Dr. Spaulding Family Dentistry: Jocelyn Spaulding, DMD

Reviews 9

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Jonathan Vandiver

I too am extremely disappointed with this dental office. I went in for a teeth cleaning but after spending two hours doing paper work 18 X-rays and a very uncomfortable gum scan, the cleaning finally started. The gum scan by the way is a process that isnt optional that measures the distance your gums are from your teeth by inserting a probe between your gums and teeth, every tooth, front and back. The cleaning was almost over when Dr. Spaulding interrupted and began examining my teeth. She made several remarks about my gums bleeding- which started during the cleaning process when they spray "brine"- basically micro abrasives like a sand blaster to remove stains from your teeth and along your gum line. Dr. Spaulding decides to start redoing the gum scan from the start. Really? Dr. Spaulding begins altering the hygienists measurements in the computer and now the 4 mm are 5s and the 3 mms are 4s and now shes adding little red icons over the teeth that where the gums were bleeding. I fail the gum test and am now in need of the "deep clean." The "deep clean" requires cleaning so far below the gum line that local anesthetic is required. A process that happens to cost more than twice as much as the normal cleaning. A process that "may or may not be covered by my insurance" but, as noted in a previous review, is not optional. They will not treat you unless you undergo this expensive procedure that isnt even covered by insurance? Wow. I was upfront when I arrived that just wanted a normal cleaning and that I had lost a filling and need to get that replaced. The filling was never mentioned again. All they seemed to focus on was scheduling the "deep cleaning" which was going to require two separate appointments after the one hour consult with Dr. Spaulding for her to explain why I need the deep cleaning that isnt optional anyway. In all honesty, it just felt like a lot of smoke and mirrors to make money off new patients who dont know any better. The best thing about the experience was the hygienist who seemed genuine and wasnt even recommending the deep clean to being with. I notice all the good reviews are from several years ago and that the negative ones are all within the last year. I wonder if this bait and switch process involving the "deep clean" mandatory "option" is a policy that has come about within the last year?

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Holly J

I am extremely disappointed with this dental office. I went in for a teeth cleaning which I was upfront about. After spending an hour and fifteen minutes doing X-rays and paper work including a gum scan (which I did ask for) I was told that I needed a "deep cleaning to treat a mild gum infection in the front of my lower jaw." Of course this cost almost twice as much as the dental cleaning I requested. I told them I just wanted to do the teeth cleaning today and then I was told they would not do it. That my only choice was to do the deep cleaning. The dental tech was really unpleasant about it and the doctor that was in (not Spaulding but someone covering for her) was in my opinion overly dramatic saying I could end up loosing my teeth. Let me add that I have very healthy teeth in general only having 2 cavities in my life time and I am almost 40. I do not recommend this dental practice and certainly dont think a company like this will last in Decatur where we have such great other options.

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Myra Moore

Office management has difficulty with keeping their schedule or new patient intake. I called in to book an appointment as a new patient. After finding out they were accepting new patients, I gave all of the needed information. The receptionist claimed to have a spot available in the afternoon a week later. Yes, apparently this was too good to be true. However, after leaving work early to get to this "appointment" on time I soon discovered that I was not in the book for today— nor they accepting new patients. After prominently telling me she was the only receptionist, her excuse then was "two other girls help at the front desk, so it must have been one of them." Great job guys, seems like you have it together.

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Richard Butcher

My wife and I were clients of this office for ~1 year. Through out that period we had numerous difficulties scheduling, pricing and insurance billing (on Met-life). We are finally switching after 1) price increases without notification ($187 for routine check-up) and 2) we received a bill stating we, personally were 90-days over due, when in reality they did not handle the insurance billing properly. Not exactly fun receiving a letter on Friday afternoon stating youre $300+ in the hole for services rendered over 3-months ago when you already paid your deductible and co-pay! Our life is complicated enough to have to deal with an unprofessional dental office.

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A Private User

My husband & I began under the care of then Dr Pachera at the very beginning of her practice, & well before she moved to her present location. As soon as they were old enough, our adult children also began seeing Dr Spauling. She is genuinely caring, eminently skilled and I would (and have) recommended her practice to others without reservation. She and her staff are attentive, vigilant, and together they set the highest standards of dental care. I never doubt that their goal is for every patient to obtain & maintain optimum dental health. In a perfect world, everyone would be fortunate enough to receive care from Dr Spaulding and her superlative staff.

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Jerry Gardner

The good reviews lead me to believe that she must have changed drastically. I saw her about 10 years at the previous location on Clairmont. The atmosphere was unpleasant in that even the staff didnt like her. She was harried and rushed and literally ran between patients chairs. After 3 visits I knew I had made a mistake. Soon after, the work that she had done for me had to be re-done by someone willing to spend more time. Part of the problem might have been that her fees were "discounted" by my dental insurance plan. I blame only myself for not heeding the warnings that quality comes with a higher price and you get what you pay for.

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A Private User

Dr. Spaulding and all her hygienists are top-notch (especially Chloe and Lyndsie)! I would have no problem recommending Dr. Spaulding to anyone who wants an unassuming, compassionate, professional dentist. I had to have a filling replaced yesterday and Chloe and Dr. Spaulding did an OUTSTANDING job. I do have to say that the lobby areas look like they were part of the set of 2001: A Space Odyssey. It doesnt get in the way of the quality of care at all, though!

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Lois Kriner Millsap

Dr. Spalding and staff have been wonderful. I have had many dentists over the years while moving with the military. Because of two different health issues it is essential that I maintain the highest level of dental care. Dr. Spalding has not only helped me maintain the highest level, she has also worked with my other doctors to promote my health wholistically. I am profoundly grateful to call her my dentist.

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Stephen Onufrak

Dr. Spaulding is the best dentist I have ever had. Dr. Spaulding is a perfectionist when it comes to caring for your teeth uses the most up-to-date technology in her office. You will always feel that you are visiting a top notch dentist. Missy the hygienist is fantastic with a very gentle technique and genuinely cares for her patients. Also, the office is EXTREMELY clean and very nicely decorated.

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