Orthodontist - Columbia, IL

"BEWARE OF THIS ORTHODONTIST I had a very negative experience at this orthodontist's office. The staff was not overly friendly, but also not rude. The doctor was defensive and unprofessional. The first visit went well enough. The doctor recommended phase 1 treatment for my 7-year-old child, and the treatment coordinator said she would send the information to the insurance company. However, I never heard back from her. I called after a few weeks and was told by the receptionist when to come in for the next appointment as well as the amount we needed to pay. I never did talk to the treatment coordinator, but we paid and thought we were good to go. At the appointment to put the appliance on my child's teeth, I was told that I was not allowed to see what they were doing. I asked why, and the assistant said it was so they wouldn't get distracted. I thought this was an odd explanation, but I didn't argue. Later, I asked the front desk why I wasn't allowed to see where my daughter was going. The office manager said it was office policy, and that was final. I explained that I had never heard about this policy before and that I had never received a phone call from the treatment coordinator explaining it. I also asked to see where the policy was in the paperwork, but it wasn't there. Dr. Cotton then asked to see me. She took me into a treatment room alone and told me that it was her policy to not allow parents around during treatment. I explained that I was hesitant to let my child be alone while receiving treatment in a place I couldn't see. Dr. Cotton became defensive and told me that she didn't like my questions and that she would no longer treat my daughter. Dr. Cotton said she considered my questions “berating her”. I apologized to the Dr for making her feel that way, but Dr. Cotton doubled or tripled down, might I say, on the “no parent allowed” policy. I was very upset, but I now realize that this office is not one I would recommend to anyone. There is something completely wrong with a medical office not allowing a parent to see what is happening with their child. There are so many great qualified orthodontists in our area, and I urge you to avoid this one. Key takeaways: The treatment coordinator is not responsive. The doctor was defensive and unprofessional. The office had a policy of not allowing parents to see their children during treatment, and this policy was not explained to me before the appointment. When I asked questions about the policy, the doctor became defensive and told me that she would no longer treat my child. I would not recommend this office to anyone. There are many great qualified orthodontists in our area, and I urge you to avoid this one."