Just had a pretty miserable visit with Aspen Dental as a new patient and wondered what folks are doing about a dentist. We had the same one for 13 years and I thought he was terrific. I chose Aspen because they have a large network and I was trying to avoid being a new patient every time I got a cleaning, but received the full court press from them on services I really don't feel I need and by the time I left I felt no level of confidence at all in them. I am absolutely a twice a year cleaning person, so how are you handling it?? Need some wisdom
Thanks Trace
Barbaraok said
01:38 PM Jan 30, 2015
Since we spend the winter in Mesa, AZ we found a dentist here that wants snowbirds/fulltimers. We get once a yr cleanings, he explains what needs to be done (nothing the past couple of years) and other things that could be done if we wanted and leaves it up to us. No pressure, plus I get a carnation at every cleaning!
Barb
igotjam said
02:47 PM Jan 30, 2015
We travel all over Canada & the USA and get cleanings every 4 months (likely excessive but that's what we do). In the USA I always look for the new patients special (cleaning, X-rays & examination). Never pay more than $100. Just had one done last week in Naples, FL for $49. We try to get 2 done while in the USA and only 1 in Canada every year. In Canada I usually see my regular guy ($210 for the cleaning, exam & X-rays) and do any of the other work (filings, crowns etc). I have had cleaning in Canada at other than my regular guy and it runs about $200. I have tried the Mexico dentist (Algadones & Progresso) but was never happy with them, although it was really cheap.
I've never tried Aspen, but as I go in I tell them that my only purpose is to get a cleaning and that I will listen to any concerns they bring up but that I have my own regular dentist that will do any other work. I also give them the assurance that should I encounter any dental emergency while in their area, I would likely give them that business. I have had them point out a problem but they understand that I will be going elsewhere to resolve it.
-- Edited by igotjam on Friday 30th of January 2015 02:49:49 PM
-- Edited by igotjam on Friday 30th of January 2015 02:59:53 PM
GhostRider said
04:42 PM Jan 30, 2015
Back in the day when I didn't have insurance and needed my teeth cleaned, I would go to our local community college that so happens to have dental hygiene program. They are always looking for patients and the cost was very little. The quality of work was top notch, remember they have to do everything by the numbers and a dentist did inspect your teeth and gums, I felt very confident that my teeth were cleaned and taken care of. The dentist would let you know if he spotted anything problems you may need to see a dentist.
Barbaraok said
06:29 PM Jan 30, 2015
Dental schools are a great idea, not only for cleanings, but also for other work.
Barb
soos said
01:17 AM Jan 31, 2015
We look on Yelp for a dentist in whatever area we plan to be in, and when we make the Appointment we specify that it is a cleaning appointment. some won't do that but many will. We carry our X-Rays on a thumb drive and give them to the dentist when we arrive.
We've had many dentists in the last few years. There are a couple we really like so we try to get to them if at all possible.
Hi all,
Just had a pretty miserable visit with Aspen Dental as a new patient and wondered what folks are doing about a dentist. We had the same one for 13 years and I thought he was terrific. I chose Aspen because they have a large network and I was trying to avoid being a new patient every time I got a cleaning, but received the full court press from them on services I really don't feel I need and by the time I left I felt no level of confidence at all in them. I am absolutely a twice a year cleaning person, so how are you handling it?? Need some wisdom
Thanks Trace
Barb
We travel all over Canada & the USA and get cleanings every 4 months (likely excessive but that's what we do). In the USA I always look for the new patients special (cleaning, X-rays & examination). Never pay more than $100. Just had one done last week in Naples, FL for $49. We try to get 2 done while in the USA and only 1 in Canada every year. In Canada I usually see my regular guy ($210 for the cleaning, exam & X-rays) and do any of the other work (filings, crowns etc). I have had cleaning in Canada at other than my regular guy and it runs about $200. I have tried the Mexico dentist (Algadones & Progresso) but was never happy with them, although it was really cheap.
I've never tried Aspen, but as I go in I tell them that my only purpose is to get a cleaning and that I will listen to any concerns they bring up but that I have my own regular dentist that will do any other work. I also give them the assurance that should I encounter any dental emergency while in their area, I would likely give them that business. I have had them point out a problem but they understand that I will be going elsewhere to resolve it.
-- Edited by igotjam on Friday 30th of January 2015 02:49:49 PM
-- Edited by igotjam on Friday 30th of January 2015 02:59:53 PM
Back in the day when I didn't have insurance and needed my teeth cleaned, I would go to our local community college that so happens to have dental hygiene program. They are always looking for patients and the cost was very little. The quality of work was top notch, remember they have to do everything by the numbers and a dentist did inspect your teeth and gums, I felt very confident that my teeth were cleaned and taken care of. The dentist would let you know if he spotted anything problems you may need to see a dentist.
Barb
We've had many dentists in the last few years. There are a couple we really like so we try to get to them if at all possible.
Sue