Totem Lake Dental: Dr. Andy Trinh, DDS.

Sandra Moore

I was a patient at this practice under the previous owner and had planned to continue my care here. However, I had a frustrating experience when trying to replace my lost ClearCorrect retainers. ClearCorrect informed me that my dentist simply needed to call in to approve the order, as they already had my final set on file. However, when I contacted the new practice, they repeatedly insisted that I needed to take new impressions. I explained that this was unnecessary since I still had my previous set (from before my finals), and ClearCorrect only required approval to manufacture and send me a replacement. Despite this, the practice refused to accommodate my request. At the time, I didn’t have insurance anymore or the financial means to undergo an unnecessary new impression process, and as a result, my teeth have since shifted.

Now, I’m finally in a position to correct my smile again. This practice’s refusal to follow a simple and patient-friendly process not only wasted my hard-earned money from my original treatment but also left me needing to fix my teeth all over again years later. I hope this feedback helps improve their approach for future patients who may face similar issues. --------- 3/26: Since there’s no option to respond directly, I’m adding my reply here— This is not my real name, and yes, I do remember you. I recall you telling me that I needed to take new impressions because my teeth had shifted. I explained at the time that I was wearing an older set of aligners to maintain their position until I could start using a new set—sets that were already on file with ClearCorrect. I had also been in communication with ClearCorrect, and they expressed disappointment that you weren’t willing to proceed.

While they couldn’t override their policy, they were empathetic to the situation and suggested asking you to transfer everything to a new dentist who would make the call for me. Given that I didn’t have insurance at the time, it would have been difficult to transfer everything to a new dentist, who would likely have handled things without having seen me before. This was in contrast to your practice, where I had already been in for one or two cleanings prior. Maybe you are right—maybe there was a misunderstanding about needing to make a phone call to ClearCorrects to approve ordering the new set, that I was wearing an older set of aligners keeping my teeth in place, and that ClearCorrects wouldn't need new impressions for something they already had, and that I wasn't going to be able to afford doing unnecessary steps as well as paying for the new aligners when I was between jobs. What's done is done, just leaving this honest review of my experience here— The experience that led me to stop seeing your practice, the experience that ended up costing me more money down the road.

March 26, 2025

Diego Canizales

I’ve been in for general exam, cleaning and deep cleaning appointments and can confirm that the doctors are super thorough and kind. They took pictures and X-rays of all of my teeth and explained I detail what I needed to have. I felt that the suggestions where accurate.

When I came in for my deep cleaning, the doctor was super kind, and made the whole process smooth! I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a great and honest dental practice.

May 5, 2025

Joseph Tunde

I’ve been fortunate enough to have Dr. Trinh as my dentist over the past 9 years. A true professional, whose skill & integrity are unsurpassed. He has an amazing team at his practice, simply put, The Best in WA state.

June 25, 2025

Carla Graham

The whole team at Totem Lake Dental, is fabulous! As a new patient they were able to fit me in for a big procedure. I have major dental anxiety but their calm and caring staff has been so helpful and reassuring. The office is very comfortable and inviting. I will be coming back for all my Dental needs going forward. Thanks again.

May 12, 2025