Sierra Smiles Dentistry

Reviews 4

CY

Cynthia Blake

Im giving Sierra Smiles one star only because most of the front office staff is courteous and sensitive. I went to Sierra Smiles because I found a deal on Groupon for a cleaning and full x-rays (and teeth whitening tray). While getting my examination from the dentist I was told I had periodontal disease which I have never had in my life. My gums are pink and healthy looking without any bleeding. I make a point of flossing daily. I was told they would do the rudimentary cleaning on the portions of my mouth that didnt have the disease but would need a deep scaling etc. which comes at an exorbitant price. At this point I had a gut feeling that my gums were just fine and not in need of this deep cleaning. The office was very busy in a chaotic way, so I postponed my regular cleaning for another date. While at the front desk, Ginger (who is not regular front office staff, but seems to rather be a go-between the dentist explaining procedures and their costs...a car salesman if you will) said to me very loudly in a crowded waiting room that I had periodontal disease and they will only do the rudimentary cleaning. This was already explained to me by one of technicians. I gave her a "please keep it down" look and she ignored it. She continued on in a loud voice. I noticed that other front desk staff had the decency to keep their voices very low when talking to patients. Today, I went for my cleaning. Ginger was the only person in the front office and once again said in a loud voice "Since you have periodontal disease, you have to sign this waiver." I gave her the look again and said "do you mind?" She said loudly it was a waiver I had to sign because of the disease. I told her she obviously missed my point. All I ask from a person in this position is respect and sensitivity. In observing this woman, I see a person with an utterly fake friendly personality. She knew exactly what my point was and wouldnt look at me directly. I was furious. When I had my cleaning I told the dental hygienist about her behavior and how unprofessional and insensitive I felt her behavior was. The hygienist was sympathetic. I do need a root canal and crown, but I would never return to this very unprofessional environment. There were no cups for the water cooler (almost empty too) and the magazines were old and wrinkled. Theres more to tell here about the office in general, dentists, etc., but suffice it to say I feel very strongly that you consider finding another dental office.

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A

A Private User

Dont let the flash fool you! Yes, he staff is friendly. The place is clean & the technology is cutting edge. Whats below the surface is disturbing. I had never had a cavity in my life. I was due for a cleaning and received a coupon from Sierra Dental much like the one you will find on the home page of their website. What I know now is that the coupon is bait to bring you into their trap. I was seen by Dr. Foulk who was very friendly. After looking at my ex-rays he jokingly complained that I was a waste of his time because my teeth looked great and he was disappointed that I didnt have any cavities. He then started the exam where he became genuinely happy when he discovered I actually had 7 cavities that hadnt showed up on the ex-rays! He advised that because my teeth are generally so healthy I should go for the porcelain fillings instead of the much cheaper and less invasive composite filling. The 7 fillings were going to cost me $1000 after insurance paid the other $4000! The porcelain fillings require them to remove more of the healthy tooth than would otherwise be necessary in order for the porcelain to fit, but a small price to pay for my beautiful smile, right? He asked if I had time to do the fillings right then & said we might as well wait on the cleaning (the actual reason I had gone in in the first place) until the next time. I was totally overwhelmed & trusted my instincts to get a second opinion. I then asked to have the cleaning right then since that is what I had come in for. The cleaning lasted about 10 minutes and was un-thorough and rough. Dr. Foulk was obviously upset that his blindside hadnt worked on me. What a waste of the 3 hrs. all this took. I went to 3 other dentists for 2nd 3rd and 4th opinions and each (after ex-rays, exams, and even one exam involving a laser light that shows cavities that even ex-rays can miss) found only 2 cavities. The dentist who finally did the fillings confessed: "I wish I could find more because I have 3 daughters to put through college, but they just arent there!" I decided on composite fillings which took 20 minutes, cost 35 dollars after insurance and involved about 5 minutes of scraping the surface of each tooth and a squirt of filling. I would hate for someone to have their healthy teeth destroyed for the gain of at least one very dishonest "Dr." who clearly is only in it for the money. It is scary what he was willing to do to another person for his own gain!

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CI

Cindi Hein

Wow. Wish I would have read the reviews first before going into this place that should be investigated!!! I went in for the 59.00 deal for cleaning and x-rays. No problems with my teeth, I just needed a cleaning done. VERY chaotic office setting! Office staff was friendly but like others have said, they are like car sales people! I saw the dentist and they took the x-rays. I was also told I had periodontal disease. NEVER in my life was I ever told this. I brush and floss daily and have never had gum issues. My last cleaning was only 6 months ago in another state. They tried putting the fear of getting a heart attack or a stroke IF I DON"T get the deep cleaning done because of bacteria. The dentist said it would only be an extra 100.00. When the tech. came in, she said it was 450.00!!! I said, "well, Ill just have the regular cleaning for today then and not the deep clean." They said, "we wont do the regular cleaning. You have to get the deep clean." What kind of crap is that??? I LEFT!!! PLEASE people.. do NOT go to this place! Its not worth your time and if you do fall into traps when "professionals" try to scare you, you might fall for their tactics and they will bleed you dry! Go to a qualified dentist!!!!!! I had a bad feeling the minute I walked in there. Overly friendly staff and dentist. The dentist just didnt seem like a professional dentist. Seriously... I thought I was there to buy a car - NOT to visit a "dentist." The rooms are VERY dingy and chairs are quite old looking. I got the feeling of needing a shower when I got home.

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A

A Private User

If I could give Sierra Smiles more stars, I would. I have dentist/teeth/everything having to do with what happens inside my mouth phobia. Before I came into their office, I had not been to a dentist in more years than I can even remember. I walked into that office in tears. A torrent of tears. In a panic. Hysterical. This was after having 2 Valium. However, I was greeted by the most patient, kind, sweet and gentle people I could have ever hoped for. I have been coming to this office since May and I have had a lot of work done. By coming to trust the hygienist, assistants and dentist, I no longer fear coming to the dentist... not much anyway. I got married on 9/25 and I smiled with my teeth showing in all my pictures. That would have NEVER happened before coming to Sierra Smiles and I have them to thank for everything. I especially love Maria, the hygienist and Selina, Danielle and Melissa the front desk ladies. They are my rocks when I come into the office!

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