Norterra Dental Group and Orthodontics

I was spoken to by the office manager following the placement of my crowns. Despite her acknowledgment that the lack of communication leading to my distress was due to a caulus and uncaring staff who was incapable and without the ability or empathy to put themselves in the patients position. The focus was her concern about this Unilocal review. Leading me to «please» edit my review. Toward the end of the conversation it was clear that was her pitch. One customer means nothing to them. I expected no less. I hold that every point made in previous review was my complete and honest experience and I will not edit anything. When my final visit and I was provided the crowns to complete my «care». It was done by staff whom demonstrated by an aditude of who cares, treating me like a person whom they did not care to ever see again. Well wish granted. So be aware if you open your mouth or express distress you will be meant by cold uncaring upfront office stress and a fundemental disrespect throughout your visit. When asked how the latest visit went I said «fine» because my expectations were low and so I was prepared for such. So to each thier own, but if you expect courtesy and respect for your vulnerability as a patient I would recommend looking for a different dental office. I hope the office manager enjoys this honest review.

I’ve been a patient here for 2 years after hearing so many good things from co-​workers. I have never been disappointed – wait time is very minimal, everyone is so friendly and professional to patients and to each other, and costs seem appropriate! Booking a routine cleaning can take several weeks, however, they get you in fast when it’s urgent. Highly recommend!!!

Services: Check-​up, Cleaning, Orthodontics (Braces)
I love this place!
Check-​up: Dr. Purcell and her team were so thoughtful and took their time speaking with me about each step of what they were doing and the health of my teeth. They also answered all of my questions immediately and thoroughly. Bonus: They were friendly and really seem to like their jobs!
Ortho: Troy Christensen is my hero! He carefully examined the braces I had put on in San Diego, and explained his recommendation for a better course of treatment. He and his team carefully used the latest technology to give me exactly what I need to have the smile I’ve always wanted. He took his time to measure and examine each bracket, and checked in with me each step of the way to see how I was doing. His assistant was also very skilled and absolutely lovely. I left feeling excited about the future and smiling because they were so professional and fun-​no easy feat given that I had old braces removed and new ones put on in the same day.
The only reason I’m not giving 5 stars is because Norterra’s office manager, Melanie, seems to have forgotten that customer service is part of her job. Her responses are short and her tone is condescending. It’s a hard thing to deal with right before heading into major procedures.

This office is super efficient, friendly, and professional. I would highly recommend them for your dental needs

Fantastic team, transparency of health costs, professional, proper introductions from each person I met, very friendly and efficient staff, clean office and very up to date technology and equipment.
Thanks for reading my review

All three of family members including myself have had horrible experiences here, to the point where we left this office. While all the workers were nice, the whole office was disorganized and unprofessional. I went in one time to just get a cleaning and for one hour they tried getting me to purchase expensive and unnecessary procedures. I never even got to get my teethe cleaned. The hygienists were rough and I was forgotten about one time for over half an hour and had to walk to the front to remind a confused staff that I still needed the dentist to look at me.

I have read a few bad reviews and I was hesitant to go to this dental office, but by all accounts this place is great. Very friendly staff and Dr. Cockrell is also very friendly and sharp as a tack. I would recommend this place over the other two places I have been in the valley.

I am writing this because I have never been so turned off by a dental practice. They advertise all these cool things but Dr. Ewell is a fraud. I came in because I knew I needed crowns and I wanted to get them all done in one day. When we were speaking he was all for it. Once the girl came in to go over fees she expressed that those crowns were not available with my insurance. I then over heard the dr and the front office girl Lauren discussing in the hallway that he did not want to do a same day crown because the fee was too low. This Dr. is a complete you know what. I thought he wanted to help me and now I realize this place is just like the other places out for my money. The additional charges from check in should of been my first light bulb but this dr and place are out for themselves and themselves only. I will do everything in my power to let as many people know about Dr. Ewell and Norterra Dental Group. Maybe he should take a class on how to show empathy and at least pretend you care. I already told everyone at USAA about him and this practice. It does not stop here, you should learn how to treat people.

You would have never guessed by looking at me but I had such an intense phobia of dentist that I had not visited a dental office in nearly 15 YEARS. I knew I had a huge host of dental issues but they became so overwhelming I simply pretended it wasn’t happening, even suffering thru many days of debilitating pain. Eventually my husband forced me to keep my first appointment with Norterra Dental (I canceled 3 consecutive times prior).
My fears were a reality… I was in really bad shape. That being said Dr. Cockrell, Dr. Lam, Mark, Erica, Alex and the rest of the staff never made me feel ashamed and they have always treated me with gentle kindness, outstanding work and consummate professionalism, even when at times I needed someone to hold my hand during a procedure. They have been there for me thru multiple extractions, extensive cavities, sinus lifts, root canals, crowns and multiple implants. Essentially a full dental restoration.
Its been a long road but they have done extraordinary work and supported me the whole way… I am finally able to smile with confidence.

In January 2012 I had a molar start to hurt. I scheduled an emergency appointment, they took x rays and gave me a cycle of Amoxicillin, and it took a month to get in to see the dentist. I saw the dentist, got a cleaning, and he suggested a root canal, and gave me Amoxicillin, it took 3 weeks to get in to see the specialists. When they did the cleaning I told them I did not want laser treatment, because my insurance would not cover it. They did it anyway. On the day of the root canal, the dentist did not show up, I had been in extreme pain for over a month by then, I agreed to travel 10 miles to the Pavilion Dental Group, where the root canal was preformed. I returned to Norterra later that day and got a crown put on and another cycle of Amoxicillin. A month later the tooth got an abscess, and I went to the dentist, he gave me another cycle of Amoxicillin, and said that sometimes the infection needs another dose of antibiotic to knock it out. A month later the tooth got another abscess, and I went to the dentist, he lanced it, it was so painful, he gave me another cycle of Amoxicillin, and I made an appointment with the specialists that preformed the root canal. The specialists said the tooth must have cracked, and that it should be pulled out. I made an appointment with another specialists and got the tooth pulled, a misdiagnosis, it was not cracked, rather it was not filled to the bottom leaving an infection in the tooth. and he gave me another cycle of Amoxicillin.
Norterra dental group cost me over $ 1000.00 and a tooth, and for another $ 4,000.00 they will put an implant in for me. I do not trust an unprofessional dentist that can’t even schedule an appointment, bills everything wrong, and has a hard time doing their job right. This was very traumatizing, not to mention 5 cycles of Amoxicillin.

I travel all the way across town just to see Dr. Cockrell.
His team and staff are warm, friendly, kind, and always have the latest Highlights out for me to read, just like I like.
Look. Dentists can be scary. It’s weird having people you don’t know hold your mouth open. You feel exposed. Judged.
That’s still pretty much the case here, but at least get your teeth worked on by people who enjoy their jobs.
I’ve had extensive and exhaustive dental work done here and have enjoyed each and every interaction I’ve had with the staff, from receptionist to hygienist to dentist.
Even when I request for them to wear the bubble gum flavored gloves.
Even when I miss my appointments and they have to call to remind me.
…and even when I’m late on my bill and they have to call and remind me.
Us creative types must be tough patients.
Go forth and get that smile pearly!

I originally went to Norterra because they were recommended by a friend since my dentist had moved. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Their systems to introduce new clients to their processes, taking x-​rays, and checking teeth and gums is well orchestrated. Unfortunately, however, after being there for about an hour and a half, I was unable to get my cleaning done at that time since there was some kind of scheduling issue. They scheduled me to come back on another day for the cleaning.

I was impressed that the wait time was very short. The staff was was happy and helpful; office was relaxed and pleasant, not chaotic. The office is high tech with the newest equipment. The area for kids looked very inviting. If I had kids I would be happy to take them there for braces!

I recently moved to the area and needed to find a new dental office. Before the move, I regularly went (14 years!) for my 6 month cleanings to an amazing small office in the suburbs of Chicago, got all my other dental work there, and was generally a very happy camper when it came to my teeth.
Cue the move. Now I needed a new dentist. Norterra Dental is very close to my home, so I booked an appointment when I was due for another cleaning. I expected to be there for about an hour.
The office staff is really nice, as is the space itself: super high tech and everything is new. As a new patient, I got the whole battery of x-​rays and pictures. It took a lot longer than I was expecting, but about 20 minutes after I arrived I was seated in the exam chair and received the exam that checks how deep the pockets are around your teeth. The lady (very nice!) examining my teeth took the measurements and gave me some bad news: some of the measurements showed an infection in my gums. I was shocked. Even worse, the bone around my teeth was eroding. I was told I needed a special cleaning, preferably using lasers, to clean the area out and prevent any further damage. I was pretty shaken by this, since my old dentist had never informed me of these problems. I was then left alone for about 20 minutes. One of the receptionists came in during this time and informed me that the special deep cleaning would be $ 160 with my insurance, not free since it wasn’t preventive. With the state of my teeth, I’d need to get this cleaning ever 3 months. Feeling like my mouth was about to rot, I consented to the cleaning. Since this was a new addition to the schedule, I waited for another 30 minutes. The very nice lady came in again and cleaned my teeth, then cut me a deal: the laser treatment I needed was $ 50 per tooth, and I needed to get 6 teeth done, but she would to the worst four and give me a lower price of $ 75 for the whole thing. Why not… I have now been at the office for 2 hours and my bill, originally $ 0 for a preventive cleaning, was now up to $ 225. But OK, my teeth would be saved. After my cleaning, I was visited by the dentist (also very nice!) who gave me more bad news: one of my teeth probably has a broken root. My option was to get a free consultation with a specialist, which the office could schedule, but likely, I’d need to pull the tooth and get an implant ($ 3−4K) or a bridge. i questioned his finding, but was told there was definitely an issue. I left the office 3 hours after I got there feeling really discouraged about the state of my teeth, but happy that I was on the right direction to a healthy mouth. I scheduled the consultation with the specialist, as well as another deep cleaning in 3 months.
Cut to today. Ever since my appointment a week ago, I had been wondering why my original dentist never caught all these issues. Were they even issues to begin with? I called and asked about my previous records. My old dentist, wonderful as he is, was able to talk with me about them. Turns out, what looked like a cracked root was present on every single one of my x-​rays dating back 10 years. He had been keeping an eye on it and it has never caused me any issues… therefore, I do not need to do anything about it, and I certainly do not need to get it pulled. The pockets around some of my teeth, which I was told meant that an infection was raging in my gums, had also been stable for years. They were not even deep enough yet to warrant intervention, certainly not special deep cleanings every 3 months. He reminded me of this: my teeth haven’t bothered me in years, I floss and rinse daily, my gums never bleed, and I generally have no other problems. I felt like a fool for paying all that money. He advised me to not go back to Norterra.
My verdict on the office is this: They mean well, but also have a high overhead and will try to squeeze money of of you in any way possible. If you go, get a second opinion on every procedure they recommend, you probably don’t need it. I will cancel the appointments I have made there. That part does make me a little sad, since I really liked the staff, but I now feel like I can’t trust their advice.
My search for a dentist begins again…

I needed a place to bring my kids for their cleanings and I had heard great things about this practice from friends and neighbors. I called and was amazed that they had Saturday appointments! This was music to my ears since now I didn’t have to schedule their appointments around my crazy work schedule. Not only did they have Saturday appointments but they scheduled them for the same time. Added bonus!
They were wonderful with the kids. They took their time with the kids and explained everything they were going to do with them. The room had a TV and a movie playing for the kids and after the appointment, they got to pick out a prize for doing such a great job.
I was so impressed with how they treated my kids, that I decided to transfer there. I had seen two other dentist in the past three years who had both told me I needed work done on my one tooth. I had put it off because the pricing out of pocket was so much. When I went in for my first cleaning there, they told me I had to get the work done sooner than later (which I knew was true because I had been putting it off for so long). But I was still worried about my out of pocket expense.
When they came back and told me it was going to be almost $ 375+ less than the other two dentist had told me and they were willing to do a 3 month payment plan without having to go through the whole credit check, I was very happy. They have been wonderful and very willing to work with you. I am so afraid of the dentist but they make it very easy for you. I HIGHLY recommend this dentist!

I want to keep you from having the same experience I did — DON’T GO HERE if you have an emergency dental need.
Over the weekend I took a fall and knocked my front teeth out of place. The emergency room told me I needed to book a dental appointment first thing Monday morning. When I called Norterra, the earliest they could get me in was 2pm — even after explaining my emergency need. After begging, they agreed to let me show up and wait for a spot.
When I arrived, I knew I’d have to wait. When I finally got x-​rays and saw the dentist, it was horrible. He spent two minutes evaluating my x-​rays and my mouth and quickly told me I would need to pull all four front teeth and get implants. «But not today,» he said. «Come back and see me in a month.»
A MONTH. No explanation, he left the room while I burst out in tears. He did nothing to offer a solution, nothing to dull the physical pain, and nothing to sooth the long term fear. He simply left and didn’t return. I was escorted out by a nurse.
My emergency ended with braces and a full come back, without having to full any teeth (let alone FOUR!).
Just take my advise, you don’t want this experience. Don’t go here, for your own sanity and future longevity of your dental care.

I always have a great experience everytime I visit Norterra Dental Group. The staff is incredibly friendly and works hard to get me in and out of there. It’s so nice to walk in there and have the staff remember my name and ask how I have been doing everytime.
Working 40 hours a week makes it hard to schedule appointments, but I am always able to get an appointment with Dr. Ewell that fits my busy work schedule. I always feel comfortable and know that I am in good hands.
The dental assistants are always kind and friendly, it’s refreshing to not feel like just a patient to them. I recommend Norterra Dental Group to my co-​workers and friends/​family because I know they will be well cared for.

I came to Norterra dental since I had moved away from my previous dentist. I had been putting off having an exam because my prior dentist gave me an outrageous estimate of $ 300 to complete a «deep cleaning».
The first thing I noticed was the office staff was extremely helpful and arranged for my cleaning to be completed under their special pricing for new patients so the cleaning was only $ 39.
It only gets better. Every one of the office staff from the gentleman at the front desk handling the business side of the office to Sarah the assistant and Alissa the hygienist all work together seamlessly and one can tell they are all happy working together.
I came in today at 7am for a crown and filling and it was completed in a efficient manner. Everyone in the office was upbeat and having a good time at work which made me feel better about being up so early.
The office as a whole is modern, with bright lighting and clean waiting area and procedure rooms. They use the most up to date technology for fillings called cerac so that one doesn’t have to use the outdated amalgam treatment. The entire process is extremely comfortable and I actually fell asleep being so comfortable in the patient chair.
Dr. Cockrell is my dentist and he is the best dentist I have ever had. Extremely professional while at the same time he knows how to joke around to put the patient at ease. Dr. Cockrell is extremely gentle and things that would normally hurt in a dentist are pain free in his chair. They always ask if there is enough anesthetic before proceeded to make sure they don’t cause pain.
Overall very friendly staff and high quality care along with comfortable office and affordable treatment. Unfortunately, I am moving out of state but so worried I won’t find as good of care, I am considering returning here for my annual check from out of state in years to come.

I used to really hate going to the dentist. Having lots of bad experiences with The Dentites, I developed quite the anxiety when it came to anything teeth. However, that changed with Norterra.
The friendly, professional staff at Norterra goes the extra mile to put its patients at ease. The dentists, dental assistants and dental hygienists each take the time to address any questions and/​or concerns with respect and expertise. The office staff is always friendly and helpful. Norterra also offers a wide variety of interest-​free payment plans for more expensive procedures. To boot, everything from booking an appointment to checking out is simple and hassle-​free.
I’ve been very impressed with the dental work and service I’ve received from Norterra, and I would recommend them to anyone.

Similar to the other {earlier} review, I was moved to Phoenix, and so I needed to find a new dentist.
Was originally put off on the phone with person doing the scheduling, but in person they were very efficient, cordial, and professional.
Today I had my cleaning, a minor filling, and the usual bank of Xrays and pictures of each tooth. The latter is rather amusing, but does make for great discussion of benefits and treatments. Its great to be able to see your tooth, as others see it, and if there is anything amiss –like in my case, a tiny missing filling that they were able to fix!
Another nice touch, is that the rooms have monitors, so bring your
favorite DVD, and you can be so entertained instead of the usual ceiling tile and the intent faces of the staff peering into your oral cavity.
I would recommend this, especially if you bring a comedy, as that seems to always lighten up everyone, including myself. Extra points if you bring in «Little Shop of Horrors» or «Sweeny Todd».
I met with two of the Dentists today, both seemed both knowledgeable and professional.
One nice touch — they give you sunglasses so that
you are completely shielded from the glare of their lamp. That is a first for me, and I have been going to various {good} dentists for 30+ years — in MI, and recently in Los Angeles– Nobody ever did that prior.
The attitude in the office for 8:30am was quite upbeat and they were good with the humor and able to answer all my questions.
I would say I am a very picky person when it comes to medical and dental care — having seen/​felt less than adequate care in others. My teeth definitely were quite clean leaving the office today.
They offered various analgesics {I declined} if you are so needing to be free of pain– during the cleaning, which may help others?
I have always felt that for cleanings, I should be able to feel the pain, so better to help the hygenist/​dentist with any gum issues. [Alyssa –Hygenist] For my filling they did numb the tooth, which did NOT numb the rest of my mouth, a GREAT feeling, as I was able to eat within an hour afterwards with none of the «half-​asleep» mouth issues that prior filings/​oral work have caused.
My Insurance covered most of today, so I was left with a 55 $ tab which I consider quite reasonable for the various treatments given today.
Unless something drastically wrong occurs, I will be happy with this office of dentists, and visit every 4 months or so, as I have found those cleanings to be very effective in making sure I have no need for any filings, crowns, or gum recession! Truly, an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of the cure. Anyone who has had a filing, let alone a crown, or worse, can attest to that statement.
In summation, a very good experience, worthy of the five stars. Anyone who has seen my reviews, knows that this is VERY RARE, indeed.