Duthie Orthodontics - Ithaca - Ithaca (NY)

1 /5 Kevin Ren: Family member of existing patient here. Impossible to schedule appointments; no one picks up the phone even for an emergency such as brackets falling off because the technician didnt put them on securely. Quality of service significantly deteriorated since Duthie retired.

1 /5 Liana Sicroff: Since Dr. Duthie retired, the practice has been MUCH worse. My retainers have been on forever, the last few scans there has been the same problem, and just at my last appointment they were like hmm maybe we should try attachments, and when I said enthusiastically yes I want them off, they acted like it was the first it has occured to them that I would want to be done with this process. The new doctor has an off putting energy, and ran very behind at my last appointment, which I usually wouldnt make a fuss about, except for the fact that when she got in it looked like she had no idea what was going on.

2 /5 C T: Dr. Duthie and those who worked with him were excellent! The previous front desk person, Carrie (?), was amazing! Very responsive and professional! Since Dr. Duthie retired, the practice has overall declined. Don’t receive the same level of patient care or positive response any longer. Given many excuses now instead of a positive, always here for the patients/customers attitude, that was second nature when Duthie was there. Could always walk in or call with any issues and they would be addressed promptly. Dr. Duthie didn’t think twice giving excellent recommendations to other providers and always answering questions. He even provided his cell phone number at an appointment. Didn’t use it, but still! Always went above and beyond. Really took the time to listen! Could tell that those who worked there were happier at that time too. Much more difficult to get appointments now. Changing the practice to a more limited, 4 day schedule there did not help matters. Even walking in with an issue that would take 5 mins or less to tend to was met with resistance to help. It was tended to, no need for the reluctance to help. Used to be told and encouraged to stop by any time anything was needed. There are still a few remaining good staff there. Consider other practices. If it doesn’t improve, will not be taking my child here if orthodontics are needed. When Dr. Duthie was there I gave many referrals and recommendations to friends. Sorry to say it’s not the case any longer. Hope things improve. We need and deserve an excellent orthodontic practice in our area again.

1 /5 Seyde Delgado: I became a patient at Duthie Orthodontics in January of this year, hoping to get braces, but unsure if I would have time to complete treatment before graduating and moving away from Ithaca. When I came in for my first consultation appointment, I was reassured that this shouldn’t be an issue and Dr. Duthie was not concerned about the timeline. After paying in full after my initial appointment, I quickly lost confidence in Duthie Orthodontics. It is difficult to get regular appointments, with them often being scheduled every 3 months. After complaining about this, as this was never my experience with my previous orthodontist, I was told most patients were experiencing this due to Dr. Duthie’s retirement. However, on their own website, they state “visiting our office about every four to eight weeks is an essential part of your orthodontic treatment. Our practice will work with you to make sure your appointments are as convenient as possible”. If you want to be seen this often, it requires practically begging and possibly traveling to other offices, as I did once. I have never missed an appointment and expressed my concerns about the frequency of my visits, but now I am being told I will likely need to transfer and pay for orthodontic treatment all over again elsewhere. The one time I broke a bracket, I called and the next appointment available was over a week away, so my teeth moved back despite my own diligence. All the while, they have still been accepting new patients instead of improving the care of their current ones. If you are on a budget and have a lot of time to waste, I would recommend Duthie Orthodontics. You get what you pay for. If you value consistency, efficiency, and transparency, I suggest you find another orthodontist. I regret not finding another orthodontist here or waiting to find one after leaving Ithaca.

1 /5 Raisa Ahmed: My experience with Duthie Orthodontics has been so frustrating and I am honestly beyond upset by how I’ve been treated at every appointment. I have to agree with all recent reviews. When I was seen for my consult, I was very clear about the fact that I would be moving out of Ithaca in a year and may need less frequent appointments or to co manage with another orthodontists office. At the time I was told there was no problem, trays could be mailed to meif needed, appointments could be spaced out, easy to transfer care etc. This was false, hours are now 4 weekdays, almost impossible to book in if you don’t book 3- 6 months n advance. And staff are also not helpful and anytime I have to interact with them. I’m now having to drive 6 hours for appointments where I’m seen by Dr. berry for 3-5 mins. My case is not reviewed prior to her seeing me. I was given the wrong instructions verbally because she was had not reviewed my case and was confused. I politely voiced my concern with the technician that saw me about the troubles I’ve been having booking appointments, and she was very rude, almost gaslighting me telling me I was the “only one who was complaining about this so…” I would say the reviews on here say otherwise. I really don’t know what to do at this point and really upset about this. I would agree with the other reviews and say to definitely go elsewhere, I wish I had, and now feel stuck.