Wendel Family Dental Centre - Vancouver

I recently became a new patient at Wendel Family Dentistry of Vancouver, and I deeply regret the experience. The only practitioner performing work there is Dr. Karyn Kartje, as I was told, meaning patients have no alternative options. I initially scheduled an appointment for a broken upper tooth with sharp edges that was cutting my tongue. Dr. Kartje seemed entirely unalarmed by this. Instead of addressing the immediate discomfort or discussing an extraction, she sent me to an endodontist regarding a neighboring tooth that was not my primary concern. I felt she was quite arrogant and dismissive of my actual physical complaints. I insisted on extracting the broken tooth, and they scheduled a procedure for two weeks later. In the meantime, I saw the endodontist. When I arrived for my scheduled extraction appointment—for which I had to take a day off work—I asked if Dr. Kartje had reviewed the endodontist's letter. She had not even looked at it yet. After skimming it, she stated both teeth needed to come out and she had time to do it. I told her I only wanted the first, broken tooth extracted that day, and asked if they had an implant specialist for the future. She sent me to the front desk to schedule an implant consultation. After taking a few minutes to schedule that future appointment, I returned to the chair. Dr. Kartje asked what I was still doing there. When I reminded her I was there to get my tooth extracted, she claimed she assumed I was waiting to do both teeth with the implant specialist and stated she no longer had time for me that day. I was left completely speechless. I took a day off work for a scheduled procedure, only to be sent home with zero treatment. Fortunately, I went to a different dental office that very same day, and they took care of my broken tooth right away. Based on this experience, I have serious doubts about Dr. Kartje’s professionalism, communication, and patient care skills. The only positive note is the hygienist who performed my cleaning, who was incredibly professional. The support staff there deserves a much better doctor to work under. I walked out of this office and will never look back.

Update: just recently visited 6/4/26 definitely my last time Dr. is completely disconnected. Zero personality, Told him to take it easy my mouth, he ripped a piece of floss across the cheek, cutting my lip. I literally warned him a minute before he did it his answer was would you like to reschedule? Complete robot. Old review:Seems like they just care about their numbers and not about their Clients. No follow up, Didn’t hear from them for months , they blamed it on my insurance. Not very happy...

I had Nancy do a deep cleaning of my teeth and she is absolutely amazing

Dr. Winger and his staff are just amazing. They are so caring and compassionate with their patients and the work that they had to do. He answered all my questions and concerns. Thank you, Dr. Winger and staff for a job well done.

Dental appts are always so scary… but this place treated me wonderfully from the start! Staff was friendly, attentive and helpful… my hygienist was an absolute peach.

Dr. Winger did a fantastic job on my bridge. He’s a very gentle dentist with his care and bedside manner is excellent. His lovely assistant Kaitlin was amazing. They’re both funny when they’re working together. Makes for a great time when you’re sitting in the chair. I will be using them for all my dental needs.

I was a patient here for a number of years. Years ago, I posted a glowing review....because, it was TRUE!!! They used to be GREAT and I gave them major props for it. Over time, however, they seem to me to have lost their way somehow. Just didn't seem to be a positive place anymore. I eventually realized that the Receptionist was the only reason I hadn't gone elsewhere. (She's STILL great, BTW!!) I get it...times and businesses change......people retire or move on. Sometimes they take with them the best reasons to be a patient there. I'm truly sorry when this happens...but sometimes it just plain DOES. Businesses have the right to operate however they see fit. I'm good with that. But I just felt the need to find a better fit. Im VERY sorry that I can no longer recommend this place.

I was so sad when our insurance changed for a bit and were weren't able to go here. So glad when we it changed and we were able to come back! Their entire staff are friendly, professional, and caring. I love getting to see Shelley every 6mos for my cleaning. She is very good at what she does and has a nice personality as well. It always feels like a break for me to go to my cleaning. Lol They've gone through some dentist changes over the past few years, but it seems like they have a solid set of dentists now. The entire building is always so clean, which I very much appreciate especially for dental care. I've never had an issue with billing in the almost decade I've been a client there. They really do deserve a big shout out for the awesome teamwork they do there!