2025. ( I wrote this to Dr. Dequiroz who is the new owner of this office) Based on our shocking experience regarding your management skills as the new owner, Dr Dequiroz, Loren and I will not be using this dental office in the future. I want you to realize that for over 20 years, we have been patients, first with Dr. Benson and then with Dr. Baron. We have referred others to both of them. Through those years Dr Benson and Dr Baron also had loyal, professionally attentive and friendly office staff, and many were there for years! After having this experience with Dr Dequiroz I've learned there are many who feel the same way It's bad. It's unprofessional. Simply unprofessional. read more

Great dentist and helped me catch up on filling work over the years. Office personnel and hygienist are also very professional and efficient. They are also good at seeing you promptly for any emergency work. read more

Very happy that I found such a wonderful dentist in town. The staff are always so kind and caring. Dr. Baron is excellent at explaining the process for any treatment needed. Had to get a crown and it was an easy process and it looks great! Also kind that they break down the cost for you so you understand before going forward. Always highly recommend him whenever someone is looking for a new dentist. read more

TLDR: Dr. Baron sold his practice and now it's just as painful and scammy as other dentist offices out there. But more expensive. They did not inform me that they no longer take Aetna prior to my appointment so it was completely out of pocket. I looked forward to this dentist appt because Nancy was a queen and Dr. John Baron has been wonderful. With them, going to the dentist felt sort of spa-like; relaxing, cleansing, and I left feeling confident, healthier, and rejuvenated. I show up, knowing the hygienist is different since the sale of the practice. I could not have anticipated the wild misogyny of the woman that took Nancy's place. Mind you: I have never had a cavity, I have really healthy teeth. Nancy told me so last time. She inspired me to start using my WaterPik. A queen. This new woman lectured me about how if I don't put hydrogen peroxide in my WaterPik, the bacteria in my mouth will grow like "termites"... So if you have OCD, avoid this office at all costs, dear lord. She lectured me about flossing. Then finally actually looked at my teeth. I have residual cement (not visible) on my teeth from a traumatic accident 18 years ago when I was a minor. Last year Dr. Baron finally got most of it off on my first visit with him. I nearly cried when he did. I'd been hounding dentists to help me for years. This woman told me I had stains on my teeth and why wasn't it coming off normal with her little metal scraper. I said--mouth full of scraper and whatnot--"it's probably cement." After saying this like 3 times and her continuing to wonder at it she said "You know what I bet it's cement--did you have braces?" ... I had my jaw wired shut for a year of my life and I'm really sick of repeating it to dentists. It's on my chart. I do the monologue for every new dentist. My kingdom for someone to read it. I said "Yeah and I had my jaw wired shut for..." blah blah blah. I said I'd asked dentists for YEARS to remove it and Dr. Baron mostly did last time I saw him. This woman told me that I hadn't protested enough... Now I don't know about other women who deal with doctors and dentists, but the whole thing is a protest. The medical gaslighting in this country is wild. So I stopped her work and gently told her I had absolutely protested enough and Dr. Baron was incredible and finally helped me and I was really grateful that someone finally took me seriously. But sure, let's victim blame me. Why not? I'm getting lost in the weeds here. But here's the rest of the appt: -My teeth are in great shape. -That cleaning hurt like hell--Nancy would NEVER. She was amazing. -My teeth STILL hurt from that scrape-y cleaning. -This woman told me to "smile more"... Seriously. -She continued to harangue me about stained teeth, which is a way scammy dentists treat you when they think you might buy into the teeth whitening procedures. She told me to drink mushroom coffee. -When I told her I'd protested enough she said I was "passionate" and asked me what my sign was and then proceeded to tell her her and her husband's sign... I was trapped. (And their signs are incompatible, lol.) -I won't detail you on how she belittled my career. Just don't ever tell an actor you think they'll get to broadway or the movies someday... But look, I'm sure she'll make it to being an oral surgeon someday. (See what I mean?) FINALLY DONE. I asked for extra floss since she's so adamant about it. She gave me one extra (stingy, but fine). I go to the front to pay. They schedule my next appt me and tell me the cost. I say "oh, do you have my Aetna information?" The receptionist entered it in and then did not give me an updated total. She just asked for my card. I asked how much it was. She told me the same amount. I said I was confused. She said now that the practice is sold we have to pay up front and insurance will send us a check--hate this. I said "I have Aetna though, it's not insurance, it's a discount card..." And the other receptionist, who's been there and I love her (shout out to her) said, "Oh, we don't take discount cards anymore..." Literally the reason I went to this dentist was the high yelp reviews (which are all about Nancy) and the fact that they took Aetna. No letter or email or anything was sent to notify patients that the payment policies had changed. I wouldn't have gone to this appointment if I knew they wouldn't take my Aetna card. So I paid. Out of pocket. In full. For this appointment that made me cry after. During the appointment I wished I were a man because I knew I'd never be talked down to in this why by the hygienist. I can't remember the last time I was so bothered that I had the conscious thought "If I were a man..." I was planning on asking to see a different hygienist next time. Instead I got bamboozled into paying twice as much. I asked them to please cancel my next appt. Just received the text confirming that appt. ... I miss the old office. I'd pay in full for Nancy to come back. read more

I had a tooth infection over the weekend, and called up Dr. Baron's office first thing on Monday morning. They got me in at 11:30, took the digital xrays, and went to work on my teeth. Dr. Baron put in 3 fillings to help aleviate my problems. He was very good at managing any pain during the drilling. Stephanie and Dr. Baron were both quite nice to me. So far no issues after my visit, and I feel better. I will be coming back to get a more thorough exam to address my other issues. read more

Dr Baron, Nancy and his staff are above excellent! the staff is professional, delightful, courteous and fun! The very best in Santa Cruz! Thank you for the painless experience! read more

Dr John Baron and his staff are absolutely amazing, kind, and courteous. I've been going there for almost 15 years based on a colleague's referral and am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet John and his team. They are VERY good at what they do, and what you would expect from a world class Doctor of Dental Surgery. And did I mention the ACCOMODATE their customers? I had a 12 year old crown pop off on a weekend, called Dr Baron on his cell phone Sunday morning, they had me in at 8:00 AM when they opened the doors on Monday and repaired the crown in less than 30 mins... PERFECT! And he's a fellow Texan transplanted to the heart of the Central Coast of California... Yup! read more

I wish I was able to give Dr. Baron more than 5 stars. He is the only dentist that I've gone to that actually fulfilled my needs. I had gone to 3 other dentists before him and I am beyond satisfied with his service. I was nervous seeing him because the past dentists I've gone to made me HATE the dentist, but he did the exact opposite. His staff are all friendly and nice, he himself is a bubbly person so you feel more comfortable. He explains everything thoroughly before he begins any treatment/procedure on you and is very gentle. I live in east bay and travel all the way to Santa Cruz just for my dental needs- that right there should tell you how great he is! read more

This office is extremely professional, beyond friendly, honest, and very informative. Dr. Baron is an excellent dentist, and Nancy is an excellent hygienist. I should know, Dr. Baron has been helping me get rid of all of my old, cracking fillings and replacing them with new crowns that look and feel great. And, the front office is always so accommodating, helping me to work around my insurance, and helping me make the best decisions for both my financial and dental health. Furthermore, if you're a nervous patient like me, this is the place to go. I have had some less than comfortable past experiences at other dentist offices, and they have made me a bit tense. But, as I continue to see Dr. Baron and his professional staff, my nerves have calmed tremendously. They are so gentle and their first priority is making sure you feel at ease. Please check out this link to read more about patients' experiences at this office: http://www.demandforce.com/b/drjohnbaron read more

I had six veneers on my front lower teeth to correct an alignment issue. Dr. Baron's work and technique were exceptional. There was no pain, the procedures were done quickly and in accordance with my scheduling needs. The results were beautiful, far beyond my expectations and I am so very pleased. I would recommend Dr. Baron and his exceptional staff to anyone seeking this type of procedure or regular dental care. read more

Dr. Baron is the best dentist I have come across in the Santa Cruz area. The staff is very accommodating and friendly and their office is always clean with a tidy waiting room. Over the years he has always been able to get me in on short notice. I highly recommend Dr. Baron to all. Outstanding work. Thank you!10 stars! read more

I recently started taking my son to Dr. Baron. He and his staff are the nicest people and he is a great dentist. My son has a huge fear after having a really terrible experience and needs a lot of procedures done. The whole staff made him feel so comfortable and he said the shots he got were totally painless. For him that is the worst part! I am so happy we found Dr. Baron!! read more

My husband and I went to Dr. Baron and I was told that i had many cavities that I made an appointment to get filled and when i arrived realized that the cavaties were actually replacing my existing fillings, not necessarily new cavities. My husband who also got cavities filled had his jaw lock up and was in extreme pain for several weeks after getting work done. I also wasn't too keen on the 'upselling' on the cosmetic services he offers for veneers. We simply wanted to get our teeth cleaned and examined so ultimately decided to switch to another dentist. read more

Dr. Baron was recommended to me by a long time patient. She was right. He and his staff is great. Amy and Paula are very nice and I had a partial emergency. A split tooth, and went to my FORMER dentist, and they did not even clean it, only sat me down with the insurance person to arrange payment for a costly procedure. Dr. Baron took time to explain, and I felt it was for me and not insurance purposes. He gave me a referral to a nearby dentist for procedures he does not do, and I will officially change my dental issues to him full time. read more

Nice staff and dentist. Got me in the schedule fast and they had complimentary coffee, tea, water, juice available in pt. fridge and gave me IB profin and warm towel at the end. read more

If you are looking for a top-notch dentist you need to visit Dr. Baron. The staff in his office are incredible! The front office is caring and efficient, the dental staff are all excellent. Sherri has been cleaning my teeth and my husband's for 25 years and Nancy takes care of my son's. Dr. Baron is incredibly professional. I have total confidence in his expertise and abilities. I am so happy to have such a great dental office in my area to take care of my whole family. read more

Great staff! Super friendly! I have always been nervous when going to the dentist so I was panicking when I found out that I had to get both fillings and crowns. Dr. Baron was so gentle, I seriously didn't feel a thing and the entire procedure was finished in one day. A+ experience. read more

I have been going to Dr. Baron for 5 years for regular cleanings and check ups and I have never needed any cavities filled. Recently I had a sudden bad toothache and called them to see if I could come in to check it. The girl who answered the phone was very helpful and comforting. She even told me that the doc had just done a root canal on her sister the day before. That made me feel good about his work that his staff sent their family there. She told me to come in the same day. Dr. Baron was very kind and gentle. He explained to me about what was going on with my tooth and took care of it the same day. It didn't hurt at all when he got it numb and he was very gentle the whole time. The assistant was super sweet and very warm and comforting and by the end of the appointment we were all joking and laughing and I was really relaxed. They billed my insurance and I only had to pay my 20 percent payment that day. I just looked at this dentists yelp site and I don't know why all his really good reviews are not showing. Just one from someone who was really mad at something. But he has like a dozen really good reviews. I highly recommend John (he let's you call him by his first name - I thought that was cool) and his awesome staff. read more

Dr. Baron and his staff are the most professional, kindest people you will ever meet. Dr. Baron is a great dentist because of his perfectionism and expertise. He has done miracles to my teeth. You will NO longer dread going to see your dentist any longer once you become a patient of Dr. Baron and his team. read more

Very professional folks. A pleasure to deal with. I recommend them highly.

When you find a great dentist you want to make sure that you stay with them. Even though I live a good hour away I will still make the trip because the staff and the doctors are friendly and professional. The staff is always there to offer knowledge or just a friendly smile. With everything that was done the Dentist laid out my options and informed me on how the procedures would go. They helped me wherever they could and I would bet you that you can't find a nicer, professional and knowledgable group of people! read more

I was recommended to Dr. Baron because I needed some cosmetic work-- the replacements for very old veneers. Not only did Dr. Baron do the work in record time, the end result is beautiful. He is a true artist. Thanks to Debbie and Dr. Baron for great teamwork on these front veneers-- it was painless perfection! He is very knowledgeable and professional, and his staff is friendly and worked seamlessly to ensure my comfort. He'll now be my regular dentist as well! read more

I have a son-in-law and nephew in the military. I appreciate Dr. Baron giving 2 years of his career to the military. I find Dr. Baron to be professionally competent and personally involved in the treatment I have received from him and his staff. When I enter the office door I am greeted by a cheerful staff, calling me by my first name and letting me know they have called my hygienist or Dr. Baron. I am then warmly greeted again. During my visit I am given everything to make my experience more comfortable. The hygienist and Dr. gently go about their business with gentleness and a lot of communication. I know what to expect from them and do not feel as if I am ever surprised by a sudden hurtful action. Every treatment is explained from the beginning to the end. read more

While the office staff at Dr. Baron's office is very friendly, I strongly recommend AGAINST going to this dentist. I have had nothing but problems and pain with my teeth since he took over Dr. Benson's practice a few years ago and I really feel that it is due to Dr. Barons poor technique. He seems to have the most problems with giving injections. Almost every time he has given one to me or my husband , we have had bad side effects . Dr. Baron tries to make excuses for why there were problems or tires to make jokes to lighten the situation which we do not find funny. Today I went in to have a crown that wasn't shaped or polished well adjusted and left the office looking like I'd had my wisdom teeth pulled and then had a stroke on the right side of my face. I also have a large bruise on the side of my face. Even though he called me later in the day to check on me, when this first happened, his initial comment was that it would only take a few days but that it would probably be okay to look this way since I'm probably not having a photo shoot done or anything. I have made the decision to switch dentists once and for all and cancelled all future appointments for me and my husband. read more