Dr. Cecile M Poupard-Toner

Dr. Poupard was an amazing, gentle and professional dentist to whom I will be returning shortly. I usually get nervous to visit the dentist but her calm demeanor made the visit go by very smoothly. She even speaks French!!

A few months ago I decided to change dentist because the current one was too far from my work or house and did no longer accept my insurance. Dr. Poupard was a recommendation from a google group (2 persons) and I decided to give her a try for myself. I was quite pleased with my visit the first time so i decided to take my kids there as well, especially when my son of 5 years old was diagnosed with cavities. The first experience for him was not pleasant, mainly because he was not used to having inserted some big equipments in his small mouth in order to take an X-ray. They had to try a few times (and changed the size) before it worked. I do believe that it was not very uncomfortable and even painful at times thus explaining his moans. The second time was the hardest one. The x-rays showed such a big cavity on one of his teeth that the tooth had to be removed. Before removing the tooth Dr.Poupard gave my son a brief explanation of what she will be doing. But the experience turned… out to be an unfortunate and sour one for him. My son was yelling, screaming, crying all at once! This lasted during the entire procedure, which had to be stopped at times. It took well over an hour to have the tooth removed. Dr. Poupard did show some impatience at the end and asked a colleague to come and remove the tooth because she was unable to do it. While I agree my son was not of a big help, and wish he did not react as such, it is not every day that we get to have a tooth removed, not mentioning that at 5 years old, with no experience in dentistry (except for check-ups and cleanings) this can be a dreary one. I know my son was scared. The last time we came, we had to fill the other cavities he had. She had to start with the same procedure (that is to put the gums/cheek area to sleep which involves a needle seringe) to which my son warmly cried when inserted. She tried to calm him but I think my son did no longer trust her at this stage and acting again like he was scared. I also was there to help, holding down my son's hands and legs and helping him through the experience. Again Dr. Poupard could not finish the job and told me, with her soft-spoken voice that I will need to bring him to a pediatric dentist and because she had another patient to see. I was really quite stunned by her response to me. So this was the last time she will see us again. I forgot to mention that twice she promised my son some "toys" if he would behave but she never gave anything to comfort him. I am aware that my son was particularly difficult but he remains a child and as such needs to be treated like one. His experience was his alone and his fear was legitimate. I did not feel my son had all the caring attention he should have received and some kids need more warnings or preparations than others. So we are left to go to another pediatric dentist! Lastly, Dr. Poupard does not work on Wednesdays and Fridays making it difficult to make an appointment.