West Brighton Family Dentistry PC

Danielle Hernandez, PhD _{on Google}

Feb 1st, 2022

I switched dentists after changing insurances and this practice was in my network. I had my first appointment for x-rays and a cleaning at the eve of omicron. From the scheduling of the appointment to my leaving the office, I felt rushed, unwelcome, and dehumanized. My x-ray technician would not even wait for me to get my glasses back on before leaving me in the room. The COVID precautions--or lack thereof--are what really tank my review. I work with vulnerable populations and do my best to stay safe. The office had no formal screening procedure and I was seated in the waiting room between a patient with a mask hanging off of his ear and one who was coughing and very visibly ill. The rooms were congregate so there was another patient seated next to me when I was brought in. Two of the staff (I assume they were staff, but were in plainclothes) were walking in and out of the room without masks on to shoot the breeze with the hygienists. The hygienist's cleaning was the least thorough of my life and she got me so wet without offering a napkin or towel. I cannot even remember which dentist came in to see me, but she looked in my mouth for a moment, took no time for rapport building, and told me I would need an extraction. This is something that shook me up emotionally, but the dentist would not know because she immediately left. I was told a few minutes later that I was done and that I should get a referral to a surgeon from the receptionist. I doubt the woman at the front desk was the same woman who introduced herself to me, but I saw her sign the dentist's signature before handing me a referral. She said the referral they use does not take my insurance and recommended I call the number on my card to determine next best steps. When I got home, I was in tears. I would rather go back to Dr. Grafstein and pay out of pocket than visit this practice again. And I will certainly get a second opinion about an extraction. I have had a few bad dental experiences, but this was the worst, simply because I felt completely unsafe. If I end up with COVID, I will assume it was contracted here.
I understand the power of reviews and was hesitant to post this. I understand it can have repercussions; however, I could not stay silent this time.