Generally I have had a great experience with the Belle Meade Smile Center, especially with Dr. Shipp. This time, however, was a bad experience. I was caught in unexpected traffic and notified the receptionist by phone beforehand that I would be slightly late. I did arrive 15 minutes late, because the traffic was so bad. My appointment was going to be cancelled had I not been in the elevator in their building when her call came in on my iPhone. Seems like a very harsh policy, .
I told the receptionist that I also wanted to make a cleaning appointment for my wife. She said she an opening on Monday, but since I was late I had to go see the dental hygienist immediately. After my teeth cleaning, I went back to the receptionist to make the appointment and she told me she had already given it away to someone else and there were no longer any openings. She did tell me to have a nice day.
Furthermore, the dental hygienist who treated me was not the friendliest of persons. After taking me to the pay window, she just turned around and left. No thanks for coming in or anything. I thanked her anyway. Maybe she was in a bad mood because I was late.
Then, I received the bill - $294 - from another unsmiling — in the smile center - employee. This seemed like an extravagant price for a teeth cleaning - the highest I have ever paid. I am a senior citizen and a veteran without dental insurance. You would think they had more sense than that.
In conclusion, my wife and I won't be going back. I don't think we will be missed, however, because they are so busy and can pretty much charge anything they want. A disappointed David Mastran.