After neglecting my teeth for (too) many years and a couple of bad experiences with dentists along the way, I decided to give Dr. Stamer at Red Clover Dental (along with my husband Joe), a try.
We were not impressed with our first (and last) visit to this clinic.
The only plus was the receptionist/office manager, Heather. She was very friendly and helpful. But after that things started to go bad even before I was "in the chair" when I happened to get talking to a man waiting in the reception area. I asked him if he had been there before and if Dr. Stamer was a good dentist. After a delayed pause and grimacing, he replied: " We liked the dentist that use to be at this office, she's (referring to Stamer) just OK"
Hardly a positive endorsement and did not make me feel any better about being there, only more nervous.
First stop was with one of their hygienists, a very nasty woman named: Christine.
I have been to several hygienists over the years and she was by far, THE worst! Nasty, rude, rough with my mouth and teeth, I was so glad when that part of the visit was over. She was not a person with any kind of people skills either. Seemed to enjoy making me feel even worse, about not having visited a dentist for years. What I needed that day was some kindness and compassion, NOT a session with Christine.
Next, a brief visit from Dr. Stamer who didn't actually even look at my teeth, but relied on the xrays they had taken, completely. This was a first, I have never been to another dentist who did not actually look at my teeth, before making any treatment recommendations.
She then told me I would need 2 root canals and 3 crowns and one small filling. As I had never had a root canal before, I asked why this was necessary. In spite of being told that these 2 teeth were not infected and they were not causing me any pain, that was her recommendation for both.
I left that office very discouraged and not wanting to proceed with this dentist, and definitely not without getting a second opinion, from a dentist that I could feel good about. And happily I was able to do that, and in a short period of time, after relocating to Vancouver Island recently.
Our new dentist not only assured me that these root canals were NOT necessary but even the 3 crowns were optional if I chose fillings instead. He (Dr. Holman) also found some other very small cavities that needed attention that Dr. Stamer did not. Again, this probably would have resulted in more extensive and expensive treatments later on, had these smaller cavities been left to get worse.
I now have completed my dental work with this new dentist and am very pleased that I waited to get a second opinion and to have the work done that I needed by a dentist I feel good about and confident in his work and recommendations. What a difference!
And in terms of price, my husband and I ended up paying less than $5000. for all the work we both needed, instead of the $9000. that Dr. Stamer had quoted. A significant difference there too.
I would not recommend this dentist or the hygienist I unfortunately endured that day. I'm just glad I ultimately found a dentist I am really happy with, in another city. They are like finding gold, but they are out there.