From day one, Dr. Backiel attempted to upsell products and procedures I didn't feel I needed. I continued going there mainly because the office was conveniently close to my house. I'm fortunate to have no major dental issues, so I mainly go to the dentist for routine cleanings and maintenance. Eventually, I agreed to a procedure, but when it didn't work, she casually told me I needed a replacement. I assumed the replacement would be covered at no additional cost, but instead I was charged again. I was disappointed, though not entirely surprised at that point. My final experience was even worse. I went in for a routine cleaning, which is supposed to be 100% covered by my insurance. The office charged my credit card after I authorized it to be kept on file. When I called my insurance company, they confirmed they had already paid the dentist. I contacted the office multiple times, but they still never refunded my money. It's unfortunate this happened, but I want others to be aware before choosing this practice. There are many great dentists in Philadelphia -- I would recommend looking elsewhere. read more

I am not sure what qualifications the staff have but my recent bonding is awful and I was actually scared while being worked on because the person doing the filling called for the dentist and said she didn't know what she was doing and my gums were angry. read more

It's a weird model set up by volume. There are a bunch of chairs and the dentist flits between them, and has zero clue if she's ever talked to you before. I'd been a patient for 7ish years and she told me that I needed braces - which I'd already gotten because she recommended them (and multiple second opinions confirmed). She did not remember me, she clearly did not remember that my orthodontist shared a treatment plan that included leaving a couple things untreated because I didn't want surgery. Every treatment plan her office builds for you starts with an insulting assumption that you need whitening, even if you're comfortable with your tooth color. She recommended crowns without addressing my base question "is that really the only/best solution" and the second and third opinions I got both vehemently agreed crowns are not the right solution for me. read more

I was a patient here for quite some time, and things were going well the first few visits I had with Dr. Backiel, but went completely sideways after my last visit. The hygienist was kind enough and seemed knowledgeable, but it seemed like the entire office was transactional, and constantly trying to upsell different services, treatments, etc. Again, that's fine too--I can respect that they've got a business to run. At the end of my visit, though, I was quite surprised that I actually never even got to see the dentist or Dr. Backiel herself. I was in for just a normal cleaning, but they took X-Rays and charged me for something that I'm still not sure what it was as, again, I just wanted to get my six month cleaning done before my wedding on the 4th. After reviewing the X-Rays, I was told by the hygienist (again, I never got to see the dentist) that I had a filling that needed to be replaced immediately, despite it not feeling different or painful at all. They first tried to book me for a couple of days later (stressing again that it needed to be done ASAP), but I couldn't come in for a couple of weeks. About 8-9 days before my appointment I received an email reminder and confirmed that I'd be there, but had no more communication (no text or email or or push notifications or phone call reminders) in the days immediately leading up. This morning, I had a last-minute trip to New York for work and received a call from the receptionist asking where I was. To be fair, it was the same day, but I asked whether it may be possible to reschedule. She said if I didn't come in the same day (impossible, given that I'm not in the Philadelphia), I'd be charged $75, which is the full amount of what I'd have to pay for the procedure anyway. I've never missed an appointment, always called in advance if I did need to reschedule something, and generally felt good about this dental office, even referring a couple of people (my now-wife and another colleague) because Dr. Backiel herself has always been great. However, after spending literally thousands of dollars with them over the last year, to be given no grace whatsoever by the office, combined with the constant upselling and everything always being urgent, I can't say I recommend this office anymore. I'll be finding a new dentist today, and will make sure to warn anyone from doing business here as well. There's nothing worse than having no common courtesy or loyalty from your doctor's offices. read more

Dr Backiel is the WORST dentist and practice i have ever encountered. I went to Dr B for the first time in 2020 after years of not having dental insurance/visits. I was immediately scolded and berated by the hygienists about how "gross" it was that i hadnt been to a dentist in years. I was told "you can still go without insurance". I, understandably, had multiple cavities. One was so deep it ended up needing a crown. After the many appointments i finally got my permanent crown. I experienced EXTREME pain within days and called the office for help. To this day I have NEVER got a call back. I ended up needing an emergency root canal 1 week after the crown while on vacation in Denver CO in April 2021. Now years later, the tooth infection never was properly taken care of and caused me continued pain since 2021. This week i needed the tooth removed. This ALL could have been avoided had Dr. B and her office treated me properly, kindly, and followed up after my multiple panic calls about extreme pain. I wouldnt recommend this office to my worst enemy. STAY AWAY FROM DR BACKIEL! read more

Hands down the worst dentist experience of my LIFE. Rude. Condescending. Nasty people. I've had a flipper for about 20 years and it's been great and these people tried every used car salesman and traveling carnie trick in the book to try and upsell me on SURGERY. They also smoke and mirror you through "advice" so fast that you don't realize you consented to something until after they did it and you're out $400+. One dental assistant said to me "so your front teeth are for biting and your back teeth are for chewing" like what??? Stay far, far away from this place. Front desk people must have been sneaking some nitrous from the stash because they could not be less present. Ms. Backiel would do better hawking products on QVC than being anywhere near providing dental care or advice. And lastly, the waiting room desperately needs to get out of a 1995 infomercial. read more

Dr. Backiel's office is poor. Unnecessary treatments are pushed, and unqualified staff perform their duties. Good teeth have been ruined. This practice is truly terrible. read more

Went to Deb for 20 years. Had an emergency once and missed a cleaning. I never missed or was late 1 time in 20 years. She was, or so I thought, a friend. She came to Paris with us and ruined our trip. I was told if I was late or missed one more appointment I'd have to find a new dentist, so I did. We found a dentist that we adore. They have repeatedly called for my dental records and X-rays and she won't send them to our new dentist. Do yourself a favor and avoid this office. I know way too much about this office and won't post what I know and not going to because she was a very dear friend. If she treats friends like this just imagine. read more

I saw Dr. Backiel because the office took my new insurance and was close to my home. My teeth were always fine. Never had a cavity in over 25 years. First checkup she found 3 cavities. Filled them. Next check up, surprise, 2 more cavities. Drilled them. I had to go back 3 times for the last filling because it was lifting out. The last time she saw me, she said it looked perfect, that I need to get used to it. I went to another dentist who fixed the filling and also mentioned that my teeth looked great and was surprised/sceptical that I even needed these fillings in the first place. After reading these reviews, I believe I was just another victim of her cavity scam. read more

Don't get sucked in by the flashy office/equipment. It's all a front. She recommends increasingly invasive and unnecessary expensive procedures for the financial incentive. See other reviews, stay away. read more

This dental office is a factory, the care haphazard and shortsighted and incompetent. I was a patient for a year. In that time, I lost a tooth, developed a serious gum infection requiring laser surgery ($6K), and underwent a bone graft, all because I listened to backiel's advice and got the bootleg invisiline. Thereafter, backiel left their monitoring to an unqualified tech, who failed to identify the brewing crisis. Backiel just kept putting out fires in my mouth. NEVER did she exhibit any concern for issues that could have and should have been avoided. Several times, I heard her recommending invisiline to her patients (ka-ching). If you're one of them, run to the nearest orthodontist. If you've got gum problems, run to the periodontist to see if invisiline is contra-indicated. read more

She will come up with expensive and unnecessary dental work that will cost you a lot of money. I got a cleaning and she said I needed one crown. Paid the $350 for the crown, and then she said I needed 2 more crowns, although she hadn't mentioned those teeth in her initial exam. I was suspicious, so I visited another dentist who told me to "keep doing what you're doing" and made no mention of issues with the two teeth Dr. Backiel had identified as needing crowns. Office experience was fine, but be prepared for a "treatment plan" that will cost hundreds of dollars out of pocket and involve many visits and procedures that you may not need. Scammer for sure. read more

My experience with Dr Backiel and Associates has been positive. My adult kids introduced me to the practice when I was looking for a new dentist.We all love her. The active office is usually full of patients with enough staff to keep it running smoothly. This is a patient centered dental practice. Its a calming environment. Most important, Dr Backiel and team provide excellent dental care using state of the art equipment. I wouldn't want anything less for my teeth. From my limited experience the costs are comparable to most other dentists. They do take most insurance. Personally, I love the two small dogs that are often in the office read more

Please reimburse my insurance company for the procedure that was not performed.

If you told me at any time during my teeth having life that I would leave a 5 Star review for a dentist I wouldn't have believed you - yet here we are. Dr. B and her team are fantastic! Waiting room is nice (bonus: great music playlist too) and staff are always pleasant. I get cleanings every 3-4 months and I am always pleased with my experience at Backiel and Associates when I leave. The techs are kind, quick, and gentle. Dr. Backiel is friendly and down to earth and uses up to date technology. She's a straight shooter. All around fantastic practice. Also - Dr. B's pup is adorable and in the office frequently. No more dentist scaries when coming here! read more

I recently moved to a new neighborhood in Philly and was looking for a dentist. After a Google search, I found several options, one of them being Backiel and Associates. I gave them a call and asked if a cleaning would be covered under my insurance. After giving them my insurance information, they said that it was, so I made an appointment. The cleaning itself was fine, but after the cleaning, I started noticing red flags. "Dr Backiel" came in, as the dentist often does after a cleaning, and started recommending I get all of these procedures like getting my metal fillings removed to prevent my teeth from exploding during weather fluctuations. If that sounds strange to you, it did to me, too. She assured me that the additional work was necessary if I wanted to keep my teeth, so I made the appointment trusting her judgement. After I got home, I immediately checked online reviews for red flags about this place and my stomach dropped when I started reading them. Many, many people in Philadelphia complained that this dentistry has recommended frivolous procedures and basically scammed people to the point that some of them had to get lawyers, report them to the Better Business Bureau, etc. I emailed the next day, cancelled my appointments, and made sure I had written documentation that they were cancelled. I thought I was in the clear, but just this week, I opened my mail to find that there was $254 that was not covered for my cleaning that I owed to the dentist. After speaking with my insurance provider, they told me that in addition to the cleaning, they also egregiously charged for "office fees" which is not covered under my plan and it is unusual for a dentistry to charge for that during a cleaning because they know it isn't covered. So, I'm writing this to warn people about this place so they're aware and stay away. I hope this helps a few people. read more

SHE JUST WANTS YOUR MONEY! Do not go to this woman. She is wild. Totally spaced out during visits, talks down to her staff in front of patients, etc. Trust me just go to another dentist, she is not worth whatever it is that made you consider going to her. read more

i had a question about my bill and account balance the lady on the phone did not let me ask my question and hung up on me i called back and again wanted to ask. i asked the question, then i had a bit more to explain. the lady on the phone cut me off, didn't let me finish. then hung up the phone terrible customer service, avoid read more

I'm a patient for life now. The entire staff is engaging and professional. They were VERY clear with my bill on what exactly would be covered by my insurance and what is my responsibility. They gave me several levels of treatment from immediate (root canal for a painful tooth) through cosmetics for some teeth whitening. This place really is the total package and I'm so glad I looked around and found Dr. Backiel. read more

I have been going to this Dental office for the last 3 years. The staff is super friendly, and the service is great. Unfortunately, because of my changing project, I will no longer be able to visit them. I had the best experience with them. Highly recommended dental service! Plus sometimes they have a cute little puppy to play with :) read more

i wish i had seen some of these reviews sooner. Like several others below mentioned, an extreme amount of work was recommended to me upon realizing that i have really good dental insurance. I got a 2nd opinion from my prior dentist, who did not think that any of my fillings had issues. Stil, I reluctantly agreed to Backiel's office replace several fillings. While doing one these, my tooth was drilled to the point that i needed a root canal, and crown. I went elsewhere for the root canal and back to my old dentist for the crown. Both were surprised to hear about this experience. I have very good dental coverage, but this mishap still cost me upwards of $2,000. There was not even the slightest apology for the mishap/mistake. I get that mistakes happen but if you scroll through these reviews, it suggests a pattern. I'll never know whether it's to make money, or whether it's a series of accidents due to competence/recklessness but either way, I'd recommend you go elsewhere read more

Dr. Backiel keeps my smile "winning". Friendly, professional staff keep me coming back read more

Backiel & Associates - General Dentistry Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dr. Backiel was amazing. Her staff was efficient, but friendly. The office is also really beautiful and I love that they have a support dog available if you need it. Nothing better. Thanks so much for being so great, see you in 6 months! read more

Such lovely staff. Patient and so nice. They helped me work through an insurance issue and were so helpful. Thank you! Will definitely be back! read more

Reading other reviews, it seems this practice tries to squeeze money out of people by recommending extensive, unnecessary dental treatment. I certainly feel this could be true as I was told by Dr. Backiel that I need $6,000 of dental work on my first (and only) visit, even though I was also told by an assistant that I did a great job taking care of my teeth .. Also, this financially motivated behavior could be seen by how I wasn't told until half way through my appointment that they don't take my insurance. I asked days before my appointment if they could check to make sure they took my insurance, but apparently they didn't check until after my appointment started. The girls running her front desk didn't even understand how their ineffective communication skills and poor work ethic caused me a problem. I paid a few hundred dollars for a service that should have come as no charge to me ... Would NOT recommend - they don't seem to have the patients best interest in mind, and who knows how that could hurt you! read more

I held off writing this review for a while, b/c I had to go to another dentist to fix all the problems that Dr. Backiel caused me. I came here based on a referral b/c I was new to the area. Very religious about getting my teeth cleaned every 6 months/along with xrays. I went to Dr. Backiel's office for my routine dental cleaning and xrays, which I get every 6 months. After she performed my examination she mentioned that i had a cavity, a little one that if i came in ASAP she could fix. So from that I came into the office 2 days later to get a filling. Per the filling, the doctor mentioned she drilled deeper than expected, and causing me much pain. Soon following that, said I will need a root canal if pain persisted. Well the pain persisted and ended up going to another doctor 6 months later (in chicago b/c I just moved) who took xrays and told me that i needed a root canal, but not b/c of a bad or decaying tooth. But because whoever performed the filling previously on the tooth (Which was Doctor Backiel), Damaged the nerve b/c of the drilling and that is why i was in so much pain. And if the filling was done properly I would of not needed a root canal. I am writing this to let you know of my experience... I had excessive pain for months , costing me money out of pocket to finally get my tooth fixed b/c of an error she caused. I did call her office several times complaining of pain and they prescribed me over the counter pain killing medicine. I also called on to speak with the doctor of the error and never heard back. So a couple things as a result. a) post this review on yelp. b) filed a complaint against her with the city and state (which I already did). I hope this sheds light into my experience before you pick a dentist. read more

I've been going to Dr. Backiel since 2009. She is amazing and worked through some serious dental issues I had. She is warm, caring and has a great team of office folks that create a warm environment. I highly recommend her! read more

Backiel & Associates - General Dentistry Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I have been a patient of this office for around 10 years. Dr Backiel's office staff and team is very professional. I have never had them push unnecessary dental procedures or work on to me. She has an upbeat and positive personality which make for a pleasant experience. I have referred several colleagues and friends to this office and would gladly send more. read more

I am shocked at some of the negative reviews. I wonder if these people have been going to the same office I have been going since they opened. The staff has always - I mean, ALWAYS - been professional, accommodating and friendly. Snobs? Pretentious? Are you kidding me? They don't have time to be snob and pretentious. Fabian (not Damian, you ignorant person!!) is the business manager and has always been so helpful in determining my needs versus what my insurance can cover to make sure I don't pay too much money. He is French, which is a different culture from that of American (again, you ignorant person!!). He's too stylish, and perhaps intimidating to some because he may be a little too sophisticated to them. Nevertheless, he knows what he's doing and any business would be lucky to have him. The hygienist that works with me all the time - Julie - is not only funny, jovial, careful, kind, on time, easy to work with, understands my pain or needs, quick, but also knows what's she's doing. Dr. Backiel did an amazing job at attracting the talent that she has in her office. Everyone says hello to me whenever I go there. The office is CLEAN and highly technical. No paper. Well, lit. They all great you professionally. I love how they ask you: "How's everything feeling today!" I heard at least three of them asking their client the same question. That says something about the culture and training of a dentist office. I have known Dr. Backiel since before she opened her practice. She wanted to open her own practice because she wants to be as best as she can be. Do you people think that she would want to be rude and pretentious and whatever else some of these reviews say about her? She was highly trained at one of the top Ivy League schools of dentistry. She is a great business owner. She cares about her clients. She knows what the hell she's doing. If someone does not fit her standards, she will eliminate them from her team because her standards are very high. As they should be. I have been extremely pleased with her practice and I will encourage and refer anyone to this office. If you feel that something wasn't right, then ask to speak to Dr. Backiel directly. She will listen and take your criticism to heart and make the change. This is her business and I feel like she put a lot into it to not care about her clients. Hope this review helps and that you give Dr. Backiel and her associates a try. read more

The best Dentist! Dr. Backiel and her staff have been taking care of ALL my dental needs for many many years now! She is gentle, knowledgeable and I drive all the way from Brooklyn, NY just to see her!! I'm even just finishing my Invisalign and it's awesome!!! She's done everything from cleaning, xrays, fillings, crowns, root canals as well! read more

Backiel & Associates - The Best Dentist in the World :) - General Dentistry Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dr. Backiel is a great dentist, and the hygienists who work with her are just as wonderful. She is so positive, funny, and energetic that she actually makes you feel excited to be at the dentist! It's very easy to make appointments (with some doctors it's impossible to get an appointment without taking time off work) and I've even been able to do a last-minute reschedule ("I can be there in 10 minutes if you can fit me in earlier") with absolutely no hassle whatsoever. As for the quality of treatment, I unfortunately had to get some cavities filled (I guess that's what happens when you go 5 years without seeing a dentist) and even though I was dreading it, Dr. Backiel and her staff put me at ease and I survived! I was very happy with my cleaning, too. I feel very lucky to have Dr. Backiel as my dentist! I am disappointed to hear that other Yelpers haven't had such great experiences.... read more

It's been a really long time since I've been to the dentist, and it probably would've been longer if I didn't have a really bad toothache. My teeth are pretty messed up, so I've been really embarrassed about going to a dentist, and I was even more apprehensive when I arrived and saw how nice the office was and how... uhm, bubbly... everyone's personality was. Then Dr. Sonia Rajput did my root canal, and she was great. No kid gloves, no patronizing slow talk... just did her job, did it well, and was genuinely friendly about it. She answered all my dumbshit questions quickly and with aplomb, and speaks fluent Mumblese. It was actually pretty impressive. I had a mouth full of crap and was completely numbed up and she understood when I mumbled, "The only pain I have right now is from my headache." It was wild. read more

I can't say enough good things about this office. Dr. Backiel and her team are easily the most pleasant group you could ask for in this setting. Everyone is extremely friendly, and you're not going to find a more qualified group. I hadn't been to the dentist in ~10 years, and was extremely apprehensive about my return. However, since I started going last year, not once have I dreaded needing to return for fillings, cleanings or adjustments. I would definitely recommend this office for anyone needing a dentist in the city. I don't know how Dr. Backiel always remains so upbeat and peppy, but you can clearly see the positive impact her attitude has on the rest of her team. read more

I've had some horrible experiences at dentists. I have fair skin and red in my hair and just as the stereotype goes, I'm practically immune to Novocaine. Other dentists weren't doing the job. A coworker recommended this dentist as she's near my old office. I was able to get work and checkups done before my appointment and during lunch breaks as her location is right near Suburban Station and many bus stops. I knew what needed to be done before I went there. Dr. Choi and Dr. Backiel discovered a few 'extra' things but we set to work on the worst damage first. They recommended me to a great endodontist for a serious root canal who, like Dr. Backiel, always gave me enough Novocaine and tested the area before drilling and digging and poking. The office helps by estimating insurance costs very accurately, so I know exactly how much I can get done and at what cost. However, they are really pushy about getting a lot done ASAP, and I just can't afford $700 crowns AND living expenses at the drop of a hat. I used to go to Dr. Choi here and she left. This is sad because Dr. Backiel isn't as friendly or gentle. The hygenists are all nice and I've never had to wait more than 5 or 10 minutes in the waiting room. Front desk staff seems okay. I like that I can make appointments via e-mail. Now that I don't work in Philly, I'm not sure whether I'll go back now that I need a checkup. I used to feel like it was worth the train ride, but since Dr. Choi left my experience hasn't been fab. Trust me, though, this place is high tech with massaging chairs and people who know what they're doing. I miss Dr. Choi--I felt like Dr. Crusher was my dentist. Viva la Star Trek! read more

When I walked in the door for a cleaning and the hygienist asked about my day. I responded with a snarky "oh fantastic - just another fun visit to the dentist!" Well, he had me eating my words by the end of the visit. My first visit was good - I was very impressed by the massaging chairs. There's an outstanding view of Love park - which is not only picturesque but fun for people watching :) However, I would not recommend going to Jenn for a cleaning - she was not gentle (at all) and i was sore for days after her cleaning. This time my hygienist was Sha (hope i spelled that right.) The man is a gift to dentistry. I was raving about my experience afterward. Yes, raving. About my dental visit. He was so incredibly gentile and explained any issues he was seeing in depth - making a point to let me take a look myself with a mirror. Fun to talk to and very relaxed. Truly the best experience I have ever had at the dentist - and a godsend after my first experience here. Of course Dr. Backiel is the sweetest thing - very warm and not eager to force you into unnecessary procedures. Front desk ladies were very friendly too. If you're looking for a dentist in Philadelphia go to Dr. Backiel and ask for Sha!! read more

If there were 10 stars here, Dr. Backiel would get them. Having been to many dentist in the Philadelphia area I must say she is one of the best Dentist I have ever worked with! The facilities are clean, the staff is extremely friendly, and the service is right up my alley. Dr. Backiel is strait and to the point, but very caring at the same time. If you want a fast and effective Dentist this is the DDS for you. read more

Best dentist in the city, hands down! And this is coming from a 30 year old who didn't stop seeing his pediatric dentist until I was 28. Eventually I had to stop traveling 2 hours home to see him, so I found Deborah primarily because she was one floor above me where I work. I was immediately impressed w/ how professional and technologically up-to-date the practice is. Many health care professionals are still living in the stone age when it comes to equipment, scheduling and general practices, but this outfit has their stuff together - clean, new equipment (xray, etc), efficient computer system. I've had several cleanings there & had a great experience. Julie is my hygentist and she is awesome. But the icing on the cake was how they came through in the clutch. Chipped a tooth over the weekend. They were able to see my first thing Tues morning and seamlessly fixed the problem right there in that visit. It looks great. Allison is their filling specialist, so if you need one ask for her! read more

Great experience! I haven't been to the Dentist in over 5 years. The office is very clean, the staff is amazing, and Dr. Backiel made me feel very comfortable. Just imagine the work I needed done after going to the dentist once in the last 15 years. Needless, to say I was not a fan of going to the dentist. Hence, I needed 4 crowns, one root canal, and finished up today with my first cleaning in probably 15 years. Like a log of other patients can be I was scared and full of apprehension when I was gettign my initial check up. When I learned of my needs they comforted me and worked with me to spread it out over two Calender years for my Insurance so it wouldn't be as costly to me. Dr. Backiel did a great job on my fillings and made sure I was comfirtable the whole time. The staff is amazing that helped in all of my procedures. Everyone is very good at their job and, happy to be doing their job, and very professional. Lisa was great today on my first cleaning with my new mouth. I know one thing for sure I, I am not going to wait 5 years to see the dentist again. When I do go back it will be to see my new Dentist and her great staff! Thank you! read more

Never have I been made so comfortable and cared for in a dentist's chair than when I sit in Dr. Backiel's office. She has been my dentist for almost 10 years and one of the best in Philadelphia as far as I'm concerned. My wife and my 20 and 23 year old children as well as my sister in law are all patients of hers. Her staff is warm and caring and enjoy finding out what's new in your life and how things are with you in general. Dr. Deb always has a new story to tell her patients and wants to keep the appointment light and fun even when she is skillfully performing major surgery to your mouth. Please make a point to check out this great practice and make an appointment as soon as you can! read more

came here a few times before realizing i deserve better care. the open concept clinic has got to be a hippa violation. i love dogs but having one in a clinical setting doesn't seem sterile. the hygienists were nice and did a good job but it felt like a constant up sell from the disinterested dentist who never once bothered to actually look inside my mouth in all my visits there. i felt she was more concerned about whether she could get me to buy whitening or braces. i also have never been to an office that keeps hours where only hygienists are on staff performing bite adjustments and other things without oversight from a dentist. all the promotional emails and online presence weren't screaming professionalism either. i'm out. read more