I rarely leave negative reviews, but after this experience, I feel it’s important to share what happened.
For context, I’ve worked in customer service for years and previously worked in a dental office myself, so I understand the importance of bedside manner, professionalism, and proper patient care.
It took roughly two months to get this appointment. About a month earlier, I had an emergency visit due to pain on both sides of my mouth. I was told the details from that visit would be added to my file and addressed during this appointment. I was also given a referral, but despite trying to contact the referred office for over a month, I was never able to get through or receive help. I reached back out to this office multiple times asking for assistance or an alternate referral and never received a response.
Unfortunately, the experience became even worse once I arrived for my cleaning.
The hygienist, Theresa, was cold, dismissive, and passive aggressive from the beginning. Before the cleaning started, she explained they would only be doing X-rays and a cleaning, and that I would need another appointment just to review the X-rays and complete an oral exam. Considering it already took two months to get this appointment and I had recently come in for an emergency visit, I politely asked one question for clarification because I genuinely did not understand why everything could not be addressed together.
Her response was, “What about what I’m saying do you not understand?”
I was honestly shocked. I was not rude or disrespectful in any way. I simply asked for clarity.
At that point, after weeks of pain and difficulty getting help, I became overwhelmed and started crying in the chair. Tears were literally running down my face, and they were completely ignored while she continued taking X-rays. During the X-rays, I was visibly in pain from the placement of the tools in my mouth, yet there was no acknowledgment, empathy, or reassurance.
The cleaning itself was genuinely the worst cleaning I have ever had. She aggressively brushed my teeth with the polisher but never used curettes or a hand scaler at all. The entire cleaning felt rushed and careless. One of my upper left teeth has been extremely sensitive and painful since the emergency visit. While polishing my teeth, she repeatedly hit that area. I physically reacted in pain and made it clear not to touch that tooth, yet she said nothing and returned to the same area moments later.
When she finished, my mouth still felt terrible. I could physically feel polishing paste stuck between my teeth and gums and had to rinse multiple times to remove it. While I was still sitting in the chair trying to gather myself, she turned off the lights in the room while we were both still inside.
By the time I got to the front desk, I was still overwhelmed. When I was told the next available appointment to review my X-rays and complete the oral exam was another 49 days away, I became emotional again out of frustration.
I do want to acknowledge that the front desk staff in both dental and family services were extremely kind, patient, and helpful throughout this experience. One of the young women at the front desk was able to find me an appointment for the next morning, and I truly appreciated her help. Later that day, I also called the office to express my concerns and ask questions, and the person I spoke with on the phone was very understanding and compassionate.
However, after this experience, I decided not to return and contacted my insurance company to help me find another dental office. I was later informed that Theresa is the only hygienist there, meaning I would need another location for future cleanings anyway.
I understand everyone can have difficult days, and I truly try to give people grace. But bedside manner and empathy matter deeply in healthcare settings, especially when a patient is already in pain and overwhelmed. This experience left me feeling dismissed, unheard, and emotionally exhausted, and I sincerely hope no other patient leaves feeling the way I did.
SS
samia ben slimane
Feb 11, 2026
From my very first visit to my most recent appointment with Dr Nassim Golchim, my experience with this office has been nothing but positive.
I am so grateful for the exceptional care I receive from Dr Golchim and her entire team. She truly takes the time to listen, explain things clearly, and make sure I feel comfortable and informed at every visit. Her compassion, professionalism, and attention to detail make a real difference. The staff is always kind, welcoming, and efficient, which makes every appointment a positive experience. ,
I truly believe Dr Golchin saved my life. two months ago, i went in with so much pain. she recognized something serious and gave me the right diagnosis. Her expertise and clinical experience in evaluating my symptoms made all the difference. I was able to get the treatment then a had a surgery.
Dr Golchin si very knowledgeable and genuinely cares about her patients’ well-being.
I highly recommend this practice to anyone looking for quality, patient-centered care.
Thank you Dr Golchin.