Danforth Neighbourhood Dental Centre

I’ll try to keep it as short as I can, while still explaining fully why this is a 1-​star review:
THE SERVICE:
— My older child told me that the dental hygienist scraped into her gum roughly with the pick a few times and said, «Oops». It really hurt. This had never happened to the kids with other hygienists at previous dentists’ offices. This hygienist must not have been experienced, or was having a bad day. Apparently, a few of the employees here have bad days. Keep reading.
— On my first visit, I mentioned to my dentist Ms. _​_​_​ (no names here) that my lower left molar (which had a filling already) was hurting. She X-​rayed it and said it looked okay, and she’d «keep an eye on it». She then proceeded to ask me if I’d ever considered having crowns put on my other teeth, which I’d never been asked before. I asked if it was necessary. She said it looked nicer. Her office later called to give me a quote for $ 1,200 for crown. Never did mention that painful filling again, but the office did call me again, twice, enquiring about the crowns.
The filling that the dentist said was «okay» chipped off a few months later, and I experienced pain when eating very hot or cold food. My new dentist is fixing it for me now. He doesn’t try to sell me on crowns.
— On our second visit, my older child mentioned to me that in the hallway, the same dentist above was heard screaming angrily to a co-​worker. «She sounded really annoyed at her co-​worker, and unfriendly,» my child said. Maybe she was having a bad day.
— Our third visit was simply to ask for our records, and the attitude was something else. They were very concerned during my first visit whether I had dental insurance or not. I did, but we had been waiting for the children to be put on the plan, so the children didn’t have insurance during the first visit, and I had had to pay 100%. Once the children were finally put on the plan, I came in at a later date to ask for a copy of the receipts so I could submit to the insurance company and get my money back. The receptionist serving me seemed annoyed, and asked, «What do you want that for?» I explained to her what I wanted to do. She took her time finding our files, and periodically sighed very loudly while doing so, because apparently it was *such* an inconvenience for her.
Once she gave them to me, I asked for all our X-​rays as well. Again, she asked me why. I explained that we would be taking them to search for a new dentist, as we would no longer be clients here. All of a sudden, she had a bright smile on her face. She became *ever* so helpful and gave me the X-​rays (this time, without sighing). She then proceeded to ask me if I knew where to submit my receipts and did I need an address, or even a stamp (no thanks, I replied, as I didn’t need anything further from them).
Ha. Just like the phone companies: As soon as they think they’re going to lose you, they’re the friendliest bunch *ever*.
In summary:
THE VALUE:
— None. Highest price I’ve ever paid to have kids’ cavities filled. The exact price per filling, with no mention of how deep or complex each cavity is, unlike my new dentist, who tells me that the complexity of the cavity determines the price.
— As mentioned above, seemed more concerned about getting me in for the $ 1,200 crowns than fixing my filling.
VERDICT:
Never again. They keep calling me repeatedly (despite my asking twice to be removed from their phone and mailing list since I was no longer a client). I finally had to come in person to ask to be removed from their mailing list.

I have to agree with Ty. I really wanted this dental office to work out. This is the second time now they have booked us in for something that is NOT covered and then call you telling you that you owe a hefty bill. I’ll be looking for a new dentist.

VIBE
When you don’t have the benefit of having benefits, the dentist is a freelancer’s WORST nightmare and will have you pinching pennies more than you do salt.
That said, if you’re going to get your teeth «did,» it’s not an expense you skimp on (hello? Remember the movie «Little Shop of Horrors?»).
I have been going to the house of Dr. Syriopoulous for over 20 years (give or take the few years where I couldn’t afford to go… see below) and he and his dental staff are top notch, calm and always smiling (well, for the most part. At least Dr. S is).
The centre was recently renovated and is bright and cheery. And some of their dental reception staff have been there for 12 and 20 years respectively. I can’t say that about the dental assistants but when your dental staff have low turnover, that’s a really good sign.
THE SERVICE
The assistant who gave me my x-​rays wasn’t the best. I was late and therefore I was rushed (she had to pick up her kids) but it didn’t make me feel very comfortable.
That said, when I went back in to get an assessment from Dr. Hendricks, he and his assistant made me feel very comfortable. He explained everything to me in plain English, was calm and patient. He’s very friendly and he gets the job done.
Second time: he and his assistant, Crystal are pros.
I pity him for having to look at the disgusting-​ness of my teeth. I now realize no dentist will ever date me.
After my first appointment, he made the first side of my teeth feel brand new. It was a lot of work, but again he was patient, professional and precise.
Reception staff (as with dental assistants… and I think you’ll get this anywhere) are hit and miss. The older reception staff are good and you definitely know they have a thick skin (file under: jobs I would never want to have in my lifetime). The newer reception staff, in my opinion, were just not as warm or friendly. When I’m paying into the hundreds for appointments, I don’t want to have a judging look. Also, I know you know how much cleanings, etc. are and hate when you’re all «well it’s based on time.» Let me know how much something approximately costs so I can plan in advance.
That said, they don’t overshadow the warm and friendly environment here.
I still have more appointments but I’m not going to switch because I know I can trust these guys. And that’s what you will pay for.
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
If you’re paying upwards of $ 500 for one appointment (yes…), you may as well be able to watch as much cable as you want. I will tell you «What Not To Wear» is a show that should have been custom-​made TV watching for the Dentist. You’ll completely forget what they’re doing to your mouth because you want to know what the show’s resident fashion’s disaster transformation will be.
Anyways, this is a solid choice for your dentist. And kids, brush and floss every day. I’m learning my lesson the hard way.

«I had a sadistic dentist as a child.»
For the record, this is not a cool thing to say to your new dentist. Luckily, my new DDS, Dr. Hendricks, took this doltish comment in stride. And I ended the appointment by saying, «Thank you for being so kind.»
*
I love the clean and open flowing interiors here. It looks like one of those rooms IKEA would offer as a model dentist office. Free waiting room wifii –AND free parking, wow!
This spiffy practice is large with competent front of the house staff and several dentists to choose from. They see both adults and children. The dentists I took my boys to have been thoughtful, patient, and considerate of children – and they allow parents to stay in the exam room if they choose. I love that.
State-​of-​the-​art equipment tools and flat screens to watch with your mouth open. Somehow watching home improvement shows are perfect for passing the time in a dentist chair.
Dr. Hendricks was gentle during my new patient exam, which is kind of amazing considering he was wielding a sharp metal instrument at my o so vulnerable gums. At one point when he saw my flinching, he asked if I was experiencing gum sensitivity and I said, «No, I’m just scared.» And then he resumed his thorough exam without judging comments.
I also loved that he didn’t try to shame me for having some buildup on the back of my lower teeth. «It just means it’s time for a cleaning» he said – and also that I was «doing a good job».
Phew.
Not scary. Helpful.

After 20 years of being terrified of having a rather difficult wisdom tooth removed, I finally had it out two weeks ago. Dr Syriopoulos is a dental wizard! Not only was the recovery as pain-​free as it could possibly get, the after care Ive received has been wonderful as well. I cant recommend this clinic highly enough.

Super modern and pain free. They really are able to make going to the dentist a pleasurable experience.