Grand Avenue Dental Care - MST (Ryan Ross) Michelle
2026-10-23T01:46:09.450Z
I have an extreme fear of the dentist. Between bad experiences with questionable dentists years ago and experiences where pain management wasn't what it should have been, going to the dentist is something I absolutely dread. It's not just a little nervousness. It's a genuine phobia.About a year ago, I broke off a chunk of a tooth, and a friend recommended Grand Ave Dental. I made an appointment with Dr. Draayer, and while I wouldn't say the experience was amazing (let's be honest, it's still the dentist!), it was SO much better than I expected.They offered laughing gas, talked me through what was happening, and took the time to ease my fears and calm my nerves. Dr. Draayer was kind, patient, and understanding. If I so much as twitched my arm, he stopped immediately to check on me. That might seem like a small thing to some people, but when you're terrified of the dentist, it makes a HUGE difference. I went back in September for a crown, and once again, he was wonderful.Another thing that makes going to the dentist stressful for me is the financial side of it. Yes, I have dental insurance, but it's not the greatest. It's better than nothing, though! When they put together my treatment plan, they took my insurance coverage and annual benefit maximum into consideration and explained that they would work with me to spread out the treatment as needed. At no point was I pressured to get everything done immediately or made to feel bad about not being able to do it all at once. Dental work is expensive, even with insurance, and that kind of understanding and flexibility takes another huge weight off my shoulders.A few days ago, I went in for a cleaning with Paige, and I honestly cannot say enough good things about her. One of my biggest fears is the noise of the dental instruments, and she made a point of talking me through what she was doing. She chatted with me, told me random stories, and helped keep my mind occupied. Before I knew it, the appointment was over!What stands out to me most about this entire practice is that I have never once felt judged by Dr. Draayer, the dental assistants, or Paige. They understand that dental anxiety is real, and they treat me with kindness, patience, and compassion instead of making me feel embarrassed about my fears or my teeth.When I left my appointment yesterday, I actually asked Paige if I could give her a hug. That's how much she put me at ease! For someone who has such a deep fear of going to the dentist, that says a lot.If you have dental anxiety, are embarrassed about your teeth, worried about the cost, or have put off going to the dentist because of fear, I truly encourage you to give Grand Ave Dental a chance. I never thought I'd be the person writing a positive review about a dental office, but here I am!I'm incredibly grateful to have found a team that makes me feel safe, heard, and respected. Dr. Draayer, Paige, the dental assistants, and the entire staff deserve recognition for the way they treat their patients. They're not just taking care of teeth; they're helping people like me feel comfortable enough to come back and get the care we need.Thank you all for making an experience I have dreaded for years so much easier. ❤️