Patient Testimonials
I am a professional female college graduate who spent 25+ years working for two Fortune 100 companies in high profile roles.
I had not seen a dentist, or any other medical professional for that matter, for 18 years until I reached out to Dr. Dougherty and the Bethesda Sedation Dentistry team, in April, 2008. At first, no real issues that needed attention enabled me to avoid doctors’ visits, and then when medical problems presented themselves, the dental issues especially painful at times, fear, embarrassment and shame prevented me from reaching out.
Finally, some way-too-old dental work started to fall out of my front teeth therefore preventing me from hiding behind my problems any longer. I had heard Bethesda Sedation Dentistry’s advertisements on the radio for years and knew that when I either found the courage to or was forced to confront my dental fear, I would reach out to Dr. Dougherty and his team.
Cathy answered my first call to the office. My first words were “stop the madness”. She was kind, concerned, attentive, and then, she put me on hold. Next, I was speaking to Dr. Dougherty. My journey began the next day when I arrived for my first dental appointment in 18 years. I was embarrassed but at the same time so very proud of myself for having finally taken this necessary step. One of Ed’s first comments to me was "you have a dentist now." I felt safe.
As part of Bethesda Sedation Dentistry’s thorough screening prior to beginning dental treatment, I learned my blood pressure was “emergency room” high. Dr. Dougherty referred me to a Bethesda-based cardiologist. Again, I was fearful that something might be very wrong and ashamed to see him because it had been so long since I had seen any medical professional. He too was compassionate, non-judgmental and kind, and confirmed all was okay. I will need blood pressure medication for the rest of my life to keep it in check and I am so thankful to have it under control. The cardiologist referred me to an OB-GYN who, too, was great – no lecture, no judgment – just a willingness to help and to get me on track which I am now.
Thanks to Bethesda Sedation Dentistry, a year later, I have healthy teeth and gums and a smile I’m proud of. Friends and colleagues comment to me all the time that I seem happier and more confident. It was a lot of work, but with the support of Dr. Dougherty and his incredibly supportive and kind team, I made it.
Ed, Iona, Cathy, Kimberly, Dora, and Diane, thank you. You’ve changed my life.
Dear Dr. Dougherty et al,
My brother Chip called me yesterday to thank me for sending him to you. He was so very impressed with the care he received, and the time and care spent on him, he kept thanking me. I of course, continue to appreciate the kindness, high degree professionalism, and the overall excellence of care that everyone in your office consistently provides. I just want to take the time to say that I also thank you!
Have a great day,
Martha
This is NOT a testimonial to Dr Dougherty and his ENTIRE staff. I am just one of many who have tremendous gratitude toward them. This is NOT about sedation dentistry. There are several sedation dentists. This testimonial is to reach out to those of you who are too ashamed and embarrassed to go to the dentist. I hadn’t gone to a dentist in years. I was ashamed, embarrassed, frightened and a basket case. If you look at any before pictures on the internet, my smile was the worst. During my first visit with Dr. Dougherty, I was a wreck. He was compassionate and non judgmental. No lectures, just “I’m here to help attitude”. Then there is Iona, Kimberly, Cathy, Diane, and Dora, they all act the same way! Imagine that. So, after periodontal treatment, fillings, crowns, braces, veneers, a bridge and a year and a half later, I’m done (except for the checkups and cleanings of course). I was born with a mouth that looked like a pumpkin. For the first time in my 57 years of existence, I’m proud of my smile. I trusted Dr. Dougherty and he did a fabulous job. Do it, go to Dr. Dougherty. Do it for your health, your self esteem and because it’s easy and pain free. I wish I had years ago.
Bernie
Dear Dr. Dougherty, lovely lady Iona and friends,
Thanks so very much for the gorgeous flowers you sent home with me recently. They have been a beautiful reminder of the loving care you all have provided to both Pat and me over the last year and a half. I never would have been able to have all of this work done with anyone else. Your patience, compassion and professionalism are absolutely unmatched. We recommend your practice highly and without hesitation.
Thanks to each of you for making what feels (to me) like a terrifying experience into a truly pleasant one! I never thought I’d say that before coming to your office.
Fondly,
Denise
Dr. Dougherty, Iona, Kathy, Kimberly, Diane and Dora,
Thank you so very much for your kind care of me last Thursday. I continue to be amazed at your level of humanity, humility and care. Even though I know I will be taken care of whenever I enter your office – because of my phobia it is still very hard to handle. Try as I might I am still grappling. I get frustrated with myself and embarrassed.
Now this is the point I really want to make – beyond your expertise which is world-class (all of you are experts in your field) - it is your willingness, your sincere desire to make me feel safe in showing my fear that is so special. That I feel safe in your care allows me to face my fear and continue on the path to health and recovery.
I am so grateful – these words fall short of truly describing my feelings for this experience – but I will just say “thank you as always.”
-Shari
Click here to download an audio testimonial
- Edie
Hi there -- Thanks for the mail; it's funny I was recently thinking of writing to you. I relocated to New York City last year, and I have to say I was spoiled with your dental team. A cleaning I had here was quite uncomfortable, which has never happened to me before. Then during a two-filling replacement, the dentist initially didn't numb me enough (ouch). You and your team are always thorough, current in the field and nice to spend time with. I hope that you're all doing well, and please give my best to Kimberly and Iona --
- Claire
Ed, Iona, Cathy, Kathy, and the rest of the staff;
For all of my adult life I have had so much apprehension about seeing a dentist that it kept me from receiving dental care. I even avoided dentist when a visit would have been free while I was in the US Air Force. But, time and neglect eventually won the battle and I had to see a dentist.
The search for a good dentist is not an easy one. I started my dental search at the Sedation Spa with Dr. Burch. I was not happy with the treatment (both the medical treatment and the way I was treated as a customer). So I left them. A friend told me about Dr. Dougherty and his great staff so I decided to give you all a call and I am so happy I did.
I know I have been a pain in the neck. I know I am a difficult patient with very illogical fears. I appreciate all that each of you has done for me. Everyone there has been great and I could go on about all of your employees. But I wish to say thank you to Cathy for the conversation, the compliments, and making me feel as comfortable as possible as I wait for the procedure (and the drugs to take affect). I want to thank the other Kathy for taking time to call and check up on me and help me through the administrative parts of my visit there. Iona. thank you for always being interested in how I feel, eager to cheer me up and always prepared to deal with my fragile state whenever I am visiting your office. And thank you Dr. Dougherty. You have put up with my whining and fears the whole time, with obvious understanding and sympathy. You all have been tremendous. Every one there is such a joy. You have all made my most feared times so much more than just bearable.
I know I am not done and I have more appointments to come, but I wanted you all to know how much easier this has been than I ever thought was possible. With what you have done for me I am no longer as terrified as I once was.
Thank you all so much,
Matthew
Dear Dr. Dougherty, Dora, Cathy & Staff,
I wanted to take the time to write you a short Thank You note for the extreme kindness and expertise given to me during my recent dental emergency and care. Due to my dental fear, I had not seen a dentist in several years. I was beyond nervous about the whole experience! From my first phone call to your office and talking with kind lona, I was treated with respect and care. I found Dr. Dougherty to be patient, kind and knowledgeable, and I quickly trusted him with my dental care, something that has been difficult since my move to Maryland. Needless to say, I had a great deal of anxiety before my root canal procedure and the sedation experience also. I had worried myself into a frenzy beforehand! But, to my surprise overall it was a good experience. Thank You Dora and Cathy for taking such good care of me and putting up with my nervousness and talking while I was sedated. I want to especially thank Dora for holding my hand before & during the procedure, you don't know how comforting that was for me. The music, warm blankets and gentle kindness all added to my overall comfort! Also appreciated were the phone calls later that day to check up on me - a very nice touch.
I am feeling well, no pain. I felt tired for a couple days afterwards, but I think that was due to the nervousness I put myself through beforehand. I am already starting the anxiety and worry about my next appointment on 3/17 for my exam and to find out what treatment lies ahead, crown etc. But I want you to know I feel better knowing that with your expertise, kindness, and yes sedation I can get through it!
So glad I found your office!
Sincerely,
Marilyn