Unfortunately, I am downgrading my previous review of this dentist and this clinic, after our most recent (and last) visit.
Previously, Dr. Holman did a lot of dental work for me and for my husband ( see review below) and we both liked him and felt good about the work he did for us. And also appreciated the price we paid, compared to an estimate quoted by another clinic.
Unfortunately, this time, Dr. Holman seemed "distracted" for lack of a better word. My husband REALLY noted this. Perhaps he is tired...still friendly, but just not the same as before.
The day my husband was there, there was an unexpected medical emergency in their office. Dr. Holman barely looked at my husband's teeth, focused almost completely on what was happening in the next room. That's understandable, but we definitely shouldn't have been charged the full price for this visit, which they did. Dr. Holman spent so little time with him and wasn't focused on his work; overall, not acceptable.
Another issue with this clinic, his receptionist, Barb is anything but pleasant or professional, just the opposite.????
It is SO helpful to be greeted by a friendly, welcoming person, when visiting any dentist. Really helps to keep the stress level as low as possible, before the actual dental work begins. You won't find that here.
I am a quiet, polite person but for some unknown reason, Barb seemed to take a dislike to me from day one and was usually abrupt and at times downright RUDE!
For example...Kept calling me by a nickname that I dislike, in spite of me mentioning this politely on a several occasions. When she said it again in front of my husband on our last visit, he told her politely, AGAIN that I disliked this nickname. Instead of apologizing , she got all silly and said she'd just refer to BOTH of us by our INITIALS only, from now on!!!
She even wrote this on our last receipt:
G........
J........
instead of our names!!!! Talk about crazy!!!
Also mixed up appointment times and dates on more than one occasion, again not helpful or appreciated. She just added stress and annoyance when going for a dental appointment, who needs that?
We certainly won't miss interacting with this poor excuse for a professional receptionist again.
........................................ .
My previous 5 star review from 2 years ago:
After neglecting my teeth for (too) many years and also encountering a couple of BAD dentists along the way, I finally got the courage to give another dentist a try; this time in our new home of Nanaimo BC.
Dr. Holman is a GEM!
He is kind, personable and really knows his work. And he is great with needles!
Gentle, considerate and also taking the time to really explain what work is needed and what the options are, in terms of price etc.
I was VERY impressed with his work and attitude overall, as was my husband Joe.
Finding a GOOD dentist is like finding gold, IMO. And Dr. Holman is a keeper.
If you have given up on dentists after a bad experience or two or just have delayed going for whatever reason, give him a try. You'll be glad you did.
Also want to mention his assistant Celine who was very conscientious about her work and was kind and personable too. That also helped a lot and was appreciated.
We did not have our teeth cleaned at this time so I can't comment on the hygienists working there. Hopefully they'll get a 5 star rating too, when we do need our next check up and cleaning.