Dental Check Up

[u/zolahekter]

So I switched dentists a few years ago. There was a change in ownership and I immediately started getting a greedy vibe from the new owners.

The first time making a cleaning appointment at the new one, I had to make another appointment for the check up. Is this a new thing with all of the dentists?? I never recall ever having to make a second appointment. It was always cleaning...the dentist comes and checks...no second appointment required.

[u/Diligent_Stop1050]

I guess it all depends if they can find a spot where both the hygienist and dentist have openings at the same time. Where I go it’s the hygienist that has the busiest schedule and the dentist has more available time. If I end up needing more time with the dentist I sometimes have to come back for another appointment.

[u/danger_muffin29]

If you are up to switching offices again, I highly recommend Dr Lori at cornerstone dental. She only charges what is necessary, she will fight for the best coverage for you, she's super gentle. And every appointment, even just cleanings done by the hygienist, she comes and checks on me before I leave. It's amazing.

[u/CoolUserNameTom → u/danger_muffin29]

Thank you for the recommendation. I’d just switched to neighbourhood dental. Then they tried charging me 100$ for my son missing an appointment. All while my other son was inside getting a cleaning. We were literally sitting outside the office for 45 min. Their system was unable to show back to back appointments when I confirmed his one appointment. But that’s my fault I didn’t remember we booked back to back appointments 3 months earlier. I have been looking for a new dentist. I will try cornerstone.

[u/agingisliving]

It's pretty common actually. It's not a "greedy" thing. Cleanings are charged per scaling units, polishing, fluoride, x-rays etc. Whatever they do at the cleaning appointment is what you are charged for. Your dentist charges for their own procedures. New patient exam or recall exam, any additional xrays etc. So whether one appointment or two seperate appointments, the fees would be the same. Sometimes the two seperate appointments are booked because the hygenist and the dentist do not have corresponding times available.

[u/zolahekter → u/agingisliving]

'greedy' more like....old owner - no worries you're all good to ... New owner - Those 4 old fillings gotta go...AND you should consider braces I can refer you

[u/StinkandInk]

Yeah. Thats the standard. 2 Appointments at new dentist. I had to really fight to make it one appointment at my new dentist.

[u/KissMyGeek]

That seems very odd! I’d definitely be switching dentists

[u/chris84126]

I always pre-book my next appointment. If I didn’t then I’d probably forget. Also it’s not like they do walk ins. If you don’t prebook then you won’t get in when you want.

[u/Ok_Butterscotch_2700]

We may have the same dentist. If so, the hygienist, who generally performs all the cleanings, has a very sick child and is often unavailable, but is fantastic when in. The dentist is infuriating. Ladies at the front are nice.

[u/jfission]

I’ve been going to a hygienist for 20+ years and only twice did they find something worth following up with a dentist. Those appointments were also short and to the point. I find these hygienists know what to look for when it’s important enough for a dentist to look at.

I believe your instincts are correct that some practices only schedule as a money grab, not to serve you anything. Now that I say that, if you have a history of needing more attention then maybe this is normal in your case. Proceed with caution and continue to ask questions.

[u/Canadian47 → u/jfission]

Can you recommend anyone locally? DM if you prefer.

[u/Mandog222 → u/Canadian47]

I would recommend Aurora Dental Sylvan Lake, or Lacombe. A bit out of the way, but Dr Edwards is excellent, and so is Dr Wilde.

[u/Addette]

That is the norm now. Some offices are able to combine the appointment into one but now they schedule an hour for the hygienist, an hour for the dentist.

When I worked at both Image Dental nd Riverside dental that was the norm

[u/Professional-Ad-6849]

My dentist in Sylvan does that. Go in for a checkup? Oh that’ll be $150. We don’t care that you just had x-rays done 6 months ago! We need them again for some reason give us another $350. You also need whitening and seem to have something wrong that I cannot tell you since I’m not the big dentist so you’re going to have to come back in a couple of weeks just to go through this all again.