Synergy Dental: Sean Ulm, DMD AIAOMT

I just have to say how impressed I am with this office. I had some specific and detailed questions about my son's teeth and the receptionist was incredibly thoughtful and kind in listening to my questions to determine if this practice might meet his needs. Most offices would say, "look, just come in for a consultation, I can't help you," but she took extra time out of her day to not waste my time and money, giving me a referral and some pointers about where to look to get my questions answered as well as to commiserate a little (she was so nice!). If you're looking for a dental office that will put your best interests first, you've found it. Thank you so much.

We have gone to this dentist for years and they've done a great job at treating everyone in my family. I like that they have a more holistic approach than other dentists we've been to and that they are kind and knowledgeable. Even though it's a big drive now it's worth it to me to go here every time.

I am typically a super satisfied review type of person, but I had the most bizarre experience at Synergy Dental, I wanted to give others a heads up.

I called and made an appointment about 5 weeks ago. I explained to "Laura" (who no longer works there), that I was seeking a second opinion on having some root canals removed. I told her I had been to two other dentists who had differing opinions and was looking for one additional opinion before proceeding with $25,000 worth of care that was recommended by another office. I explicitly said I was looking for a second opinion and didn't need a cleaning or a regular check up at this point. If I decided to switch and become a regular patient, then I would schedule a cleaning separately. I explained I had had scans and films other places and she offered to request those records to have them ready for the appointment so the doctor could provide his recommendation at that appointment. She did explain they may take some additional films, which I agreed to. I was skeptical when she said they could request films from another office, but she assured me there is "professional courtesy" that allows dentist to share films.

I showed up to my appointment yesterday early to find out that had never heard of me and I was not in their system. I have a large abscess in my mouth and am in pain so I was frustrated/sad at the thought of having to come back. The front desk folks were super nice and said they would work me in, but that I would have to wait. No problem. I waited about 45 minutes then they got me to a chair.

I explained to the assistant that I was there for a second opinion and she said they did not have my films. She took the names of the offices and tried to call to get them, but they were both closed since it was President's Day.

After about another hour of waiting, the doctor came in and apologized again for the mix up and said. "This is not a great way to meet an office." I thanked him for getting me in.

I explained why I was there. He looked in my mouth and at the films his office took and he said he needed to see the additional scans before he could make a recommendation. The doctor said, "Get me those scans and we will take care of you. Sorry for all the trouble today." I paid $285.00 for the appointment.

This is where it takes a weird turn. After I dropped off the films the next day, I get a call from Dana the office manager/part owner. She explained the doctor would not look at my scans and give an opinion unless I paid another large fee. I said "Wait, I was told..." She immediately cut me off and said the doctor doesn't work for free and that scans taken at other offices require an additional fee to view. She went on and on and would not let me get a word in. She said I "demanded" to be seen the previous day. What is the world? I was super courteous to all the staff and they were courteous and apologetic to me.

Finally when I was able to explain what I had been told when making the appointment for a second opinion, she said "It looks like expectations were not met on both our ends." I showed up to my appointment, paid my bill, brought the scans like I said I would. Exactly what expectations were not met? Not one person said there would be an additional fee to look at my scans. I would have been happy to pay the $285 for 10 minutes of his time to just give me his opinion. I didn't need to be seen by the assistants or hygienist (like I said when I got there.) She said, "I don't like your tone" which would have been hard to detect since I hardly said a word. She said it didn't look like we were a "match" and she was deleting me out of their system right now. What a surreal experience I hope never to repeat.

Dana was rude, aggressive, condescending and mean. The front desk folks and the assistants were great. Dr. Ulm is not super warm and fuzzy, but I appreciated his straightforward approach. He was seemed genuinely sorry for the 3 hours I had spent at the office. Buyer beware. Get everything in writing.

This has got to be one of the strangest dental appointments I have ever had, and I've had some weird ones. After going to many drill-happy dentists I wanted to try something else. I also had severe anxiety after a major medical trauma that left it difficult for me to feel like I can't breathe. So I sought out a more natural dentist with the hope that they would support me through my anxiety issues. They state on their website that they participate with all insurance plans and I took that to mean literally what it says, but it's not true. I went for my appointment and was caught off guard by the hygienists wearing street clothes. I wanted to say that was maybe just a nice casual approach that made the staff enjoy work more, but their street clothes were unprofessional, too casual, dirty, and sloppy. At first I thought some parent was striking up a conversation with me and then realized it was my hygienist.

Next, I couldn't help but notice the dirty conditions of the office. It was old and outdated but on top of that it was just grimy and dirty. There is no excuse for what it looked like. I have never seen a dental office not be pristinely clean. I was really determined to let go of that and the hygienists not being in scrubs because I was very intrigued by the approach to fillings and the "ozone" treatment as an alternative to fluoride. I wanted to basically have a consultation so I declined a cleaning and got a shaming lecture from the hygienist for it. Then I got harassed for not using an electric toothbrush. She left and waited for the dentist, then came back again and repeated her lecture.

Then the dentist came back and his concern for my anxiety made everything better. I thought I could get over the other issues because I agreed with his approach to my treatment needs and appreciated how helpful he was in addressing and planning to accommodate my anxiety for the fillings. But then...then the billing. Because of how many cavities I had I wanted an estimate from my insurance company to make sure it wasn't some crazy amount, because we were also going to remove silver and replace it with resin and I had no idea if that would be covered. That's when I found out at the front desk that they actually are not in-network with any insurance plan at all. They will bill them, but they are not in network, and they seemed to think that was the same thing. They told me no worries, if my insurance only covered some but not all they would just write off the rest. So I let go of that issue also and left, waiting to get the treatment estimate from my insurance.

A month later I got a bill because my insurance did not cover everything because I went to an out of network provider. It was only $13, no big deal, and I figured they were going to write it off like they said. But then I got another bill. So I emailed and asked about it and reminded them that they told me no big deal, they would write it off if my insurance didn't cover it. They then sent me a copy of form I signed that said I would still pay them even if my insurance didn't. At the time I signed it, before the appointment, I was under the impression that they took all insurance plans and wasn't worried about their being anything leftover. Then by the time I found out the insurance wasn't actually in network, they assured me it would be written off. But now through the email they changed that story and sent the original form, clearly they were prepared for this argument. Then I got the estimate for the treatment and again, because it was out of network, it was going to cost about 3 times what an in network provider would charge. At that point I decided I would not be going to them again. And I just got another bill for the stupid $13 so I'm sucking that up to my mistake for not knowing I needed to clarify the difference between "we participate with all insurance" and "we are an in network provider" for all insurance. Hopefully with the virus going around they decide to give their office a deep clean, because it was just flat out not ok.

Dr. Ulm is rude to his staff.
The office is unclean.
Way overpriced.
I advise to take your business elsewhere.

Dr. Ulm and his staff make it well worth my while to make the drive from Salt Lake City to Lindon to seek their care. I always feel like they take time to listen to my concerns, treat me as an individual not just another case, and look after my best interests and well-being. As someone who has previously had many negative experiences with other dentists, visits to Synergy dental put me at ease - the environment is so much more comfortable and less intimidating than other dental offices. Added bonus: I don't know how he does it, but Dr. Ulm gives the most comfortable shots I've ever experienced... I'm not nearly as afraid of shots as I once was.

I love Dr. Ulm and his staff! They are respectful and efficient in all that they do. I have really enjoyed receiving treatment here. They have always made sure I was aware of what was happening and how much I could anticipate to pay for each of mine and my families appointments. Everyone always seems so happy when I go in that it really puts my dental anxiety at ease.

My experience at Dr Ulms office is always good. I originally came to him with a mouth full of problems and a lot of fear. My fears were immediately addressed with respect and competence. All of the problems have been resolved and I have been effectively educated along the way. As a natural healthcare provider, I avoid any level of toxins, so Dr Ulm's approach to dentistry is greatly appreciated. I never have to worry about being exposed to anything harmful. I have complete trust in the care I receive at Synergy Dental. That isn't something I've experienced at any other dental office.

I have been coming here for a few years now. Dr. Ulm is a great, gentle dentist. The staff from the front desk to all of the dentist hygienist are all really kind. The Director, Dana, is very personable. I would recommend to everyone to establish care here.

Kim Westra

The best dentist office! That’s the review. They are so kind, both locations are great and everyone is so knowledgeable. My kids had their first appt today and it was so good! My youngest has a lot of trauma with providers and he was able to ease in with Dr. Uhm and his staff! I appreciate that so much as a mom. :) A 10/10 from me and I recommend them to everyone!!