Was referred to Dr G by Dr Benson after his treatment proved to be inadequate. At my first visit,…read moreDr G yelled at me for about five minutes in the presence of his Office Manager and a Dental Hygienist regarding my bite pattern and that he knew everything about me from Dr Benson's referral.
I was not impressed but due to the fact that I was unaware of any other periodontists
in this area, I allowed him to begin treatment for replacement of my current prosthesis. He quoted a price of $20k for a zirconium hybrid device - 50% higher than any other dental professional in Vero Beach. Again, I felt that I was very limited in my options.
After he had examined my current prosthesis, I requested a treatment plan for the process. His staff seemed surprised by this request. In fact the Office Manager (Jubee sp?) asked me what were the contents of such a document. I think a respectable dental office should be well aware of the contents of a treatment plan...and the reasonableness of such request.
During this time, my fiancé learned she had the Bracha gene, congenitally. Her sister had died of Leukemia, three years previously. This trauma had a lasting effect on Wanda. She had moved from her home in Boone, NC to take care of her sister, and was present at her death.
In April, 2018, my fiancé had a double mastectomy. As one might imagine, the out-of-pocket costs were enormous. Her insurance did not begin to cover them, so I elected to cover them...more than $30K. I'm retired, with a modest pension plus Social Security. Thus, we found ourselves in a financial situation.
Dr. G informed me that we could work out a payment plan, for which I was appreciative.
At this time, my fiancé underwent restorative surgery. Again, insurance paid a small portion of
the costs.
I contacted the office to schedule an appointment. At the same time I asked if the Treatment Plan I had requested months earlier was ready for my perusal? No answer was
When I arrived, and was sitting in the chair, the Office Manager asked me about my ability to finance the new hybrid - which embarrassed and humiliated me. Why would office staff question my ability to pay? Especially since Dr G and I had already reached an agreement!
After two visits, there was no Treatment Plan, nor was there a temporary hybrid for me to try. At least, none was presented to me to determine fit.
At this time I had paid Dr Gurklis &14,000. At the very least, I had the right to expect a detailed Treatment Plan and a test hybrid to gauge fit.
Due to the fact that every time I visited Dr Gurklis' office I was questioned by either the Office Mgr or a Dental Assistant about my financial situation, it was apparent that my payments were more important to his office than the progress toward my hybrid.
After weeks of this treatment, I informed his staff that I would no longer continue treatment.
I cannot believe this conduct would be approved by the Florida Dental Association.
As such, I cannot in good faith recommend this practice.
