Extremely rude and unprofessional. Raised his voice at me in the lobby in front of employees and other clients. Office is not the cleanest either. After being a loyal patient for quite some time I was extremely disappointed in the way he treated me. Also it was always extremely hard to ever get in. read more

Dr. Sam was so nice and professional!!! Made me feel comfortable and even offered a piece of St. Patrick's Day candy upon arrival! What dentist do you know encourages indulging the sweet tooth?!?! There is Free Parking, and his office is decorated in Marina fare, not to mention his wall of celebrity clients that's too cool, from the cast of the Sopranos to Arnold Schwarzenegger!! Dr. Sam was knowledgeable, honest, and even asked me what my favorite music was while he did my cleaning, which was the quickest I've ever experienced! Also, the office has terrific views of the Marina and the dental hygienist and the rest of the office was so sweet and accommodating!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Best Dental experience ever! read more

Douglas B Sam, DDS - Dockside Dental - View from office! - General Dentistry Near Me - Marina Del Rey, California

I have never felt so welcome and cared for in a medical environment. Dr. Sam is both empathetic and aware of a patients uneasiness. All the staff including Gabriella and Dr Jane are kind, professional and answer all your questions without pressure. You will feel comfortable and in good hands. All my thanks to them especially Dr Sam! read more

I originally gave this place 5 stars after my first visit last May. Unfortunately, since then, it has become impossible to schedule another appointment. They had originally booked me for November last year before messaging me to cancel that visit because they were apparently too short-staffed, advising me to try again in the future. I tried again on several occasions to book another general cleaning earlier this year in 2023 and left at least two voicemails, but never heard back via phone, email, or text. They may have gone out of business, since I know for a while now that they've been struggling with staffing and the hours they're even open have been steadily getting reduced. It's too bad because I was really impressed after my first visit, but I've since found another dentist that is much more communicative and available. read more

Favorite dentist I've been to! I'm happy I found dr sam. For me transparency and education has always been a really important part of any physician or dentist I see. Dr sam does a great job of explaining things and is overall friendly and cool to work with. Great office location overlooking the marina as well. Other dentists in the past have tried to upsell me on deep cleans and other things that were unnecessary but I did not get that with dr sam. Will definitely be coming back read more

Dr. Sam is simply the best dentist I've ever had. I've been to dentists in Minnesota and Hawaii, and I haven't found a kinder, faster, more fair and trustworthy dentist than Dr. Sam. I'd been putting off dental work because much repair and crowns have been necessary. So glad I found the right person to get my mouth back to health! I'd also like to shout out Gabby who is amazing. Thank you, Dr. Sam and Gabby! read more

Good free parking. Friendly and you get to look out at the boats. I have been going here for years after bad experiences with a few other dentists. read more

I have been seeing doctor Sam for over 15 years and the service has always been exceptional. I have recently moved out of the area and my employer is also no longer close to Dr. Sam's Office (I live over 50 miles from his office). I went to another dentist close to my home, and she told me that I needed to have a crown to replace an existing filling that was cracking. The cost was going to be between $450 and $600 depending on insurance coverage and my deductible. I spoke to Dr. Sam and provided x-rays that were taken by the other dentist. Dr. Sam was able to see me on short notice (less than one week) and confirmed that all that was required was the replacement of this filling that I had for more than 20 years. I waited less than five minutes in the waiting room, and he removed the old filling and replaced it with a new filling in less than one hour with no discomfort. I am very pleased that I asked Sr. Sam for a second opinion, as he prevented a procedure being performed by a another dentist that was not required. Also, the cost of the new filling was significantly less than a crown. Dr. Sam has never tried to upsell any services. He only does what is required and best for his patients. Thank you for the exceptional service! read more

Dr. Sam and his staff were very nice and accommodating. I recently moved here from the East Coast and get nervous about first time doctor and dental appointments but he made me feel so comfortable. He advised me on a wisdom tooth problem and gave me a referral and made me feel better about going into the process. You can tell he really cares about his work and his patients read more

Dr Sam is one of the best dentists I have experienced if not the best! A very honest and caring man that cares about you and not his wallet! He has a great office with very friendly staff, and a great view of the marina and sailboats while you visit! Parking is easy and the location is great! Very stoked I found Dr Sam! read more

I went to this dentist after not visiting a dentist in years. Because I live in the Marina, I wanted something close and the location was excellent. The nice thing is you have a view of the marina while you're getting your teeth cleaned. I had no problems with service and he didn't try to upsell me on anything. I was even surprised that my teeth were fine after not going to the dentist in years. The dentist allowed me to choose the background music on the player in the room I was placed inside. He also had a sense of humor and tried to make you feel at ease with jokes and conversation while working on your teeth. Now here's the catch, the dentist after my 2nd visit called my cell phone inviting me on a date!!! Sooo unprofessional and I'm not even single! He was going to be my favorite new dentist, but I don't want to have a dentist that tries to pull sleaze tactics! Now I wonder if he was just being nice the whole time and not trying to upsell because he was trying to score a date. I hope this dentist gives others the great service I received even if he's not interested in calling you after hours on your cell phone. 2 stars for good service, but 3 stars for the creep-factor unprofessional actions. *sigh... now I'm on a hunt for a new dentist in the Marina and soo many dental offices have so many bad reviews for Marina del Rey on Yelp. read more

This is a follow up to my previous review from 9/1/2009 - I just got back from getting my teeth cleaned at Dockside Dental. My husband actually had the appointment before me for a cleaning. We both LOVE Dr. Sam and staff. I have found it nearly impossible to find a good, honest, reputable dentist and I am very happy to say I don't have to fret anymore thanks to Dr. Sam and the gang. Lamont, the dental assistant, is the most friendly, competent assistant and the front desk girls are smart, efficient, and super helpful and friendly. I would recommend Dr. Sam to anyone - especially children as he seems very good with uptight patients (me!). They are all humorous and fun while still being professional. I feel relieved that I managed to find a great dentist in this crazy city. Thanks Dr. Sam and everyone at Dockside Dental, you will getting many referrals from the Burches! read more

If you look at some of my past posts on yelp about dentists, you will see the terrible experiences I have had. I told Dr. Sam that I straight up hate the dentist and have been scammed numerous times My experience here has literally restored my faith in dentists. The office has a great vibe, overlooks the marina and has parking. Dr Sam took the time to explain EVERYTHING in detail (including past work I had done). My cleaning was painless and quick - forgot the dudes name that did it but he was awesome Thanks to you and the staff and see you in 6 months read more

I have been to this dentist on three separate occasions now. Once several years ago, and twice in recent weeks. His office is in a beautiful location right on the Marina. I like that you can relax and listen the to satellite radio station of your choice before / during treatment. I have been happy with the quality of service thus far. The only complaint that I have is the amount of time one has to wait - even if you have an appointment - it seems you are expected to wait 15 - 20 minutes. The staff / and Dr Sam are apologetic, but I see that I am not the only one who has this concern. Anyway, based on my experience thus far, I would recommend this dentist. read more

Dr. Sam is the best dentist I've ever been to. His hygienists are also great. He doesn't try to upsell you. He's easy to schedule and his office is really nice. Nice guy. Highly recommended. read more

Growing up my mom was a dental hygienist so I have always been pretty picky when it comes to Dentists. I've had a lot over the years as I've moved around and can say I've by far been the happiest with Dr Sam and his team. He has a great location in Marina with free parking and you get a view of the marina during your visit. Dr Sam is extremely patient and very thorough in explaining what he is doing, why he is doing it, as well as future care. He is constantly taking extra steps to make sure I am relaxed and comfortable. He even personally called me a few hours after my last procedure (deep cleaning) just to make sure I was feeling OK. I don't leave Yelp reviews but felt compelled because of the great service I always get from Dr Sam and his team. read more

Its hard to say I LIKE coming here but compare to other dentists, this is the best I have ever experienced. I have had alot of teeth work done at alot of different dentists. Dr. Sam is a no bullshit dentist. Hes fast, and explains things when I ask him to. When I say things hurt, he doesnt ask questions, he just numbs me more and keeps going. I have recommended Dr. Sam to several of my friends who still go there for visits. Also while you are siting there in the chair, you get a great view of the marina! read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Sam's for 10 years now, and he's been a wonderful dentist, who I've had only positive experiences with. Prior to becoming Dr. Sam's patient, I used to go to another dentist on Wilshire Blvd, near 26th st. who always told me I needed a crown, and then another crown, a root canal, and needed to get gum treatments, see a periodental specialist, etc. I felt like I was a "Cash Cow" , paying for my dentist's yacht. And the hygienists, with their scrape, poke method of cleaning teeth tortured me...there was always lots of pain and discomfort. And whatever my insurance would pay, the Wilshire dentist would charge a premium above that. I finally stopped going to that other dentist when he said I was being "combative" for asking him if another crown was absolutely necessary. My friend Ron W. heard my constant complaints about my former dentist and recommended I try Dr. Sam in the Marina. What a breath of fresh air it has been coming to Dr. Sam's dental practice. He's always been friendly, supportive, honest, and has never high pressured me into getting unnecessary work done. His hygienists use both the waterpik, and minimal scraping to clean my teeth, and no pain! They have never made me feel uncomfortable. Dr. Sam and his staff have made many helpful suggestions that have made it easier for me to take care of my teeth and gums. And whatever my insurance pays for a procedure is the same price that Dr. Sam charges. I don't have to pay a premium on top of that, like I did at the other dentist's office. I'd recommend Dr. Sam to anyone who wants an honest, caring dentist. And the view of the Marina is an added plus! read more

Dr. Sam is 100% honest and looking out for the best interest of his patients. He helped me guide me towards the appropriate treatment and best use of my coverage. I'd recommend him and his team without hesitation to anyone of my friends. read more

over a month for an appt and i got tooth ache whats the point in even being open 3 days week!

The Doctor is nice which is why it's 2 stars and not 1. My issues could be from extremely incompetent front office staff but I'm rather annoyed with my only 2 experiences with this office. The first time I made an appointment for a cleaning, I went in and they insisted I get xrays before the cleaning and then said that they didn't have time to do the deep cleaning necessary. Fast forward a year and a half. I call to setup an appointment for a deep cleaning. Of course the person is only available twice a week still so I have to schedule a day that isn't the best for me. 2 days prior they call me and tell me they're going to have to xray again and get an approval for the deep cleaning. I said that it was fine as long as it could be done in 1 session. Yet again, I'm told that they wouldn't have time to do the cleaning, only the xray. I moved 15 miles away(which as you know could be an hour or more) and I'm NOT driving there just for an xray to then have to schedule the cleaning I called about in the first place. I don't get what's so hard about doing an xray and cleaning in a single sitting. I will be finding a new dentist. This is ridiculous! read more

This is the same review I wrote for Dr Sam but I am putting here as well: I read the many 5 star reviews here but all of them seem fake and scammy to me now. Especially because they are all written in almost a short period of time!! I had the worst experience with him and my teeth are in a really bad condition after I had him fill two of my teeth about 3 months ago. I have gone to other doctors just to find out through xrays that he did a horrible job and all of my fillings are crumbling or rotting underneath!! STAY AWAY and save your teeth! read more

I found out quite awhile after doing my first review that for a root-canal Dr. Sam did he used the wrong material. At least, that is what I was told by the oral surgeon I had to go to to have the damage repaired. Dr. Sam claimed it was not the wrong stuff, but then, he would be defensive. In his favor, I would say that he probably does not make many mistakes of this kind, and he did (grudgingly) agree to pay the difference of the over $900 that my insurance didn't cover for the oral surgery. But it was a painful experience, with over three hours in the chair during the surgery and a long recovery. So I would not go back to Dr. Sam and wouldn't recommend him for anything more than a teeth cleaning. read more

My partner and I moved to the marina a year ago from Chicago and found Dr Sam through our insurance.I have to say that HE is probly one of the most most honest and concerned dentist either of us have ever been too. His staff is very friendly and seems effIciant and the Dr himself explaines everything in words you can understand, his work appears flawless and I have fillings he did last year that I've had NO PROBLEMS WITH! I'm insulin diabetic and can have problems more easly then most people and I've had none. IF YOU'R LOOKING FOR A GREAT DENTIST, DOCKSIDE DENTAL / DR SAM 11111 read more

Dr. Sam is way out of our way but we keep going to him. He's a dentist who cares about your overall dental health more than his pocket book. I have felt at other dentists that they max out insurance each year even if you don't need anything done. He has never done that. His staff is always great, they are on time, and courteous. read more

I go here to get my teeth cleaned on the recommendation of a friend. They would have 5 stars but it seems like every time I go there they make me wait quite a long time. Dr Sam is always apologetic, and it may be that if I was scheduling in the a.m. they would be on time. Teeth cleaning is short and sweet though so that is good. I would recommend them as long as you aren't in a rush! read more

Dentists are not my favorite people in the world. I've had some bad experiences and I generally do not trust them. In the past, I've been told that I've needed unnecessary work done. I started going to Dr. Sam about 3 years ago. He and his staff are great! Dr. Sam is honest, straight-forward and easy to talk to. His office looks out onto the Marina so you have an amazing view while you're getting your teeth cleaned. You can also listen to any music that you want on Pandora. He and his staff are very in-tune to your needs and make you feel very comfortable. Dr. Sam will not try to sell you on procedures you don't need and he will go out of his way to work things out with your insurance company. Dr. Sam is one of the few honest dentists I have come across in my life. I would recommend him to anyone. read more

Dr. Sam is terrific. He didn't oversell me on what I could do. He told me straight about my teeth. :-) And what a view! His assistant was so sweet too. They had playful banter which made the dentist visit more fun. The cleaning was thorough by the dental hygienist and she didn't make me try to have conversation. Thank you. That is so awkward with tools in my mouth. Had a bad experience and another dentist that made me never want to go to the dentist again where the hygienist had just smoked and didn't wash her hands at Wilshire dental. Disgusting. And was yelled at for not flossing by another one on Lincoln by Vons across from Bay Cities. I recommend Dr Sam to anyone who wants to see the actual dentist and not people wh work under his license. He is down to earth. read more

Too long of an explanation needed here. But first of all I don't like it when I show up early at my appointment time before anyone else and then wait 1/2 hour while he attends to someone who came after me. He has done this before. No more. But what was worse was the fact that he wanted to give me 3 appointments for a crown. I have always had it done in two. Everyone I've spoken to has said the same. Wikipedia also concurs. He tried to explain it to me but to no avail. it doesn't make sense. read more

I couldn't believe my eyes when I read a review of my favorite dentist!! I love this guy, he has been my dentist for about 10 years. I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the review of my dentist. I have been a patient of Dr Sam for about 10 years. This guy is not only an excellent dentist, he cares enough to call me on the weekend after a proceedeur to ask how I am getting along. He has opened his office for me when I had a dental emergency. Mor e than once, over the years he has at no charge to me fixed the problem tooth. I am glad to have found a caring health professional and wish for this kind of dedication in all of my relations with medical caregivers. dr read more

Dr. Sam is not only the BEST dentist ever, but also one of the kindest people I have ever met. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Sam to everyone- adults and kids alike. Where else can a dentist make balloon animals after taking care of your kids dental needs!! read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Sam's for about ten years. He is a great dentist and a nice guy and has a brilliant office staff. The view from his exam rooms is awesome. Yay for Dr. Sam!!!! read more

How could I not say anything short of amazing about this place. After searching for weeks a(East Coast transplant) Dr. Sam & his team has taken care of me like no other dental office has. Great work, everyone is insanely nice, they work with and EXPLAIN to you what their doing and why. I'm so happy I found Dr. Sam & the rest of his team. A+ for this place. Love them. read more

The wait was so long even with the appointment. After being seen, I understood why. Dr. Sam talks nonstop about random things and made many jokes. I'd rather have him focus on working on my teeth. While waiting to be seen, I overheard him yelling on the phone. It sounded like he was dealing wi th another patient. He didn't sound professional at all. I was almost afraid to have him work on my teeth, but ir was an emergency and I waited for too long to up and leave. I wouldn't go back and wouldn't recommend anyone to go to him. read more

I love this dentist! I'm terrified of going to the dentist usually but Dr. Sam is the best at putting my mind at ease. He even puts up with my physical terror of needles and he's very patient. My 12 year old son also goes to Dr. Sam and there have never been any complaints (beyond complaining at having a tooth pulled which is to be expected because that always sucks). Dr. Sam never tries to sell us things we don't need or want. He doesn't push anything unnecessary and he's been very upfront with us. After another dentist tried to convince me that my then 11 year old boy needed braces immediately - Dr. Sam told us that would be ridiculous considering he hadn't even lost all his baby teeth yet. Dr. Sam told us to wait a few years or my son would need braces TWICE. Love love love Dr. Sam! read more

I absolutely LOVE Dr. Sam and his Lamar and the rest of his staff. They really make you feel comfortable, he has a beautiful office on the water and he is an amazing dentist. My husband and I and our 2 kids have been seeing him every 6 months for the last 8 or 9 years and he's the BEST!!!!! Also, you never feel like he's trying to up sell you and have you buy more than you need, he does a beautiful job with the couple cosmetic procedures and he's great with kids. So he gets 5 stars! read more

Dr. Sam is the best there is. He takes all the time in the world to help with whatever the problem might be. I've been going to him for years. Sometimes he hasn't even charged me. I am highly recommending him. Jutta P.S. He also has free parking. read more

Dr Sam is the best dentist I have ever gone to in my life. He repacked a filling for me, made a minor mistake and adjusted it on the spot (no appointment needed) when I called to mention pain while chewing. I've never seen him yell at his staff, but I have to wait about 10-15 minutes every time I show up for an appointment-- Per the standard of every dentist I have ever gone to. FREE parking, too. read more

UPDATE: It pains me to write this update. I absolutely adore Dr. Sam. He and his staff are the sweetest people around but I had a sneaking suspicion that something just wasn't quite right with my teeth after I started to get a toothache in a tooth I had filled by him back in February of 2010. I headed over to another dentist to have it checked out (one recommended to me by a local family who has gone to him for 20 years). The dentist took x-rays and showed me what I feared. Every one of the fillings that Dr. Sam put in over the past five years was either crumbling or rotting underneath. I'm a total freak about brushing and flossing - sometimes three times a day. They were simply not sealed properly. It looks like the damage is so great on some teeth that I will need 2-3 root canals. My new dentist is mean and not gentle at all but I guess that's better than having my teeth literally rot out from my head. My boyfriend JUST got out of his check up with this new dentist and the same situation. His two fillings are crumbling as well. I'm so sorry Dr. Sam! I want to give you a good review but after seeing the rot underneath the fillings myself via the little camera in the dentist's office I just have to warn folks! read more

I have been going to Dr Sam for a few years. His office was close to my house and it was convenient for tooth cleanings. On a couple occasions he was very late for appointments and unapologetic. I assume this might be standard practice for seeing any doctor. A couple of months ago I had a standard dental cleaning. My front tooth had a tiny chip. I asked him what he could do to smooth it out. He said that my 2 front teeth did look a little big. I quote "It is not like you are bugs bunny, but they look a little big." He assured me that it was a great solution. Not in my 31 years had any dentist ever said this, however I stupidly agreed. He shaved down my two front teeth. I absolutely hate it! A few days after the visit I called him to say I was very unhappy with his work and I asked for my money back. He had the audacity to yell at me. I did agree to the work, however as I dental professional I would have expected him to tell me that this would completely change my smile/ ruin my smile. To this day I have not received my money back and I would NEVER EVER recommend his services. I was going to hold back this review, however after not receiving my money back and to protect others I thought it was necessary. On a side note he called me and asked me to go to the gym a while back, when I did not call him back he was rude to me in the office. I should have NEVER gone back to him. read more