Wijsman Dental Practice

“ I had an implant placed at this clinic several years ago. The implant eventually failed and recently became so loose and painful that it fell out completely. Before it fell out, I contacted the clinic because it was becoming increasingly loose and painful. I had to wait several days for a response, and I was then asked to return to the clinic for an evaluation. At the appointment, an X-ray was taken, and I saw the implant specialist for only a few minutes. During the consultation, I found his attitude very arrogant and dismissive. He repeatedly emphasized that the implant had been placed about five years ago, that he had not performed the original treatment, that the previous implant surgeon no longer worked at the clinic, and that the implant was therefore no longer covered by the warranty. I fully understand that he was not personally responsible for another dentist’s work. However, the way this was communicated made me feel as if the clinic wanted to completely distance itself from the treatment, even though the implant had originally been placed there and I had specifically been asked to return to the clinic for an assessment. There was almost no proper explanation of the X-ray, no detailed discussion of why the implant might have failed, no explanation of the current condition of the bone, and no clear treatment plan. I was only told that I would need a bone graft and that I would have to pay for any further treatment entirely out of pocket. What I found particularly frustrating was that I had been asked to return to the clinic and have another X-ray taken, only to be told within a few minutes that the treatment was outside the warranty period and that the clinic would not cover any further treatment. If this was already clear from my treatment history, I do not understand why this could not have been verified and communicated before asking me to come back. To make the experience even more frustrating, an X-ray was taken during this very brief consultation. I have not yet received the invoice, but I assume I will still be charged for both the X-ray and the consultation. Considering how little was actually explained or discussed, that makes the whole experience feel even more disappointing and, frankly, rather ironic. I ultimately decided not to continue treatment at this clinic. The reason was not simply the cost. The proposed treatment would cost roughly €3,000, and I did not feel comfortable entrusting that amount of money—as well as a complex implant procedure—to a specialist who explained almost nothing and whose attitude I found extremely arrogant and dismissive. For a treatment of this scale, I expect clear communication, a proper explanation of the X-ray and bone condition, a treatment plan, and some effort to build trust. None of that happened during this consultation. Because of that, I simply did not feel confident enough to proceed with treatment there.

“ I haven’t been a patient at the Wijsman practice for very long, but I’d like to say that both my wife and I are extremely satisfied with the doctor assigned to us, Dr. Femke Kloot. Not only is she very knowledgeable and certainly efficient, but she manages to make sure that when you walk in feeling down, you walk out in a great mood. We’ve really hit the jackpot! Johan van der Horst

“ Dear dentist and staff in Rotterdam

“ The dentists are professional, but unfortunately, the darker-skinned woman at the front desk is unfriendly. She always addresses me informally (“je”) instead of formally (“u”) and reacts condescendingly to minor mistakes or delays. There’s no leniency or understanding, even though that used to be possible in the past.

“ I’ve been coming to this practice for over 30 years. I started back then with the previous dentist, Dr. Hasselaar. Dr. Wijsman has continued to build the practice in a very professional manner. In my experience, I’ve always received excellent care and sound advice without unnecessary treatments. Dr. Wijsman also provided me with excellent care in the lead-up to my open-heart surgery. The Wijsman Dental Practice is important to my health, because healthy teeth are essential for overall well-being. Thomas Salemink, Rotterdam

“ The day after a routine checkup and dental cleaning (I was new to this clinic), my cheek swelled up and I developed a fever. I had to go to the emergency dentist and was prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection that had developed. I really wanted to contact Wijsman’s clinic. But the dentist himself didn’t get back to me until a full week had passed. I don’t know why it took so long. After this experience, I switched dentists. I haven’t had any more problems with my teeth since then. The new dentist works with dental hygienists, who are often better at cleaning than many dentists. Update: This incident happened a few years ago. I didn’t post about it at the time, but I’m doing so now. The manager will have to look further back to find my case.”

“ “I’ve been coming to this dental practice for 13 years now, and I’m very satisfied and happy with them. They do a great job—sometimes I get a cavity here and there, but they take care of it. Not everyone’s life is perfect—you won’t get cavities if you brush well and use mouthwash.”