One of the hardest things about living abroad is finding health care professionals that you actually like. Doctors, dentists, hairdressers, facialists, whatever.
There are always abundant lists of “English Speaking Doctors” for you to choose from, but 
you never really know if they’re any good or not until you make an appointment. And then you usually find out that “English Speaking” was used very loosely, or that they are on the verge of death and can barely stay awake for your appointment, or their equipment is so old that you’ve never personally seen it in your lifetime except on old black and white movies, or they’re kind of a “groper” looking to cop a feel at any opportunity – all of which have happened to me. Every time you move you end up going through dozens of health care professionals before you finally find the one that’s right for you. And then, naturally, you move again.
Well, folks, 2 months before we’re about to leave KL I have found the perfect dentist. So perfect, in fact, that I’m considering coming back to KL from Bangkok next year to have him clean my teeth again. Basically it was the best dental appointment I’ve ever had – quick, efficient, professional, courteous, and painless. Seriously, I’ve never had a painless dentist appointment. Ever. But this was it. He used that fancy ultrasound thing to perform the cleaning and he was done in about 20 minutes.
I had such a positive experience there that I think, I’m not sure, but I think, I may have actually had fun at the dentist. So, if you happen to be living in KL, I would like to suggest that you find your way out to Bangsar Shopping Center and your pearly whites painlessly cleaned by Dr. Eugene.
Image from: http://www.betz.lu/media/blogs/c/dentist.jpg
Maybe I should go to KL to have my teeth done too!
Does he have a latex free office?
Isn’t it a tad funny as an American to find your dentist’s office in a shopping center? I had to go to one once in HK and it was in a shopping center, too. I was a little weary about it, but it was an emergency (a cap had popped off and needed to be stuck back on). The experience was fine, until I got off the chair to leave, and there was a huge cockroach sitting right on top of my wallet that I had left on the counter. It was disgusting. Luckily, I never had to return.
You know, this is something that I haven’t considered and it’s important. Since I’m just doing some “armchair” exploration these days maybe I should be seeking some referrals in various categories of likely need.
Have you tapped into expat or other clubs/groups you belong to in which you can, by word of mouth, get referrals to health/personal care professionals/providers?
For example, how did you find this dentist, word of mouth or just sheer luck? Is it not “cool” to publish the name/contact information with a disclaimer. (this worked for me for such and such on such and such a date, your experience may be different). I know if I were in Kuala Lampur, I’d appreciate the referral.
Nice blog, by the way. Keep it up and best wishes. Nia.
Laura,
There were definitely latex gloves.. Is that a problem?
Sijbrich,
Yikes. Cockroaches are everywhere here too. They totally gross me out…
It is funny that so many doctors offices are in malls here. I guess it’s just more convenient and I can’t really complain about that!
Nia,
There are lots of expat networks here in KL (and there were in Munich, too) but I’m pretty picky. I usually only go by the opinions of people I know and trust. Everyone opinion of a good dentist/doctor is different, right?
If anyone wants the contact info for Dr. Eugene, I’d be happy to provide it, but the Bangsar Shopping Center is pretty small – it’d be very easy to find him there without too much effort
Hallo Superkimbo :
Please provide me the contact info for Dr. Eugene. I really need it for my teeth.
Thanks.
Warms Regard
icelee
We are so going to try out your dentist in August! And he really speaks English? In China they say English speaking but that doesn’t always mean they actually do speak English!
Amy,
Almost everyone in KL speaks excellent English – especially the older generation that learned English in school. Dr. Eugene, who is very young, actually studied in Australia and his English is perfect!
I love going to the dentist here! The Philippines is well known for its cheap, efficient and excellent dental practices. My parents just visited and got anything dentally possible done here – it cost them about one fiftieth of what it would cost them in NZ. Filipino readers – try Dr. Gil at Dental Town in Casa Vincente, Alabang Town Centre. He is a total dude!
[...] on that side of my mouth I finally decided to call the dentist. Unfortunately for me, the wonderful Dr. Eugene was full for the next two weeks (my last two weeks left in [...]
Dear Superkimbo,
Would you be able to pls share the contact details of Dr.Eugene? I am from Singapore.
Thanks,
Prabhu.
Hi Superkimbo
Could you please let me know the contact info for Dr. Eugene, he’s been recommended by so many people but I can’t seem to find any contact info for him anywhere. Your help would be greatly appreciated
Thank you
Danie
I have been a cosmetic dentist and an instructor for many years. I really enjoyed the article and I love the illustration.
Hi there,
Please share with me the dentist name.. or phone number. Looks less painless.
That’s great to know that you found a good dentist. I like your description of the experience.
I agree it is hard to find the perfect dentist and health care provider. I got a smile makeover and I just love it!
You’re lucky to have found your perfect dentist