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I Tried NYC's Hottest New Dental Service, Here's What Happened

Just when I thought I was doing great at this adulting thing, I realized I hadn't gone to the dentist in over two years. Am I the only one where if it isn't paining me I just forget about it?

Finding A Dentist

"Book Dentist!!" was going straight into my planner. But where to go? Since moving to the city, I haven't gone to a dentist so it was time to find a new one. And I figured since they're all the same, I could just go to the closest one to my apartment.

After a quick search I saw, Tend pop up all over the map and luckily there was one not too far from my apartment in Chelsea.

The Clinic I Mistook For A Spa

I clicked onto their website and thought I made a mistake. I must have clicked the wrong link. This did not look like a dental clinic. The website was so sophisticated and the pictures of the waiting room, the consultation rooms and suites looked modern, bright, and almost glamorous. Still shocked, I read the whole website to make no mistake that I was booking a dentist appointment; not a day at a spa, which I would prefer.

Tend wants to create a new welcoming environment for people to enjoy and not dread their dental experience. From their dental suites to their complete dental services and hospitality, they have thought of everything. I was completely drawn in and thought my search was over since it looked so great. They have an insurance tab, and I was able to double check that they took my insurance provider.te

The Booking

In 2 minutes, I was booked in for my checkup which includes cleaning, X rays, and a general exam. I dread having to make that phone call and then the days leading up to my appointment, but after seeing Tend and how gorgeous it looked I was slightly looking forward to going. Not looking forward to all the pain, but hopefully the sleek decor would distract me from all that.

My Appointment

Thursday 10 am rolled around and I arrived at Tend a little early, which was perfect because my dentist happened to be ready for me. I was a little nervous going to a new dentist, but once I stepped inside, I was at ease. It felt like I was walking into a spa. Everything felt so tranquil and relaxing. They had contactless check-in and the room I was in had my name on it. How fancy!

My dentist was so lovely, talked me through everything before we started, and told me to ask any question I had at any time. I lay down on the chair and it was unbelievably comfortable, not plastic and sticky like what you expect.

Some Pleasant Surprises

And wait till you hear this: they have Netflix and Bose earphones! I put on Dead To Me. I was distracted, barely felt a thing, and we didn't have that awkward conversation while she was trying to do her job (and my mouth was open).

Just as I was getting into another episode, I was all done. It was even less painful than usual; Tend upgrades their dental instruments as soon as they can, so they have the latest in pain-minimizing technology!

I sat up in the chair and waited to see if I was going to get any bad news. "You are clearly doing a great job cleaning your teeth," she told me and I was delighted. Gold star for me.

She even asked me about my wisdom teeth. They had been coming up ever so slowly over the last few years. "They don't cause me any pain", I told her. She said they had fully broken through the gum so I wouldn't have any more pain from them. But she showed me my X ray and how they might start pushing my front teeth together. She assured me it isn't a problem now and advised I keep an eye on it. If it ever got worse and I wanted to do something about it, she informed me it would be a simple fix and they offer a few different options depending on what I wanted.

I was a little surprised how she was simply informing me and not pushing me to do something about it right away. I can't remember a time I didn't go to the dentist for a cleaning and come out with a few unnecessary fillings.

Why Tend Is So Different

I found out that's because Tend dentists don't make a commission on procedures, unlike most dentists. No upselling, only exactly what you need.

"Other than that, everything is perfect, so keep up that good routine," she said as I was leaving feeling great.

I couldn't stop rubbing my tongue against my teeth the whole way home. I forgot how clean they feel after a professional cleaning.

Final Notes

With so many locations, the most advanced pain-minimizing technology equipment, and amazing service from renowned clinicians who not just know how to treat your teeth but you too, Tend is the dental experience everyone needs to try.

Tend is now my dentist, for whenever I have a problem or when I just need a check up...which will probably be more frequent because I already want to go back.

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Tend Vs. Traditional Dentists - Here's How They Compare.

The Official Popdust Review.

A good trip to the dentist just means it was short and painless; what a low bar!

Why are dentist appointments practically synonymous with pain and outrageous bills?!

When we heard about NYC's Tend dental offices, we figured they'd be pretty similar to your standard dental practices, but after one trip we realized there are some major differences. Tend is trying to make going to the dentist like going to a spa - their offices are gorgeous and completely spotless, and you can watch Netflix while getting your cavities filled (yes, really!).

To help you decide if you should switch from your traditional dentist to Tend's new model, we outlined the key similarities and differences, so you can make an informed decision for you and your teeth.

Key Similarities

  • Both offer standard dental check-ups along with elective procedures, like whitening and veneers.
  • Both take insurance, and are explicit about what they do and do not take.

Key Differences

  • The Pay Model: Most dental practices will pay their dentists based on commission. With Tend, they receive a competitive salary along with a bonus based on the percentage of customers who book a second appointment with Tend. That means you won't be talked into any unnecessary procedures
  • The Culture: Tend focuses on a judgement-free dental culture, whereas most dental offices don't agree on the standard from dentist to dentist.
  • The Tools: Tend uses the latest tools in dentistry to ensure the least amount of noise, weird smells, and pain possible.
  • The Ambience: Tend has Netflix - seriously, they offer streaming services above the dental equipment so you have a distraction from the pain.
  • The Cost: Tend is upfront about costs; they'll never slap you with a surprise bill. Tend also offers higher-priced procedures like whitening, veneers, and invisible braces at a significant discount.
  • Check-in: Tend has contactless check-in, whereas this differs for other providers.

Traditional Dentist Overview

Looped in with the DMV, dentist appointments are just one of those inevitabilities we dread. After spending time in a dingy waiting room, you're led into a dental chair where your mouth is poked by sharp tools, there are maybe some x-rays, some bubble gum toothpaste, and you're off.

There's also the frustration of being told you need particular dental work, like a cavity filling, when you weren't complaining of any mouth pain. For a car, you're supposed to get a second opinion, but you should be able to trust your dentist. Unfortunately, dentists are often paid on commission, so filling a tiny cavity or offering a small extra service may be in their realm, even if you don't really need it.

While there are incredible dentists out there, most practices lack a culture of hospitality and kindness with patients.

Tend Overview

First off, Tend will not give you the nostalgic feeling of dentist offices from your youth. No overly sterile smell or dystopian fluorescent lights. The offices are called "studios" and that's the perfect description. With sleek, but fun designs and colors, they definitely make you feel welcomed and relaxed.

But, the care is most important. They're staffed by dentists who aren't just high-quality, but who are also trained in hospitality; every dental professional is trained by the head of clinical development, a highly prestigious dentist. Their job is to maintain and treat your teeth, along with offering no judgement or upsells.

Because they aren't paid for each service they give, but rather given bonuses on whether you stay on as a patient at Tend, they're never going to give you anything you don't need. This way it's all about you and what you really need.

There's of course, also the added bonus for you of screens in every room that show your appointment, so you know you're in the right place. The Netflix screen is also a huge plus.

Why does dentistry need to be a distraction-free experience?! They're poking around in your mouth, you deserve all the distractions in the world.

Finally, they're invested in providing the best services possible; that means upgrading to new dental tools whenever they're available. Your previous dentist office may be working with the same tools from the 1990's, even if dentistry has advanced to provide tools that offer less pain, with the same amount of efficacy.

Final Notes

Tend is in-network for most insurers, but you can double check on their site before you book an appointment at one of their NYC locations: Chelsea, Wall Street, Williamsburg, Flatiron, Grand Central, or (coming soon!) the Upper West Side. If they take your insurance and have a convenient location for you, you have to check them out.

Their offices are gorgeous, their dentists are the best, and they legitimately want you to have a good time (and maintain your dental health!). There are great dentists everywhere, but Tendonly has great dentists.

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