Sloop Dental

I came into SLOOP about 20 minutes before they were closing as I was in a lot of pain and needed my tooth looking at. Dr. Allen was happy to take the time to investigate. He diagnosed a root canal and extraction there and then and had me in for the procedure 48 hours later. Now, having a root canal and a tooth out in one sitting isn’t anyone’s idea of fun, but Dr. Allen was efficient, professional and had me out of the door in two hours.
My crown fits perfectly and the whole procedure was very painless. The front desk staff were excellent too. It feels great to support a local south loop establishment and I’d encourage anyone looking for a great dentist in this neighborhood to pay them a visit.

I was at a dentist down the way from Dr. Allen and had to terminate that relationship, bringing me here to Sloop. I love the convenience and the staff is amazing. My first encounter with Dr. Allen was a bit different because I didn’t know how to take his personality. However, my subsequent visits were nothing short of amazing. All I think of is «The Marathon Man» while at the dentist. So needless to say, I do not love the dentist. However, his staff is PHENOMENAL!!! Dr. Allen clearly has a unique personality. I find him quirky and a bit snarky at times As am I. So this works well with me. I feel that his work speaks for itself at this point. I am very pleased with: the work, the office layout, the cleanliness, the Hulu, and the explanations of service. Should this change, I shall return here to destroy this review. Lol. In short, I totally recommend this dentist. So much so that I want my mother to go who is in need of extensive work. I trust him. He even had to redo a filling that the former dentist did incorrectly. Yay to Sloop Dental

I’ve been going to Sloop Dental for about 2 years now and have had nothing but great experiences. I don’t have dental insurance and pay as I go (I go regularly) out my own pocket so I take my dental care seriously. I literally put my money where my mouth is. So far I’ve had a crown, root canal, 3 regular cleanings and Invisalign treatments. I am happy with the staff, the Doc and would recommend Sloop Dental to anyone.

Such a great neighborhood place! I work right down the street and was in desperate need of a cleaning. Everyone from Brandon at the front desk, to Amanda who was the assistant who did my cleaning down to Dr. Allen were so friendly and professional. Amanda was so sweet and we chatted the whole time and the Dr. did a great job. Im really big on customer service and want to be treated well when Im going somewhere for service, if thats what your looking for this is your place. I will def be a loyal customer in the future. And my teeth feel great!

I love these guys! Went back for my cleaning, they are very good about making sure you are comfortable. After a bad experience a few years ago, they have completely helped me overcome my fear of the dentist. The staff is very genuine and you feel like you’re visiting friends. Thanks guys… see you in August!

My boyfriend and I both go to Sloop Dental, and absolutely love it! Appointments always start on time, or even early if you arrive early. Unlike other dentists, they don’t try to up-​sell or offer products you don’t really need. The office staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. The hygienist Amanda always remembers us, and lets you know what she’s doing throughout the cleaning (I usually freak out with all of the different tools they use– but after she explained what each one was, I felt much better).

I’ve been going to sloop since they opened. Office has state of the art equipment. I have never had a bad experience. They even text me to remind me of my appointments and I can confirm through text messages too. Staff is awesome and do a great job. The location is very convenient in the south loop.

Here’s the thing.
I can put up with a lot from a dentist. I’ve been to some sketchy ass back room dentists. I don’t care if you don’t speak English. I don’t care if your place looks like a torture dungeon. Hell, so long as I’m unconscious I don’t care if your place is an actual torture dungeon.
BUT — I HATE feeling ripped off. I really, really, really hate it.
I went to Sloop dental because I was working in town and my tooth decided to try and kill me from the inside. I was extremely hesitant to go to any dentist other than my home dentist, because I KNOW it’s super expensive and often times there are hidden fees and such. So I called around and Sloop told me it was $ 45 for the exam. I said hey, not bad, for fifty bucks I can at least see what i can do.
I get there, quick exam, the guy wants to take Xrays. «How much? I need to know how much before you take them.» [i thought this was very smart of me.] Guy says «around 20 bucks.» I’m like — hey, not bad. Go ahead.
X rays are taken, dentist comes in, everyone is really nice. They take some pics of my tooth and tell me I have to pull it. I can’t pull it, I can’t risk it as I’m working in a very public facing position for the next week and a half. But thanks. Now I know.
I leave to pay and — lo and behold — it’s $ 80. NOT $ 65 like I thought it would be. How much was the xray? $ 35.
Look — I know that $ 15 is not a lot. But SHOULDN’T YOUR EMPLOYEES KNOW HOW MUCH AN XRAY COSTS? This is my BIGGEST PET PEEVE EVER. I am not happy about this. The xray was 75% more expensive than I was quoted. I mention this and they told me — «he said AROUND 20.» Since when is nearly double an acceptable quote? Especially for something like an xray — which is a fixed cost.
Anyway. This is something that might not matter to many people so I’ll tell you guys one thing. The office was nice and if you are afraid of the dentist for whatever reason, this is a good place to go. The chairs are comfy, they play Hulu for you while you sit [so if you are freaking out I’m sure this is a great diversion] and they are definitely very considerate about your comfort. Their stuff seems very high tech. If you have insurance that will cover your costs, by all means I think this place would be great.
BUT. JUST HAVE A PRICE LIST OR SOMETHING. PLEASE.
EDIT: I asked them to email me the xrays and the pictures of my tooth so I can go to my dentist back home and they did it pretty instantaneously. I’ve struggled with this from other dentists so I bumped them up to 3 stars. Honestly it seems like a decent place from the 30 minutes I was there, I just really, really hate being misquoted on stuff that should be straightforward.
EDIT 2: Brought back down to 2 stars because after getting a 2^nd opinion from another dentist, I think that Dr Allen is totally full of crap. He tried to convince me to get my tooth pulled by him while I was in Chicago. I work 10 hours a day, every day, for the next 10 days in a public facing role. I was VERY clear about my job, my responsibilities and how important it was for me to not be incapacitated in any way. He said «no you’ll be fine, we can pull it in the morning and you’ll be fine to go to work at 1pm the same day!» Even if this could POSSIBLY be true, it most likely won’t be. So I feel like he was either lying and trying to get me to spend more money with no consideration for my situation, or he is some magical dentist that can guarantee a 3 hour complete recovery time for a tooth extraction with zero complications. If it’s the latter, then I apologize and you should get 5 stars. Otherwise, screw you. If I had listened to you I may have had to gone to work drooling, bleeding, unable to speak and would’ve probably been let go.

I went to Sloop Dental for the first time yesterday for my cleaning and checkup. The hygienist was very friendly and gentle — this was the best cleaning I have ever had and I was not sore at all. After that Dr Allen checked for any additional work, he was very friendly and professional. At this point I did not need any additional work done.
I will definitely be back in 6 months for my next cleaning. Thanks Sloop Dental!

I tried this office as a referral from a coworker and couldn’t have been happier. They were so friendly from the second you walk in the door! They’re up to date on technology with giving you an iPad to fill out instead of a clipboard with papers and can do your X-​rays right from your exam chair. They also have great hours if you’re trying to make an appointment after work, they’re open until 6:30pm. I would absolutely recommend this place!

I broke off a bonding repair on my front tooth that was in place for 20 years that was installed by another dentist. I called Sloop Dental in a panic at 730 am on a Saturday, and they told me to come in. I just walked out, 2 hours later and it looks better than it did before it was broken. Color match is fantastic, sizing is great. The pricing was reasonable, as I paid out of pocket. Office staff was super friendly and they exceeded all expectations. I planned on this being a temporary repair, but the dentist advised me he could make it a permanent one. This team of professionals has earned a patient for as long as I’m in the area. Thanks!

Dr. Allen is the kind of dentist you want… He is both conscientious and meticulous.
The staff is also amazing.

I have been going to sloop for three years now and love it. The entire staff makes you feel so comfortable and seem to be genuinely interested in care and comfort of their customers. Dr. Ken is awesome– great bedside manner and takes the time to answer question and explain information. I literally just got 5 teeth pulled (ouch I know) and though I was nervous going in– I knew I was in good hands. He is very knowledgeable and his staff are pros. As long as I am a resident of south loop– Dr. Ken will be my dentist.

I’ve moved a lot the last few years and because of that, have been to a lot of dentists. I can’t say enough about what an exceptional experience I’ve had here.
My first appointment was for a cleaning, the second for my 6 month check-​up and cleaning, and my most recent for a filling.
The things that make this practice unusually good are the hi-​tech tools (faster, easier, more comfortable), the communication from reception to the hygienist to the dentist, and most importantly not feeling like I’m getting high pressure sales or unnecessary procedures. I have experienced the opposite at every place I’ve been up until now.
The hygienist, dental assistant and dentist were all thorough, but extremely gentle and speedy! Easy street (meter) parking out front.
I’ll happily recommend this practice to anyone looking to find a new dentist.

On my husband’s recommendation, my three-​year-​old son and I tried Sloop Dental. Booking online was great. Our appointments started right on time. The staff was friendly and efficient. My son had such a good experience that he has since asked me several times if we could go to the dentist again. The estimate I received for a replacement filling is quite reasonable. Sloop recently completed and returned a school form for me in record time. My family has been pleased with every aspect of our experience.

The service I received during my cleaning and subsequent fillings were top notch. Dr. Allen fixed a damaged filling from years ago and made quick work of a new cavity. During my cleaning, he showed me exactly where I needed repairs and listened to 100% of my concerns and questions. During the procedure he worked quickly and efficiently. The end result looked beautiful, which was extremely important because one if the repairs he did was on my front tooth.
I do not often write reviews on Unilocal but every once in a while, when I do something where the stakes are high and I have a great experience, I go out of my way to write one. This is one of those times. I will be recommending him to anyone wise enough to ask my opinion.

Let me just say: I love my dentist! How many people can actually say that? *points at self* This chica here.
I have been going to Sloop Dental for over a year and just came from yet another appointment today. Everything in this place is technologically advanced, the front desk staff members are always friendly, and the space itself is modern and clean. I have been here either 4 or 5 times now and each visit has always been pleasant.
My dental hygienist (I believe her name is Amanda) always explains what she is doing and checks to make sure I am comfortable at all times. She performs my cleanings and is very thorough throughout the entire process while answering any questions I may have.
I am actually quite shocked at what other Unilocalers are saying about Dr Allen. His bedside manner is great, he’s always so cheerful, and he always asks if I have any questions or concerns and has addressed them whenever I did have them without being condescending.
Additionally, in one of previous visits, he had taken me for an emergency appointment when I was experiencing pain and took the time to listen to my issues instead of diagnosing me with any ol’ thing. He was even there to calm me down when I flipped out about seeing the needle that would be going in my mouth and made sure I was fine before proceeding.
To address insurance issues: I’ve never had them. I have MetLife, they take MetLife, The End. I will end this review saying that I keep going back not only because of the service but because they are consistent which is important to me.
Dr Allen and team, thank you for all you do!

I was very excited to try this dental office, since it’s very convenient to my new condo; however my experience here wasn’t great at all. I’m actually very confused how some others stated that this was the best dentist they’ve ever been to. The dentist didn’t seem to have great personal skills, however the dental hygienist was really nice.
I left with my teeth not feeling clean, outstanding fees that were not mentioned during my visit for exams (they claimed it wasn’t covered by my dental insurance), and having to follow-​up myself for a referral to a specialist since the front staff forgot.
Definitely don’t plan on returning…

I’m only giving this place two stars because I thought my dental experience with the dentist was great ! Dr. Allen was super nice and understanding. The thing that will not have me coming back is that before my visit I found a coupon on their website for a free exam and X-​rays. After it was all said and done the receptionist or front of the house lady said I was not able to use the coupon because I had insurance. She said my insurance covered it. Yeah I understood that but it ate up my 1000 insurance limit so in reality I ended up paying for them. She also said she understood my point and that the coupons should prolly state that on them ! I hate when places decide not to honor the specials or coupons. it is bad business in my book ! This ultimately left me with a shady feeling and because of this I will not be going back!!!

My experience, while technologically advanced with an amazing Dental Hygienist (Amanda!) and assistants, as well as front desk staff is NOT enough to get me to ever go back. Dr. Ken Allen is rude to his staff and treats them as if they are nothing. He is condescending to patients, when I tried to ask a question his responses were short and in a tone that one uses on people they feel are inferior. After they emailed me MANY times to reschedule an appointment I canceled, I had no choice but to answer honestly…
Please cancel any appointments for myself that have been scheduled. I will no longer be using this dentistry and I have been unsatisfied with the services and manner of the Dentist, Dr Ken. I feel uncomfortable with the way he treats his staff by degrading them around patients, with no regard for appropriate workplace conduct. Dentologie will be getting my business from now on. All other employees of Sloop dentistry are wonderful and do an amazing job and I wish THEM all the best.
Thank you.
I feel bad for the wonderful and skilled people who work there. The idea and location are great but bottom line if the DENTIST makes a patient feel uncomfortable (in a field that generally gives most people anxiety) then it is not worth it.
Wanted to like this place. Wanted to enjoy my experience. Left feeling ignored and uncomfortable by «Dr. Ken».
***********UPDATE March 12, 24 Minutes after my review posted, instead of a public response, Dr. Allen sent me a private message regarding my review. Full Text below:
You have a new message
Hi Aly,
Ken A. has sent you a message on Unilocal:
Your Review
«Thank you for your efforts in trying to ruin my small business. I have a 1 year old son and a wife about to deliver our 2^nd child next week. I hope you feel important now that you have publicly slandered my business for your enjoyment.»
***************
Thank you Dr. Allen for proving my points above completely. By being verbally abusive and sending a personal message to someone who obviously did not get great Customer service, you have shown exactly what I stated in my review.