Mount Vernon Modern Dentistry

Mo Mezieobodo

Unjustified and Inflexible Demand for X-Rays Compromises Patient Care: A Disrespectful, Rigid Policy That Prioritizes Profit Over Patient Care I was deeply disappointed and frankly disturbed by my recent experience with Dr. Najah, who insisted that my sons and I undergo dental X-rays despite my being a long-term patient with no symptoms, no history of dental issues, and recent imaging on file. When I respectfully questioned the necessity—given there was no clinical concern—Dr. Sarah Najah refused to proceed with the exam or cleaning unless I submitted to the X-rays. Dr Najah's rigid insistence on performing an X-ray as a compulsory prerequisite for even evaluating the patient reflects a troubling disregard for clinical judgment, patient autonomy, and evidence-based practice. This approach is not only medically questionable but also ethically problematic, raising concerns about defensive medicine, unnecessary radiation exposure, and patient trust. This is not just inflexible; it’s coercive.

Like any branch of medicine, dentistry should be grounded in individualized care, informed consent, and professional judgment—not blanket policies that disregard context and override patient autonomy. Insisting that a routine X-ray is “compulsory” in the absence of any medical indication is both medically unnecessary and ethically questionable. It raises a serious concern about whether patient welfare or billing quotas are the real priority here. Radiation exposure, however minimal, is still exposure—and patients have every right to understand, question, and decline a procedure unless it’s medically justified. Refusing to even examine a patient without forcing a diagnostic procedure undermines the trust fundamental to the doctor-patient relationship. It's not just bad practice—it's unacceptable. Holding patient care hostage to an X-ray—without discussion of alternatives or exceptions—is unethical.

Patients may refuse imaging due to cost, radiation concerns, or past trauma; denying them evaluation outright is abandonment of duty. This policy prioritizes protocol over care, undermining the physician-patient relationship. A competent clinician should first assess, then recommend diagnostics—not enforce them as arbitrary gatekeeping. Recommendation: This case warrants review by the clinic’s ethics committee or dental board to assess whether such policies align with best practices or merely institutional complacency. Patients deserve doctors who think, not automatons who blindly follow checklists. If you value transparent, respectful care and expect your healthcare providers to act as partners rather than gatekeepers, I would recommend looking elsewhere.

June 17, 2025

S. Addo

I have been with Mount Vernon Modern Dentistry for over 5 years. I am so impressed with their professionalism and friendliness. I want to shout out to Nancy, my personal hygienist, she has been so supportive, very knowledgeable, very experienced and always giving me helpful advice on how to keep my oral health at the best level.

May 9, 2025

J. M.

I found this place that my insurance accepted. I wanted my biannual cleaning bur never got it. They instead took X-rays which was fine and the dentist poked around and suggested a deep clean instead due how bad my gums were. After seeing how much they were going to charge my insurance and me out of pocket, I denied the service and left. In my opinion, $3k for a deep clean is crazy and me paying $600 was crazy also.

I found a different facility that charge me under $1k for multiple services. Later I come to found out they did a certain scan for crown installation. I never consented to that and they charging up the ass about it. I don’t recommend this place sorry.

June 5, 2025

Megan Pezak

The dentists are amazing & so so kind but their oral surgeon is not. I went here to get my wisdom teeth removed and they left the cut in my mouth open. It got very infected and my whole face broke out into a big swollen rash. The emergency on call line did not answer for 2 whole days over the weekend (supposed to be available 24/7).

When I finally went in to talk to the surgeon, I tried to politely ask him about the procedure and why this happened and he got defensive and responded with “So you think I did something wrong? Because I’m a surgeon and you’re not so I don’t see how you can make those assumptions”. Big fan of the dentists there but do not recommend any surgery at this place.

June 17, 2025