Thomas Bridgman, DDS

I used to go to Dr. Bridgman on a friend’s recommendation and had nothing but positive experiences. The review by Anne B is curious because i saw the same review word for word on Facebook by someone named Kimberlee Burfiend

I have been seeing Dr. Bridgman, his assistant Mercy, his hygienist Linmara, and his receptionist Amy for about 10 years now. I’ve never encountered a more professional, friendly, competent team. Every visit has been a pleasure. Dr. Bridgman worked with me extensively on perfecting some cosmetic dentistry prior to my wedding, and he has always gotten me in extremely quickly for any minor repairs that I needed or wanted. Unfortunately I am not living or working in Seattle anymore, so I will have to bid farewell to Dr. Bridgman and his team. It’s really hard to find a great dentist these days, and I can’t recommend Dr. Bridgman highly enough!

My husband and I have been patients of Dr. Bridgman for 20+ years and we wouldn’t go to anyone else. He is sensible, kind, professional, and I completely trust his recommendations and work. The atmosphere in his office is relaxed and friendly, yet extremely organized and well-​run. The new hygienists are excellent, and I know Dr. Bridgman wouldn’t tolerate anything less. I always feel welcomed and well cared for by him and all of his staff.

I used to manage various dental offices for 14yrs and was in need of a new dentist less than a couple years ago. I was so excited when I looked online for a new dentist and read the reviews to see that two people I adored, Mercy and Linmara were working at this office. Seven months ago when I came in I was very sad to hear that Mercy left, but decided to stay because I loved having Linmara clean my teeth. Last month when I went in for my cleaning, I was told Linmara was gone too, I was very hesitant, but already there, so I decided to try the new hygienist out. She was very young and sweet. It was obvious she was a new graduate as she did not know much of what I was talking about when I spoke dental terms to her. I was going to try to look past this and make the best of it. However, the deal was sealed to find a new dentist when I called the office and left a message, no response, then sent a follow up email to let the office know when they cleaned my nightguards and retainers, they lost my favorite NTI nightguard. Their 1^st response was that Dr. Bridgman counted them and they were all there, I asked how does he know how many I have? Then they changed their answer stating I lost it. I told them no, the container was sealed and in my goodie bag until I was home to open it and see it was missing. I asked what they were going to do and they said «I am sorry that your night guard is missing, but we do not feel that we are responsible for the misplacement of your night guard.» Wow, that is an unacceptable way to treat your patient when clearly his inexperienced staff did indeed loose my nightguard. Not one single person in the back office looked familiar to me, even the Assistant the replaced Mercy the last visit was gone. Clearly there is something going on in this office and he can’t keep his staff or his patients. It might be things like his racist comments I heard and tried to ignore when I was in the office, or how he would joke with me while really insulting me. Save your teeth, save your time, save your money, save yourself and do not see Dr. Bridgman and his rotating staff!
UPDATE– It is unfortunate that Dr. Bridgman is stating my review is not true as I have the emails to prove it, too bad honesty is lacking in his interactions with me and his response to my review.

Can’t get better than this… been a patient for over 20 years…

I would highly recommend Dr. Bridgman. I moved to Seattle from Toronto and needed to find a dentist. I was reluctant to trust my teeth to anyone since I have had the same Dentist in Canada since I got my first teeth more than 3 decades ago. A friend recommended Dr. Bridgman and I couldn’t be happier. He does really great work and doesn’t recommend unnecessary procedures. Mercy is great too! They are super funny and it’s a very relaxed atmosphere. Amy is very welcoming and nice to deal with. The whole team is just great.

I was due for my annual check-​up and wanted a dentist closer to work. My coworker recommended Dr. Bridgman a few blocks away. My first impression of the staff was awesome. Amy, at the front desk was super helpful in getting me setup and the rest of the staff is just very friendly and hilarious. Dr. Bridgeman and his hygienists are very careful when working on your teeth, they still need to get the stuff off but they’re more «gentle» than others I’ve dealt with. I see myself staying with Dr. Bridgeman for a long time.

I had a toothache lasting from the weekend and i was trying to find a new dentist close to work. my coworker recommended dr bridgman and gave high reviews. I called to schedule an appt monday and amy was so accommodating by putting me on the schedule when they were booked. When i arrived everyone was friendly, xrays and cleaning didnt hurt like when i went to my last dentist a few yrs ago. They work closely like a family and the atmosphere with the patients is so enjoyable. I would definitely recommend anyone who is looking for a dentist to schedule with dr. Bridgman

I love Dr. Bridgeman and his assistant Mercy. He is always making me laugh. And the rapport between him and Mercy is also really fun. I’m a mixed bag on the hygenists though. I think my favorite hygenist was actually one of Dr. Reite’s who was filling in for someone who was ill. I particularly remember one lady who bugged the crap out of me for my lack of flossing. It was like she was beating a dead horse. She kept going on and on about it. Super annoying. I don’t go to the dentist to be harassed.
Back to Dr. Bridgeman. I had a really bad dentist experience over in Factoria. That guy was rough, he put me in a lot of pain. He told me I had 5 cavities he wanted to fill. It was awful. I then went to Dr. Derakshani (great dentist for you eastsiders) over there who couldn’t even find 5 cavities. Bad dentist put on a crappy crown of which Dr. Derakshani and Dr. Bridgeman had to deal with as it fell off several times. So to make a long story short, I developed A LOT of anxiety over dentist visits which I never had before. Dr. Brideman puts me at ease. He is gentle. Most of all he really understands and genuinely sympathizes when I am experiencing discomfort or anxiety. That and he is always cracking me up. What a character!
4 stars is because the hygenists are not as top caliber as Dr. Bridgeman and Mercy. I have an appointment next week and if I get someone good, I’ll report back.
Update: Reporting back after my visit. I had the same hygenist. She didn’t really get on my case about the flossing, but I still find her extremely «preachy» and sort of judgemental. As well I think she could be a little more gentle with the instruments. So sadly my review will remain 4 stars, due to her. My Xray gal was awesome though. She was super funny and understanding about my smaller mouth and she made the xray film tabs less pinchy which I appreciated.

Unilocalers have not disappointed me. I went to Dr. Bridgman based on previous 5-​star reviews, and he and his staff definitely live up to their high rating. I hadn’t been to the dentist for over two years and had a hole in my tooth, so I knew it wasn’t going to be pretty. The hygienists were friendly beyond your run-​of-​the-​mill obligatory banter and actually seemed to enjoy the conversations we had all the while intently focusing on doing their job well. I went back for several visits to fill cavities and they actually remembered me. Dr. Bridgman puts you at ease and has a great sense of humor. He ribbed me for my poor broken tooth, but definitely didn’t make me feel bad about it. Everyone in this office is outstanding. I genuinely laughed and smiled at a dentist’s office!
For once I’m actually not dreading my next dental check-​up. Who knew going to the dentist could be next to pleasant? I know I’m in good hands here.

I recently had reason to be in Seattle from Palm Springs, CA. While at lunch with a friend my temporary crown broke. I called the dentist on Capitol Hill I used to use all the time. «Sorry, Dr. is booked all afternoon.» Apparently they forgot how much money I paid them for the 10+ years I’d been going there. My partner used to see Dr. Reite and always said how good he was. I called there. «Can you be here by 3:40? Youbetchya! Got there, filled out a bit of paperwork and was seen by Dr. Bridgman (Reite wasn’t there). He came in «I”m the dentist.» He looked at the crown: «Yep, it’s broken!» Me: «That’s why they call you «the dentist», although that’s not written on your scrubs anywhere. I’ll take your word for it.» He: «Mercy will take care of you.» Wasn’t quite sure what he meant until the young woman Mercy came in. Long story short… she made the new temporary crown, it fit like a dream, and I was out of there about 5:00. Painless. Would recommend this office to anyone. I’m back in Palm Springs and my new crown was placed today. Yay! A big thank you to Dr. Bridgman and his team. They’re all great!

I have been seeing Dr Bridgeman for at least 20 years now… yikes! A terrific dentist. Wonderful staff. I had years of bad dental experiences as a kid and really hated seeing a dentist, but not anymore. Even the shots that use to raise my anxiety and blood pressure. Great guy.

Dr. Bridgman and his staff are welcoming and humorous, but most of all, they are professionals who knows what they’re doing! The dental hygienists are unfailingly pleasant and thorough. Dr. Bridgman has a good sense of humor and makes you feel at ease, and is also a great dentist. I got several fillings at his office, and they have all held up well.
He and his staff have shown that they really listen to each patient. When I was getting a cavity filled, my tooth didn’t get numb all the way at first. They gave me additional shots to make sure that I was numb all the way. I am sending my boyfriend, who needs a lot of dental work done, to Dr. Bridgman’s office because I know he’ll be in good hands. Although he was worried about being lectured or shamed about his teeth, I don’t think that will happen with this office.

After my first visit this morning, I couldn’t be happier with Dr. Bridgman’s practice.
All of the staff I encountered today were super friendly, caring, and knowledgeable. Unlike my last dentist, they didn’t make my gums bleed so much that the rest of my cleaning appointment had to be postponed. Everyone thoroughly explained what they were doing, why they were doing it, and what they recommend I do at home.
Also unlike my last dentist, Dr. Bridgman came in and spent time examining every one of my teeth to outline every problem and the order in which they should be handled, instead of meeting with me for under 5 minutes to glance at my x-​rays and dismiss me with a «see you next time». His attitude was very amiable and his sense of humour put me at ease about the state to which I’ve driven my poor teeth. Even better, this is the first time a dentist hasn’t wanted to rip out my wisdom teeth which absolutely do not bother me.
I look forward to my next visit… as much as one can look forward to seeing a dentist.

I have never laughed so much at a dentist’s office, nor have felt so welcome. The warmth and humor from the entire staff is very apperant and consistant.
Joke used during exam:
«Do you know what this is?» as he is flossing my teeth. Good approach beacuse it didn’t make me feel bad for not flossing, just a friendly reminder that I need to.
Dr. Bridgeman’s skills as a dentist is as good as they come. I had a filling that needed to be replaced and he was able to do that as well as address my TMJ issues all in an hour. He also rushed ordered my night guard since I am in so much pain, thoughful.
He also has anxiety relieving gas (unsure what type) avaliable for patients who have dental anxiety. He does charge for it, but it is helpful for those of us who hate dental work.
To sum things up… this clinic and Dr. Bridgeman are both great!

I have an absolutely unreasoning fear of dentistry and Dr. Bridgman is the best dentist I can imagine for a patient like me. He does the job, he’s light-​hearted, and I never leave his office feeling blamed for taking bad care of myself when I need to have work done that simple flossing would probably have made largely unnecessary. He gives me the facts and lets me determine my own behavior.
I would recommend him to anyone, but most especially to people for whom dentistry is an ordeal.

I needed a cavity redone ASAP, so I called Dr. Reite’s office based on Unilocal’s reviews and he was in my dental network. He was booked solid, but referred me to Dr. Bridgman, although he was out of my network. I’m sure glad I went ahead and decided to go. Dr. Bridgman is great. It was my first dental appt in nearly 3 years (due to a little procrastination combined with fear), but he and his staff were very warming, nice, and good with my teeth. Dr. Bridgman is very friendly and funny, and keeps you relaxed during the process. Never felt a single thing during my procedure, and he’s very meticulous/​perfectionistic with his process, making sure to get it perfect.
Even though he’s out of my network, I’ll continue to see him bc he’s such a nice guy and good doctor (and the front desk even files all the insurance claims and paperwork for you!). By far the best dentist experience I’ve had in years, maybe ever.
Now, if I could just start flossing more often.

Dr. Bridgman is so great, I can’t even tell you. I got him as a recommendation from one of my coworkers, since my previous dentist was kind of awful. I had a HUGE fear of dentists but Dr. Bridgman and his assistant Mercy (who I think went back to school) take pride in their work and make you very comfortable. They work great as a team and are very funny. I also had Erika as an assistant and she’s really great too. I have had nothing but kind, friendly, patient service here and I would be happy to recommend them to anyone.

Their technology is outdated, their staff awkward, and the doctor deceived me by conflating law with policy. I requested my latest x-​rays and was told I would be charged a $ 20 duplication fee. I called my future dentist and also a dentist I had at another time in the same state and asked them both if they ever charged for copies of x-​rays. They both told me absolutely not. I asked my friends and co-​workers. They all said they had never been asked to pay for any type of medical record. So I asked the secretary at Dr. Bridgeman’s office whether I could just have my original x-​rays so that I wouldn’t have to pay a fee, since I had already paid a lot of money to have them made. Dr. Bridgeman had her tell me that I «paid for the diagnosis, not the x-​rays.» I don’t trust a dentist who will do anything to take an extra $ 20 from someone who is obviously not well off, when it’s just a drop in his annual income bucket. Shame on him.