I went into the dentist to have a crown put on, and as is usual procedure, they made a temporary crown that was suppose to last two weeks. It fell off while I was eating that evening. When the permanent crown arrived two weeks later, they apologized that the temp had fallen off, but assured me that the permenant crown would last much longer (years). The permanent crown fell off the same evening that it was put on. I returned to the dental office, and they told me that the crown was broken, and recommended a solid gold crown...more waiting...temp crown fell off again after just 24 hours. The gold crown arrived a couple weeks later, and after beging permanently cemented on, fell off the next morning.

I decided enough was enough, and went to a different dentist. The dentist examined the crown, and informed me that Dr. Packer had grinded a hole in the crown while trying to make a poorly fitting crown, fit. He showed me the hole and informed me that I would ultimately need to get a new crown made. This would be paid for entirely out of pocket since insurance only covers one every 7 years. I contacted Dr. Packer and asked for a refund. Once they learned the nature of my request, they were difficult to reach, and I was never allowed to speak with anyone but the secretary from then on...still haven't. They refused to give me enough for a new crown, and after countless attempts, phone calls, and them confirming their own incompetence with the new dentist, they agreed to give me a 50% refund, and told me that they would give me an additional $250 when they recieved a refund from the comapny that made crowns (since I had given them back the old crown that didn't fit). After the refund came in, they refused to provide any additional refund. During the phone call, the secretary walk herself into several lies, and when I pointed it out, she told me that she was done with me, and hung up the phone. Beyond that, she won't take my calls, and Dr. Packer refuses to speak to me...even after several requests for an in person meeting.

It actually gets worse... My wife and both decided that it would be best to use the new dentist who is great, and apparently went to school on "Crown Cementing" day...no issues at all with the new crown. The dentist took x-rays of my wifes mouth and showed her on the x-ray where the cavities that had been filled (just weeks earlier by Dr. Kimberly Packer), were not done correctly, andhad to all be redone...at our expense. My wife was flabergasted, but had no choice but to agree. It should be noted that my wife was a dental assistant and office manager for several years, and agreed 100% with the dentist after she saw the x-rays.

My hope in writing this compaint is that anyone considering using Dr. Kimberly Packer of Havre De Grace, MD reconsiders their options. There are several great dentists in the area, but Dr. Packer isn't one of them. Don't be fooled (as I was) by the high tech office, and fancy lobby. If Dr. Kimberly Packer can't fill a cavity or cement a crown on correctly, then none of the other stuff matters. I have taken steps to report the issues with the Maryland Dental Board (licensing agency), and MD Association of Dentists(peer review agency)...we'll see what happens...