Hilarie hadn’t been to a dentist in a few years, and when she chose to visit Dr. Bill Gilbert for her dental care she discovered a more calming, comforting and scenic dental environment like no other. Living in Ballard, she felt her 20 minute drive to see a Bellevue dentist was well worth it! Hilarie shares her experience as a patient with Gilbert Dental.
What did you appreciate the most about Gilbert Dental?
The people are the best part of Gilbert Dental. They made me feel welcome and at ease, as soon as I walked in the door, even though I was rushing to get to my appointment.
Why did you choose Dr. Bill Gilbert?
I was looking for a dentist who was really good at explaining what I needed, who could also explain to me what they were doing to my mouth at the moment, and I got a good recommendation that Dr. Gilbert is a good dentist for that.
What stood out for you regarding the environment there?
Their dental practice is really nice, super clean. But it’s the view from the dental chair which is actually the best part of this office! It views a wooded area, so you feel like you’re out in the middle of the woods. It’s very calming to see all the trees and the leaves, even though you’re still centrally located in Bellevue. The best part was sitting there feeling very relaxed, and being around the calm, nice people, who were very good about telling me exactly what they were doing, and why they were doing it. And then of course Dr. Gilbert he was excellent.
Did you visit with Chance?
I sure did. Chance came over to say hi. He’s a really sweet dog. I enjoyed that part of the office for sure.
You wanted a dentist who could explain things, why?
Yes, Dr. Gilbert went through all of my x rays, and went over anything that was kind of a questionable issue, or something that I might need to have a follow up procedure on. He went into detail about what it was that he was looking for, and I really appreciate that, that those details. I like to know, I don’t want to just be told, ‘oh, you need a filling.’ I like to know what, why and how bad it is, or if it’s not as bad. He really gave a lot of good detail, which I appreciate.
You live in Seattle, yet you chose to come to Bellevue for your dental care. What was the commute like?
I live in Ballard in Seattle. Because of the personal referral I had, I decided to take a chance and see Dr. Gilbert. It was actually no problem. There was a little bit of traffic, but I got there in 15 or 20 minutes, which was probably almost the same amount of time if maybe a little bit longer than to get to Northgate, so it was really a pretty convenient commute for me to see him. And I would definitely do it again, and I have already recommended him to other friends who live in Seattle.
Based on what you know now about oral hygiene, and your oral health, what do you wish you’d been a little bit more diligent about?
Should have been be a better flosser. I’m pretty good about admitting to not flossing to my dentist. I’m sure they can tell, but Dr. Gilbert was great. He had some good ideas about where I could stash floss and how to do flossing in my daily life, so that I might be able to fit it in a little bit better, and actually do it!
You decided to buy a Sonicare toothbrush there, how did that came about?
When I was talking about how I was hoping I could be a better flosser, they also mentioned that another thing you can do for your gums is to use a Sonicare. I had used one in the past, but I haven’t had one for a few years, so I bought one right there in the office. I couldn’t even put it off. It was super convenient and well priced. (Same price as Costco!) I can also buy the replacement toothbrush heads there as well.
If you had a friend who had dental anxiety, do you think that Dr. Gilbert could help them?
For somebody who has dental anxiety, Dr. Gilbert would be a great place for them to go, because it just was a such a calm environment, like I have said, with the the trees that you just look out on. It’s actually better then other dentists who just have TVs. They did have a TV there, so if you want to watch TV, while you’re getting your dental work done, you can, but just looking out the window, and seeing the beautiful trees surrounding their offices, that was calming. And then of course, Chance was definitely a really nice, distracting effect. I’m sure for a lot of people it’s nice to have that kind of distraction. And then there are the people who work there. Every staff person I encountered, and I had a personal encounter with three different people, they were really, really sweet and made me feel at home.
Why have you recommended Gilbert Dental?
As soon as I was on my way home I was telling a friend who I was talking to and I knew she was looking for a dentist, ‘You know if you’re looking for a dentist I would highly recommend driving to Dr. Gilbert even though it’s a little bit of a drive for us from Ballard.’ Just because of the location, the trees, Dr. Gilbert himself with all of his staff, and then Chance, of course. Those are all pretty great reasons.
Looking for a more calming, comforting and pain-free dental experience? Whether you suffer from dental fears or anxiety, or you’re just looking for a friendlier dental experience, consider our team for your next dental visit. It’s worth the drive throughout the Seattle and Bellevue area! And when you schedule a consultation with us, please let us know if you have any dental related fears or anxiety. We’re here for you – just call us at (425) 957-4700 or request an appointment online!
