My Partner in Toothdom
I hereby post my first e-opinion...ever.
Having a good Dentist is a necessity for good health - having a good long-term relationship with a Dentist; it's like having a trusted health Partner.
Dr. Mai-ly Ramirez (and the entire staff including her husband and practice partner Dr. Dan), of Glen Park Dental are simply the best dental practice I've ever used (and there have been a number) or heard of.
My first appointment with Dr. Ramirez was around 10 years ago. I had recently moved into Glen Park (which deserves its own five star Yelp!) and Dr. Ramirez had recently started her practice there. I went in for a check-up, a bit worried that I might have a cavity. Unfortunately, Dr. Ramirez informed me that I was in need of some pretty major work especially to replace the cracked and leaky metal fillings which were put in when I was a kid and which had always been a medical "weakpoint" for me. Anyway, my teeth were a wreck. The course of treatment was extensive, practically pain free (see below, now it would be pain free - no needles) including root canals, replacement of all metal with plastic/porcelain - the work was top notch.
The thing that I appreciate the most is that Dr. Ramirez practices conservatively focusing on trying to save teeth, treat gum problems, etc. without just cutting it out, filling it up or addressing the short term problem. She has a plan. Since my first appointment with Dr. Ramirez, she has had me on regular check ups, and addressed a couple of more issues along the way like gum problems and I just finished a course of Invisalign braces (the kind that snap onto your teeth and can be removed when eating). My teeth look great!!
Even as a new dentist, Dr. Ramirez was good - probably partially due to the fact that dentistry is in her blood (her dad is a dentist) and because of what I have found to be exceptionally high professional standards and state-of-the-art practices she has maintained throughout the years.
Some of my favorite things that Glen Park Dental offers are technological. They have a new computerized novocain delivery system - PAIN FREE and specific to the tooth so you can drink coffee right afterwards without spilling on yourself because only the tooth numbed is affected!!! No more rubber dams jamming my mouth open because they have what I call "the snorkel" which blocks particles from going down your throat, but can easily be taken out between action rounds. On premises "filling mill" that turns what used to be at least two visits to get a porcelain filling (which had to be milled at a lab) into about a 1 hour job. Cool music.
The staff is great. The hygienists, assistants, and administrators - everyone is great at their jobs. They always work with insurance companies as best they can to maximize benefits etc.
I have been very fortunate to enjoy a healthy life - except for my teeth (parents make sure you make your kids brush!). It has been a huge comfort to know that, in this crazy world, there is a group of people that really have my back regarding my teeth and therefore my overall health since studies have clearly shown that dental health has a huge impact on one's health generally.
That's the point of this Yelp! - just to say that it is great to have a Partner in Toothdom! I frankly don't know why anyone in SF would go anywhere else (it's right across the street from the Glen Park Bart and Muni and like 6 bus lines, with pretty easy parking too).
Charlie
P.S. I just looked at the Yelp! Reviews and saw a couple that I would comment on.
To the guy claiming Dr. Dan overpriced, over treated, etc. - OF COURSE other dentists will tell you they are cheaper, better, your problems different, etc. Let's see what your actual dental bills tally to in the years to come for not getting the right job done right in the first place - I've been truly ripped off by picking my dentists in the past based on price shopping dentists who then work the insurance system. Does their work cost more than say some dentist that has $40 check-ups and advertises his mill in the Sunset - OF COURSE. Glen Park Dental does top-notch work, priced completely on par with similar Dentists in San Francisco (I am sure one could find a better "deal on dentistry" if they went to Turlock). The Dentists at Glen Park Dental prescribe based on a long-term plan and are as professionally and personally ethical as they come, really good people. Finally, to err is human. If another dentist has a better idea or approach to treatment at a lower price point, I am positive that the Dentists at Glen Park Dental would readily admit their mistake, or probably re-iterate their advice and wish the patient the best of luck with their new/cheaper Dentist. Trying to get a bargain on your medical and dental services is your call. But, if you are the kind of person who would like to relax knowing that you will have a Great Dentist go to Glen Park Dental. read more