Gentle Dental West Salem

After breaking an old filling causing me some severe pain, trouble eating, temperature sensitivity that is semi extreme. I scheduled an appointment expecting a standard evaluation and clear guidance on next steps. I did receive X-rays, and the dental technician I worked with was excellent. They were kind, professional, and thorough. Unfortunately, that was the only positive part of the visit. The appointment with Dr. James Means Jr. was brief, curt, and dismissive. I was not given a treatment plan or meaningful guidance and was referred out with little explanation and no discussion of next steps or interim care. The contrast between the quality of the technical staff and the provider was stark. I left feeling appalled by how I was treated and, on my way home, stopped at a local office and transferred my care. After the appointment, I received an automated email encouraging me to leave a positive review and directing any dissatisfaction to be handled privately. After reading other reviews describing nearly identical experiences, it’s hard not to see a pattern. That approach raises serious questions about how representative the office’s 4.9 star rating actually is. Transparency and accountability matter in healthcare, and this experience fell far short of both.

I was in need of being seen quickly. They notified me of a cancellation. My oral needs presented a challenge. Dr Means and staff were so patient, compassionate, gentle, and persistent and took the time needed to complete my care. I feel so much better. I am so grateful. Thank you.

Tried to call and set up a first appointment and the person who answered the phones was rude as heck to me. Started giving my attitude when I said my kid wasn’t referred to this practice. Definitely not the type of healthcare professionals I want around my children.

Gentle Dental is to dentistry, what Taco Bell is to Mexican food. You are a number measured in dollar signs with this chain dentist. I had 2 dentists to chose from with my insurance company, and this dentist office was closer. I was immediately put off after my first new patient call. The person I spoke with had no phone etiquette and clearly does not like the job, she had the "I can't wait to get out of here" vibe. When I arrived for my appointment, I almost walked out, I witnessed the same attitude was shown by both front end office staff while assisting customers in front of me. They have no regard for privacy and no tact with patient person information ( I was thought HIPAA applied to dentistry and well), fully discussing an issue about the previous patient after they left ( and not in a favorable way). I noticed their is someone who comments on the reviews, I find this hard to believe. Like most companies they are trying to make it look like they care. If they did, they would realize the majority of the negative reviews all have one common issue. I believe they rely on TONS of text and email notifications to do the job of the office staff regarding appointments. I received 10 notifications for my upcoming cleaning, including a "final" phone call why I was in a meeting. My appointment was immediately cancelled less than 24 hours before I was schedule in, I find it ironic they have have a 40.00 cancellation policy if I do not cancel within their cancellation window. I made the appointment, I took time off work, if I cancel I pay 40.00 thats the incentive to show up, and Gentle Dental cancelled the appointment? It will be interesting to see if I am charged 40.00 for them cancelling the appointment. Avoid this place, or at least this location at all costs. THE WORST FRONT END STAFF, you will get better service from Taco Bell Staff.

Best dental experience I was awake for. Thank God there’s a place that actually stands by its name. I don’t say 5 stars only cause noones perfect and that my philosophy. Other than that I say go for it if you need anything dental done.