Plainly I don't like dentists and avoid them at all costs, a sentiment I inherited from my mom. She has been in severe pain after an unfortunate experience listening to a different dentist who had been benefitting from her desperation for relief and insurance by making her undergo several unnecessary solutions. We chose PCH Dental simply because it was a location convenient for her as a mid-70s heart condition and stroke survivor who couldn't go too far from her home, and, at the time, a 9-months pregnant mom (myself). After calling and making an appointment on Friday we were seen by Dr. Archie that following Monday. This review is about my experience as my mom's caretaker and my mom's experience as a patient.
The staff was incredibly organized and the office was warm and inviting. Dr. Archie herself came and introduced herself as her next patient was being prepped. She sat down next to my mom in the waiting room, as we were the only patients out there at the time, to briefly understand what the issues were. She reassured my mom that she'll take all the concerns she listed into consideration during the exam. She first asked if there were any accessible x-rays that she can obtain if redoing an X-ray was uncomfortable for my mom, but my mom agreed to redo it and was immediately prepped for that while she attended to her patient. Dr. Hanna also said hello and welcome as she was checking in with her front office between patients.
Dr. Archie carefully explained what she was observing to my mom and pointed out clearly where she was seeing the issues using the X-ray and then a display gum. She thoroughly explained the options, which included the benefit and follow-up requirements of each. She discouraged my mom from several unnecessary procedures that had previously been recommended by her other dentist. In the end my mom walked out telling me she had never been more comfortable with a dentist in all of her years of searching for one. The procedures themselves, even minor ones, were done or overseen by Dr. Archie, as were the follow-ups, as she was aware of my mother's discomfort and, bluntly put, initial lack of desire to be there. And most importantly she took all of my mom's existing conditions and medication into careful consideration when making her recommendations, and had her staff reach out to her cardiologist when making decisions that needed his input.
As a caretaker I experienced a very smooth insurance and paperwork process since my mom had just switched insurance and I wasn't fully aware of her dental benefits. The office staff took care of me personally asking me if I needed any hydration and was comfortable waiting (it was during a heat wave). They explained the insurance benefits and what options are and aren't covered.
My mom has been back for every one of her follow ups without any of the resistance she usually offers when dealing with dentists. And based on the care level I saw, Dr. Archie now has 3 future patients - myself, my two year old, and my youngest when he's ready. I can't recommend PCH Dental and Dr. Archie and her staff enough. read more