Dr. Angie Ramirez, DDS

I'll start with the very limited good: She did pull one tooth that was causing pain and it was actually surprisingly quick and easy--the numbing took longer than the actual extraction. She was very direct about the sensations I would be experiencing, and how to signal her if I felt actual pain. Overall her bedside manner was pleasant, but I've rated it a 1 for her outright dismissal of my desires (see below)

The rest: First, neither of my appointments started remotely close to the appointment time. 

Next, I expressed my desire to get dentures, as I've had issues with my teeth for decades and they're only getting worse. Instead of asking about why, or entertaining ANY discussion on it, she stated that she refused to "mutilate my mouth" and pull healthy teeth.  She nearly-berated me, saying that I'd only have 10% of my biting strength and did I want that? She then said if I wanted them, I'd have to see another dentist.  She said I should get veneers or crowns if I was worried about the cosmetic appearance. (For reference, those both range from $400-$2000 per tooth, though I'm not sure what her practice charges). In addition to cosmetic appearance (which is admittedly one concern), i have frequent low-level long-lasting pain in most of my upper right mouth. Further, my teeth are not healthy.  I have, by her own hygeinist's acknowledgement, significant gum and bone loss. And yes, to answer her question, 10% of biting power is preferable to frequent near-constant pain. 

Later, I reviewed the treatment plan she submitted--which she didn't go over with me, thus not affording me the opportunity to make informed decisions regarding my own treatment. The first thing I noticed was that she'd added a $135 toothbrush without discussing it with me, that I would've had to pay out of pocket. That's a practice thing though, not exclusive to her. 

More disturbing was that the same series of procedures was listed twice each--it should have only been there 4x, but it was there 8x. It was for a gingival irrigation which, upon research I've learned has no hard evidence that it provides substantial--or any actual--benefit. I touched base with a dentist unaffiliated with her practice to ask if that was typical and he stated bluntly "Do not pay for this procedure". 

I will absolutely be taking her up on her directive to find a new dentist (in order to get the care I actually want).