I lost a tooth after trusting a dentist at Dental Concepts, whom I originally thought was the nicest one there. I initially went in for a second opinion because my former dentist told me a root canal needed to be redone. However, this dentist told me it wasn't necessary, so I stayed with him. Shortly after, he even cleared me to get braces. Four years ago, another dentist at the same office saw me and confirmed that the same root canal did need to be done. Because he was my primary dentist, I had to wait to see him for the final word. When I finally did, he said I was fine. I saw him again this past January, and he told me everything looked good. However, the hygienist I saw in March pointed out that the tooth needed to be fixed, noting it had already been flagged by the other doctor four years prior.They finally scheduled an appointment for him to do the root canal, but when I arrived, he told me I now need an implant. For years he told me I was fine, and then suddenly I need an implant. He completely failed to keep me informed about what was actually happening with my teeth. I am incredibly disappointed in him, and I feel deeply saddened by how this was handled. I trusted him completely, and it hurts to know that my tooth could have been saved if he had just listened to his colleagues and properly monitored my care. The office manager told me that writing a bad review wouldn't make me feel any better. However, I am writing this so that others don't have to go through the same painful experience. read more

I have been going to Dental Concepts and Orthodontics for about 20 years. They are located in Salinas and I live in Santa Cruz. The excellent comprehensive care I receive from Dr. Zernicke and his team keeps me returning year after year despite the distance. I especially like that all the dental specialties are in one practice. This greatly simplifies scheduling, billing, and care coordination. If you live anywhere near Salinas California go to Dental Concepts for all of your dental care. read more

The whole team here is great! I have a long-time fear of dentists but everyone here is so caring they put me at ease. If I had anything negative to say - and it is a stretch to come up with something - it would be that they are so busy it's hard to schedule routine cleanings. I will take the first available (which is generally longer than 6 months) and then start calling a few months before to see if there are any cancellations so I can reschedule to an earlier date. I highly recommend Dental Concepts! read more

They need to employ another dental hygienist. It's very difficult to schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning. Not a six-month wait- more like a year wait. If you are lucky. There must be a lack of dental hygienists in general, because I can't understand why this outstanding practice can't accommodate routine dental cleaning appointments. read more

PLEASE READ! Existing patients please get a second opinion!! If you are in search of a new dental office this place is NOT it. I was told by the receptionist my insurance (Delta Dental) only covers 1 sedation while I am employed by the same company for a wisdom tooth extraction, turns out it was a lie. I went to MOSA Oral Surgery for a second opinion and my insurance did in fact cover my sedation and extraction and I received the best care! My son's cavity needed to be a root canal and the dentist just did a huge filling, he had excruciating pain which is why I ended up taking him to a different dental office where I was told he needed the root canal. You would have thought I learned my lesson but the same thing just happened with my youngest son, he went in with tooth pain they referred him to a different dental office and he ended up needing 1 root canal and a filling right next to the root canal. I am not one to write reviews but I feel like I can save someone by seeking a second opinion and a different dental office! read more

Dr. Zernicke is an amazing dentist and a blessing to our Salinas Community. He is extremely knowledgeable and his "bedside manner" is first class. He knows his craft and continuously improves. Give him a try, you will be amazed and actually welcome your future appointment if needed. He has been our family dentist for over 20 years. His office is like family. They get to know you and your dental needs. The solutions recommended are appropriate and in your best interest. Their mission appears to be to have patients retain their teeth in excellent operational condition for their entire life. read more

Horrible service. They treat you like a number. This is the Walmart of dental services. I question the experience of their dentists. They will reschedule your appointments and will not tell you the day and time until the last minute. Sometimes they will schedule you out for one year cleaning and reschedule on you again.. I had a horrible experience with them. Bad service. Use them at your own risk. You have been warned. read more

I just had an appointment for a surgical implant. When I got there the girl at the desk said they would be using an IV. She told me I should have been fasting for 4 hours. I told her I ate lunch 3 hours ago. She told me I would have to have the surgery without the IV, which was fine with me. They had sent out 3 or 4 reminders for this appointment with no mention of a need to fast. I told her they should remind patients to fast when they send out their reminder emails and texts. I could tell this was a sensitive issue right from the start as she became rude and defensive immediately. Apparently I'm not the only person to suggest this. She said, "We don't do that!" I asked why not. Her answer, "because we don't." I told her I've had surgeries before at SVMH and they always sent a reminder. She told me I could talk to the floor manager if I wanted. I spoke with the floor manager basically, the same conversation ensued. Then she told me she was not going to argue with me. I told I wasn't arguing. I had one simple question. She said, "I'm not arguing with you. Get out!" I couldn't believe the rude treatment by this people. All they had to do was say they would look into it and it would have been over. These people were rude for no reason right off the bat. I suggest going somewhere else where you're business is appreciated. I'm sure they would try to turn this around and say it was my fault, but nothing like this has ever happened to me. And I normally don't write bad reviews. But I couldn't just let this slide. Both clerk and manager were both big A-holes and their patients should know it. read more

Had a bad experience with office staff that I found unproftionsl an could not explain What needed to be done an when questions on it the procedure were unable to an was told I could be asked to leave. I never got to see a dentist read more

After a second consultation I thought this place was it but I was wrong. I was given a treatment estimate of 100 and something dollars which was better than the previous place my husband was trying to get work done (wisdom teeth extraction). We had to wait for an appointment which was almost 2 months from the initial consultation. They told us they NEEDED a prior authorization to be done prior to procedure if not unexpected expenses could occur which I was fine with after going back and forth with my insurance and dental office. I was told to call the office in 2-3 weeks if I had not heard from them and since I'm polite I gave them 4 weeks. And apparently that authorization was never received by my insurance so I called back and mentioned it so I appreciate that they got on the phone with them but I never got a call back as promised. Lack of communication. I get a notice in the mail obviously of a denied request because it went through the medical portion for some reason and the dental office would not understand this they just kept telling me they had a denial on file. Well anyways I got that part squared away with my insurance and was given an estimate of 400-600 dollars since my insurance saw the authorization on file. Fast forward to today we get a call to show up 30 minutes later than our appointment time not a big deal but we don't live in town okay. Then we get quoted about $1600 because "the old surgeon isn't there anymore and the new one requires this" it was a dental graft. That's the reason we looked for a second opinion because it wasn't needed! It was a bone graft for the wisdom teeth extraction. How are you going to tell someone last minute oh well the new guy says it's necessary without even consulting my husband and we were given a totally different treatment plan to begin with. Oh and to make it worse when I paid the clerk put our payment on someone's else's account so yeah I thought this place was going to be great but it ended up being a big scam for more money. Seriously giving a patient a procedure that isn't necessary at all but because someone else mind you is a traveling surgeon wants more money like really. read more

I guess it changed during Covid-lockdown phase. Unlike previous we can remember good old days where you sit in lobby and wait for your family pick you up. Its not recommend to do so. Because It would receptionist would have clean the chair after you leave. Dental concepts says I need implant that to me when I looked online states average cost 3K to 29K and then without insurance it 5K to one million. This only for 1. If anyone wants to know procedures how to get inside dental concepts you have call and confirm you have arrived. they call you in by telephoning you in. Problem for me I think I dropped my phone too many times so when I tried to green call pick up, it cancelled instead. Other is you have be quick or they go looking for you. they do have plastic plexi glass inside protect receptionists inside just, you have wait by door and they take your temp, and give you sanitizer. You have sit within an area. the escort you inside when your turn, and then take you through your consultation first round do quick examination. Usually I recall this I waited 2 hours to meet the doctor, fifteen minutes or five minutes was little bit better. but I think it was because it was just examine the damage and see what they can do. before he or she comes consult assistant to doc give you cup to rinse your mouth, and then they need an x ray. One of my crowns had shattered. It meant that crown got loose and then disintegrated when I was eating soft stuff. I had no idea until I trying figure out what strange sound was. and then when I did I was shock, denial, omg mode after while. My mother thinks I did on purpose I don't know how you break crown eating soft ravioli doesn't stick to it...it could been just time for it go. My father number one priority is goats. So I can't really interfere in that. I want to say that they should probably put benches outside for people who wait for pick up. I don't want to be in their way or hinder other people coming in. After making my appointment and leaving out door because I don't think I want to hinder people I waited in parking lot area for pick up. But I kind wish there was other places to wait at. Waiting for hour I waited for longer I remember 2 hours for my father sometimes. read more

NIGHTMARE, they seem nice, but after going to another doctor I find out this dentist really messed up my mouth. Now I need two crowns and to pretty much redo all the cavities i just got "fixed" by these people because of their poor work. When i called back they just hung up on me and never pick up the phone again. i contacted their corporate and it was the same. Save your teeth for your future, these people are just setting the ground to sell you more expensive procedures later on. Muy mala Praxis, no recomendado parece que ellos mismos se hacen el terreno para venderte luego las protesis, ojo los dientes son para toda la vida read more

The Dr.s in this practice are great Dentist. However, the office staff makes it not worth seeing this dentist. I was a prior patient and went to Dental Concepts all through middle and high school and even in the summer home from college for all my cleanings. They were pleasant and helpful then. However, the staff has changed and the way this practice is not ran as well. They are disorganized and make mistakes that waste patient's time. 1. I called to book an appt. for a routine teeth cleaning, I was booked 4 months out. 2. Upon arriving to my appt, 4 months later, no one informed me of what type of appt I was going into. 3. The dental assistant who came to get me from the waiting room never verified my name or what type of procedure was going on for that appt. (I work in healthcare and this is the first thing we are taught is to verify to ensure right patient, right exam) if this had been done, the problem and mistake would have been caught. 4. I sat in the exam chair for 45 minutes after X-rays wondering if a hygienist was coming in to help me. 5. The Dr. Came in, checked my teeth, said "looks great!" "No cleaning today?," I then questioned and said no this should be a cleaning appt, I wouldn't have came just to see the dentist. 6. I was taken to the front desk staff for them to explain I was booked for just an exam, but had never been informed of that. Why would someone book two separate appts, especially when they asked for a cleaning. The staff was unaccomodating to book me any sooner than a few weeks out, and I wanted to see if I could get my teeth cleaned at an earlier date elsewhere. 7. I, appreciatively, took the next cleaning they had and requested a release of records, since I had just wasted my insurance use on X-rays and an exam at this dentist, in case I could go elsewhere earlier. 8. When I asked for release of records they automatically cancelled my appt and didn't inform me at all. That is wrong, if one doesn't state or request "please cancel my appt" why would you cancel it? 9. When I found out my appt was cancelled , since I decided to wait since I could be seen earlier elsewhere, unfortunately, I called and was disappointed and upset reasonably. 10. When I received a call back from the office manager, she was very unprofessional on the phone, and instead of being apologetic for the unprofessional mistakes made by the office staff, she was not understanding nor do I think she's going to make it right. Wish I could go elsewhere, but unfortunately for insurance purposes must go here for now. Sad the dentist is okay, but the office staff is extremely frustrating and unprofessional! Highly recommend Dr. Pua in south salinas! She's great, great bedside-manner, accommodating and her office staff is always cheery and professional. They would never make this mistake! read more

I used to love this place, but the service has really gone down hill. Was in over a month ago for impressions for a partial, said it would take two weeks for the wax try-In. Had to wait over a month for an appointment, only to find out they still don't have them. I've been toying with the idea of shopping for a new dentist, but today's experience solidified that thought read more

Been going to this office since I became independent from my parents. Genuinely nice every time. They truly took the time to answer all my questions. Had some recent issues but was accommodated extraordinarily well. Organization of your records is amazing. Thank you personally for all you've done. read more

I have been a patient here for several years and generally have been pleased with the level of service and professionalism. When I arrived for my appointment today I was refused service due to a positive covid result 3 weeks ago. I understand policies and procedures but I feel more of an effort should be made to inform their patients of their guidance prior to their appointments so they don't take unnecessary time out of their schedules. Have some consideration and respect for our schedules. read more

A full service Dental Office. Organized and Friendly. I have had all my Dental problems handled at this one office, instead of having to go two doctors for dental implants, everything is on site. Very spacious office. Love the angel that gives me deep cleanings as well. My mouth has never been so healthy. The Dentist I see is Dr. Zernicke, love him. The office manager has really helped me. read more

This rating would be an exceptionally strong five stars if it were not for the administrative staff. In my experience, finding a competent, caring, and exceptionally professional medical practice is either by trial and error, referral, or by "luck of the draw." I am writing this review with the presumption you are seriously looking for meaningful details regarding Dental Concepts and other dental practices. I am a graduate of West Point and the Naval Post Graduate School. I brought my family to California after serving more than quarter of a century in the profession of arms and as a product manager for Lockheed Martin Space and Missile Systems. It took living in the Monterey area almost a decade before discovering Dental Concepts in Salinas. Throughout life - it seems unwanted events sometimes lead to something new and unexpectedly better. That's what happened when a family member experienced a "dental crisis" on a weekend. After attempting to contact practically every dental clinic in Monterey Country, Dental Concepts was literally the only clinic willing and able to provide the urgently needed dental care - and we had never been to, nor even heard of, Dental Concepts before. Flashing forward - my family has been going to Dental Concepts for all dental and orthodontic needs for the past several years. Our experience includes root canals, dental caps, cavity repair, orthodontics, cleanings, whitenings, and last but not least, annual checkups. Some personal observations about this Clinic: 1. Dr. Robert Zernicke has a terrific sense of humor that makes the caring and professional touch at his clinic even better. Over the years, my family has been evaluated and well taken care of by many specialists of all types. 2. Dr. Melvin Walters is my Son's orthodontist. We look forward to the monthly trips as this doctor, and his medical staff, truly have their act together. Beyond that, Dr. Walters is simply a remarkable person who enjoys taking time to get to know his patients and their family (much like "Dr. Z." ). 3. We have continued to experience situations where urgent dental care was required after hours and on weekends. I have found that Carol, the Office Manager for Dental Concepts, can be counted upon to promptly return our calls, coordinate with medical staff AND make certain our medical needs are addressed as quickly as possible. 4. There is one aspect of both the Dental and Orthodontics' clinic; however, that has consistently been sub-par: the administrative staff, specifically some of the receptionists who are frequently rude and otherwise unprofessional. The latest infractions occurred twice this week, once in each clinic. 5. On more than one occasion, we have considered looking for another Dental Practice - simply to avoid the unpleasantness of having to contend with randomly rude, administrative staff. At the next opportunity, I plan on addressing relevant aspects of 4 & 5 with Dr. Z. Looking at past reviews, it's pretty clear that "poor customer relations" with his administrative staff has been an ongoing challenge. I recommend trying out this clinic... with the proviso of making it clear to Dr Z and Carol that (1) you've read all the negative reviews and that (2) you have their encouragement bring any issues directly to them for immediate resolution. As they say, communications key. Let's create a WIN-WIN for all concerned. Cheers! read more

I've been coming to this dentist office, since 2000. I was only 9 years old at the time. Today, I'm 29 & I still come here. Dr. Verdugo is a excellent dentist! I highly recommend him. I like the staff at this office. My parents have spent a lot of money at this dentist office. Its worth every penny. I've never had a negative experience at this dentist office. read more

Dr. Verdugo is very professional, knowledgeable and kind ! All of the staff at Dental concepts are so nice !

My parents have been going here for a while and referred me to this dental practice in hopes that their daughter would be in safe hands. However, i experienced the worst dental service of my life... on my birthday.. now of course they didn't know it was my birthday but just to experience how rude and rough they were throughout my whole experience really left me traumatized. The dental assistant completely disregarded everything I was trying to explain to her and also had a negative tone and attitude in all her responses. Also to mention when she talked she articulated her hands close enough to my face to where i felt extremely uncomfortable almost as if she was getting ready for a brawl. Taking X-rays she wasn't gentle at all.. i know getting X-rays usually is uncomfortable but she made it worse by shoving the devices into my mouth.. wasn't gentle at all followed by the negative tone in her voice. While handling my teeth she kept pulling my teeth to turn the direction of my head.. also my favorite "Breathe through your nose, don't fog up my mirror" this was said as if I were a child that didn't know about being in a dental office. And finally, my gums were drilled on top of so i had to leave with more pain than what I went in with... Im just completely disappointed with the service... not sure if everyone was just having a bad day, however they need Jesus and specifically the dental assistant Eve or Eva, because people don't deserve to get treated like that at all. read more

They do not back up their product! My daughter's PERMANENT RETAINER broke within 9 months. I still had to pay for a new retiner eventhough it is a PERMANENT Retainer. I had to pay for it before I coul deven speak to a manager. Who of course was not available. Be careful . Insurance didn't cover it ether...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Dr. Wittenberg began to scold me when I mentioned that I didn't have the money upfront to pay for the numerous (and from what my new dentist said, completely unnecessary - interesting) treatments he wanted to do. He was "shocked" that I didn't have dental insurance, and responded to my answer as to why (e.g. my job didn't offer dental insurance, I could not find a plan that had good coverage that I needed) with scoffs and frowns. It was alarming. I don't think he smiled once. A good working relationship with my dentist, who is assisting me in taking care of my HEALTH is very important to me, and I just did not see that as a possibility working with Dr. Wittenberg. I can't say what the other dentists are like, but I would not recommend Dr. Wittenberg. read more

I used to LOVE this place as a kid my family's come for years but I went back as an adult and they not only took half an hour to call me inside because they forgot about me but had me waiting an extra hour inside even with an appointment. Super unorganized and they didn't even let me use my phone in the lobby to pass the time lol I had to take time off work to do this and they didn't even do my work properly. Last time me and my family comes here! read more

The staff is super friendly and . I enjoy the conversation when I come here . They make you feel very comfortable.

Normally all the staff is very attentive and professional but I waited in the waiting room for 30 minutes after my appointment time. No one has called me up to let me know it was going to be a wait. The thing that bugged me the most is when I walked in I wasn't greeted but the two receptionist carried on with their conversation that was not work related.. this went on for 15 minutes. And I would also like to point out that the doctor and the technician were very professional while working on my teeth. Dr. Verdugo is the best! read more

BEWARE!! They are money hungry and making false claims!!!! I went here for years. When I got pregnant with my daughter the dentist said I had a cavity and needed to get it treated. I didn't want to as I was pregnant. They called me a day before a scheduled appt that I didn't want scheduled, so I cancelled and they tried to bill me for it!! Fast forward to after I had my daughter.. I went to Salinas smiles and told the dentist I needed to have a cavity filled. He was very thorough and stated "you don't have a cavity".. so please beware of this place, they are making money off phoney dental claims!!! read more

Dental Concepts is great, from the front desk to the back office I have had a great experience with everyone. Lea just recently did my crown and she was great. read more

I've been coming to Dental Concepts And Orthodontics for 18 years. Dr. Verdugo is an excellent dentist. I have a phobia for needles and dental procedures. Dr. Verdugo has helped me turn that mentality around. I had so many crazy procedures done at Dental Concepts And Orthodontics, root canal on the back molar tooth, I had lots of cavities fixed, I had my wisdom teeth pulled, crown installed on my tooth, I had my braces installed at this dental office and lots of teeth cleaning sessions. Dr. Verdugo is a excellent dentist. I highly recommend him. Staff is friendly and organized. read more

Anna cleaned my teeth been seeing her for many years and Dr Reddy is an amazing dentist. They are like a family there!

Just dental for me, I had My Orthodontics from SJ and I can tell you those places they ignore you, here depending how busy it is. You get service. first timers, and I really don't like dentists I have bad experiences with dentists all my life. To go back over and over again because your crown popped off of free will. Dental service if there rating system, They make it painless yes. Dude I am proud to say I am Super Lady Chicken, I am afraid of heights who isn't and if there guy on here saying are you afraid of dentists, Yes, I am afraid of them...I fear the dentist chair...if there horror movie of dentist I am so not going watch it I actually lived it. So for those people who are happy to see them or go there have fun you don't see to get where I have been. Until you get root canal, endo, and well wisdom teeth get pulled. Then you can really understand my feelings. I have crowns...its not fun idea. I used to eat candy now I can't anymore because one sticky candy I have removed my crown and I have to go back. read more

This dental practice was recommended to me by a friend. I have 3 separate issues and saw Dr Verdugo. He was very polite and explained my situation perfectly. I now have hope for healing with my popping jaw, teeth sensitivity and a filling that has to be replaced. The staff was friendly and professional. I've paid twice as much at other dentists, so I'm relieved to be saving a lot of money. I will update my review as the work goes on. read more

Today was my first visit to dental concepts. I thought the staff was great. I was greeted at the front desk, they were freindly and professional. Dr Robert Zernicke had a good sense of humor. He was professional and straight to the point. Everyone that I had contact with with was freindly and professional and took the time to listen to me. I look foward to continue services with them. read more

Dr. Z was able to see my anxiety surrounding my visits. He gave me the support and help needed to get me back in for the dental work I had been avoiding. He gives me hope for over coming my dental fears. read more

Dr. Madan and the staff that work with her are amazing! They always make me feel at ease and i have horrible anxiety when it comes to any kind of dental work. I'd highly recommend coming here for your next cleaning or tooth pain! read more

Love my experience every time I come, but better yet I'm Loving my smile. From my dentist to my Ortho, an all staff everyone is very friendly, and understandable. read more

I spent 3 months trying to get my ortho records started, and nothing... their office personnel is very inefficient, they had my birth date wrong all along and they couldn't figure our who I was, all their appointments were always taken so they put you two weeks out, there is no priority to accommodate people for anything and you end up in the tail end for everything. This was my first time trying ortho, and it was nothing but painful (and that was no even the treatment part) if this is how they take care of their patients, I can't imagine how they treat your mouth once you're on board, my treatment was going to be 4 years, and I didn't even last 4 months, customer service goes a long way. read more

There is no point in making an appointment. I sat for 20 minutes in the lobby waiting then another 25 in the chair only to find out I would have to leave because my appointment I made an hour and a half earlier then when my class started would take an additional 40 minutes. read more

First time here and they welcomed me so well. Better then other orthodontist I've ever been too. Mayra was extremely nice and super chill. We clicked right away and it made the experience memorable so shout out to he. Also Dr Zernicke pretty funny guy lol gonna request to get him every time same with Mayra. Glad my first time experience was such a good one. I usually hate going to the dentist but this visit changed that for sure. read more

I went here for the first time today, they seem pretty good. I got just what I needed. And I just walked in and they had an appointment on the spot. They were fast, friendly and efficient. The dentist I saw was polite and respectful. He had jokes to lighten the mood since I told him I hate the dentist and that I get really nervous. I will go for my cleaning tomorrow. And I'll report back how that goes. As of right now they don't have tvs in their treatment rooms which I was accustomed to at my other dentist I am hoping they will get some tvs and some awesome check in deals. read more