One of the scariest parts of going to the dentist is seeing the bright lights, pointy tools, feeling the clinking against your teeth, and having a mean and rough person ripping your jaws apart, all while you have no idea what is going on. Then on top of that, having to be berated on not flossing or brushing enough, when you already know you haven't been doing it. Fortunately, not only does the team explain everything in detail without having to be asked, but they are also very non-judgmental with their approach and recommendations. I know I have not been flossing enough, and I usually have to mentally prepare to be scolded by the dentist for this, but the team here acknowledges the issues that they analyze and then provide solutions, all with a kind tone and smile. This alone is a reason why I would come back here. My wife has been going here for 2 years now and after waiting to get in, I am pleased to report that the quality of care I received was excellent. Admittedly, the appointments are booked out months ahead, but compared to another dental office I visited in the SLO area, their service is just a whole different level. The staff are all very kind and welcoming, from Andrea who brought me in and did my X-Rays, to Dr. Milch who analyzed my X-Rays and gave me recommendations on next steps, to my dental hygienist, Megan, who not only cleaned my teeth extremely well, but also explained all the tools and the whole process of what she was doing next. Compared to other dentists I have been to before, I would say that the care I received is the gold standard for dental care. read more

Have always tried to bill me for what I'm 100% covered for, like cleanings. Have tried to double bill me for a procedure I already had paid my copay for, and tried to bill me in advance for a procedure I hadn't decided to do yet. Today they wanted my credit card .. I was having a cleaning so no charge to me. They said its their policy to keep a credit card on file. Not my policy, especially with their track record. So they canceled my appointment because I wouldn't give them my credit card for a cleaning that they shouldn't be charging me for anyway. read more

My husband and I prepaid for the dual dental savings plan 04/2026 which includes 2 cleanings per year. My husband was able to schedule his first appointment. I have been rescheduled three times. All due to staff scheduling errors. The last time, 09/2026, I came in and was told it was the wrong month and on a day I work. I was then told I could not be seen until December and that my second visit would not be honored. I have have called and sent emails for a refund. They have now changed the website citing No Refunds. INterestingly, it is also showing that we overpaid. I guess it is time to contact the Dental Board of California! read more

What an awful experience I had at this dental office. I drove to my appointment today and paid my copay. The hygienist was late and I had a busy day. She offered to reschedule me for the next morning and to waive the $50 appointment cancellation fee. However, as soon as I left the office they started messaging me asking me to pay the fee. When I communicated with them about this fee being waived, they refused to honor what the hygienist had told me. When I politely questioned this, they promptly dismissed me as a patient. I am in shock and deeply upset by this whole situation. I will attach our communications as an image, to warn off potential future patients. read more

Unbelievably horrible treatment of their customers. Inconsistent billing practices and then dismissing patients when they question them. What an embarrassment of an establishment. read more

This is by far the very worst dental office I have ever been to. The front stuff is rude. The dentist is patronizing and impatient. I have read other reviews and its like we have gone to two completely different offices. The list is very long of issues we have had there. I would never recommend this office to anyone. BEWARE: They require a credit card to be put on file so they can charge up to $100 on it without your permission if they bill "wrong". read more

Horrible practice with very poor communication. My wife had an appointment and a hygienist told her the $50 fee for rescheduling would be waived, since the hygienist was running late. The office subsequently tried to charge my wife $50. When my wife respectfully questioned the charge, she was fired as a patient at the clinic. read more

I haven't been to this place since 2021, but they still message me periodically despite removing myself from their message lists multiple times. When I did go here, I had awful experiences with rude and incompetent staff that led me to have to return multiple times (an hour drive each way) to retake dental impressions for a mouth guard because the tech's kept getting it wrong. Then I was told I was undercharged and had to pay more, even though it was their error. I made the silly mistake of just paying it so I could move on and never return, and they again contacted me TWO YEARS after those visits to again say that I did not pay a $60 invoice and I needed to pay or I'd be sent to collections. I asked multiple times for documentation, and I'd get no response at all, then months later I'd get another collections threat. This went on for a year. I told them if they just provided documentation on what was paid and how it was applied so I could see that money was truly owed, since we'd had issues with incorrect invoices before, I would have no problem paying, and I was rudely told that I need to contact my insurance for that and if I don't pay in 30 days I'd be sent to collections. Crazy for a place who can't seem to do anything right in years, then wants to set a 30 day timer still without doing their part. This place's business practices are awful to say the least. Small town scammers taking advantage of people with low-income insurance. I hope those who do continue going here (since there are very few dental offices in the area who take this insurance type) thoroughly track and review their financial records. You absolutely will be overcharged and they will do nothing reasonable to remedy it. Front desk staff and the manager (Danielle?) had the most condescending attitudes. The staff here was certainly something else... I do wish I remembered the name of the one tech who was amazing with both technical and customer service (Ashley, maybe). She was truly carrying this place, and I hope she's moved on to somewhere of value. read more

I have been very impressed with Brightwood Dental; this was my third visit, and it is one of my all time favorites. The staff are all so professional and friendly. Most recently, I had a cleaning with Olivia and I was very impressed with how well-informed she was, and also how painless the cleaning was; I don't think I've ever had a cleaning that was so carefully performed. A lot of times while they are scraping, they nick your gums, but on this visit, I came home with absolutely ZERO gum reaction. The same holds true with the filling I had performed by Dr. Milch - She and a technician worked in lock-step, and everything went so smoothly and perfectly, I was extremely impressed. I did have a billing glitch with them (related to x-rays) but they refunded the excess. Overall, I am very happy to have found Brightwood! read more

Worst dental experience. With insurance, will nickel and dime you. They will charge you $50 when you miss an appointment and will cancel your appointment day of without explanation and will say they can't resCheryle for another 6 months. $25 to have records electronically sent to another office which is NOT standard practice. Leaving her office was the best decision for my dental care. read more

Had my first visit to this office. It was great! Everyone in the office is so friendly and really explained how the visit would go. As a first time patient, it's a 2 hour appointment: full set of xrays, meet Dr. Milch to review xrays and have an exam. She was very kind, caring and thorough. The xray tech was also thorough in explaining the whole xray process. Next had a cleaning with Olivia. Loved her! Again, super friendly, caring and thorough. Definitely recommend this practice - best dental experience I have had in a long time! read more

This place is ridiculous. The front office woman is rude. The young female dentist is condescending. They have a policy to keep your debit/credit card on file and I politely declined. The woman at the front desk said either I leave my card number or I find a new dentist. I explained that I didn't want to leave my card because they have double charged me in the past and ran my card without permission and it took weeks to get my money back. She shrugged her shoulders and said I needed to leave my card or find a new dentist. I will gladly never go back. read more

If I could leave 0 stars I would. I was referred to this office from my dentist for my daughter to have her wisdom teeth removed because there is an oral surgeon on staff. I called to confirm they took my insurance and they said yes, clearly understanding that I wasn't coming to establish with a dentist, but to see the oral surgeon. Conveniently, they said my daughter needed to have an exam done by the dentist before scheduling with the oral surgeon. So when we went to make the appt for the wisdom teeth removal, they told me that...oh yeah...the oral surgeon doesn't accept my insurance. Such unethical practices. They 100% knew the oral surgeon wouldn't accept my insurance when they booked my appt for the "required dental exam". So of course I never scheduled my daughters wisdom teeth removal and went else where. Then...1.5 years later, I got a bill from them for the dental exam haha! I went back and forth with their billing personnel via email because no one would speak to me over the phone. They threatened to report me to the police, which I'm pretty sure is not even legal. I'm happy to have my bill go to collections but don't appreciate being called a theft and criminal when the dishonesty was 100% on their part. Please look elsewhere for dental services and DO NOT go to this office. read more

Worst experience I have ever had, especially from a person providing "care". Dentist was rude, condescending and just plain nasty. Sorry some people don't make as much money as you do and cannot afford regular care. read more

Top Notch Care. Amazing team. Clean new office. Amazing vibe. Dr. Milch is the best and so are the front office team along with her assistants. read more

Attempted to get a new patient appointment. Had to go to web site and two of the dentist showed available appointments for the next week. When I attempted to make appointments they said they were no longer available and would for three months. I tried to call and was put on hold. 15 minutes later someone picked up, but put me back on hold without saying anything. Another ten minutes and I was redirected to a message stating the office was closed and would be open for weeks. Completely unprofessional, wasted almost a half hour of my day. Could have easily let me know they weren't taking new patients when they initially answered the phone. read more

Office staff very friendly. Thorough & caring. Great experience for both my husband & myself.

I have been trying to get Dr. Milch to put my implant crown back in. My oral surgeon did the repair she asked him to do, and I was supposed to have the crown put back in after two weeks. I repeatedly called to ask when they could complete the procedure, only to be told they don't have the proper tool and are "trying to find it." It's now been 6 weeks and I have heard nothing! In the meantime, my oral surgeon has figured out a way to put the crown back on for me at his office. I feel like Dr. Milch has forgotten about me, and basically abandoned me in the middle of a tooth repair. I finally gave up calling her office and I am looking for a new dentist. read more

I went today to get my teeth cleaned and I asked at the front desk if insurance covered the cost and was told yes. Then the dental hygienist told me different once I was inside the office. I then brought the issue up and was taken back to the waiting room where I waited 5 minutes for the front office staff to figure things out. Then the staff told me there was a cost. And they also told me that I would have to reschedule the appointment due to being outside of a 10 minute window. Unbelievable!! I have been a patient at this practice for many years prior to Dr. Milch buying it a number of years ago. I can easily testify that the overall level of professionalism has gone way way down. I would NEVER encourage anyone to use this dental office EVER. read more

Worst customer service ever. They made appts for new patients only to cancel them the day before because they failed to check correctly that the office was assigned through the insurance network. Avoid at all costs! read more

If you visit this office and are given a summary of what additional procedures need to be done PLEASE get a second option. I did and I will save having to go here 5 more visits and thousands of dollars! read more

Let's just say my new and improved dentist was shocked at the state of my teeth and the subpar work I endured at Brighwood Dental. For example, I had a small chip in my tooth and was told I must get a crown. She (Dr. Milch) then proceeded to drill my natural tooth way too small and there was not enough structure left for a crown to adhere. After returning to the office over and over and over as the crown would not stay on, which was not only mortifying, but also led to quite a bit of missed work, I was told they could not help me and that I had to see a prostododist to remove part of my gum so there would be enough tooth structure for the crown to adhere to. Luckily I found a reputable, skilled dentist who was able to save the tooth without removing gum. Unfortunately, he has had to redo other crowns I received at Brightwood Dental as well due to the poor quality of the work. I really wish they had not been able to delete my original review (it did not violate Yelp's guidelines do not be deceived) as I just do not have the energy to go into the full details of the nightmare I endured there yet again. read more

Dr. Charlotte Milch's office is a very quiet small office. I was greeted warmly as I came in for my first appt. My second appt I had a small filling and they were prompt, kind and courteous. Illiana was her assistant and she was also very kind. I look forward to coming back and having more pain free procedures. Thanks to all at the office who made this a great experience. read more

I have been neglecting my teeth pretty much forever, due to a bad experience as a kid. So am now 51 with what my son refers to as pirate teeth ! UnLuckily for me a crown came off I had done many years ago, so no choice but to find a dentist here in Atascadero. I had an appointment fast, and have had my first procedure, all within a couple of days, Everybody that works here are professional, friendly and considerate of even the biggest cowards. I'm very happy I went here. And feel my experience will eventually help me lose my anxiety over the dentist chair ! Thank you to all Jason read more

I drive from Los Osos because she is literally the best ! You'll never want to go anywhere else when you meet Dr Milch and staff. Knowledgeable , courteous , funny and lovely, gentle and all around fantastic experience . And to think I used to not enjoy going to the dentist. Thank You Dr Milch ! read more

I just had the best dental appointment I've ever had. The staff was friendly and professional. Dr. Milch was able to answer all my questions and give me all the information I needed to make timely decisions about my dental care. I will definitely be going back. I needed fillings and they were able to do them the same day and it was completely painless. Impressive! read more

Dr. Milch has been an amazing find for our family. She is kind, caring, and gentle. She always takes time to listen to our oral health concerns. She even saw that our toddler son needed to have a tooth extracted and told us all the proper courses of action to take. We can't thank her enough for all the great care and advice she has given us. read more

Dr. Milch is a great dentist and is very caring and easy to talk to. She makes you feel very welcome and comfortable and is very knowledgeable. You can tell she really enjoys what she does and really cares about all of her patients. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone as a family dentist. read more

Dr Milch and her staff are very friendly and everyone was gentle when working on my teeth. I had a crown replaced and they did a good job working through the steps needed to replace it. Appointments were easy to get, and I was seen on time. They took my insurance as " in network " for my plan, and they seem to accept a variety of other dental insurance plans. I would recommend this dentist to others. read more

I had an excellent experience here! The dental staff is extremely friendly and helpful! One of the best dental experiences I have had.

The 1-star is purely for Billing and office management. This office's billing policy is understandable - patients paying up front in full - BUT, this office 90% of the time OVER estimates, causing the patient to OVER pay out of pocket! When the Dental Insurance Explanation of Benefits comes to our home, we see that the Dental Office has often added on procedures that were NOT PERFORMED! Also, we then see how much we OVER paid out of pocket to the office. When we've mentioned we would like the CREDIT that is on our account/ledger to be refunded, this NEVER happens! They'd prefer to use it toward a next dental appointment. Well, we are currently in the hole $93.50 out of pocket. We DO NOT WANT THIS AS A CREDIT to a next appointment, but NEED THE MONEY BACK NOW! Well, this office is VERY QUICK TO TAKE YOUR MONEY, but VERY SLOOOOWWWWW to RETURN your rightful money! Meanwhile, they are USING it for their business' "bottom line". This is a VERY HEINOUS BUSINESS PRACTICE and they need to be called out on it and the billing of procedures to our Dental Insurance that were NEVER PERFORMED, i.e. "Fluoride application". We requested a check be mailed to us for the over payment of $93.50 and were told by the office manager that they have "no control over that and would notify their "business office" for a refund. They anticipate we should get our money back in about 30 days. The Dental Office didn't allow US to PAY THEM IN 30 DAYS, but rather right then and there. DISGUSTING business practice! We are leaving this dental office and warning others! The constant headache of having to micromanage THEIR BILLING DECEIT is NOT WORTH being a patient at this office, regardless of whether Dr. Milch is a good dentist or not. We're DONE! read more

Dr Milch and her team are amazing! They really took the time to discuss my needs and educate me. I'm so happy I finally found an honest and trustworthy place where I feel like I am treated like family. Highly recommend! read more