Williamson Dental

"I only write these when I get excellent or terrible service. This review is for the Festus office. I rate the hygienist service as a 10; she is so good she could have hidden many flaws, but my concerns are glaring and many. As excellent as she is, there is little she could have done to hide them all. Professionally, she displayed excellent knowledge, was personable, and thoroughly explained each step before proceeding. Her assessment and evaluation were quite comprehensive, lasting an hour and a half. Dr. Harrman also examined me, conducting his own assessment but never explaining his purpose or intent to me. He spoke more to the hygienist than directly to me. He just never seemed obligated to explain to me what he found. He seemed somewhat put off when I had questions about my diagnosis and treatment recommendations. The hygienist actually explained more to me about what he found after he left than he did. Imagine being in an ER, where the physician examines you. Then, as they leave says, "My nurse will be in to explain to you what I found." ( wait, what) I acknowledge that everyone has off days. Having friends who are physicians and having worked with physicians my whole adult life, being personable is not a requirement to be a competent provider. To be considered an excellent provider requires a more than competent understanding of your craft but also the personality to relay those findings to the patient. I was presented with a four-phase plan. I was told that the receptionist would review it and discuss my options. She was initially friendly enough and told me about my remaining benefits for the year. What I found odd is that she prioritized the most expensive procedure, listed as the fourth phase, as the first priority to be completed. This was different from what the dentist and I had just discussed. This procedure would have depleted my remaining benefits entirely and wasn't the reason for my concern in the first place. She suggested postponing phases 1, 2, and 3 until 2025, essentially delaying the reason I sought treatment by ten months. My condition is not stagnant and will be markedly worse in 10 months. I have to question her authority to make that recommendation. That authority could only come from the provider. Bill the highest action item first, knowing the primary condition is progressing. In my opinion, that has to call into question the providers' integrity and or decision-making. I still inquired about a discounted cash price if I chose to pay out of pocket for the listed procedures so I could get them completed this year without waiting ten months. She informed me there wasn't one, which struck me as unusual. As I tried to figure out what she was telling me and how best to proceed, she seemed rushed and flustered that I did not accept her suggestion. She told me I could take the paper and call back once I made up my mind. "Or" if I was going to see a new dentist, let them know. Being at home wouldn't help clarify matters for me, as I'm not the subject matter expert. I am not new to healthcare. I've been an RN for 23 years and am the department director for a major healthcare organization in the area. I have an idea of how this should work. This was not it. ( Admittedly, I fall short at times too.) I was only there because a family member who has worked with a local oral surgery group referred me. She now knows my experience and hopefully holds off on the blanket community referrals based on historical precedent. Overall, it felt like a wasted day. I can wait ten months before my primary concern is addressed at this office, or I can find another provider who hopefully listens, communicates better, and works with me for mutually agreeable treatment options."

"They got me in right away when I had my tooth chip off and were super nice about everything. Everyone there is great! They explained the process, gave me options, explained the billing ahead of time, and made sure I was comfortable and doing ok every step of the way. It was a wonderful experience, all things considered!"

"My 5 year old daughter used to be nervous to go to the dentist and now she actually looks forward to it. Alyssa goes above and beyond to make her feel comfortable and helps her understand everything that’s happening during the cleaning and x-rays. I truly appreciate her patience to ensure my daughter has a great experience!"

"Hygienist and the Doctor were very thorough and explained everything. The receptionist and everyone was very friendly. It was a pleasant atmosphere. Would definitely recommend Williamson Dental to anyone looking for a dentist."

"Although I definitely put them through stress for the 3 hours I was there with the anxiety attack I had with the numbing gel and alll the reassurance they had to give me I walked out of there feeling very cared about. The staff is professional & they know what the heck they’re talking about!! Shout out to Alyssa for making my experience at Williamson Dental a very great one!! She eased my mind in every single negative aspect I had.. she tries to get to know you on a personal level to make you feel as comfortable as possible. She is absolutely AMAZING!! I loved my 1st visit, I will be coming back from now on, and referring others!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND"