We chose Dr. Gordon because he was the only pediatric dentist in our network. Decided it was worth paying more to take our two year old to a pediatric dentist instead of a family dentist. When we got there the office staff was friendly and there was a toy room that my son enjoyed playing in. The dental technician met us in the waiting room and was very friendly with my son. Gave my son a new toothbrush and floss and let him pick out a sticker. Took us back to the examining area. My son was reluctant to sit on the examining table/chair. She gave him a stuffed dinosaur and huge toothbrush to play with. My son loved it and within a few minutes was able to lay back on the chair. He was still a little nervous but was ok. This is when the craziness begins. Dr. Gordon stood over my son with a mask on and tools in his hand and began working on my son. No introduction or greeting. No easing my son into the experience. I was shocked. The dental technician held my sons head, I held his arms and legs. Dr. Gordon used a metal clamp to keep my son's mouth open. He took a minute or two to examine the one side of his mouth and moved the clamp to the other side. Wrote some notes down, examined the other side within a minute or two and took the metal clamp out. The dental technician told us my son could sit up. I asked if we were finished with everything and she said yes. I held my son and Dr. Gordon told us my son needed a possible silver cap on his back tooth and sealants on his teeth. He told me that my son would need to be hospitalized for the procedure and that the procedure would take one and a half to two hours. I was in shock. Shocked that I had paid extra for a ""pediatric"" experience but that stopped at the free sticker, brightly colored walls and toys in the waiting room. Not sure what ""pediactric"" experience Dr. Gordon himself provided us with. So now we're torn at what to do next. My son needs dental work, but I have many reservations about having him hospitalized, and I have many reservations about continuing with Dr. Gordon. I think we will pay the extra money to see a different pediatric dentist or family dentist for a second opinion.
more