Rivery Dental

Everyone in the office was very professional and tended to my needs. The team is always smiling and working to ensure you are comfortable at all times.

Their billing system makes numerous errors and it is a constant 3 way battle between the insurance company, you and Rivery Dental to settle claims/money issues.

I hesitated to post this having seen all the positive reviews, which originally convinced us to come in. So, I paid to have a second opinion before posting this review to be as fair as possible. However, having the same thing happen to both my wife and I, back-to-back, at the same location, convinced me to write this.

Short version: Would not recommend. GOOD: everyone was friendly, appointment began on time, scheduling was easy, office was nice. BAD: Either some level of incompetence, or the office is seeking ways to increase revenue rather than provide good service. Dental cleaning did not seem to be thorough and felt rushed. Albeit friendly with the patients, a degree of unprofessionalism amongst staff in front of patients.

Long Version:

Our Background: Wife and I have good dental hygiene; brush/floss daily. Don’t skimp on dental hygiene; with cleanings about every six months, and in my case from the same reputable dentist for the last 10 years. We tried a Rivery because I was tired of driving to my regular in Houston that I’d used since 2010.

The Visit: Things started off well. On-time, X-ray’s were quick; until we got to the periodontal exam where they do the gum measurements next to each tooth. Even though there was nothing worse than maybe 3 or 4 “5’s”, I suddenly noted a change in their tone, maybe prepping me mentally for a “deep clean” ($200-$300?) that might require anesthesia, that they claimed I needed. They mentioned some cavities; implying they were recent (prior dentist confirmed no fillings in last ten yrs). The hygienist says they need to see if my insurance will cover it. I told them it was doubtful, but I’d do it if it was. Thinking worst case scenario, I just get a cleaning, I waited over 30 min in the chair, and finally it came back as not covered. Since this now felt like a cash grab, and I had great dental history over the last ten years, I declined. Unexpectedly, they take off the bib and get me ready to leave. Confused, I ask about the cleaning. They said they couldn’t do it since I opted out of the deep clean. This was not explained to me before. By then I’d been there nearly an hour. I reiterated that I wanted a cleaning as I travel a lot for work and it’s not easy to schedule time to come in. After more back and forth and checking with the dentist they agreed to do it if I signed a waiver that I refused the deep clean. Then they got one of the hygienists, who had talked openly about being on her way out, to stay to do mine. The cleaning did not seem as thorough as previous ones but was passable to me. However, my wife had a worse experience, because she went through the same thing about the deep clean, but over the course of a 1.5hrs; then was told no one could do the cleaning. She too had to insist on it. Finally, they reluctantly agreed, but said hers was rushed.

The Second Opinion: I returned to my frequented Houston dentist where I paid to have a periodontal exam. She did the exam and took x-rays. She said in her professional opinion, she did not see reason for a deep clean and would not have recommended it. In my attempt to be objective, I asked if she would reject a routine cleaning if I skipped a deep clean; and she said yes, explaining why. So Rivery was correct there.

Thoughts:

Either the person making the decision on the deep cleaning has set a lower standard than other dentists for pushing someone to get one, or there is a push to get people into it to generate more income.

Communications with patients. Assuming Rivery acted with good intentions, they should be clear and upfront with the patient; and should state clearly that if opting out of the deep clean, a regular cleaning will not be done.

Communications among staff. It’s an open dental area, we can hear everything. It sounded like there were disagreements or confusion among the staff. I also noted some push back from a hygienist to a dentist at one point. It’s disconcerting to the patient and impact the impression of the quality of care.

Staff was amazing!! I have anxiety when it comes to the dentist and they made me feel at ease!

I honestly trust Dr.Wang and her staff with my entire family. Not only is the place clean but the staff is super friendly and accommodating. I am very grateful to Dr. Wang for squeezing me in last minute and for everyone’s patience with my toddler today. I will continue to refer and recommend anyone in need of a dentist to her. Thank you all and I hope you have a very happy holiday. P.s. thank you Angel and the other dental assistant who put a mask on my daughters bunny to try and help ease her anxiety.

I had a very pleasant experience with this dental clinic. The dental hygienist had light and gentle hands, and the dentist was very nice. They asked me beforehand if I had any questions about my teeth or procedures, and the dental assistant was very nice and helpful with me walking around slowly & stooped over due to recent surgery. Receptionists were also kind and courteous. I recommend that prior to your first visit, ask which procedures are going to be done, if the dental hygienist is there for cleaning, and the expected time for everything to be done, that way you can plan your time wisely. Based on my pleasant first visit, I highly recommend this dental clinic. Thank you, ladies!

I am so happy to say that I have found my new dentist!! The entire staff is absolutely wonderful. I was greeted very warmly at the front desk and Yudith was my dental assistant. She was so patient, warm and kind. I have pretty high anxiety when it comes to going to the dentist and she made me feel so comfortable and made sure to explain everything that was happening. Dr. Wang was the best! She was thorough and made sure to explain all of the work that I would need to have done and answered all of my questions. She was gentle and caring. She even made time to start some of the work I would need the same day of my exam. I appreciated that very much! Courtney did my deep cleaning and she was also very thorough and kind. I had a couple of other dental assistants help out and they were awesome as well! Every staff member I came into contact with was really nice. I have never had such great customer service from every employee. I am so glad that I have a place that I can go to to be able to keep up with my dental needs and I feel so much more at east. Please keep up the excellent work!!!

Truly one of the best dental experiences! I’ve been in and out of dentists offices all my life but this is one place that not only cares but will work with you for the things you need! Both Doctor Wang and Doctor Chang care about their patients and made me feel safe when I had to get a new crown in! Highly recommend everyone to go here!

I absolutely love Dr. Wang and her staff is so friendly and kind!

I am very impressed with Dr Wang and her staff. I received the most thorough exam I have ever received at a dental visit! I would highly recommend Dr. Wang and her team to anyone looking for a quality dentist! Great pricing and in-house insurance plan too!

Update (5/12/22): My children (ages 6 & 7) feel very comfortable coming to this clinic for their checkups!

I cannot say that my experience was great, nor can I say that my experience was awful. I am one of those people that is extremely anxious of the dentist. After saying how anxious I was the dentist almost did not do the cleaning I had requested and paid for. She seemed surprised when I requested that she do a cleaning with hand tools only. She did accommodate me, but I did have to ask her to do it as she was about to walk out of the room. After the x-rays they discussed with me that I need some work done on a couple of teeth that will require root canal prep and I do not tolerate that well at all as I have super sensitive nerves in my gums. I will need sedation dentistry and go somewhere else for this.

I had noted that I was intrested in teeth whitening and put that on the form, that was never discussed with me during my appointment, nor have they followed up to discuss it.

I went to this office, because I had read some reviews saying they were good with anxious patients. I would disagree.