Oral prophylaxis (teeth cleaning) at Sambitan Dental Clinic

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A few months ago, I bought a voucher for oral prophylaxis for two people (P399) at Sambitan Dental Clinic.

When I texted the clinic to schedule an appointment, I just got a reply saying "Ok". I got a bit worried that the dentist might be uptight and reticent to answer questions (some doctors and dentists are like that -- they are competent but don't like explaining things and answering questions) especially from voucher buyers.

The clinic is located at the 7th floor of The One Executive Office, near the corner of Quezon Avenue and West Avenue and just across Delta Theater (Wowowillie Studio). It was a weekday, late afternoon, and the whole floor was  pretty quiet. Inside the clinic, it was also quiet since only Doc Sambitan was there. No other dentists or assistants around, and only bf and I for clients.

The clinic looked clean and inviting. In fact, it looked a bit like an apartment, with a comfy black couch in front of a TV, tasteful wooden furniture, and religious decors.

In the inner part of the clinic is the work area.

Fortunately, I was wrong about the dentist possibly being stern and uncommunicative. On the contrary, she was quite friendly and chatty. She was patient with my over-the-top gag reflex and understood my agitation when she said that I needed scaling (aka deep cleaning) which could possibly hurt. She also answered all my questions and explained things in a simple way.

Between the time I bought the voucher and our redemption, I was able to get a discounted deal for braces from another dentist. I debated on whether or not I would mention to Doc Sambitan that I would be seeing another dentist in a few days because she might consider it an insult and be dissuaded from being communicative since I would be "taking my business somewhere else" anyway. Thankfully, when I did tell her about me having an appointment with another dentist, she did not seem to mind. She even emphasized the importance of the deep cleaning and recommended a special toothpaste so that my gums would be in better shape for the braces.

Unlike the oral prophylaxis vouchers (P399 per person) we redeemed at Chic Smile Dental Clinic last year, that of Sambitan Dental Clinic was cheaper (P399 for two people already) but was limited. Fluoride treatment was not included (bf opted to have it for P500 additional). I also learned that the term "oral prophylaxis" or "teeth cleaning" does not mean the same thing to all dentists. When Doc Sambitan told me that I needed scaling/deep cleaning but it would cost me an additional P500, I got agitated because I had a mental image of a related but more extreme version of the treatment. When we were through, however, I realized that what she did was similar to what Doc Loren of Chic Smile did without additional cost. Then I remembered two other teeth cleanings I had years ago -- one involved bloody scaling while the other one was a blood-free and completely pain-free treatment with the dentist just sort of brushing my teeth with an instrument.

I didn't mind paying the additional P500 since I was satisfied with Doc Sambitan's service and the promo fee was very low anyway. Nevertheless, if your teeth need more than minimal professional cleaning and if you're asking dental clinics about their rates without the dentist being able to see your teeth first, it is better to ask about their rates for deep cleaning as well, just so you don't have any surprises.

As for prices, according to Dr. Sambitan, the regular price for oral prophylaxis in her clinic is P500 if you get your teeth cleaned every six months (and thus need only minimal work), P1000 otherwise.

Sambitan Dental Clinic

Unit 707, 7th floor
The One Executive Office, #5 West Avenue
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Tel No. (0922-843.4388 / (02)348-4388 /  (02) 290-4029
Operating hours: Monday-Sunday,  9:00am - 7:00pm
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