Dr. Mei Lu, PHD, DDS, MS

Prelude: This dental office contacted me – twice – to ask me to write a review. I emailed the dentist to ask her what she wanted me to say. I received no response. So here it is.
I went to this dentist to discuss an implant procedure. This was one of the worst dental experiences I have ever had. Here’s why:
1.	Pricing: When I called to make my appointment the receptionist told me the initial exam would be $49 including the X-ray. But when I went to the office for my appointment I noticed a sign outside that said “free dental implant consultation.” When I went into the office I was told the visit would cost $79. So which is it? Free? $49? Or $79? These are all reasonable prices, but it does not instill confidence when the price changes moment to moment. They eventually agreed to charge me $49 as I was originally told.

2.	Bait and Switch: I drove an hour for this appointment (and another hour to get home.) I went to get a treatment plan and costs for an implant. But when I got there the dentist said she needed to take a 360-degree X-Ray in order to give me a treatment plan. Cost: $250. So the $49 (Free? $79?) appointment is now a $300 appointment When I told her I had forgotten to bring the credit card I had intended to use so I would have to come back on another date, she walked out of the treatment room and never returned. I kid you not. 

3.	Double Booking: I had set my appointment a week in advance for 11AM. Their office called me at 9AM on the morning of my appointment and asked me if I could come at 10AM – an hour earlier. I live an hour away and told them that was impossible. When I arrived for my appointment as scheduled I had to wait for nearly an hour to see the dentist. When I was finally taken to the treatment room I could see that all the other offices were full. So it appears this dentist double books appointments, maybe even triple books. So you can give up hope of her ever being on time. 

It is also worth noting that the when I arrived at the office I was given the usual pile of paperwork to fill out. But one page stood out. The page stated (in “broken English:”) “You must confirm your appointment 48 hours before. If you don’t confirm and you come I will double book and YOU WAIT! (That is pretty close to an exact quote.) It is worth noting that I was never contacted 48 hours in advance to confirm my appointment. However I was contacted 2 hours in advance to change my appointment. Not very consistent.to say the least.

4.	Bad Attitude: I always talk to any dentist or doctor about any questions and concerns I have in advance of any treatment, and especially any major treatment such as an implant. That just seems like the reasonable thing to do.  But my questions were not well-received by this dentist. I asked her about alternative approaches and her attitude was basically “its my way or the highway.” Before she walked out of the treatment room she also stated “You want a high-tech modern office (which was not true.) We just old-fashioned office here.” Then she waked out, never to return. I was left sitting alone in the treatment room waiting for someone to come and tell me what the next step was. No one came so I just left.  

5.	Racial Undertones: It pains me to say this but I believe there are racial undertones in this office, Everyone who works there is Chinese and I was the only Caucasian patient there. This dentist got much of her training in China. I have never found the Chinese very welcoming of Caucasians in their businesses, nor very appreciative of the American customer service ethic, but I was willing to give her a try. I felt I was viewed with suspicion from the time I arrived and the doctor was looking for an excuse not to take me on as a patient.  She may be a proficient dentist but I don’t want to be anywhere where I am not welcome. My suggestion – if you are not Asian, look elsewhere for your care.

6.	Conclusion: Regardless of what other reviewers may have to say about her, my advice would be to stay away from this dentist – far away.