I moved to Houston recently and found myself needing a dentist after breaking a tooth over the weekend. I called dentists near my home and was very appreciative when I spoke with Wendy at Tippit Dental Group who informed me they could see me within a few hours. The check-in process was flawless, the front desk (Wendy and the other employees) were extremely helpful and nice. I was in quite a bit of pain (never had dental problems in the past - rarely a cavity, so this was all new/uncomfortable to begin with). The pleasant experience ended when I was called back by a dental assistant. She was kind and gentle, no question, but the way she started to communicate with me after the fact was very off-putting. Due to the fact that I moved recently to Houston for my job, my dental insurance would not be in affect for two more weeks. I explained this to her, but she kept insisting without taking my concerns seriously that I did not want work done immediately. I asked numerous times and made it clear I was in pain and wanted to know what options I had until my dental insurance was instated. She spoke somewhat broken Spanish and would disregard what I said completely and continue telling me what treatment Dr. Tippit was going to do. I began to panic and become very uneasy because I did want extensive (or any work) done for two reasons (1) financial and (2) I just started my job and I could not stay at the dentist office any longer. While I appreciated them fitting me in, I did have to wait quite a long time. Then the panic and uncomfortableness escalated when Dr. Tippit came in. While there is now doubt, he clearly knew what he was doing and very experienced, he did NOT once give me time to explain my situation. He was abrupt, spoke very sternly to me and it was extremely unpleasant. He started preparing to numb me and talked over me as I tried to ONCE AGAIN explain my concerns (financial and getting back to work quickly). I had to very adamantly say that I wanted him to stop. He was acted very unsympathetic and spoke in a very abrupt tone AGAIN and basically lectured me about my situation. He even went as far as to critisize me about my not being able to take off to take care of my dental work. I was VERY aware of my dental needs as I had not slept the night before for the throbbing. I simply wanted to know if there were any other options available to me.
I was the patient. I had every right to question the procedure and course of action he was doing without being criticized and demeaned AND definitely BEFORE he started. I'm a grown woman - not a child. He had no right to speak to me in such a manner. Even after I was forced to call my boss to see if I could stay later (which looking back - when I said I did not have time to stay for a lengthy procedure and check in to see if I could stay to have the procedure done, he stopped back by the room and said sternly said (in front of other patients and someone else that had come into the room - an employee), THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE END OF THE DISCUSSION. Again - I'm an adult, not a child. I felt like I was being held hostage against my will.
To add to the embarrassment and humiliation - he stopped back by the room (while the assistant kept making excuses about what she going to do - who knows exactly what was happening - I was in shock.) and he said, "I THINK YOU KNOW THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT YOU NEED TO ADDRESS."
Again - I'm an adult. It's a broken tooth, I'm not in trouble with the law. I've never even had a speeding ticket for god sakes. A simple - ok, I understand your time restraints, but this is the only thing we can do for you, would have sufficed. I could have either decided to stay or go. The end. I was still going to pay. I wasn't trying to get out of anything.
This was the absolute worst experience I've ever had at a medical office of any kind. This doctor and his assistant made me feel like I was a criminal - not a 33 year old female that came in with a broken tooth.
To end this review - I'm happy to report that I went two miles away and found a dentist that put me on antibiotics - a strong dose, gave me Tylenol 3 to get me through the day and take the pain away, and I go back this Friday to get the work done. On MY terms. Without being bullied and spoken to like I just committed a crime of some sort.
I know there are many positive reviews and I'm glad to see that. I hate that I had such a horrible experience. The only redeeming part - was a younger, more professional dentist (I was distraught, but I think he introduced himself as Dr. Mosely?) did ask me if I was ok as I stood in shock waiting for the assistant to take her dear time doing god knows what. If I had only seen that dentist, maybe my experience would not have been so awful.
Front desk:
Hygiene rating:
out of 5 stars
