Verified Company
From the first appointment, something about the vibe of this place felt off. No greeting on entry. I introduced myself and said I was there for my appointment. One grunted and pointed at the waiting room, as if they were annoyed to be bothered. Lobby didn't have size inclusive chairs.
Behind the lobby, everyone I encountered were kind and friendly enough. I got the sense that the most important part was my payment. I arranged to pay up front, booked surgery date, and took home a booklet about my procedure.
The procedure was fine, all business in and out quickly. I was nervous but the assistant was very kind. The post-surgery follow up period was lacking. The booklet had a shaming tone that basically said "don't call us" and explained that they are 100% effective so whatever worries I have will fine. My partner also balked at the tone and I resulted in doing a ton of google searching to see what was "normal" for recovery as pieces were falling out of my mouth and stitches were becoming loose and sliding down my teeth. No one even told me if my stitches were to be removed or the dissolvable kind. The day after my procedure, I got the worst sinus infection and I was worried that this initially was post - op infection with fever, swelling, and irritation in my sinus. I can tell you that when you are out of pocket almost $2000 on a procedure, it would be nice to have a number to call with questions on how to protect it.
My procedure healed fine, but I would never do it there again based on the way the front office staff made you feel and the arrogant tone in the booklet. I'm used to a "call if there are any issues or questions" and a bit more thorough communication about what to expect when healing.
I went back twice for checkups but really it was just a tooth cleaning. I can't remember if I saw the periodontist on the second visit 4 weeks post op or if the dental hygienist person said I was all clear. Either way, i just had basically two follow up cleanings and polish. No one at any point told me what these "follow up" appointments involved, etc. Very low sharing approach that is something I'm not used to in a care environment these days.
The last day when I was leaving, I got a call when I was already in the parking garage saying that they were on the phone and couldn't tell me I needed to sign a form. I said I'd return when I was back downtown at my office again. I returned the following Monday and explained there was a form waiting on file for me to sign. I received a huff and the reception that this person had no idea what form I was looking for and why would i expect them to know about it. No one ever did explain what the form was I was signing but I took a look and could see it was insurance paperwork. All because it was too much trouble the day I was there to put the phone down and give me a signal to wait.
Today, I received an email accusing me of not paying a bill for my last visit. I wouldn't have known there was a bill. I was never told there would be a bill, I wasn't sent an invoice, so how could I be late for a bill I wasn't aware of? From day one, I was told I paid up front and that was it. I'm guessing my insurance declined the second cleaning because it was determined excessive. I have no idea. Either way, being hounded like a delinquent debtor was the final straw and hence here is my personal review of my experience. Had they suggested I pay for my cleaning at the appointment, I would have taken my card out and tapped without hesitation.
I was already annoyed but insulting me added a little extra.
I asked them to send an itemized list of my invoice, including all things covered by my insurance and not, to my mailing address and I'd be happy to pay it.
Customer experience, communication, and consent matters no matter what kind of care you are delivering. I would find a better place to do business.
I literally just ran to the comments because Halifax Periodontics deserves 10 stars for the service they have given me since coming here. I’ve been to various dentists and periodontists and this is truly the best clinic of them all. The staff has been wonderful, understanding, accommodating, and goes above and beyond for me - as I’m sure they do for everyone. Trust that you will be in good hands here. THANK YOU to the whole team!!
Dr. Matheson and her team are amazing! I can’t say enough good things about them, they are true professionals and do it all with a friendly disposition. I can’t thank Dr. Matheson and Shelby enough for their care as they truly go above and beyond for their patients to ensure you are comfortable and taken care of.
Reply from Halifax Periodontics and Implants
2022.04.01
Thank you for your wonderful review, Ashleigh. We are thrilled to hear that our team was able to deliver exceptional service and care. We look forward to seeing your smile again soon. Stay safe and healthy!
