AA
Aliya Khasanova (Alya)
4 days ago
I am writing to share my experience with my appointment today.
I arrived approximately 15 minutes early for my scheduled appointment. When I checked in, the front desk staff were finishing up with their morning tasks, so I waited patiently. Once they were available, I was asked for my debit card. I explained that no one had informed me that I needed to bring one. During my previous conversation with Emma, I was only told to bring my photo ID and a credit card to keep on file, which I did.
I asked whether there was any alternative since I had not been informed about the debit card requirement. The response I received was simply, “No.” I then offered to use my Bank of America digital debit card, but their payment system identified it as a credit card and would not process it. I was advised to call my bank to resolve the issue.
When I contacted my bank, I was informed that the estimated wait time was approximately 30 minutes. I let the front desk know, and they acknowledged that we would have to wait. While I was on hold, I sat quietly with headphones in my ears and my phone in my lap.
After about five minutes, Emma approached me and, in what I felt was a rude manner, asked whether I was doing anything to resolve the issue. I pointed to my headphones and explained that I was actively on the phone with my bank. She simply nodded and returned to her desk.
After approximately 30 minutes, as the bank had predicted, a representative answered my call. Unfortunately, they explained that they still needed my physical debit card to complete the verification, which I did not have with me.
I returned to the front desk and asked whether there was any other solution. I offered to pay $1,000 with my credit card and return later to pay the remaining balance, especially since I would already be returning for follow-up visits with my temporary tooth. My request was declined, and I was told the procedure was too expensive for that arrangement. The only option offered was to reschedule my appointment.
I explained that this situation was not my fault because I had never been informed that I needed to bring my physical debit card. During the financing application, I was only asked for my Social Security number and personal information. At no point was I told that bringing the physical debit card would be required on the day of the procedure.
What disappointed me most was not the policy itself, but the complete lack of empathy. No one acknowledged the misunderstanding, apologized for the lack of communication, or accepted any responsibility. Instead, I was simply told I could reschedule.
I left the office feeling embarrassed, disrespected, and with a significant loss of confidence in the practice. This was a major dental procedure involving permanent treatment, and trust is essential. Although I briefly saw the doctors, I never had the opportunity to speak with them. They appeared to ask Emma what had happened, but no one came to hear my perspective or attempt to resolve the situation.
After thinking about the experience, I decided to call the office and cancel my treatment. I no longer felt comfortable placing my trust in a practice where I felt dismissed before even meeting with the treating doctor.
Later, I read several reviews from other patients describing similar concerns about the front desk experience. While I cannot comment on the doctors’ clinical skills because I never had the opportunity to be treated by them, my interaction with the front office was enough for me to decide not to return. Unfortunately, based on my experience, I cannot recommend this practice.
I came for a consultation for the first time.
The ladies at the front desk are welcoming and professional. Quickly after, I was called into the consultation room. A brief pleasant interaction with the hygienist, but since it was a consultation, no treatment was done today.
Once my X-rays were emailed from my previous doctor, the doctor came in. Dr. Brisman reviewed my X-rays and screened my mouth. He gave my explanations that I understood, and with patience, he answered all my questions, and we agreed on our treatment plan. I feel confident moving forward with Dr. Brisman as my primary dentist (as luckily, I don’t need periodontal care as I thought I would need).
Lastly, the office The waiting room is clean, pleasantly designed, and with clean restrooms for clients to use.