Lawrence West Dental Office

I have been looking for a dentist for my partner and I for quite some time, and I am so happy we found "Dr. Nick" and his committed team at Lawrence West Dental.

Going to the densest is expensive, even with dental coverage. So I am concerned about how each appointment is going to affect my family's finances. Here is what I liked from a financial standpoint:

1) My partner is covered by BlueCross. The office worked directly with the insurance company and we only got charged the amount we are responsible for (versus some other dentist where you pay the full amount upfront and then get reimbursed by your insurer later).
2) I am covered by the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and it is always a pain as most dentist don't like or don't know how to work with them. While Dr. Nick's office didn't know the specifics on how to work directly with INAC (I was actually asked by Lisa to bring in this information, but I forgot it the day of my appointment). Frieda reiterated multiple times that when I get home I should send her this information and she will figure it out on their end, so that next time I go in it will be straightforward. Very uncommon, as I am often left to figure it out myself and/or paying upfront and seeking reimbursement later.
3) They care about our insurance coverage. I talked with Frieda about our coverage, and she kept notes so that we are not booking procedures when we reach the end of our yearly coverage that could wait a few months until it is again covered by our insurance.
4) We did not get sold what we didn't need. For example, I had slightly receding gums on one tooth. Dr. Nick laid out my options so I could make an informed decision. But at the end of the day he suggested that we just wait and that I try not to brush my teeth so hard… Pretty great considering a few years ago another dentist recommended that my partner get a root canal when we later found out that he didn't actually need one when we got a second opinion! That is extreme. But it also seems like dentists are always trying to sell you something and it drives me crazy. Needless to say I am so happy to have landed at this clinic. I feel like anything was an up-sell, and on the contrary they actually cared about my pocket book.

Neither of us like going to the dentist and are "anxious" patients. But we both felt at ease in their clinic, and on both visits we were so happy with all of the staff. Here are some main points:

1) Everyone has a big smile on their face, and truly tries to bring a positive "vibe" to your visit. This matters, as I am normally not the most pleasant person on days when I have to go to the dentist. And having a great environment to walk into actually really helps.
2) While I was waiting for my partner on our first visit, I loved how they knew each of their patients by name and would often ask about their family. A true community dentist clinic!.
3) The hygienist, Tonya, was very gentle! But also very thorough. She was so friendly and professional and I'll definitely ask to have her again!
4) There are TV's in each room, which was great for me. I normally bring my iPod and try to just go to a "happy place" as I hate going to the dentist so much! But the combination of skilled and friendly staff and TV's to "zone out" to made the appointment fly by.
5) Very punctual both times we have been there.
6) While we don't have kids, I saw a lot of people bring their children. I liked that and figure if a dentist can work with kids who squirm around, he is probably going to do alright on me if I just sit still! (He did better than alright by the way). Also, all the staff were really children friendly. Definitely a dentist that we can "grow" with when we have children.
7) I don't remember there being that "dentist smell". I HATE that smell, and even when I walk by a dentist office in the mall and get a whiff of it the hairs on the back of my neck start to stand up! But their clinic was very clean. And it either didn't have that smell, or it did and because I felt so at ease it didn't bother me… Either way, I am happy! :)
8) Parking is available for free right next to the building. Always a bonus for the days that you are just going to make your appointment on time and don't have time to circle the block looking for a spot.

I hope this helps. All-in-all very happy and we will be going back, and recommending to friends looking for a new dentist.