I made a visit to this dentist on an "emergengy" basis, simply to have a bridge reattached until I could get to my regular dentist. When calling, the receptionist indicated, that yes, he would be able to comply with my request. No mention of anything additional. I arrived for my appointment, filled out the necessary paperwork and was called back, by a staff member, to see the dentist. The assistant checked where the bridge was to be reattached and told me it could not be done, due to the fact that there was not anything to attach the bridge to; apparently the tooth currently holding the bridge onto my gum had broken off. She said she wanted to take an x-ray. I asked the reason for the x-ray, at which time she indicated it was to ascertain what my options were. I inquired as to the cost of the x-ray and told her I had no dental insurance. The cost was $90. I informed her (Amy) that I did not want the x-ray made, I simply wanted the bridge reattached to "get me through" until my appointment with regular dentist. She started again to tell me it could not be done because..... At this point, she said "just let me get the doctor so he can speak to you about your options." I agreed. She was extremely kind and and professional throughout this ordeal.
To say that Dr. S. DeFranco was rude, totally unprofessional and arrogant would be an understatement. He came into the room, went directly to the sink and began washing his hands; obviously, I understand the reason for doing so. At this point, he turns around, tells me who he his and says "lets see what your options are." Never once welcoming me as a new patient, asking my name, any of the usual pleasantries you would expect from a doctor confronting a patient for the first time; very cocky attitude. He proceeds to sit on his stool, wheels around to me, and peers into my mouth. At this juncture, he says, yes, yes, lots of decay in that back tooth and front is broken with nothing to attach the bring back onto. At this time, he stops, removes his gloves, and informs me I have two "options". He picks up a flip chart of sorts from the table behind him; he shows me two photos, one of a bridge, and how my current one is not reparable, and a photo of a partial plate. Those are your options he states. I said, oh, so nothing that can be done today (which obviously is why I was there to begin with). He places the chart back onto the table, clearly not pleased with my inquiry, stands up and leaves the room, never to return. A couple of seconds pass at which point I realize he is not coming back, I begin to remove the cloth and stand to leave. I said, obviously, he is not the dentist for me. Amy followed me to the front desk. Dr. DeFranco had simply left the room, no explanation, no "sorry, no, I cannot do anything for you", nothing. He left the room and went into an office and closed the door. When Amy and I stopped at the front desk, there were two more staff members present. Amy is doing something on the computer at which time I say, "does he treat all his patients this way, rude and unacceptable?" Then, the staff member tells me "that will be $75; I ask for what and she indicates "you did have an evaluation." I indicated there was no way I was paying $75 and I walked out. Dr. DeFranco clearly needs a "reassessment" and a reminder of how patients are expected to be treated. He may also need to be refreshed on proficient, acceptable dentists, who adhere to acceptable behavior with patients; dentists who perform quality work are hard to find; on the other hand, ill-mannered, uncivil dentists who are unappreciative of their patients are a dime a dozen. Dr. DeFranco would be listed in the latter category. It could be in the best interest of his practice to read up on personality, courtesy and appreciation skills. This is totally unacceptable and unnecessary behavior. I do plan to report him to the proper dental ethics board.
by unhappypatient
xxx.xxx.188.231
April 20, 2013