This review is very long (even for a windbag like myself). If you're fearful of going to the…read moredentist or your children are YOU NEED TO READ THIS!!!
When I was a kid I had some horrible experiences with a dentist which still leaves me with some anxiety. Those anxieties were further fueled by some disasters as an adult & finally a dental plan that steered me to only "corporate dental businesses". We changed plans and were referred to Dr Pirckle. I've never been so at ease in a dentists chair! The first clue that I was at the right place was there were several little kids having work done and I didn't hear a single one of them cry or whine! Everyone there is so thorough and very pleasant. I'll break it down into a summary of each process.
1) The paperwork for new clients. Jill, who greeted me at the front desk knew who I was before I even said anything! The paperwork was what I expected, but much less in terms of voluminous nonsense that the "corporate dental" crooks wanted.
2). The next step was to have X-rays and a quick look by Maggie. They use the latest equipment, the X-ray machine is entirely digital. I know a little bit about the principles of how they work and I was blown away by the technology they're using. It all looks state of the art & brand new. Their digital X-ray machines uses a dedicated PC interface that makes vastly superior images while reducing radiation exposure by orders of magnitude. It was quick, comfortable, and I'm not growing any extra appendages.
3). Maggie took me into another room for cleaning before the doctor came in and did his assessment. My anxiety was starting to climb, usually I have to be numbed out, I briefly explained the past experiences. Maggie clearly understood and was empathetic so I decided to give it a go without the numbing. I can't possibly explain the highest level of expertise in which she performed. This was so zen-like in knowing where and what might induce pain, what little I had was so minor. I'm sure any flinch was only Pavlovian reaction. They also used something I've been b*****g about forever, warm water! Every other place seems to use water fresh off a glacier! While she painlessly continued I overheard Dr Pirckle's interactions with the very young children. I was amazed by how effective he was with those kids, his infinite patience, his communication of what why and how he was going to do at a level they understood. Again, amazement!
4). Doctors exam and evaluation. I thought I was going to wind up without teeth of my own for several reasons. British heritage(mythical but funny), previous dentists, costs, and most significantly, my lacking in properly maintaining my dental health. Dr. Pirckle poked and prodded wile speaking to Maggie in their foreign tech language, each listening to the other intently for evaluating my needs. I usually get prodded hard enough to induce pain, but not today! They then explained what was said without me having to ask. Despite what the prior dentist said, I'm only going to lose one tooth, a couple of fillings, and some periodontal work, much less invasive than I'd been led to believe. Oh yeah, the partial will cost one tenth of what I paid "crooked tooth corporation" with a "cash discount". I knew I'd received sub standard services, but I'd no idea how badly I'd been ripped off. Dr Pirckle had a wonderful personality, never hurt me, and handled my twisted sense of humor very well. The answers to my questions came before I even asked.
5) The cashier and scheduling of the next appointments. My wife also had an appointment that day, she shares my opinion of expectations significantly exceeded on every level. There were no charges for this exam, X-rays, evaluation, and treatment plans. Our new plan is proactively prevention oriented it seems. There's some very good specialists in town, but for a family DMD practice you can't do better than Dr Pirckle, Maggie's delicate touch, or the confidence that they so happily provide. It's obvious that everyone there loves what they do and their interactions are family like ( without the drama ). I feel extremely fortunate to be a patient here.
Upon two follow up visits I was attended by Tiffany who is an equally important cog for this practice. She assisted Dr. Pirckle with fillings and did a set of impressions. There was no gagging from putting too much gooze or jamming the plate back too far. Every visit here is so far beyond any other experience I've ever had elsewhere, they never cease to amaze me! Everyone has not only been extremely professional and competent, but also genuinely friendly. I always leave with the knowledge that my business is appreciated, it's atypical of everywhere else I've been.
If you find yourself in a chain of corporate dental offices, RUN AWAY FROM THEM! Find a private practice like Dr. Pirckle's (if there's any left like it)!
