The Smile and Implant Center

I went in to get a cleaning done and I believe the woman who did it was named Clara. She was great!
I am quite familiar with the dentist being that I had braces before and usually go on a regular basis to get cleanings, but I can never seem to feel comfortable sitting in the chair. Clara was actually the first person to make me feel very comfortable and take my mind off of what she was doing by carrying a conversation with me. Not only that, but she took her time on every tooth and had such delicate hands that I didn’t feel any discomfort while getting the cleaning. This was by far the best part because the last dentist I had gone to was very rough, made my gums hurt, and was done faster than I had ever gotten a cleaning done which left me scarred not wanting to get another cleaning done.
I was very pleased with how I was treated and how reasonably priced it was with a special they offered me. Definitely going back!

I chose 2 stars because it’s not «A OK» like the 3 stars rates it. So somewhere between ‘Meh” and «OK».
I had a great first visit there. Everyone was so nice and friendly. Now, I like many do not visit a dentist enough, so my experience is limited for comparison. But it was good and they came up with an affordable and temporary solution for my particular problem. I have to say that I know I have gum disease also known as Gingivitis. I’ve had it since the 80’s. My Mother had it and my Father had it. So on my first visit I was scheduled for the 1^st of my two cleanings. I called to schedule my second cleaning when I realized they didn’t schedule me. But I think I know now why.
My second visit was for the 1^st of 2 cleanings. While the hygienist was cleaning my neglected teeth she was marveling on and on how bad my plaque was, how bad my gums are, which I pretty much already knew, so I was not surprised. So while she was harping on this she was mentioning my next cleaning which I thought was the next scheduled cleaning for the following week. But behold, she was talking about an entirely different cleaning not scheduled — a $ 1500 cleaning! What?! By the way check out this site for industry standard pricing:

That would be an industry standard of about $ 207 per quadrant which would be $ 828 according to the HealthCare Blue Book. NOT $ 1500. I’m in sales so I totally understand up-​selling and I’m all for it. However, there should be a conversation, not someone schmoozing you while your mouth is open oohing and ahhing about your plaque and gums. And then walking to the desk to learn that the recommended next step is this exorbitant procedure and not the next appointment they already scheduled you for. Not to mention $ 600 over the industry standard.
Anyway, I did not opt for the $ 1500 cleaning and kept my appointment for the second of the two initially scheduled REGULAR cleaning from my first visit and the hygienist did a great job and I scheduled a REGULAR cleaning for 3 months from now. I liked this hygienist and she was conscientious and thorough. I would definitely get another cleaning from her.
This is the problem with this office: They’re counting on lay downs, pushovers, sheep. And so you know, they don’t like people who ask questions, who want clarification, or who are confused by their tactics, of whom I am one. And if you’re not confused you’re not paying attention.
And they are not only totally unprepared to deal with people like me they have no problem treating me like I’m imposing on them. I really don’t get that part. And they’re a bunch of control freaks. Except for the Doctor. I don’t think he is, I just think he is bullied by these people. He lets them run his business, it seems — although he might be totally on board with it, although he doesn’t say much. And his consultation skills are pretty non existent. He might be the originator of this kind of slam bam get ‘em out get ‘em in, keep them dumb mentality. I don’t know.
It’s called heath CARE and they should pay more attention to the CARE part, and not the money. The money will come if they just show they care.
They need to do more consulting with their patients so they understand what they need, what it will cost, and how it will benefit them. They do none of this.
A Note To This Office: If I were a patient of a dentist taking great care of my teeth on a regular basis for years or were in the dental care profession, I would understand better what you do. I am neither of these. You should show a little patience and not be so pushy and controlling. And if I were either of these things I would not have found myself in your office.

Thank you for the wonderful service!

Please do yourself a favor and look elsewhere.
The dentist running this place is driven by one thing and that’s $… I believe just recently his partner left the Smile Center because he did not want to work with him.
I had the most expensive dental insurance my job offered and when I went to see if I needed my wisdom teeth removed I was quoted $ 1000 after insurance!!!
Thank God I looked else where and found a great dentist in Nutley. After my insurance I was only charged, $ 50 each!!! What a difference.
Save yourself from the nightmare of the Smile Center and also save yourself some money!!!