I received good care from the dentists here, but I found their business side predatory and dishonest. I showed up for a routine cleaning to find that they no longer accepted Delta Insurance (they did not inform me of this change ahead of time). I chose to cancel my appointment and my wife's, which was scheduled soon after. The business manager met with me, and said that because they hoped to keep us as customers (and hoped to resume taking Delta by our next appointments), they would waive the charge for both my appointment and wife's if we did not cancel them. All went well until they were unable to resume taking Delta, and we had to change to another dentist (which provided superior care AND covered 100% of our dental expenses under Delta). Then, we suddenly began receiving bills for the appointments the business manager had waived. It seems that if they couldn't get us to pay cash for future appointments, rather than use our insurance (a cost of well over $1000 a year just for cleanings and exams), then they were going to do their best to squeeze what they could out of us, and were not going to let ethics or integrity get in the the way of a little money. I've talked to them on the phone, in person, and written to them. At first, they confirmed that the cost should have been waived. But they just keep sending bills for the amount they previously waived. I don't even know if that office manager still works there, and there's likely no one who now remembers a conversation from that long ago. It's a pain to deal with them constantly trying to collect less than $300 they are not owed. I think it's been two years of harassment from them. But they did me a favor too, and I hope it's one for you too if you're looking for a dentist in Merced. There are so many dishonest dentists preying on patients. I thought I'd found an honest one in El Portal. As stressful as this is, it likely saved me far more money in the long run by forcing me to leave them before getting taking advantage of by their unscrupulous business practices. Steer clear! I know it can be hard to find a new dentist in Merced, but don't settle for a practice you can't trust. Update: June 2026 I was contacted again by this business. They confirmed that I did not owe the approximately $300 they keep sending me invoices for. However, they instead claimed that I received a check from Delta Dental for about $90 several years ago, which they believed they were entitled to. They confirmed that they would continue (knowingly) sending me bills for the larger amount, but that if I paid what they believed I would actually owed, they would stop. I still have not received an invoice or any written documentation for what they now say I owe, and there's no way I'm just going to send them a check based on a voicemail and hope everything works out. This was followed up by a later voicemail threatening to "send me to debt collections," but they did not specify whether they would be trying to send to collections for the less than $300 they are (knowingly) falsely invoicing me for or the $90 they now claim I owe. I've requested that they send an invoice and documentation for what they actually believe I owe, while alerting them to my concerns that their continuing to send false invoices appears to be criminal. The saga continues. Again, avoid this business! read more

Love the dentists and hygienist. Major concern for the front staff who handles billing. I had maxed out on my insurance benefits and was never informed that my cleaning would cost $250 out of pocket. I arrived to my appointment with a surprise bill vs. canceling and "donating" $50 for a late cancelation. I clearly would have canceled my appointment if i was made aware of the cost. The woman in charge of billing decided to argue with me, claiming that she informed me last time but never did. I received a bad attitude and no apology. I decided to pay $150 for some flossing rather than wasting $50. You should inform your staff to do their job and notify clients of upfront costs so we can make an informed decision. And a little customer service would go a long way. I advise anyone who goes here to ask repeatedly about future appointment costs since staff delivers unreliable communication. read more

Service I have received has been wonderful from the ladies at the front desk to the wonderful dental staff and being open on a Saturday is a huge plus read more

My son had his braces done in El Portal Dental Group. We are very grateful of Dr. Nguyen and his staff for the great service. Dr. Nguyen is very personable and a very kind dentist/orthodontist. We are also thankful of his wonderful wife Trang. We highly recommend Dr. Nguyen for his knowledge and skills. read more

I have been a loyal patient of El Portal Dental Group for many years, but my recent experience was extremely disappointing!! They seemed very pushy about billing my insurance for a root canal. When they went over my treatment plan, it felt like they were more interested in making money than my actual dental health. To make matters worse, they billed my insurance out of network even though they initially told me they accepted my insurance (CIGNA) in network!! When I called them, they said only certain dentists in their office accept CIGNA in network...but they never informed me that the dentist I was seeing that day was out of network. They need to get more organized that way insurances are billed correctly and not out of network especially if only CERTAIN dentist in that office accept it in network. I feel like they lack integrity and transparency. They must have some type of target to meet 100%!! I'm Seeking a second opinion at Precision Dental Group today with Dr. Skinner was a much better experience. Dr. Skinner went over all my x-rays in detail and spent a good 10 minutes with me, explaining everything. The dentist at El Portal Dental barely looked in my mouth for a minute before recommending a possible root canal. I qualified for the payment plan since it was so expensive (im sure this quote was out of network too!!!!) the patient Coordinator or whatever that position is called that goes over the treatment plan told me "you have to pay now to secure your appointment for the treatment" a treatment that I didn't even NEED!!!!!!! then I qualified for the payment plan (at this point I was scared because I needed a possibly root canal and it was pricy so I did qualify) and she said "it's ok now that you qualified we can take care of it on day of the appt. I thought I needed to pay? To secure the appt?" Dr. Skinner confirmed that I didn't need a root canal at all, my cavity wasn't even near the nerve! Glad I listened to my gut feeling and seeked a second opinion. Plus this place always has a different dentist. I would rather see the same dentist and someone who knows what they're doing! I can't believe I almost went in for a possible root canal when it 100% isn't needed at all per my second opinion. I'm mind boggled! I am very disappointed with El Portal Dental Group and their approach to patient care. I will not be returning and cannot recommend them to others. They lost a loyal patient. BEWARE!!!! read more

Front desk ladies especially Lorena has done nothing but give terrible service. After asking to clarify further, Lorena has proceeded to be rude and snarky and make comments that had no regard towards conversation. read more

My husband and I have been loyal patients of el portal dental office for years, and I can't speak highly enough about the amazing care they provide. The entire team is professional, friendly, and genuinely cares about their patients. Their customer service is top-notch, making every visit smooth and stress-free. Whether it's a routine cleaning or more extensive work, I've always felt confident that I'm in good hands. I've never had a single issue in all my years coming here, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for exceptional dental care! read more

So I broke my tooth on a Friday, frantically looking for an emergency Dental group that would be able to help. I found El Portal Dental Group. Open on Saturdays and when I called they said they take emergencies. So when I arrived there all they did was take one x-ray, I was in so much pain the dentist said he was going to give me something for the pain and then prescribe me antibiotics. He played me for a fool, They took my cash my money and did absolutely nothing for me. sent me home with my broken tooth in my head, I asked him why he wasn't taking the tooth out and he looked me straight in the eye and told me he doesn't have the time! They told me to come back next week and they can extract my tooth. He said as I was walking out this was only consultation. I replied an emergency consultation? Writing this in pain! As of 6/9/22 updating this review by saying they have redeemed themselves "New Dentist, Dr. Gill came in and did a professional job and I even contracted him for more work to be done so I'll be upgrading this review to 3 stars! PS the office manager and girls in the office are very professional. They were very apologetic for the miscommunication that happened with my "emergency consultation" lol. read more

I want to thank the ladies at the front desk today 5/20/23 for getting me in for a root canal. I've been in excruciating pain for the past couple weeks. An now I've been taken care of. Thank you! Thank you all for today! I also want to thank the Dentist who made me a priority. I do not remember her name but thank you very much! Thank you all at El Portal Dental Group! read more

I made an appointment for a teeth cleaning. Due to the pandemic i got covid 19. I called them and told them I couldn't make it because I didn't want to infect the whole office. They lady canceled my appointment but didn't tell me that I need to CANCEL APPOINTMENTS WITHIN 48 HOURS OR I WILL OWE $50.00. THEY DO NOT TELL YOU THIS WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT. THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT. The last time I ended up in the hospital and couldn't make it. It happened 2 times and now i keep getting letters saying i owe $100.00 This year has been horrible but they only care about the money. Ill be finding somewhere else to go that does not charge like that. read more

Thank you once again Dr Nguyen :) Appreciate Krystal for your updates! Always happy to come in:) read more

This is probably my 20th dental visit. And 3-4th yelp review. I started out going to fix my teeth (after a 30 year hiatus from the dental chair due to fear) and am now in BRACES!!! I went from being the office chicken and seriously afraid of any dentist- to being a regular with Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Regalado. These two are the only ones who have been able to do ANY work on me....ever! They were able to keep me coming back! I'm 42 and halfway through my dental/ortho plan. It has been a long journey. They always go out of the way to make me feel comfortable and at ease. They don't proceed until I'm relaxed. Dr. N is really smart, very nice, really funny and he met John Travolta! He is an excellent dentist & orthodontist. Dr. Regalado is just sweet, professional, knowledgeable and caring. She is gentle with my scared & sensitive teeth. She puts me at ease. Dr. Alzate pulls teeth like nothing. He obviously is skilled. I had bleeding after but really no pain! And he pulled 2 teeth one day, 2 another. It was like, "you're done? Really?" They take care of me with nitrous gas to relax me. I have had 4 extractions and no longer fear "the chair." I am educated on how to care for my teeth and they are so much healthier! (Use a Waterpik waterflosser, Sonicare electric toothbrush, Sensodyne toothpaste, Act flouride mouth rinse, and COME SEE Dr. N regularly!!! ) This has been the best investment of my life. My teeth are looking so good! I said this before but feel I have to say it again. I have probably been kicked out of every dental chair in Merced for being a nervous wreck, (cause I make dentists nervous too. Lol) but EPD is the BEST! Always on time with appointments (not me, them! Lol) And greet you with smiles and handshakes. Dental royalty here! read more

El Portal Dental Group - Braces & healthy teeth courtesy of El Portal Dental. Extensive work! Worth every penny. - General Dentistry Near Me - Merced, California

Update on my previous review. I had my teeth fixed at Affordable Dentures in Modesto, Ca. I did not need any implants or partials. 27 bad teeth were all pulled out, and I ended up with the most beautiful dentures ever seen. And it only cost me $7000 not the $19,000 that El Portal quoted me. The reply to my first comment regarding El Portal Dental Group was that "it didn't sound like the personality of their dentists" - so obviously they are fooled by their own. It was Dr Nguyen who was so offensive and quoted me $19,000 to do the work - but demanded I quit smoking first and then he would think about doing the work. I know a rip off when I see one and that is what this place is. read more

New to the area. Chipped my front tooth at work. Called around. Due to Covid-19, it was difficult. Called El Portal. Got an appointment. Filled out all of the necessary paperwork online. They communicate through text messages and email, as an option. Made everything so simple. I arrived 5 minutes early. They took me immediately. I was seen. Identified my issue. Insurance paid their portion, I paid mine. Tooth was fixed in under 15 minutes to my satisfaction. Amazing. I spent less than 25 minutes at El Portal. Smiling with a fixed front tooth and a new dentist. Fast. Courteous. Professional. Friendly and efficient. Thank you for doing what you do! read more

will not refund money. My dr left the practice and I wished to continue with him I had put down 5 thousand for my treatment plan and now they won't return my money. I was a pati for 6 years completely unprofessiona! read more

Hard to believe I totally trusted Dr. Nguyen DDS. He was recommended to me by a friend of my sons. I had been to a dental surgeon and given a price three times greater than this Dr. of which I had no insurance as I am disabled and on SS. which does not cover dental so I was way overdue and in dire pain. I had been a former child of an traumatic experience of an open socket. I would recommend this office to anyone. My two teeth were extracted yesterday and I was given the tooth I was told by the former surgeon would have him put in Jail if he gave my gold to me. Look questions up on the internet before trusting false statements from anyone. read more

These guys are wonderful. Lorena in the office helped me get my crown covered by my Delta insurance. And Dr Nguyen was excellent.

I like Dr. Khang Nguyen's personality, but my family is finding a new dentist. Mother Jones recently published an article titled "Is Your Dentist Ripping You Off?" The author writes: "And look out for excessive X-rays: The ADA says healthy patients need a full set (14 to 22) every two years at the most. If your dentist recommends a special "cone-beam" X-ray, get a second opinion, since, along with a 3-D picture of your mouth, it delivers a dose of radiation up to 18 times that of a traditional dental X-ray. While the Food and Drug Administration has approved cone-beam scanners, some radiation experts worry that dentists are using them when a standard X-ray would do just as well. Finally, when it comes to children's dentists, make sure to find a board-certified pediatric specialist, since not all dentists that cater to children have special training." At El Portal Dental Group, they try to do x-rays every year, and if you decline the x-ray, the receptionists, hygienists and the dentist will all try to persuade you to do the x-ray, even if you're pregnant. This might explain why they could afford to expand into such a big fancy facility... read more

No need to keep looking, you have found the best dentist office in Merced. I've had two visits to El Portal Dental Group and am very impressed. The staff was very professional, pleasant, efficient, thoughtful and thorough. read more

11/3/16 First time I've ever been comfortable at the dentist!!! Dr. Hunt is the best. All the staff are very friendly and go out of their way to help and make you comfortable. 11/4/16 Back to El Portal to have my partial adjusted and repaired. In at 10am and back by 3 pm to pick it up!!! El Portal Dental Group is the best! What really makes them stand above the others is the fact that their professionalism is amazing. Everyone greets you, shakes your hand, shows you around the whole office and takes the time to get to know you. You are not just a number with them. I totally recommend them to everyone, weather your a child or senior, as myself, you are treated very special to each and everyone there. Thank you El Portal Dental Group for making my experience pleasant, you now have a patient for life read more

This place is awesome all the way from the cleanliness of the clinic to how professional and comforting the staff was! I came in for a complete check up and cleaning. The receptionist, DA, and DH were all nice and attentive. I had Dr. Regalado and she was so nice and I never felt judged one bit during this entire visit! Definitely coming back again to fix some things in my mouth!! (Plus they are open on Saturdays!!) I also came on Valentines day and they gave their patients roses! :D so sweet! read more

El Portal Dental Group - I came on valentines day and the patients got flowers!! Loved the experience and would highly recommend this place - General Dentistry Near Me - Merced, California

In my opinion this is the best dentist office on the planet!! I've been here three times. They pay attention to every detail, and as a result I've had the best possible experience imaginable at a dentist! And now that they have moved into their new ultra-modern location, it's like icing on the cake! I have and will recommend this place to everyone that has teeth! read more

Update My review is been degraded by Yelp for whatever reasons. But please I advise you to check out my review of this dentist. If you are in need of services by a true professional I urge you call El Portal Dental. They helped me to get over my fear, to fix some major issues with my teeth. The dentists are professionals like I never had before in my life. I am a European citizen and come from a country where our medical care is graded to be one of the best. Let me tell you that no of the dentists in my country can even hold a candle to the first visit and screening I received at El Portal Dental. Never in my whole life was I screened for mouth cancers, or even received the care I received at El Portal Dental. I will post my review on the Google website as well, I invite you to read my review there as well and on their FB page! Thank you once again El Portal Dental for the wonderful care and putting me at easy and most importantly to deal with my anxiety I have for dentists!! Berendina H. read more

I love this place!!! I am the type of person that hates going to the dentist, I get so nervous and I start to get very anxious every time I go to the dentist. But this place really makes you feel comfortable. I really like Dr. Oliver. He is very gentle and makes you feel comfortable and makes sure you are doing ok during each procedure. That's a huge plus for me because I've always been very scared of the dentist. The only thing that i would change would be confirming appointments, they confirm way too much even after you already confirmed your appointment. But it's not that big of a deal. Other than that I would definitely recommend this place. read more

I had stayed away from dental offices by more than a year due to fear of COVID. I finally mustered enough courage to come in. Judy was absolutely awesome! Put me at ease. Did the x-rays and my cleaning and I was totally relaxed throughout. THANK YOU Judy!!!!! BTW, office was spotless - VERY clean!!! read more

Very friendly staff members here at El Portal Dental starting from Dr. Nguyen to the dental assistants and receptionists. My daughter started her ortho treatment and the process has been going smoothly. The assistants do an awesome job on explaining every visit on what they have done and will be doing next visit. read more

I am a first time patient and I scheduled my apt about two weeks ago to get a consultation for teeth whitening. the office called me to go in earlier instead of my later time. The three times that I communicated with the staff, I was told to fill out my new patient forms online or show up early. I obliged the first time they asked me to do so. They seemed adamant about me filling the forms out online so I was under the impression that they were on it with their scheduling. I showed up early and the receptionist was friendly. The place was nice and clean but that did me no good.... I was still left waiting 40 minutes for an appointment that they reschedule me for. They set the appointment time, not me... and they still left me waiting for 40 minutes?! No thanks. First impressions are crucial, especially for a CASH paying customer. Needless to say, you've lost my business and I will definitely be taking my business elsewhere where it is appreciated. read more

I have made 4 appointments. 2 of them have been rescheduled by THEM. One day it was on the DAY of my appointment, two hours before. Now they call the day before to reschedule because they scheduled me on a day that they're not open! I cancel plans, get a babysitter, etc for nothing. Absolutely ridiculous. Every time you go in, it's like a car sales man. They have you sit in an office to discuss your dental work. And if you disagree with what they want to do, they will push and push and push. I was there over TWO HOURS for a filling. A filling!! I had a filling done on a tooth where I never felt pain before, but I trusted them and decided to have it filled. IMMEDIATELY after I began having pain in that general area. I cannot pin point which tooth. When I went to them again to discuss this, he couldn't find where it was coming from but wants to replace my fillings on another tooth. Does that even make sense?!?! I originally went to them because a tooth of mine broke off. Because their dentist want to do everything in a specific order (and have these women come in to convince you to do so) I have still yet to have this issue resolved. Being rescheduled was the last straw. You caused this pain in my mouth, you cannot schedule people appropriately, you do not value my time.. I will NOT be returning. read more

Very friendly staff and wonderful atmosphere. The office setting is very welcoming. Really enjoyed my visit there.

I called at 20 til 4 on a Thursday, crossing all my fingers and toes that I might be lucky enough to get in the next day but figured it was a long shot. I called complaining of pain along side and top of teeth in lower left quadrant. I dropped my jaw when they said come in on the spot. Really?!? That's unbelievable! Ok! So I arrive 10 or 15 minutes later, do the intake, give my limited knowledge of my insurance information and wait. The front desk people were very nice, Jade is who helped me in person. At first they couldn't find my coverage but they kept trying and eventually did. I got a really nice dentist, I forgot his name but he is a really young Asian fellow, nice as can be. So far it seems everyone here has really good bedside manners and from the short time I've been in the area, that is a rare commodity. I am so impressed at the fact they brought me in immediately due to pain, I don't understand why all dentists don't do that. As they poked and prodded I jumped out of the chair a few times and they were very kind and understanding about it, and didn't get rude or annoyed. They ended up painting the area with desensitizer for immediate relief which was a God send and explained that it would be temporary until we could get an appointment scheduled for more permanent treatment. Wonderful. They also do orthodontics so it's basically a one stop shop. Cool! Made appointments for myself and my 2 kids; no openings till June though, and it's mid April now. That just let's me know how lucky I am that they were willing to bring me in asap for my pain. I totally recommend them. read more

Great, knowledgeable, and friendly staff at all levels within this dental practice. Customer service, ease of setting up/rescehduling appointments, accuracy of billing and subperb cleaning crew, dentists, and a great new office make this a very easy choice when looking for a dentist in Merced. read more

Great and friendly staff. Very helpful and fast!! Will remind you and make sure you don't forget about your appointment. This will be the only place I will take my family too for every dental needs.. read more

I was a little iffy about this place at first just because they seemed to forget to set my appointment after the initial consultation but my experience was fantastic. Fred the Hygienist is the best and I will give them my family's business from now on! read more

I have been going to El Portal Dental for years! Not once have I been disappointed because they consistently work hard to make sure that things are done in a great amount of time and to a high standard of quality. read more

Excellent Customer Service. 5 stars for Fred! He knows his clients. He makes them laugh and feel comfortable because going to dentist can be hard for some people to go to. They will take good care of you. read more

I just recently started coming to this dental place and honestly all the workers are so friendly and welcoming! They really take in account of your personal feelings. I've had some bad experiences in the past with my old dentist, but Dr. Nguyen was so gentle with my gums and teeth! Also Judy did a great job with my deep cleaning, she was so so gentle and constantly made sure I was feeling ok the entire time! I would highly recommend this place! read more

I went here to get my teeth cleaned and wisdom teeth removed. They do very good work. If you have an issue you can always talk to the manager she is very kind and Courteous. read more

For 8 + years, we've been to this dentist twice a year. They are curtious, respectful, and on time. Plus they have the best music playing in the background! You won't be disappointed. read more

I've had fears of returning to the dentist after a traumatic accident. El Portal Dental Eaaeed my worries. I had extensive cavities and cleaning done. They were caring, understanding, and most of all, reassuring. The best experience I've had since leaving my family dentist. Great place! read more

After visiting this office and spending over $3,000 dollars on a dental treatment plan that the dentist Dr. Nguyen recommended, we put trust both in the diagnosis and the dentist himself. That this was going to be the best treatment for my wife. After several visits we were referred to a periodontist we wanted a second opinion so we visited another dentist dr Mishra he reviewed x rays and said we should see periodonist because of several bone lose seen in the X-rays and should seek further extensive treatment. After getting a second opinion with Dr.Mishra, come to find out my wife was misdiagnosed. Instead of having to pay several thousand dollars knowing she should have been referred out for a periodontist, Dr. Nguyen went forth with his dental procedure, leaving myself and wide in a bind. After visiting periodontist, the diagnosis was confirmed that my wife suffered from severe bone lose in her mouth. Surgery was needed, spending over $8,000 dollars for this procedure to take place. We are very dissatisfied with El Portal Dental Group, both my wife and myself feel that they were in this more for money and not to the best interest of the patient. I will not recommend this facility to any of my Friends and or family. I will be filing a report with the The local dental board!! read more