Santa Fe Modern Dentistry and Orthodontics

I went to Modern Dentistry for an initial exam. I asked what it would cost to pay for the visit without their membership, because I had no intention of returning. I was told the amount of approximately $65, which I paid at the time of service. I was later shocked to receive an itemized bill totaling $872 for the initial exam. I attempted to contact the office multiple times through their online portal and website email to clarify the charge, but did not receive a response. They sent the balance to collections. I maintain excellent credit and have no outstanding debt, and am now dealing with the collection agency. Make a wise choice, go elsewhere.

I would suggest making sure you get the proper individual to do the job or hold off on any routine visits until they hire enough hygienists. My experience is often pretty good here. But after my most recent appointment, I’m extremely disappointed. I was scheduled with my usual hygienist. I confirmed the appointment. But then it showed that I was scheduled with someone else a day or two prior. I found out after I had an awful experience that they are down a hygienist. Instead of letting patients know this and rescheduling, they are having a doctor or someone else do what the hygienist normally does in between appointments. I felt like I was just some kind of animal they were trying to push out. First, she didn’t even introduce herself. Second, I don’t know if this is on her or the system, but the way she talked about my teeth from previous visits did not match up with what I’ve discussed with my usual doctor and hygienist. And the main reason I’m writing this review has to do with the level of discomfort. When she was checking my gums, she was going so fast with the pointy tool, I think it’s called a periodontal probe. It was very painful. She was digging into my gums in a way that my hygienist has never done. I expect that part to be uncomfortable. But it wasn’t just that. She was going fast and wasn’t careful where she placed the thing. And when having me suck the straw that gets the excess water out of my mouth, there were several times the pointy tool was still over my lips when they told me to close my mouth causing me to close down and get poked. It was not the usual experience I get there where my hygienist takes time to talk to me, explain things, make sure I am comfortable. I’ll update this review if my next experience is better. But for now, this is a warning to make sure you are getting the proper care.

Looking over poor reviews and experiences, they are sincerely true. The zeal to clean human teeth is not a priority now a days. It starts with the leadership here. Passion is a concern here, can't stress this enough. I had an appointment that was canceled due to no hygienist. Wonder why? BIG RED FLAG. It's a shame. I will be hopefully for this office outcome to turn things around. If I'm the problem I can remove my dedication to them. Had an awesome 1st visit when dentist owner explained things sincerely never spoke to her again or had her speak to me personally about my visits. I to was passed on to be a test subject.

I have been going to this dentist for 10 years and even commute 1 1/2 hours one way to go now that I’ve moved! They have great services (fast and efficient), I feel listened to, the work is good and their office staff have been great lately. I do recommend Santa Fe Modern Dentistry! 😃

Today I went in for a crown. After the assistant placed the temporary crown, the dentist did not check the occlusion. I told the assistant that it felt too high and uncomfortable, but I was dismissed with "it’s just a temporary." However, once I got home, the tooth was so high that when I closed my mouth, only that crown touched—it was painful every time I bit down. Now I have to take more time off work to return and have it adjusted. I wish they had listened; this could have been caught in the office when I first mentioned it, saving me hours of lost work/time (especially since I commute from out of town). **Edit:** After doing some research, I found that failing to check occlusion before the patient leaves is considered below the standard of care, so I lowered my rating by one star. I’m going back in soon and interested to see how the doctor handles this situation. I’ll update my review after my visit. --- **Update:** The office was able to see me right away. Initially, another assistant was going to handle the adjustment, but I requested to speak directly with the dentist. I shared my concerns, and the doctor listened. There was some tension, with explanations about how busy the office is and how technicians usually place temporary crowns. I felt the need to emphasize multiple times that the doctor has ultimate responsibility for supervising staff and that not checking the fit before the patient leaves is not standard practice. I also had to advocate for the value of my time. The dentist asked me several times what I wanted her to do about the situation. The dentist then did personally take significant time to adjust the temporary crown, carefully checking occlusion and comfort. --- **My recommendations for the practice:** - Be proactive when an oversight occurs, especially if a patient has shared the issue. - Take time to have the supervising dentist meet with the patient directly rather than waiting for them to request it. - Acknowledge that you are aware of the issue (e.g., from a Google review, a call, etc.). - Apologize promptly. - Reassure patients that this is unusual for your practice. - Share that you have reminded your staff of correct procedures and spoken with the staff about their error in a way where it will not be repeated. - Assure patients this was a rare oversight and that you, as the responsible party, have taken steps to address it. - Show understanding of value of the patient’s time and concerns. - Have a clear plan to resolve the issue ready (I am going to personally address the situation and for your time a gesture of ...). As a patient who has spent $2,500 on crowns, I expect solid dentistry that will last and care that meets standard practice. Patients don’t mind busy offices or technicians performing parts of the work as long as they know they will receive quality care and that the doctor stands fully behind everything done in their practice. I do believe the work here is solid and the doctor knowledgeable. However, the office seems very busy, and things can slip through the cracks. I encourage them to address these small but preventable issues proactively so their good work isn’t overshadowed, and have a standard and proactive approach when oversights or mistakes occur. My cleaning here was great-the dental hygienist was very knowledgeable and thorough. Four stars for the cleaning. 2 stars for the temporary crown. 3 stars for the followup (with self-advocacy).

Lots of red flags here. -The cost estimates they send to insurance providers are WILDLY inaccurate, so when you show up suddenly your $50 teeth cleaning skyrockets to $250 -They do exams BEFORE teeth cleaning which is not standard practice anywhere, and then try to sell you multiple unnecessary procedures like teeth removal, crowns, etc that any legitimate practice would never do all at once -After this "exam" I was left alone for 45 minutes under the impression they were finally going to do the service I came for, which was a basic cleaning. I give up and go to the front desk where they tell me that the dentist has actually recommended a $750 "deep cleaning" that has to be done on a completely different day. This is definitely one of those practices that exists purely to extract as much money out of unassuming people as possible and trap them in predatory repayment plans. The state of this country and its essential medical services is abysmal, and everyone involved should be ashamed. The only reason I leave 2 stars is because the FD associates were very kind and should probably be paid more.

I used to be afraid of the dentist, but not since coming to Santa Fe Modern Dentistry. They always explain everything clearly. And now that I am a regular patient, I no longer have those dental emergencies. I actually look forward to my appointments! Emmanuel is especially top notch, one of the most expert people I've ever encountered in the entire medical profession.