Dr. Clay Paul Goins

I went back and forth with leaving this review. I want to be objective and fair and understand that everyone will have their own experience...and after waiting a few days after our last appointment, I still believe this is well worth sharing. Our son has been a patient here for about 4 years, all routine appointments have gone well. The most recent appointment for a filling was when our negative experience took place and why we will be looking for a new dentist for our kids. My oldest son tends to be very reserved when he feels afraid, and as his mom I will always advocate for him and his best interests. Always. There were multiple situations over a few days that lead to our decision to leave this dentistry. After a first failed appointment to get a filling, I called and spoke with Dawn, the office "manager" about concerns and next steps. She attempted to answer questions she seemingly should not have, before transferring me to the appropriate person. At one point she tells me "we… went above and beyond for your son" (sorry- you work with children...should you not do this for ALL of your patients?) She later admitted that was a "poor choice of words" so I will give her that- but regardless, the insinuation of what she was trying to get across was still uncalled for and came across rude. Come time for our re-try for the filling, one of the dental assistants tells my son (and me) "we're going to get your weight and then come right back to mom". He agrees and goes with her. Over 10 minutes go by and he still hasn't come back to the lobby, so I ask the front desk associate to check on him for me. She comes back and says "they're still trying to get him to take the medicine"....the same medicine that I was told days earlier he could take with me next to him so that I could be with him to help calm him. So ultimately they lied to me (and to my son)- not exactly the way to get a 4 year old, or their parent, to trust you. Maybe this is routine and works for other kids, but it really does not sit well with me. And to add- if you expect to sit with your fearful child to help their nerves- forget it unless you want to push them to only be told it is "policy". When I brought up my concerns to the assistant who checked me out before leaving the office, there was no true accountability or empathy shown. The office "manager" Dawn, stuck her head out of her office and says "I heard it all. I'll let Dr Goins know. He's not in the office today". A little empathy and understanding goes a LONG way...especially when dealing with parents of young kids. Basically, if your kid is the perfect child and has no reservations about the dentist, it's a great place. But if your child requires more than that or you want to sit with your child to help calm their nerves- I would look elsewhere.

We have been coming to Dr. Clay for several years! Quick and easy visit yesterday!! No cavity club!

Yesterday was my 3 yo sons first dental visit. The staff at this office were very friendly and the office itself was a fun place to be. Ms Stephanie was our hygienist and she was awesome! So glad we picked dr goins office!

Dr. Goins and his staff were very professional and friendly. My five year old son had a great sedation dentistry experience and felt very calm and comfortable. I highly recommend them.

The office and staff are sooo welcoming! Today was my sons first visit with a dentist and he absolutely loved it thanks to Dr. Clay and his amazing staff!

We started coming here when my son was 1.5 and they have been nothing but fantastic. He hates brushing his teeth at home, but here they’re so warm and welcoming, he’s happy to let them check things out. They’re super patient if he needs a minute. The office is extremely inviting for kids. I would absolutely recommend.

From my 8 year old son: Me: What would you say to Dr. Clay? Jackson: “Thank you Dr. Clay for everything, my teeth are great!” Me: What do you think about that office, what would you want other people to know about Dr. Clay? Jackson: “I’m not scared to go to the dentist anymore. I had a cavity fixed and I DIDN'T EVEN FEEL ANYTHING! All the kids books about the dentist say the shot and my mouth might hurt after but they lied. I really didn’t feel anything. Oh! And there is a lot of cool stuff to play with and look at, and they give you toys, and an extra toy if you wear their T-shirt (they gave me that too!) There are video games to play while we wait. I want you to take me sometime early so I can play longer. Why can’t we go when we don’t have an appointment just so we can play in the waiting room? ...There are Disney movies to watch if moms won’t let their kids play with video games. And a tree you can climb into to hideout. The little kids go in there a lot. It’s fun at the… dentist. Better than when you were little I bet. Like when you had to walk to school...” Mom: “Yeah, yeah. That’s where we will stop this interview.” Hope this helps you decide to go, it is almost like a vacation from “Momming”. I really wish they would take longer when they are back there so I could enjoy more of my book, in peace! ?? ??

Dr. Clay and his staff at Children's Dentistry of Chattanooga, again, took such great care of my daughter! She was having some pain, and they got her in quickly to assess the problem. Our visit was handled so well. We also appreciated that waiting is being done in the car so that we can all minimize our potential exposure to coronavirus. I HIGHLY recommend this office!

This dentist office is amazing!! It is all about making your child comfortable and about having fun!! I can’t say enough good!

HORRIBLE experience! My daughter just turned 4 and was having a cavity filled. She was giving nitrous oxide. I was told I am not allowed to accompany her and was denied access to checking on my daughter MULTIPLE times!!! I had to go thru several staff members before finding my child in a tiny side room. At no point was it ever explained to me prior that I could not be with her. Would never recommend to anyone!!!!