Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?

Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, September 02 2008 @ 03:36 PM PDT
How about the one on the 700 block of Broadway downtown. Buy local!
[ Reply to This | Delete | 97.113.14.191 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Jenyum on Tuesday, September 02 2008 @ 03:37 PM PDT
These are the dentists covered under my insurance plan. I'd love to choose another but I don't have the option.
[ Reply to This | Delete | 131.191.55.110 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, September 02 2008 @ 03:49 PM PDT
I haven't heard of any of these guys... are you not willing to travel more than 5 miles? What about 10 miles?
[ Reply to This | Delete | 131.191.41.197 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Jenyum on Tuesday, September 02 2008 @ 04:06 PM PDT
Eh, if I expand the search out 10 miles I just get Federal Way (NOT happening) and Willamette Dental on Bridgeport. That's pretty much it.
[ Reply to This | Delete | 131.191.55.110 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, September 02 2008 @ 04:02 PM PDT
I wish I could help, but I feel your pain. I went from an employer with good dental to one without dental. I found out how outrageously limited the choices were when going with iondividual dental insurance. In order to keep my dentist and my kids' dentist, I bite the bullet and pay out of pocket. I do hope you get some feedback on your choices, though and good luck.
-Dave L.
[ Reply to This | Delete | 98.203.205.220 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Jenyum on Tuesday, September 02 2008 @ 04:13 PM PDT
We've been paying out of pocket for years, and I've got a kid who needs several hundred bucks worth of work right away. I'm hoping someone can help, since my five year old is the guinea pig I don't really want to take a chance :( If it were me, I'd just give somebody a try.
[ Reply to This | Delete | 131.191.55.110 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, September 02 2008 @ 04:26 PM PDT
If at possible, stay away from any and all Bright Now Dental clinics. They are a dental "factory" in every sense of the word. I used to work for a sole practice and we had oodles of very unhappy patients transfer to our office with horror stories. Check out "complaints" "bright now dental" on google and you will see that many people use the "used car dealer" as a analogy. A stand-alone dental practice will typically provide far better care and patient TLC vs. forced, and often unneeded treatment plans that a revenue first, patient last franchise will.
[ Reply to This | Delete | 75.121.207.75 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, September 02 2008 @ 09:31 PM PDT
I've also heard BAD stuff about Bright Now, our insurance pushed us in their direction and I was very close to going there when I got some feedback that steered me away. We are also very limited by our plan, in fact I still haven't seen anyone yet either. Ugh. Our poor teeth. Good luck!
[ Reply to This | Delete | 74.61.31.194 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, September 02 2008 @ 04:34 PM PDT
Found this one google about the Tacoma Bright Now office .... pretty typical description:

http://www.complaints.com/2007/january/23/Dental_Office_11942.htm

[ Reply to This | Delete | 75.121.207.75 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Jenyum on Tuesday, September 02 2008 @ 04:57 PM PDT
Wow, thank you. That is exactly the kind of thing I wanted to know.

[ Reply to This | Delete | 131.191.55.110 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, September 02 2008 @ 05:14 PM PDT
I highly recommend Bradley McPhee
Very high customer service oriented.
He was actually recommended to me by a co-worker, who has used him for 20+ years and also knew him when she worked in the dental industry. I think his office is in University Place.

He is not in my insurance network, either, but it is worth a little extra $$ for excellent service.

Dawn
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Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Jenyum on Tuesday, September 02 2008 @ 05:21 PM PDT
Not in my network, either. Maybe someone else can use the recommendation, though.
[ Reply to This | Delete | 131.191.55.110 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, September 02 2008 @ 05:22 PM PDT
My family has used Dr. Baer for as long as I can remember. I really like them.
http://www.dentistrynw.com/

I have heard Willamette isn't the greatest
[ Reply to This | Delete | 71.197.132.211 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Jenyum on Tuesday, September 02 2008 @ 05:34 PM PDT
Well, that's two down. Has anyone heard anything bad about John Monroe?
[ Reply to This | Delete | 131.191.55.110 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, September 02 2008 @ 08:42 PM PDT
Never heard of the dentists you've listed, but I can highly recommend Dr. Giesy. Check out his website www.GiesyDental.com. His office is on Westgate Blvd., just off of North Pearl (in the office complex behind the Rite Aid).

Dr. Giesy is very good. He's the first dentist I'm NOT afraid to go to.
[ Reply to This | Delete | 24.19.155.2 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Jenyum on Tuesday, September 02 2008 @ 09:04 PM PDT
I am going to call my insurance provider tomorrow and find out if those are really *all* the options, because this is ridiculous. The fact that no one has heard of any of these dentists except for the one really bad practice is hardly encouraging.
[ Reply to This | Delete | 131.191.55.110 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, September 03 2008 @ 08:14 AM PDT
We use Dr. Block in Gig Harbor and she has been AWESOME. Last dentist appointment the kids cheered when their names were called. (Of course, the middle kid had a freshly fallen-out tooth to show off ...)

But I'll second or third or whatever that stand-alone practices are less likely to tell you do do things you don't need to do.

For the grownups in the house, we use Dr. Winters on Pearl and he was very helpful about keeping it to essentials when we had no dental insurance, including confirming that our teeth were in good shape and we didn't need to come in every 6 months.
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Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: drake101 on Wednesday, September 03 2008 @ 09:03 AM PDT
John E. Monroe My 3 kids go to Dr. Monroe and all the way from my 18 yr old to my 6 yr old they like him. He has a very clean office and very friendly staff. My wife who is a nurse likes him very much. she likes the way he even answers his cell phone for emegency's. Good luck with your search. Drake.
[ Reply to This | Delete | 24.17.230.86 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Jenyum on Wednesday, September 03 2008 @ 09:38 AM PDT
Thanks Drake. I think he sounds like the best option. If he's taking new patients I think we'll go that route.

Thanks, everybody, for the advice and recommendations.
[ Reply to This | Delete | 131.191.55.110 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, September 03 2008 @ 09:11 AM PDT
I would go with Willamete. I have had them for about 7yrs now as a city employee. It is kind of a factory type operation. Meaning they get you in and out with out all of the chit chat. Personally with all of the things I need to get done in the day it works perfectly. You don't get the oh the dentist is running a little late because their golf game ran a little over.
[ Reply to This | Delete | 71.212.26.67 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, September 03 2008 @ 09:46 AM PDT
Pediatric Dental Associates in Lakewood recently started accepting AETNA. They are super professional, have a beautiful office, and have video games at every chair! My four year old daughter has a tough time at the dentist but they are soooo good with her. Carol is especially great so ask for her when you schedule.
[ Reply to This | Delete | 75.172.27.222 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, September 03 2008 @ 12:12 PM PDT
Don't worry, you are not the only one in this boat! We have CIGNA and
tried Bright Now Dental and now switching hopefully to Dr. Monroe. It
is a tooth factory like the other posting. My hubby went in to get his
teeth cleaned and they scheduled him to get his cavities and never
even clean his teeth first! I went in to get a tooth fixed and I don't
think they did it right so I'm going to have a 2nd opinion! What a
waste of time! Good luck in your search. Just wanted to let you know
not to settle for just any dentist, shop around. We are!:0)
[ Reply to This | Delete | 24.19.100.231 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, September 03 2008 @ 02:06 PM PDT
I have a friend who has had great experiences with Willamette on 6th. She recommends them to everyone. My husband and I both had horrible experiences at the "tooth factory" and I sure wish *we* had been able to read these comments about them before we went there.
[ Reply to This | Delete | 97.113.94.22 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, September 12 2008 @ 08:24 AM PDT
Hi, could you tell me who is the best dentist in 6 th Avenue ? Thank you very much!!!
[ Reply to This | Delete | 98.203.226.250 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Friday, September 12 2008 @ 08:26 AM PDT
Hi, could you tell me who is the best dentist in 6 th Avenue ? Thank y0ou very much!!!
[ Reply to This | Delete | 98.203.226.250 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, September 03 2008 @ 10:05 PM PDT
I have been going to the Willamette Dental on 6th for a few years. I like it. Like another poster said, you're in your out and that's it. Luckily I haven't had any major issues and just go in for my yearly check up and cleaning with Dr. Fabi.

My only complaint is that when you first go they make you come in twice. Once for an initial consultation and x-rays then you have to schedule a cleaning. I didn't know this and was pretty peeved that I would have to make another appointment to come back to get my cleaning. If someone had told that up front that would have been okay but they didn't. So if you go with Willamette ask if that is still the case. Other than that I have no complaints.
[ Reply to This | Delete | 75.92.220.235 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Saturday, September 06 2008 @ 04:22 AM PDT
I have beeen going to John Monroe for 9 years. Great staff and very clean and modern office. Maybe most important, I never ever wait past my appointment time, in fact if I arrive early I am usually still in right away. Highly recommended.
[ Reply to This | Delete | 71.197.134.248 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Tuesday, September 09 2008 @ 09:54 AM PDT
My family will be using Aetna beginning in October. Are you happy with the insurance? Yikes, I hope there are more dentists in the surrounding area. My fav. dentist is Dr. Elliot from Northwest Smiles in Dupont. I drive pretty far to see him, but he's the best. He's wonderful with kids. So friendly, everything is fun. He has five kids of his own, so he knows all of the tricks to keep a toddler in the dentist chair. Right now, he is a preferred provider for Washington Dental. I am not sure if he accepts Aetna...I hope so.
[ Reply to This | Delete | 131.191.80.47 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Jenyum on Tuesday, September 09 2008 @ 10:02 AM PDT
I took a look through the website and couldn't find any in Dupont. Then again, I didn't see the one in Lakewood that someone said takes Aetna, either, so it's probably worth checking.
[ Reply to This | Delete | 131.191.55.110 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Monday, September 15 2008 @ 10:06 PM PDT
I'm a little late to this but I highly recommend Jon Kvinsland in Gig Harbor. It is worth the toll crossing the bridge as he is highly skilled!
[ Reply to This | Delete | 131.191.95.130 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Jenyum on Wednesday, September 17 2008 @ 04:44 PM PDT
OK so I went with John Monroe. And just had to go a round with Aetna to get them to put in a request with the dentist to see A. on an emergency 1 time basis, because we are not yet on "the roster." Without which we cannot even schedule and appointment.

Keep in mind, we are paying for the DMO, because the DMO is not supposed to have a waiting period. Yet, we do have a de facto waiting period because of "the roster." The roster will not be updated until the beginning of next month, because Monroe's office has opted for the paper roster and not the electronic roster. We do have a card, with Monroe's name on it, right next to our insurance ID number, but this will not do. No, they cannot fax a roster.

Monroe's office tells me its the insurance company, nothing they can do, and the insurance company tells me it's office policy, nothing they can do. (Meanwhile, the plan we signed up for and PAY FOR does not have a waiting period.)

Hello, it is 2008. I know the private contents of Sarah Palin's email inbox, but my dentist does not know we are his patients. I'm sure he'll be a fine dentist, and I know I'm being a PIA, but this kind of thing really burns me up. It's just. so. expensive.

Also, my kid's teeth hurt.

[ Reply to This | Delete | 131.191.55.110 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Jenyum on Wednesday, October 01 2008 @ 10:46 PM PDT
We took the youngest to see Dr. Monroe. I am glad I fought to get her in ASAP because her tooth problems have worsened. She will have to have the kiddee equivalent of a root canal :( but they can save the tooth.

Dr. Monroe was a little stern (probably because of the state of her teeth) but the office was very nice and they were all very kind. There are the touches that show they deal with kids a lot, a toy bin for the kids after their appointment, star shaped kid sunglasses, etc. They were able to schedule another appointment to have her work done within the next two weeks.

Also, they are an amalgam free office. So no worries about mercury fillings.

For anyone else dealing with the same insurance provider, I would recommend Monroe, so far.
[ Reply to This | Delete | 131.191.55.110 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, October 01 2008 @ 03:35 PM PDT
My mother has tons of problems with Willamette on 6th ave. She saw them for a checkup, they said her teeth were fine, no problems and then 2 months later she went in and they said she had a couple cavities so bad that her teeth couldn't be saved. In TWO months??? She also needed a root canal, and they are slower than sap in the winter time when it comes to any procedures. She never completed the root canal with them, but switched to another dentist. Turned out the root canal couldn't be done because Willamette had drilled into her root, destroying it. They never bothered to tell her that, though. I wouldn't touch Willamette with a 10 foot pole.
[ Reply to This | Delete | 97.113.82.231 | # ]
Help Me Pick a Dentist - Heard of any of these?
Authored by: Anonymous on Wednesday, October 01 2008 @ 07:52 PM PDT
I have never been to Willamette on 6th but we used to go to the one in Puyallup and they were horrible. It took them 8 months to get my daughter's 3 cavities filled, they had terrible bedside manners, my children hated to go to them. I kept asking to get a pediatric dentist referral to have my son's tooth looked at and was told on more than one occasion, that there was nothing that could be done, and that I was just embarassed by how his tooth looked. Whatever. I finally got the referral, and the pediatric dentist said he could have saved the tooth if I had been able to bring him in sooner - like when I first started asking for the referral. Instead his tooth had to be pulled. I switched dental insurance and even though we pay a lot more out of pocket now, we love our new dentist office.

I know this an older post, but had to share. My kids recently saw Dr Block at Harbor Kid's Dentistry (Gig Harbor) and I must say we have mixed feelings. First, we also got a long lecture - jennyum, I feel your pain. Despite our best efforts are kids teeth are also a mess. I realize the severity of the situation and struggle with this 2x's every day. Please offer me helpful tips or the treatment plan, not shame. Ok, enough ranting!
The staff and office are amazing!!!!!My kids loved them, the office is over the top equipped to distract and entertain your little ones. Again, the staff is great and made my kids feel at ease. Dr Block is super low-key and nice enough, but also hurried and not overly warm. Overall I liked the office, I just wasn't dazzled by her, but also know that the kids end up spending more time with the staff than with her...so, we'll go back. It's still worth the toll in my book.

So, now I'm going to sound crazy, but really felt the need to share this. I come here for reviews on nearly everything Tacoma and know a lot of other parents do as well - so I want to share my most recent experience with Harbor Kid's Teeth. I had a truly terrible experience with a staff member there today, so bad in fact that I will not bring my kids back. Like I mentioned earlier, I felt so-so about Dr Block, great about the rest of the staff and office. My experience today was a HUGE strike against this office, I won't go into it but it was unbelievable that I was treated this way, my feeling is if Dr Block gives her employees freedom to treat any patient (or parent) this way, it's not the place for me.

The place for me or my kids - oops!

We like Dr. Monroe. (Monroe Elite Dental) I'm not always completely crazy about his office staff but he and the hygienist who does most of the kids work are wonderful. If they are covered on your policy (if you are lucky enough to have one) give it a try.

I'm sorry, I know that the OP has chosen a dentist but I wanted to share my experience for anyone who still needs advice. I used to have a DMO through Willamette Dental and they were terrible to work with. I had to go out to the Silverdale clinic because the Tacoma clinic was so backed up, and like one of the above posters, they didn't tell me that I had to schedule a different appointment for my cleaning after my initial exam and xrays. I had to kill 3 hours while waiting for my next appointment which pretty much wasted my day. They weren't very helpful and didn't want to answer the questions I had through my treatment. Once I got rid of my DMO, I switched to Dentistry Northwest with Dr. Baer. His assistants are really sweet, the front desk staff is very caring and willing to work with you, and the dentist is wonderful. I'm very glad that I was able to switch to this clinic!