I'm breaking up with the Perfect Teeth at 4500 Arrowhead Ridge after over 20 years. Up until now, I've had a great experience with them, referring anyone who has asked for a recommendation. (Now I'll advise to go elsewhere.)
Recently their office staff has begun harassing me by voice mail and text, threatening to cancel my appointments if they don't get a "verbal confirmation" that I'll show up for an appointment that I've made. I've had multiple calls during working hours, I even had 2 voicemails today! Including the texts I've received, they've contacted me over a half a dozen times in a short period of time for this last appointment.
This is a rescheduled appointment mind you- they called ME 2 hours before my last appointment to cancel on me. ( With no 75$ or whatever they charge for cancelling with less than 24 hours notice coming my way. ) They then offered to reschedule me a few days later, as if I didn't have to prearrange time off work. It wasn't the first time they've done this, and with no ill will from me. Truly. Stuff happens. Heaven FORBID I don't contact them in advance BY PHONE to confirm upcoming appointments however.
When I asked the poor soul who answered the phone today how many appointments I'd missed in my over 20 years of history there , she acknowledged that I've never missed one. So why am I being harassed? Well, other people have missed their appointments.... Not good enough. "We've noticed an increase in people missing appointments, and the fee is pretty high"...Not good enough. Charge them the fee, and leave me alone.
When I asked them to remove my phone number from my account so they don't harass me in the future, I was told they would cancel all future appointments if they "can't get ahold of you for a verbal confirmation". Ummm you have my email address. You send plenty of stuff there ... "We have to have a Verbal confirmation." It's a "corporate policy". I stated that meant only people who could afford to have a phone deserved to have dental care. I pressed them, and asked if that was what they meant- they tried repeatedly to say it was a "corporate policy" before finally saying "yes". Ummm.... No. The availability of a phone is NOT A REQUIREMENT TO RECIEVE HEALTHCARE!! And yes. Dental care is healthcare.
When I said I confirmed the MULTIPLE texts they've sent - I even sent screenshots - I was told the text system - "isn't working". Okay...1) why do I get multiple texts from a non-working system? And 2) that's my problem why???? If it's not working, you fix that problem. You don't create a written-in-stone policy that requires action from all of your patients due to the system you use not functioning.
I was told they couldn't email me, as the system wasn't working ( along with their texting system).
My request ( read as demand) for the District Manager to call me wasn't realized. I spoke to the office before 2pm, with no response from their District Manager. Funny how they can't be bothered to call me as PART of their job, yet I'm required to call them during my working hours or face consequences. My request for the District Manager's contact information was refused, noting it was "corporate policy" not to give it out. They would have to email her - which prompted the question "so you do have functioning email?". "You just told me a minute ago your text and email systems didn't work". No (to me) valid responses were provided to that question.
So goodbye Sativa. Goodbye Dr. Dominguez... I'll truly miss both of you. You've provided me with excellent care over the years. I just wish you weren't aligned with the corporate entity that is Perfect Teeth. The two of you deserve better... And so do I.
I'll be there tomorrow at 9 am for my appointment, if only to request a copy of my records and to say goodbye in person.
Anyone in Rio Rancho or North West side of Albuquerque have a recommendation for a dental office who won't treat me like garbage? Let me know! read more