Being new to the ATL/Johns Creek area, I was genuinely excited to find what I thought would be a…read moregreat pediatric dentist so close to home. Unfortunately, after only my second visit, I'm seriously considering moving my kids to a different practice. A few things that happened during this recent appointment were extremely disappointing.
1. Unprofessional Front Desk Experience
Something just felt off with the office staff from the moment we arrived. The front desk person rushed me into signing forms showing what I supposedly owed without taking a moment to explain anything. When I noticed a date discrepancy and asked about it, she brushed me off, saying it was from my "last visit." This was only our second visit -- the first was in February -- so that response made no sense. It was also clear she got irritated that I was asking questions instead of just signing without understanding. Thankfully, the person sitting next to her kindly stepped in and explained things clearly, which made sense and turned out to be accurate. If the first staff member didn't know, she could've simply asked someone who did instead of acting dismissive.
2. Long Wait and Disorganized Visit
Our appointment was at 3 p.m. for routine cleanings, yet we didn't leave until 4:15. It was obvious they were overbooked -- the whole office felt chaotic. There was even a line for X-rays. I brought both my sons, but they only allowed one parent back, which I understand for safety reasons. My 9-year-old was fine on his own, but my 5-year-old was nervous. The staff kept giving me mixed directions -- first, I couldn't sit in a certain chair due to "policy," then I was asked to go help my younger son calm down, then told to leave again, then asked to come back again to help him try the X-ray once more. It was frustrating and unorganized. One hygienist, in particular, was quite rude and passive-aggressive, muttering loudly, "Well, if he can't do the X-ray this visit, we'll just have to wait until next time." For a pediatric dental office that works with children, I was shocked by the lack of patience, empathy, and flexibility.
That same hygienist also treated my 9-year-old and, instead of speaking to me directly, told him to let me know he'd need to come every three months for cleanings because of his braces. It's unprofessional to communicate treatment details through a child instead of the parent.
3. Disappointing Interaction with the Dentist
Even though this was only my second visit, I noticed the same issue I experienced during our first -- Dr. Nanna has zero warmth or bedside manner. I initially gave her the benefit of the doubt, assuming it might've just been an off day, but this visit confirmed otherwise. For a pediatric dentist, she's surprisingly cold, impersonal, and lacks the kind of approachability kids (and parents) need. Her staff seems tense and on edge, likely because of the strict, joyless atmosphere she creates.
When she finally came into the room, the only thing she said was, "So, do you have questions for me?" How could I possibly have questions when she hadn't even provided me with a report or explained anything about the exam or X-rays? It was baffling and left me feeling completely dismissed as a parent.
Overall, I'm extremely disappointed and disheartened. If I'm going to spend a significant amount of money on my children's dental care, it will be somewhere that treats both kids and parents with kindness, professionalism, and respect.
