Home › Forums › WSB Reader Recommendations › gentle dentist/dental hygenist recommendation?
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July 24, 2008 at 3:42 am #587591
wseamomMemberLike many folks, I have a dentist phobia and need someone patient and gentle. Can anyone recommend a good one here in West Seattle? I’ve been driving to Sandpoint for too long!
July 24, 2008 at 4:19 am #632133
flowerpetalMemberI too have the same unreasonable fears. I go to Glenn Krieger just north of the junction in the block just north of the post office, 935-1855
July 24, 2008 at 5:40 am #632134
mellaw6565MemberI go to Stephen Lockett in White Center – been here for many years and has a great staff. Modern office with up-to-date technologies and procedures. Family practice.
July 24, 2008 at 10:38 am #632135
littlebrowndogParticipantI use Jeffrey Bond at Smiles By Bond. He and his staff have been great and totally supportive of my phobia. When I described it to them the first time they were nothing but positive, and each visit we have talked about it and what I need in order to cope and then they do exactly that.
July 24, 2008 at 5:29 pm #632136
mellaw6565MemberIn my experience with Bond’s office, they are not really interested in dealing with insurance claims. They want all unpaid insurance money up front and if there is a problem with the insurance company, they don’t want to deal with the hassle of appeals. If you need payments, they tell you to sign up with a health credit card company and refuse to do the work until you have paid your out-of-pocket expenses, which can be several hundred dollars. I don’t begrudge a practice for wanting to collect co-pays up front, but I’ve never had a dentist or a doctor’s office that refuses to take payments when the amounts are several hundred dollars. So it was a big turn-off for me.
I switched dentists who then filed the proper codes/appeal and my repair was covered; plus I was able to make the remaining payments over time. I am VERY PICKY about my dental work (having spent thousands over the years to restore some teeth) so I insist on quality but also evaluate the practice on their willingness to work with you since dental work is not cheap. I found both at Lockett’s office.
Just thought you should know this about Bond’s office in case you are looking for a more family-oriented practice that works with your finances. Bond’s office strikes me as “boutique” dentistry. Can’t comment on his skills – never went back after the initial exam.
July 24, 2008 at 8:46 pm #632137
HPMemberI have allways heard negative things about lockett but Dr. Vellings office is great sr has retired but his sons are there and just as good. I know a ton of people that have gone for years and love them. Also Reflections in westwood is good and gentle also they too want non insured payments upfront but what else can we expect they are not a finance company.
August 8, 2008 at 4:59 am #632138
momof2MemberI am a patient of Dr. Kari Chellis. I have had a lot of dental work done at many other offices. She is by far the best dentist I have ever been to. She is very very gentle and her shots do not hurt at all. What I like about her is that she is only seeing you when you have an appointment. She is not getting up to see other patients. I feel at home here and like she cares about my mouth. She is expensive, but worth it. You get what you pay for. I highley recommend her to anyone looking to invest the best for their mouth. She is located in the Jefferson Square uilding. What I liek is that she opens up at 7am so I liek to go before work. Also her staff is amazing. They are so sweet. Its like visiting your best friend. After experiencing their customer service I get very upset when I dont get treated the same at other places(dr’s,stores,restaraunts,etc..)
August 8, 2008 at 7:11 am #632139
swthistleMemberwseamomn,
Try Dr wolff next to hotire and the post office. Ask to have Denise do your family cleanings. She has been there for many years through other dentists and she is very gentle. Colleen is excellent at handling your insurance and if your kids need ortho the best ortho is in that shared office space with Dr Heidi Horwitz. My daughter went to a very busy ortho in Burien and had terrible results my son went to Dr Horwitz and is getting his braces off soon in less time, and much better results. I also have worked at another west seattle dental office with 5 dentists and I still recommended Dr Wolffs practice over them. More personnal care less of a factory.
August 8, 2008 at 7:04 pm #632140
charlabobParticipantI have to (because I want to) recommend Alki Dental, Dr. Bret Shupak.) http://www.alkidental.com/
They have SOME early morning appointment (closed on Fridays) — Dr. Shupak and all of his staff are caring, gentle people. I went last week after being away for three years (insurance, or lack thereof) and I felt as if I were revisiting my family. They’re doing all the insurance stuff for me and, eventually, I’ll pay for what the insurance doesn’t.
I just checked out their web site and realize they actually have “specials” — that also gives you an idea of the normal prices.
August 8, 2008 at 8:22 pm #632141
nuniMemberI also go to Dr. Krieger. If you tell him your phobia he will be very understanding and he will talk you through the whole thing or allow you to put headphones on and watch TV.
August 8, 2008 at 11:20 pm #632142
acemotelParticipantThis is a dentist downtown and his specialty is gums but he is the most gentle dentist you could ever ask for: Wally Kegel. 206.682.9269
August 14, 2008 at 12:58 am #632143
yardbird66MemberI’m not sure why Mellaw6565 has such a chip on their shoulder about Jeff Bond’s office, but I must come to their defense. I’ve been going to Dr. Bond for almost 15 years and have never had anything but a positive experience there. The staff is always upbeat, friendly and completely professional. I have dentist phobias too, but they’ve work with me and made it completely comfortable, painless and hassle-free.
As for the issue of insurance payments, I can only speak to my own experiences. For larger procedures, I’ve always paid the projected cost right after the procedure, not before, and if there is some question as to what the insurance company will pay (as there usually is), they just send me a bill or a refund later. I’ve never had them ask for money up front, but that may be because I’m a long time customer. Perhaps because Mellaw6565 was a first time customer…….?
As for the cheap shot about Bond’s office being a “boutique” practise……trust me, I’m not a “boutique” kind of guy and I’m completely comfortable with them. They are friendly, down to earth and the quality of the work is top of the line.
August 15, 2008 at 4:51 am #632144
QueMemberI go to Dr Byron Nakagawa whose practice is in the Medical Dental building on 42nd just north of Alaska. He is wonderful and gentle and his staff are too.
August 15, 2008 at 5:02 pm #632145
LAintheJunctionParticipantI too am looking for a gentle dentist in WS after years of of seeing a less than satisfactory dentist “off the rock”. I’m specifically interested in hearing the pros and cons of the Junction area dentists — there are five practices within two blocks of each other.
Some of these have been mentioned already, but more info would be great since I have to make an appt soon. In addition to a gentle dentist, I want to avoid someone who’s on the verge of retiring, I’m looking for someone I can stay with for some time. Thanks!
Gerald Wolff or Heidi Horowitz
(in Hotwire building on California)
William Raleigh
(in white house right across the street from Hotwire on California)
Glenn Kreiger
(one block north of Hotwire/Post Office on California)
Byron Nakagawa or William Kirshner
(Medical Dental Building on 42nd between Alaska and Oregon)
Smile Secrets (Kari Chellis?)
(Jefferson Square on 42nd)
August 15, 2008 at 8:42 pm #632146
mellaw6565MemberYardbird – I see you’ve only been registered on this blog 1 day – so learn some manners before you characterize my comments as “cheap shots”.
I stand by my complaints about Bond’s office and have talked to others with similar complaints. I spent more time in their office getting “explanations” about how they work money, insurance and payments than I did actually getting an evaluation about my dental work. I was hit with the money speil right at the front desk when I checked in, and then pulled in the manager’s office after my “brief” evaluation by Dr. Bond to discuss how I was going to pay for future work (without me even saying that I was going to proceed with his recommendations). It is a huge turn-off and somewhat arrogant to be told to go get a credit card to pay for my dental work. (Imagine having an urgent medical need and your doctor denying you treatment until you have the money!)
Additionally, their attitude about my insurance appeal was completely unacceptable. They submitted pre-authorizations for work, didn’t provide the correct documentation, and then told ME to submit things when the insurance company denied the pre-authorization. When I talked to the insurance company, they said all the doctor’s office had to do was submit the treatment notes showing the tooth was symptomatic, which they did not. I asked Dr. Bond’s manager to re-submit the appeal with the correct information and I got a bunch of attitude on the phone.
I then went to Dr. Lockett’s office where they filed the correct paperwork, the tooth was covered and they took payments for the rest of the work. Just the type of service that I’ve always received from good dentists.
I stand by my comments, Yardbird, as they are based on real experiences. A “boutique” medical office is one that is only focused on bringing patients in the door and, while the quality of work may be good, they don’t care about working with the patient when it comes to insurance and other payment matters. They only want clients who can pay for treatment out of pocket and often are the ones that charge higher than customary prices for their work. That’s my assessment of Dr. Bond’s office practices based on my experience with them.
I am entitled to post my opinion Yardbird – without personal attacks by you. Learn some manners or get off the blog.
P.S. It didn’t help my opinion any that I had to sit in the manager’s office and overhear an open door phone conversation between Dr. Bond and some other agency about a $2000 bounced check he had from a patient – I even heard the patient’s name. So much for HIPA confidentiality. Another big turn-off for me.
August 21, 2008 at 4:20 pm #632147
normrietveldcomcastnetMemberReflections in Westwood. I went their months back because my front crown of 15 years fell out. So I went them for my first time. (I am a Canadian) It looks great inside and the front staff is nice, but holy cow I cannot even begin to tell you want the hell happened! Most of all I know most people makes miss takes and that part of life. But every time one after the other is not just life but right down poor. In the end after months of healing and 5000 + later I am where I started.
August 22, 2008 at 2:42 am #632148
SaraMemberI’ve never enjoyed going to the dentist – usually I experience anxiety and clench the armrests of the chair the entire time. I’ve never had a better experience with a dentist than with Dr. Bret Shupack at Alki Dental. He seems very skilled, everyone there is sweet and low-key. Also, it’s a nice office with a view of the water, wood floors, peaceful atmosphere, clean and airy. No problems working with my insurance company. I’ve had a ton of work done there with good results.
August 22, 2008 at 10:11 pm #632149
ERoughMemberI’ve gone to Dr. Chellis for many years now and I highly recommend her if you are looking for someone gentle and caring. Her staff is always friendly, cheerful and gentle! Which is a big plus if you have any sort of dental issues.
August 26, 2008 at 3:52 am #632150
mswestMemberI have enjoyed going to Dr.William Kirschner’s Office on 42nd.Front office peeople can be a little hectic, but Dr. Kirschner always takes the time to talk to me and his dental hygienists/assistants have been with him for many years. I always enjoy going in to see them. Very gentle.
August 26, 2008 at 10:15 pm #632151
kmweberMemberI also HIGHLY recommend Dr. Kari Chellis (of Smile Secrets). My husband and I (and now our 4yr old) have been going to her for years and have never had a negative experience. Her and her staff are all very caring, supportive and gentle. I wouldn’t hesitate to send anyone her way.
September 22, 2008 at 5:41 am #632152
bubblegummomParticipantDid you guys know you can look up a health care provider, including dentists, here: https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch/ and see if there have been any actions taken against them? I have found that a couple of West Seattle dentists have had actions taken against them for poor dentistry. It takes a lot of complaints sometimes for any action to be taken, and there is a number in Olympia you can call to ask if your dentist has any complaints against him. I can’t remember it, but probably there is an ask a question link on this site where you can ask about the number.
September 28, 2008 at 1:55 pm #632153
bubblegummomParticipantThere are many complaints about health care providers that are not shown on this provider lookup and you can call 1-360-236-4700 to ask if a provider has complaints against them.
July 21, 2009 at 4:04 pm #632154
CumberlandMemberI have worked in dentistry for about 13 years and was an employee for Dr. KARI CHELLIS for almost 5. As someone who knows good dentistry and sees what happens before and after patients leave the office, Dr. Chellis is amazing!
Her treatment recommendations are always in the best interest of her patients. I have seen her go above and beyond for her patients on a regular basis. Her knowledge and skills are second to no one!
She has a passion for learning and giving the best care. She is caring and compassionate; this is not an act for patients. She lives and breaths her work and cares for her patients as is they were her own family.
July 21, 2009 at 6:54 pm #632155
pampireMemberDr. Christine Kirchner and her staff are great! And the exam chairs are so comfy I even doze off sometimes! She’s on Fauntleroy next to Blockbuster, 206-938-4540.
July 21, 2009 at 8:10 pm #632156
KimberleyParticipantI love Dr. Kae at West Seattle Dental Center (on California). He’s very gentle and his staff are great. He was recommended to me by a friend, and I’ve since recommended him to several coworkers who love him.
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