Highgate Medical Dental

I had not gone back to this dental office for almost a year, because the receptionists tended to be rude. However, there was one receptionist (Julie) who was quite helpful and pleasant. For that reason and a practical reason, I made an appointment for today (May 15, 2015).
I was «greeted» by this rude Asian lady. Her attitude was obnoxious. I felt as if I had interrupted her day and that I was there — to irritate her. That I didn’t belong there. That I should have gone somewhere else and not going near her!!! After registering that I was there, she brushed me off and told me to sit down.
After stewing for five to ten minutes, I had realized that guess what? This receptionist is in a service industry and she should have a pleasant manner, no matter how bad her day was. If she doesn’t like her job, go do something else. Don’t irritate us customers!!!
I left the office — without saying anything to the receptionists. :-/

I dread going to this medical clinic, the receptionists are almost never at their desks so you have to wait a long time to find out that you have to wait even longer (2 – 3 hours) to see a doctor. There isnt really anything to do while you’re in the area, there are some Chinese and Japanese restaurants around so you might be able to grab some wonton or miso soup. There’s a frozen yoghurt place too, if that’s your preferred way to sooth throat pain. If you’re feeling up to it there’s a Value Village around the corner. But honestly I wouldn’t go here if you don’t live in the area. The receptionists are usually rude when they finally get around to you. The offices are tiny, dirty, dimly lit and the walls are very thin. One time I went here for what I thought was a UTI and when the test came up negative, instead of discussing with me the other possible causes of my symptoms, he sent me away with some antibiotics anyways, which didn’t work. According to the pharmacist the amount he prescribed me for seemed totally inappropriate even if I did have an infection. Throughout the experience the doctor was condescending and absent-​minded. Other times I’ve been here doctors would barely look at me as I spoke to them. The hours at this location are totally unreasonable, they stop taking appointments/​close whenever they want to, which sucks because they already have inconsistent hours. Usually they stop taking walk-​ins at 3 or 4 even when they are supposed to be open until 7/​8, I’ve never been able to come in after school or work because of this. They are closed Sunday/​Monday, which is horribly inconvenient. With this kind of business ethic I wonder what the point is of even running this clinic. I live close by and I usually have to go to one of the clinics around metrotown anyways due to the ridiculous hours here.

Four Stars for the Dental only.
The Receptionists on the dental side are great, very friendly and polite. The dentists do their job, but are typically about as naggy as other dentists I’ve gone to. I once have to sit through a condescending demonstrstration on how to floss my teeth when I already said I’d had one of these «demos» before. Honestly though, no real complaints.

I would never recommend this clinic to anyone. Horrible and rude doctors who are disconnected, have a lack of empathy, condescending and really rude. One doctor lost his temper and yelled at my mom for asking twice about a problem she was worried about. Firstly, respect your elders. Secondly, be patient and understanding of the worries of your patients. Having a degree and some doesn’t simply make you qualified. You must know how to deal with people. I have doctors in my family in other countries. This is a shame to your field. Empathize, smile, be positive, understanding and patient. These are simply the rules of co-​existing. Grow up people. There is no place for condescending and rude people. People have enough worries in their lives. When they trust their health in your hands. Don’t play God complex or shoot them down. Negative experiences can be disheartening and people may no longer have faith in doctors anymore. I had a hard time convincing my mom to go see a doctor again as she was scared if she’ll be talked down to. This is unacceptable.

Walk-​in clinics are a crapshoot. You either arrive at a war-​like triage waiting area or you luck out with a near empty lounge.
Luckily I ended up with the latter. Conveniently a dental and medical clinic and attached to a pharmacy, it’s hard to beat. There were only 2 people ahead of me when I arrived. I was behind an old man I’ll name Mr. Magoo (I’ll explain soon).
Front desk gal was not your standard ‘what do you want?!’ b*tch of most clinics. She smiled.
After about 15 min I was put in a room. Now comes the comedy. One negative: the heating ducts limit confidentiality with the room next door. The positive: hilarity ensued. Mr. Magoo, likely 70+, spoke in his own version of English. I think he came in complaining of some lesion on his hand, but kept rambling in jibberish which the doctor couldn’t really understand. Near the end of the visit it sounds like he whipped out his wang randomly to show the doc some ‘issues’ (which the doctor was already aware of from a previous visit). The doc’s response cracked me up «put that thing away. Just use the cream I gave you… Seriously put that away». Mr. Magoo chuckles.
I was gonna joke around with the doc about what happened but opted to be discrete. The young Chinese doc was friendly, helpful, and fast.
I’ll come back for the chance at another Mr. Magoo encounter.
Edit: Unilocal removed my original posting.

I have been a patient of Dr. Shiraz Fazal for about five years. Dr. Fazal is a very kind, competent and gentle dentist who always takes the time to explain and plan the treatment programme. The hygenist, assistants and office staff have always been very agreeable. I have never had to wait more than a few minutes beyond my appointed time. The surgery is also well equipped with the latest technology. It seems a couple of others have had a problem with the front office staff but I never have and we’re all entitled to an off day now and then! I also love the convenience of the free underground parking off Acorn St.

People need to be responsible for knowing what their insurance plans cover and know that the receptionists cannot get enough information from the insurance plans because of privacy. You cannot get mad at the receptionists and call them rude when they tell you something won’t be covered. They submit to insurance for you to save you the hassle of having to pay upfront and send in a bunch of paperwork yourself. It doesn’t mean its covered. All plans are very different in what they will pay for. Take responsibility in knowing what is being billed and what is covered on your plan.

The dentist and his dental assistants do good work and are good at explaining everything, etc.
However, one of the receptionists was extremely rude to me about a year ago and it really made me think twice about going there again.
I see that a recent comment on Unilocal confirms that she may still be working here.
I have decided to give it one more try, but if I get the same service from the receptionists I will definitely lower this rating and look elsewhere. I will also be more than willing to increase the rating if things have improved with the attitudes of the administrative staff.

I was going to the dental clinic for a few years but last week the receptionist talked to me in a condescending manner. She was asking me why I wanted to reschedule when I had confirmed my appointment already a few days ago. I told her that I had to go out of town, which I did. Fortunately my life does not revolve around a dentist appointment. I did give my 48 hour notice and she first said that it wasn’t. I called 3 hours before the 48 hour time window. She was rude. Take your business elsewhere.

The pharmacy next door is awesome. Its a little mom-​and-​pop sort of place with that sort of feel; the son and his parents get to know you as you come in to get your refills and ask about your family, pets, how you’re doing, etc. Very friendly — and cheaper than shoppers too!