I was a patient with Frederick Center for Dentistry = I had an appointment with them in 2023. I requested an interpreter - they said they were unable to find one. I gave them list of interpreter agencies near Frederick. When I arrived for an appointment, there was no interpreter. They said they couldn’t find one but I proceeded with the appointment as I needed it at that moment. I did tell them I expect one at the next appointment. I eventually cancelled the following appointment due to schedule conflict.
Another topic:
I referred my DeafBlind friend to this dentist practice. I did request an interpreter for him. Again, it did not happen. Same situation as mine. But he proceeded with an appointment because it was much needed. His situation resulted a need of couple more follow up appointments. So we requested an interpreter for him. We gave them list of couple of agencies in Frederick area plus suggested Google search. They said “okay” - we asked them to do it right away for the following appointment that he has. Then when it came to the second visit, again, no interpreter! They made an excuse that they couldn’t find an interpreter. I explained to them that it’s a federal law (ADA) to provide one. My friend proceeded with the appointment - but with strong caution that we expect one the following next appointment. That 2nd appointment they used some kind of texting platform where they communicate with him via texting. He uses braille display to rely on communication. It’s not natural and organic communication. He had some serious Denistry work that he wanted to know more information about what’s happening to his teeth, what’s going on, etc. All very superficial information and limited discourse. Before we left, we were very firm and polite to ask for an interpreter for the next appointment. They said “ok” - I said that I expect one next time and we meant it. Then today, (1/24/2024), we came for the third appointment - STILL NO INTERPRETER! They said they’ll use texting platform. Naturally I yelled at them for not providing the interpreter that he and I asked for. They don’t always think ahead in terms of communicating like pen and paper to communicate our frustration. I had to ask for paper and pen even though they kept talking - we kept saying we are deaf and DeafBlind. So my friend decided to cancel the appointment right there and tell them that he will no longer be their patient for their services. I added that I will no longer be their patient as well. It has been a frustrating ordeal for us. They are stubborn. So we are going to file complaints and civil rights complaints as well. This is unacceptable and intolerable especially in a city that has quite large Deaf community.
