thumbs-down for Dental Services PC

[elusiveat.livejournal.com]

Back in January when I went in to have my teeth cleaned at Dental Services PC, my hygienist pretty muchly strong-arming me into getting X-rays that I did not want to pay for, and wouldn't really have wanted even if they were covered by insurance. The only explanation given was that this was a really good dentist's office and not some walk-in place that would just do whatever you asked, that it was important to them to monitor the health of their patients. Which evidently means annual X-rays.

When I talked to my periodontist about it, he said that he thought that was completely inappropriate and that you always have the right to refuse X-rays, and once you say no it should not be raised again as a question.

So, today when I called the office (http://dentalservicespc.com/) to see about rescheduling an appointment, I also asked whether the yearly X-ray policy is for real. Well, it turns out that it is indeed *required* for all patients there. Or so I was told by the receptionist who picked up.

So, even though it's only 6 months since my last X-ray, I canceled my appointment, and I will instead get my teeth cleaned at my periodontist's office (http://www.cambridgeperio.com/). There, I know that there is at least one doctor (Alan DerKazarian) with a healthy respect for radiation and for patient wishes regarding minimizing exposure.

Comments

[teele-sq.livejournal.com]

Dr. Derkazarian went to med school with Dr. Samadani (Cambridge Orthodontics) and Casey Cook (Davis Square Dental). I've seen all three as a patient and have only positive things to say about my experience with each.

[elusiveat.livejournal.com]

Have you met the younger Dr. Derkazarian?

[teele-sq.livejournal.com]

Hm, yes I see now that you said Alan DerKazarian who is the father, and my only experience was with Mark, the son. Sorry for the mix up.

[dfan.livejournal.com]

I am also really happy with Mark DerKazarian. He's friendly but also super-informative about what your situation is and what he's doing about it.

[elusiveat.livejournal.com]

This is really good to hear. I've only met with Alan DerKazarian (who is really awesome, intelligent, and personable), but it's Mark DerKazarian who is going to be doing a procedure on my gums.

[m-b-w.livejournal.com]

Finding your category on this chart may be helpful in knowing if their policy makes sense for you:

http://www.ada.org/sections/professionalResources/pdfs/topics_radiography_chart.pdf

[marphod.livejournal.com]

Annual X-Rays are standard practice for most dental work.

What is your reasoning for avoiding it?

[thetathx1138.livejournal.com]

If you've got high incidence of cancer in your family, dodging radiation is just generally a good idea. I only have X-rays done if they're absolutely required and make sure anybody treating me is aware of my concern (I don't contravene doctor's orders, of course, but generally doctors understand).

[bombardiette.livejournal.com]

First I've heard of annual x-rays being standard. My dentist is awesome and only requires them every 5 years after first visit (less if you prefer), unless there's something that necessitates an x-ray such as facial injury, something wrong with your teeth, etc.

[perspicuity.livejournal.com]

you should goto dr doris. he's a riot, but a good dentist. right on mass ave, just north of porter.

#

[danger-chick.livejournal.com]

I assume you also do not fly when you travel, as two round trip flights across the US a year would be more radiation than your average full mouth dental X-Ray.

[elusiveat.livejournal.com]

If I did fly when I travel (which I avoid when I can) then that would be all the more reason to avoid *additional* radiation as a medical routine.

In my experience...

[litia2005.livejournal.com]

A number of dentists push X-rays so that the machine stays in use and pays for itself...