Posts by rustymarlin6

Hey everyone. I’m currently on the hunt for a decent dentist here in Chicago. Honestly, whether they run a private practice or work for a large group doesn't move the needle for me, and frankly, the price tag isn't my primary concern—it's the quality of care and the level of genuine dedication. When you're talking about something as personal as cosmetic dentistry, it becomes a sacred thing; it’s intimate, and for many, it’s a major life factor. You need reliability, empathy, and a practitioner who actually listens. I don't know about you all, but so far, I haven't encountered anyone who truly embodies those qualities. My profession or my specific motivations aren't relevant here; I just want to fix some aesthetic issues with my teeth that have been bothering me. I actually wore braces previously, which were handled at this same clinic where I’m now trying to get these corrections done. I originally went there based on a recommendation—I can't quite recall who—because it was touted as this premier, highly vetted institution right in the heart of Chicago, boasting extensive experience and international credentials, catering to foreign patients and acting as if they are the undisputed gold standard. Now, look, I understand the gravity of what they do, but this level of self-aggrandizement—turning an entire medical practice into a literal circus—is beyond ridiculous; in some ways, it’s just pathetic. The owner of this clinic carries herself like she’s some sort of countess or a cosmic ruler, dictating every move to her patients and treating her staff like disposable labor; it’s a hierarchy where everyone else is just a mouse scurrying under her feet. At least, that’s how it looks from my vantage point. When she speaks to you, she doesn't even make eye contact; she stares at the wall next to you, using a condescending tone and snapping whenever things don't go her way. Everyone there seems to be walking on eggshells, dancing to whatever tune she decides to play. But I refuse to dance. And that’s where the friction started. I tolerated her behavior until my recent appointment, when I returned to have certain cosmetic details finalized—work that she charges an absolute fortune for, despite the treatment being abysmal. Not to mention her attitude toward clients. In the end, I walked out feeling completely dissatisfied, only to be told that they simply "can't do any better" and that if I wasn't happy, I should just find someone else. This is coming from a woman with a wall full of professors' degrees and certificates—her husband is also supposedly very influential, though I couldn't care less—and she had the audacity to snap at me when I came back for the second time to fix the work. To them, their version of "optimum" is the end-all, be-all, even when it's glaringly obvious to anyone with eyes that something is off. Some might say I'm being nitpicky, but when it involves your teeth and your confidence in your professional life, you'd understand if you stepped into my shoes. I eventually reached the point of telling her that if it was all about the money, I’d happily take a refund just so she would never show her face to me again. I mean, what else can I say? It was harrowing. I didn't even know how to react to 😉 her behavior. Ultimately, I just left. I refused to descend to her level; she can keep her money, because my dignity is worth more than a botched smile.
So, if anyone knows a good, polite dentist—someone with actual patience (since she’s basically an old crank by now) who will actually put in the effort to advise you rather than just mechanically grinding away at you like a machine—please leave a recommendation... Please. 😉
If you're curious, I can tell you the name of that clinic.