Dr. Robert Hoffman, DDS

I have left positive reviews for Hoffman Orthodontics before. I have been a patient there since 2012, Dr. Robert Hoffman has even incentived me to leave reviews, but this was when he was a growing business, eager to see every patient while providing the highest possible care. Some context for you all, I received my first phase during adolescence from Dr. Kubik and he came recommended, but his rates were exorbitant, both my brother and I were treated by Dr. Kubik. Unfortunately, my mouth was not done growing and with puberty, I no longer had a biting surface on by incisors. After much consideration and a lot of positive reviews we chose Dr. Hoffman. Every visit to Dr. Hoffman was wonderful. I was a willing participant and eager to get my braces off. I would frequently double or triple up the rubberbands on my teeth to make the movement occur faster, by this point I was in community college and I was a little embarrassed by the braces. We completed the second phase in about 18 months, and as the braces were being removed I had some last minute hesitation because there was a gap over my right premolar. He assured me that it would tighten up over time and I genuinely believed him. Only later did I realize that he had blocked out the time, had made the appointment to get them off and would say just about anything to get me to go through with it. Since that time I had the same 2 retainers for 7 years, until my dog ate them. I have been back to the office since and it felt more sterile and more profit centered. Going into Dr. Kubik’s office there is this grand water fountain and it is serene and nice, and in the waiting room for kids there were current video games but that is a cost that is incurred by every patient. Dr. Hoffman since my time with braces has expanded his waiting room with some arcade games, very similar to Dr. Kubik and a Keurig, also nice. Upon inspection he has a display that states 40% of their power comes from the sun. Wonderful! Renewable energy, should drop the price. Alas, I am not privy to what my parents paid either at phase of my Braces. I am amazed that they even had the discretionary funds to do so. Being from a lower socio-economic level I appreciated that my parents set aside the funds for my health. In all of my visits I have been seen at that office Dr. Hoffman spoke to me every single time, until today. I had the highest respect for Dr. Hoffman, I even did an informational interview with him to explore orthodontics as a possible profession. I really appreciated how Dr. Hoffman would talk with his patients and dedicate some of his day towards each and every patient since Braces are not exactly cheap. Today could not have gone worse. I got very lucky that they had a opening to see me since I have to call off of work in order to be seen on one of the 4 days they are open. I went to Chiropractic school and they advised to start your practice at 5 days a week but compress the time you are open to maximize profit margins. (reducing upkeep costs) Hoffman Orthodontics is open less than 29 hours a week. He isn’t working that whole time and good for him that he is doing so well that he can afford that, but I asked to speak with him 3 times when I went in this morning for my new retainer scan. Every time I have gotten a retainer He was the one to cut it to fit and ensured that I was happy with the purchase. Today was different, when I went back the tech did it all and she was well aware I wanted to speak with him. After asking for a fourth time today, she stated quite bluntly, “there really isn’t any need for him to speak with you” I assume this was because I spoke with Melissa the office manager. During my conversation with Melissa I relayed how I had accrued multiple outstanding debts since starting at Hoffman orthodontics. And there was paperwork I had to sign today that stated all payments are due at the time of service unless a payment plan is established. Well this is something I would have discussed with Dr. Hoffman, but the man couldn’t dignify me with a hello even. I have never been treated so poorly and so interchangeably. While sitting there waiting for the tech I watched the slide show they show all patients waiting for their turn. Never had a seen so many messed up smiles. And these kids were happy about it, I was floored because I was angry about a 2 millimeter gap and these kids have gaps all over, very few of the pictures I had seen were of truly beautiful smiles. I really get the feeling the success has gotten to him, the personal touch seems gone, it could have been Melissa, doing her job very well ensuring high profit margins. The income has likely never been higher and Dr. Hoffman doesn’t need to work as hard. I would never recommend his office again and I plan on steering as much business away as possible. I went to him because I felt cared for and appreciated and now all I see is a cash cow where he sits on his throne and gives the peasants their pittance. I know this is a long review. I wouldn’t have done it if he had spoken to me, this could have been handled privately. From the moment I walked in I didn’t see a friendly face and Melissa sure wasn’t in any mood to discuss my needs or issues. She was a great gatekeeper stopping me from discussing my unique situation with the Man that has been provided me care for more than a decade, a relationship built on rapport and trust. Melissa comes in tells me the price, says no argument, no exception, take it or leave it. Wonderful customer service if I do say so myself.