Testimonials

Hello Dr. Jesek,
Back in early 1986, when I moved to Illinois from Pennsylvania, I needed to find a local dentist. The school nurse recommended you. I questioned if her recommendation was because we lived nearby, but she said that she heard from others that you were really good. The kids walked out of your office with helium balloons and big smiles, and said they had “to wait 6 months to come back to see the funny man” and I should mark my calendar. I am happy they started out with you, especially since my own experiences with dentists as a child were not nearly so pleasant.

Through the years we’ve been big promoters of your practice. Last week as I was making the 4 ½ hour drive from Chicago to Decatur/Mt. Zion for my appointment, I was exploring how someone can inspire such complete loyalty. Why was I driving so far?

First of all, your office staff is wonderful. They are professional and friendly and there has never been a problem with my insurance claims or paperwork. The appointments are usually right on time which is a wonder because, although it feels as though you work very quickly (which makes it much easier on those mouth muscles) you always have time to listen and explain, and even just to talk awhile. And I know from personal experience that you manage to fit in urgent visits when required.

Next, your dental hygienists are top notch! I’ve had a couple different people through the years, but I like it that I generally see the same person. It’s like a good friend; you may not talk often, but the conversation picks up where it left off without missing a beat. They are professional, caring and conscientious, and represent your practice well.
Your office is set up for patient comfort, from the "living room feel" of your waiting room to the individual patient spaces that provide some privacy, to the TV’s at each chair, to the computerized patient records available for review and plans for future work.  The new technology is wonderful – I love the safer digital x-rays which are so much easier on the patient, the fast and accurate color selection computer for perfect matching, and the ability to have a crown made and put in on the same visit. I am sure there are more things I have not mentioned, but the truth is, all the technology in the world would not, in and of itself, inspire patient loyalty.

It all comes down to you – to the way you treat me with respect, to the way you worked with my orthodontist and surgeon so that all efforts were coordinated, to the way you comforted me when I was diagnosed with cancer and you told me about your friend who survived the same kind, and now I have too! You were able to get me past my fear of bad-looking front caps, and gave me a beautiful smile. It’s your confidence and your skill, and your true concern for your patients that has earned my trust and endorsement. And I know your practice continues to grow and thrive because I am just one of MANY who feel this way. I have followed your advice and suggestions because I felt you always had my best interest behind them, and I have never been disappointed. You and your entire organization have a way of making a potentially stressful and painful situation into one that is easy, appreciated, and welcomed. Your crazy sense of humor permeates the office and puts patients at ease.

And this is why I asked you if you have a place for patient testimonials. Although I imagine that you are always on the lookout for ways to improve, I simply cannot offer any suggestions. Coming to your office is a wonderful experience from beginning to end. That is why I went to www.Healthgrades.com to rate your practice as the best in all areas. This is where new patients can search the internet for a dentist within a location radius and read how their patients grade their doctors and office processes. Hopefully, like the school nurse who first pointed me in your direction, this internet rating (and however else you choose to use this testimonial) will help direct others to your practice.
You are wonderful, and my heart is filled with gratitude for all the ways you have made my life better. Look at this smile! Thank you, thank you! And best wishes for your continued success.

Julie Stern