Initially, my experiences with Dr. Balica and her staff were good. I was a non-insured customer, meaning that all dental expenses I incurred I paid for out-of-pocket. I had mercury fillings replaced and several new ones put in. I had a difficult year in the midst of my five years there as a patient, and needed to go on Medicaid. Even though they accepted Medicaid at the time, my experience with them suddenly became quite different. There were never any appointments available for me. Visible cavities during my six-month check-ups suddenly did not exist -- 'your teeth look fine', they'd say. They were reluctant to do X-rays when I felt I might have an abcessed tooth. When they stopped accepting Medicaid ( meaning I was again a cash-paying customer ) everything changed. Suddenly I had lots of cavities ( the ones I'd been looking at in my own mouth for the past year, which they told me didn't need to be treated ) and lots of X-rays became quite important to them. If there's anything I can't stand, it's someone dismissively using the word 'natural' to describe a procedure I have real concerns about receiving. The male hygenist actually said, ""Our X-rays are natural"". Calling your business Steinway Natural Dental does not make everything in your practice 'natural'. The lovely hygienist, Michelle, is their saving light. She's taken the time to clean my teeth gently and throroughly, with a genuinely caring attitude. Yes, Dr. Balica is sometimes nice and friendly, but more often these days, rushed. While I've received decent care on occasion, I can't give them more than one star because I've found them to be untrustworthy.
more