Douglas James Dr

Hi,
I’m writing this review because I want to warn people not to go to this dentist, or his office, Michigan Avenue Dental Associates. I’ve never received such terrible customer service.
11 months ago I visited this office. I had to make 2 appointments on different days, because they cannot schedule consultation and cleaning together and have absolutely no respect for your time. This is also confirmed by their lack of punctuality.
I received a routine cleaning and bitewing xrays, all fully covered by my insurance.
10 months later (!) I receive a 75usd bill from Michigan Avenue Dental Associates. Not itemized. I had not received a previous bill from them, so I called to ask what it was about. They were charging me for part of the cleaning (which was fully covered b my insurance, as I checked on their claims website) and «hygiene instructions». I don’t recall receiving instructions. Not having had a cavity in my 34 years, I don’t actually think I need them. More importantly, no one asked me if I wanted to receive the instructions and that I would have to pay for them! It took me about another 3 phone calls until they cancelled all charges.
I’ve decided to switch dentists. I am now struggling to get my full set of radiographic images from them. They will not send them to my doctor, I need to personally sign a release and they cannot guarantee if I will then receive the copies or if I will have to go yet another time to pick them up.
There are thousands of dentists in Chicago. Please choose a different one.

Worst experience I have EVER had in a dental office, or any doctors office for that matter. I had to switch dentists because I moved to Chicago. DO NOT GO HERE. ANY GOOD REVIEW IS A FLUKE!!! DR JAMES IS AWFUL.
First off, it is ridiculous that you cannot have a cleaning done at your first appointment; having a ‘consultation’ and ‘cleaning’ at separate times is unbelievably obnoxious. My appointment was scheduled for 1:30 PM. By 2:00 pm, when I was still sitting in reception and noone even gave me an update on why they were running late or apologized, I asked what was going on. They said the doctor would see me in 5 minutes. 10 minutes later, not 5, I was brought into a room to meet Dr. James, who met me in there ANOTHER 5 minutes later. He also did not acknowledge how long I had been waiting or apologize. Just talking to me about my teeth is not really helpful if you have not looked at them. I found him condescending because I am a female who appears young, and did not appreciate that he said my prior dentist, of 6+ years, whom I love, was wrong about my gum recession.
Dr. James then told me that they would have to do my X rays, and then he would look at my teeth, each would take 20 minutes. I said «excuse me, I was taken in to meet you 40 minutes late, and now you want to take another 40 minutes» He once again, was not remotely apologetic.
I was then brought to a chair for the x-​rays. When I asked if they had looked at what my old dentist sent over, the woman replied no. Why would I want more x-​rays done than i need to?!? She disappeared for another 15 minutes to check on what had been sent for my record. She came back, said they would open the email later, so now she would just do basic x — rays. which she did quite painfully.
I then waitied more. She came back 5 minutes later, and said I needed to do the other x rays. I said I have already been here for almost 2 hours, and don’t have time. She said okay we will do it next time, disappeared AGAIN.
When she came back, she told me that Dr. James was running late, and since I already said I was running late, do I want it rescheduled.
I was FURIOUS at this point. IT took them 2 hours, to do 15% of what they were supposed to do in the appointment. They expected me to come back for TWO MORE appointments to have dr. james do an exam, and then come back AGAIN for an x-​ray.
When I called the next day to cancel the appointments that I made, since I decided to fly back to California to see my dentist rather than ever step foot in that office again, no one asked why i was canceling my appointments or cared. WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED.

The appointment ran well behind schedule and the dentist seemed preoccupied with personal matters during my exam. He kept murmuring to himself in disgust after yelling at the receptionist. It made for an uncomfortable experience.
The facilities were clean and a convenient location in the loop (hence, the second star). I even enjoyed the hygienist, Terry, who seemed more knowledgeable than the doctor.
However, due to the poor service and general awkward persona of the dentist, I will not be returning nor would I feel comfortable recommending someone to Dr. James.

When I arrived for my appointment/​initial exam the receptionists seemed pleasant and helpful as they both worked together to get my initial paperwork complete. I was then promptly taken to a chair for full mouth x-​rays. The tech who took the x-​rays was quick and really nice. Even though I said I was accustomed to dental work and the x-​rays would be of little discomfort, she kept checking to make sure I was ok.
While the x-​rays were developing, Dr. James stopped in to introduce himself. He said he was going to work with another patient while my x-​rays developed and he would be right back. He indeed returned shortly and went over the x-​rays with me and then did a thorough check of my mouth, teeth and glands. He reviewed everything with me and discussed future needs and care. We even chatted a bit about each of our backgrounds. Turns out his daughter is the office manager and is also pursuing dentistry. Before I had even found this out I got the feeling this was a family business. Turns out to be the case.
On my way out I got a free bottle of water, toothbrush and travel toothpaste. Set my next appointment and was on my merry way.
2 days later I received a thank you note from Dr. James. Who does that anymore??? Great touch and made me feel a valued customer. And this is important as I had the same dentist and hygienist for 25 years of my life.
My only complaint is how far booked in advance they are for cleanings. Just makes me think they are busy though. As they should be with the great service they are providing.
After my first visit, I feel completely comfortable recommending Michigan Avenue Dental Associates and Dr. James. I actual look forward to my cleaning — now who says that about their dentist?