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I was in Sales in my younger years, so I know when I'm being ""pitched."" That being said, my visit to Family Dentistry was very disappointing. I've now spoken to others who seem to share a similar experience. Let me explain.\r
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My appointment for a dental cleaning was followed by an examination with the dentist. From the moment you see the dental hygienist, however, I noticed a subtle ""sales-oriented"" approach that becomes more and more pronounced as things proceed. In short, the dental hygienist spent significantly more time measuring the plaque on my teeth than cleaning it. This seemed a bit unusual since I've had many dental cleanings over the last 40+ years (and these always require periodic pauses where I rinse my mouth with the adjacent self-filling water cup). Again, at Family Dentistry, the dental hygienist spent more time measuring than cleaning. She also told me several times that I was a ""good candidate"" for periodontal maintenance.\r
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Unfortunately, Family Dentistry seems far too motivated in ""selling"" you additional dental services. They will even tell you ""..we're very big on periodontal maintenance here."" This procedure, however, requires another visit for a periodontal cleaning (which is not fully covered by insurance) -- but I would not have been opposed to having an extra periodontal cleaning had the initial cleaning been more than mediocre and cursory. I went to Family Dental for a dental cleaning. Not a ""pre-sell"" for other services.\r
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After my 30 minute ""cleaning,"" I was also seen by the dentist who reinforced the need for periodontal maintenance. But it seems that most people are referred for this service. I now know several other people who have periodontal maintenance done at Family Dentistry (which apparently requires the application of antibiotics into the gums). In addition, Family Dental has also been known to recommend a crown rather than a filling -- but sometimes a less costly filling will do quite nicely when a crown is recommended. In short, crowns are considerably more expensive. Although insurance usually covers only 50% of the cost, you won't know this until after the crown procedure is completed and insurance is billed.\r
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When I ultimately voiced my concerns, I was actually told that Family Dentistry was now owned by a corporation, and the corporate office had recently mandated that all dental cleanings should be reduced to 30 minutes. I was surprised by this. I've never had a cleaning that was less than 45 minutes to an hour (or longer). A thorough cleaning will take that long. All in all, my teeth were not properly cleaned and after talking with others who go to Family Dentistry, many have commented that they also didn't feel that same ""just-cleaned"" feeling that they've experienced after previous visits with other dentists. \r
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Bottom line, Family Dentistry has an enormous financial overhead. They have high rent offices located in highly visible shopping center frontages. They also conduct a lot of expensive advertising and have a very large staff of employees. These things cost money. A lot of money. Unfortunately, a large overhead also means they need to obtain significant patient revenue before they break-even.\r
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That being said, a subtle sales-oriented approach does exist at Family Dentistry. You will even notice that they may try to sell you a ""special"" $10.00 bottle of mouthwash when you leave. After all, Family Dentistry has to break-even before they make a profit. And the new corporate owners are looking for a profit.\r
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