but as someone who doesn't enjoy cable television it didn't really add or retract to my experience. Actually, it retracted as I am not a fan of Taylor Smith. The cleaning itself took longer than any cleaning I've had, and I was charged for it- an extra "scale of time" not covered by the U of C plan. I feel as though she took so long because she was procrastinating until the Dentist got there. The cleaning itself was helpful as I was informed of how to prevent gum recession, which is a bit of an issue as I previously had a few lip piercings that damaged my gums a bit. She put me in another chair to wait for the dentist. I actually felt a little bad for the girl at this point because she was friendly, just in a very unorganized work environment. I was told he'd be in in about 10 minutes or so. Twenty minutes later and a few chapters into a new book, the dentist walked in. A few minutes later, he came up to me asking if I had any concerns. Uh...aside from this stupid morning? No. He looked at my teeth quickly, informed me that I had a missing tooth in the back of my mouth. Uh, yes, I know. Absessed tooth. Made a pun about my lip tattoo which was kind of funny, told me I had a cavity, and that was it. Pretty brief. But I wish that perhaps their dentists could have actually kept an appointment instead of treating meeeee like an inconvenience. Super awkward! I made an appointment to fill my cavity because Dental Choice is the only office the University insurance plan covers (which should be changed as they are completely unprofessional). Gross. However, I might make an appointment at another office than the U of C one because I was pretty unimpressed with my visit. read more

Staff are rushed and talk down to clients because they are students. I moved an appointment and the receptionist was very rude and laughed. The unprofessionalism and judgmental comments left me feeling uncomfortable. read more

I did not have a great experience here. The first cleaning I had was with Jade (who was awesome). However, my second cleaning was with someone else and when I got home and took a look at my teeth, there were still stains. I'll admit that I'm quite particular about my cleanings, but considering the results and the number of units of time I was charged for scaling, I can't say I'm impressed. I've never left a cleaning appointment in the past without the smooth clean feeling and no stains, but today I did. Likely won't return to this clinic again and do not recommend it. read more

It's a exploitation. I am from Germany and we have very good dectors over there. However, me as an international student, I had to pay about 200 CAD for two term of university medical coverage. I thought, lets benefit at least a little and see the Dentist. As I made my appointment, I made clear that I'm going back to Germany and that I don't want to have something done that is not covered. As I came to the appointment (6 Weeks after) I asked, why they would need my credit card, since I was there just for a regular chek-up. The women at the desk assured me, that "the girls will tell you if something is not covered." I said fine. The assistant told me, that we have to do x-rays since I'm a new patient. I refused and said, that I'll be back in Germany in one week from now. he said, they would send me the x-rays, so I can use them there, but they have to make x-rays. I said fine. She did not, however, mention, that x-rays are not covered. How should I know. Long story short, they made me pay the bill. They also wanted to "sell" extras, like: removing ALL four wisdom teeth ans treat my teeth with something I did not understand. All costly, as I understood afterwards. What a shame read more

Dentist: Dr. El Gamal is fantastic. He always friendly and I like his humorous personality. Always takes the edge off. He is also extremely fast for any procedure. The freezing and aftercare talk always take longer that the actual drilling/poking. It's great. Dental Assistants: Completely professional and always ensure you are comfortable, well informed and feeling great. Always on their toes keeping the doc in line and ensuring the operations go smoothly.... which they always do :) Reception: Great at their jobs and know exactly how to handle each insurance company to ensure the patient just has to show up. The only drawback is the amount of phone calls you get... to book another appointment, make sure the last appointment as comfortable, reminder for your next appointment... but maybe that me, I hate the phone. Overall: Working on the UofC campus this office is prefect for me, with regard to convenience, Not to mention the giant wall of south facing windows in the office to the chairs always feel nice in the sun and its great to people watch while you wait. Highly recommend the office for anyone with dentist anxiety.... which I had (threw up on a dentist once, i was so nervous) but Dr. El Gamal is so fast it is awesome... no time to even get anxious. read more

Extremely disappointed with my visit. I talked to the receptionist about getting my wisdom teeth out and she said she could schedule me for a consultation so I could discuss with a dentist the procedure I should take - great. On the day of the consultation, I sat down for maybe at most... 30 seconds before the dentist told me I could be on my way. When I checked out the receptionist gave me the contact information of the oral surgeon they recommended and I guess that was the highlight of my "consultation". Total bill? $70. Absolutely ridiculous. Please do yourself a favor and visit another dentist instead if you don't want to be charged $70 for a 5 minute appointment! read more

I booked an appointment for a cleaning and check-up (on different days). At arrival everything went well, until I sat down in the chair and the hygenist said 'were gonna take some Xrays first'. Predictability contributes highly to patient satisfaction, they should know. I was surprised as I was in for a cleaning, and I wasn't explained the rationale behind this. I said it would make more sense to take rads when I'm in for a checkup. Ok, so far so good, but as I politely declined Xrays, friendliness was gone too. The hygienist checked my mouth and said that there was 'not much work in there'. While she scaled my teeth, she also entered data in her computer, and then put her fingers back in my mouth.. repeatedly. I was so stunned I didn't say anything. She ended with saying, sorry, we're out of time. I'll have to do the polishing next time. uhm what? you said there's little work then you're not able to finish? Total bill: over $200, for scaling alone (no dentist seen). Needless to say I cancelled the other appointment. read more