Dr Berger is truly a Godsend. I have a disabled sister who unfortunately experienced a broken tooth during a hospital visit due to the suctioning machine that the nurses used with too much force. Regular patients teeth may have withstood the force but unfortunately her being fully disabled, that was not the case. Dr Berger was kind enough to take on her case and perform the surgery while she was inpatient where I know most dentists would of said this is a outpatient procedure. He has also preformed dental work on my other sister over 6 years ago and really does truly care about his patients. I highly recommend him especially if you are special needs. read more

This was one of the most alarming and unacceptable medical experiences I have ever had. I would strongly caution anyone to think twice and get a second opinion before allowing Dr. Berger to perform any procedure without extreme precaution and getting a second opinion. I went in for a simple biopsy of a discolored area on the roof of my mouth. I was told that the only way my insurance would cover the biopsy was if it were done in a hospital under full anesthesia. I was also told the doctor intended to remove the entire discolored area, not take a small sample, turning what should be a minor procedure into something far more invasive, painful, and with a much longer recovery. What happened next was completely unacceptable. Without my knowledge or consent, the office submitted multiple requests to my insurance for extensive, invasive procedures that were never discussed with me. These requests were based on the assumption of cancer before any biopsy had even been performed or approved. One of those requests even included removing tissue from the right side of my tongue, something that was never mentioned to me at any point. When I called to question this, I was told this is something the doctor "just does" so he has authorization in advance in case he decides to do more once surgery has started. That explanation should concern any patient. I agreed to a biopsy, nothing more. The most troubling part: my insurance company later confirmed that the biopsy is fully covered in-office, including anesthesia if I choose it. In other words, the claim that I needed to go to the hospital under full anesthesia was simply not true. I sought a second opinion from another maxillofacial surgeon, who confirmed what should have been said from the beginning: a small, in-office biopsy is standard, and there is no need to remove the entire area. To be clear: I was given false information about my insurance coverage Major procedures were submitted to my insurance without my consent Additional surgical requests were made without any discussion These requests were made before even confirming a diagnosis This is not a matter of poor communication, this is a complete breakdown of transparency and patient consent. If I had not questioned this and sought a second opinion, I could have undergone a far more invasive procedure than necessary. Patients deserve honesty, clear communication, and the ability to make informed decisions about their own bodies. I did not receive that here. Proceed with extreme caution. read more

Jaw necrosis from xgiva He jumped to do major surgery then abandoned me I have had a hole in my jaw with discharge since. My insurance negotiated a payment to him but the office does not get back to me He is supposedly the only Doc that treats this in San Diego . I think he is really does not give a crap about His patients I may to need to go to Orange Cty or LA if it continues read more

This is a very sad example of the person who should have retired long time ago but is still trying to practice. I saw him for the tooth extraction. The first thing I noticed is when looking on the screen to see the x-ray, he was struggling and needed the help of his dental assistant. Second, without giving the proper time to discuss everything (we talked like a minute or 2), he rudely turned away and jumped into dictation wrapping up the appointment that just started. While dictating he said, he examined the tooth #19. I was shocked because it was tooth #30. Before coming to this appointment I've read the previous review that he had extracted the wrong tooth and has almost 40 lawsuits against him. When I heard that he didn't even remember what tooth he looked at 2 seconds later, I knew I needed to leave. It was clear the guy needs to retire. I told him that it was not #19 but #30 three times. He didn't apologize, got up, checked the tooth and after realizing he had made a mistake just changed the subject angrily complaining about something else. The best thing this dentist can do at this point is to retire. It's very sad when people don't want to face the reality: we all get old and his time came too regardless if he wants to face it or not. It's pretty scary that he doesn't even remember what tooth he looked at but continues to operate. read more

Successful tooth implant and gum graft in one visit last week. Great professionalism by the terrific doctor Joel Berger, assisted by his very able team of Cindy, Gina, and Robin. Many thanks to this wonderful group. read more

When I was a teenager struggling with social anxiety, cleft lip/palate, and severe dental issues, I went to this dentist- Dr. Berger. Instead of kindness, I was ridiculed and left feeling worthless. The experience was so humiliating it pushed me into one of the darkest headspaces of my life. At the time, I felt so angry and hurt that violent thoughts crossed my mind -- that's how damaging his words were. No doctor should ever make a vulnerable patient feel like that. I would never recommend him as he's a piece of shit read more

Dr Berger is the most caring, kind hearted, hardworking, knowledgable and detailed person. I decided to choose Dr Berger for my double jaw surgery because of how highly other doctors rave about him. He really cares about his patients and will only perform what is necessary for them, never recommend things to be done just for their benefit such as other surgeons. I am so thankful to have been under his care, and he truly made me feel that I could trust him. As scary as the process was he made it very easy for me. I thank God every day for being given such an amazing doctor and I believe I would not have felt this way if I had gone to anybody else. read more

Thanks for making me drive 20 miles for you to tell me that you won't be taking my insurnace and can't do the surgery. WTF am I even here?!? After paying you $45 the bonus prize was getting a bill for $20 more, for what?!?! I hope you can sleep at night, there are a lot easier ways to steal $65 from someone. read more

Dr.Berger is Amazing D.D.S. M.D. From my pass Experience with Dr.Berger, I Honestly Believe The Surgery I had, was Outstanding, Dr.Berger staff was very Respectful,They all took very good care of me, even the entire staff knew I was a Afraid,I will never forget the Respect, I Received from Dr. Berger D.D.S. M.D. I Believe the 2-1/2 Hour Drive from the City of Gardena, to San Diego, Shows you how Much I Trust Dr.Berger, & In my Mind,I would Highly Recommend this Office to all my Friends. from a Satisfied Patients Experience. Ken Tasaka read more

NO STARS **Stay far, far away from this so called doctor; no wonder his nurse has to stay close to monitor his behavior. Didn't even look at the xray and pulled out the wrong tooth! Went back to address it and all he could say is "I make so much money"!! Kristin G read more

This is a real perfectionist he treats you like family. He's honest, and I highly recommend him.

Long wait to be seen by this surgeon- he has a surgeon's personality too- didn't spend that much time with me and jumped right into ordering a surgical procedure without even an examination. Anyway, I kept searching after this experience and didn't do the surgery after all. read more

I've waited about about 2 months to write this review so my frustrations (honestly anger) could subside. This is a long review because I want to provide context for my unhappiness with the office staff communication and the anesthesiologist's horrible attitude. Dr Berger was highly recommended to my daughter and she had a brief, positive interaction with him during her consultant for 4 wisdom theeth extraction. She has had multiple open heart surgeries so needed her cardiologist to complete and send forms to Dr Berger's office and confirmed with the office they knew her heart history since it required pre meds and more complicated anesthesia. When she picked up all her meds for the surgery, we reviewed them with instructions provided and it didn't seem to cover her pre meds. She called and had to leave a message, no response for almost 2 days, she called again and got someone who told her that she didn't need the pre-meds because the anesthesiologist would give her antibiotics in her IV. That didn't match our expectations but we were 1 day before surgery so I called, took a while to get through but I was told same thing as my daughter. That night, evening before surgery, at almost 5pm the anesthesiologist called my daughter saying he just saw her record and didn't know she had prior open heart surgeries (no one told him) and asked if she took her pre-meds. After much anxiety, he gave us instructions on what she should do at the late hour and got a script called in. While on the phone with the anesthesiologist, my daughter mentioned to him that she has a fear of needles and might need some extra 'hand holding', the anesthesiologist response was "you're not 12 anymore (she's early twenties), you'll have to suck it up and deal with it". My daughter was beside herself with his rude response but we rationalized that he was frustrated that he was only finding out the night before about her heart surgeries and that maybe he had a long day. The short of it was that he was even ruder to her in person the next morning when she went into surgery. She was very anxious and he told her she couldn't b e so anxious and got frustrated with her. I helped her explain to him what the person (2 weeks before) did putting in the IV when she had a contrasting MRI to help her (very simple, just calm count down) he said in his 42 years he'd never had someone so anxious over the needle (I was there, she was anxious but not extremely so) and that statement caused tears to build up in her eyes and then he said something along the line of her being too difficult/emotional and he didn't think they should continue. We agreed and walked out. The very nice nurse who had been with us looked shocked at the interaction and profusely apologized to us. Dr Berger has a fantastic reputation, interaction with him was good. But the lack of communication between the office and the anesthesiologist (likely he was someone they hire for patients like my daughter who require more complicated anesthesia, rather than an employee), the wrong information we were given about the pre-meds and the very rude and dismissive attitude of the anesthesiologist left us very unhappy. I left messages with the office the next day, wanting to complain about our experience and no one ever returned my calls. She found another oral surgeon back east (near her college) and the anesthesiologist was wonderful and comforting, all went well when she was treated with respect, read more

Today I got my permanent implant caps put on. I have seven teeth I didn't have before and it starts with Dr. Berger. The VA was reluctant to let me have implants thank God they sent me to Dr. Berger! Dr. Berger is a God in my eyes! His care and work was amazing! His staff is equally competent and amazing people I think everybody there because my route to implants started in your office. I am a disabled veteran I don't have money to get implant teeth but yet here I am with a full set of teeth I am so grateful thank you Dr. Berger!! read more

In Pain with tooth pain, real bad, Dr Berger and his Top Notch team sorted me with polite, professional and expedient relief. Best in the Business, Thank you Dr. Berger! The front desk receptionist that answered my initial apt call was a serious problem, couldn't track the spelling of my (common) name after 4X's and asked me to text her my email after she got that wrong 2X's. I called in pain and she was heartless, incompetent and sassy - a true disfavor for such an accomplished and important Doctor. read more

My wife was diagnosed with mouth cancer. We had no idea where to turn. After some research on the internet for a Dr. that specializes in Oral Surgery for cancer in our area, we came across Dr Berger. We knew after the initial visit, this was the route we were taking. What we didn't know was Dr. Berger was absolutely amazing and his staff was very caring and professional. After the initial visit, we scheduled the surgery. The surgery went very smoothly and the recovery was actually very easy. Dr. Berger was able to remove all of the cancer so there was no chemo or radiation needed. read more

Had Jaw Surgery Feb 11th . Dr Berger was great. Everything went as planned. I appreciate that the office is very thorough. So far everything that was discussed prior to surgery including how you may be feeling, has gone exactly as they said it would. A little tip: Get everything set up at home that you will be needing a day or so prior : the meds, plenty of towels (drooling is no joke) , TAKE THE ointment for your lips they give you at the hospital! , have water , anything with electrolytes and homemade broth and protein drinks. You will be using syringes to get your food in. Good luck! I stayed at Sharp for a few days. Staff was nice however they are very understaffed so if someone can stay at least the first night with you, it would help you out. Ice packs are essential for the time you are there and I needed the ice bags replaced every 4 hours... they will forget. They took way too long between pain medication (because short staffed) so my husband kept tabs and would call them as soon as it was time. Eating tip: If someone can bring you homemade broth, this will be the best help! Hospital broth is awful. read more

I am forever thankful for the skill and expertise of Dr. Berger. He was simply amazing! I am unable to open my mouth very wide making it difficult to work on my teeth. He and his team did 5 implants in one sitting with local anesthetic. I had no pain or complications. His many years of experience clearly make a difference when faced with challenging patients. He was kind, patient, and professional. I highly recommend him and his staff. Thanks Gena for your big smile, Robin for your kindness and Patty for being helpful. I am so happy with the results and tell everyone how great you are! Thanks so much...you make a difference in people's lives. read more

Excellent balanced consultation with De Berger . He understood my case and gave practical smart advice.

The front office person (Tracy M) is rude and disrespectful. I guess asking for a receipt is somehow below her pay grade. Not only that she hung up on me before I could ask an additional question. Maybe she doesn't know it's called work and not happy fun time. I hope the doctor isn't as bad at doing his job. read more

Went to Dr. Berger as he was, at the time, one of the only dentist's in town who was on the list provided by workers comp that would work with them. How wrong that is. The billing administrator was so incompetent that it has been over FIVE YEARS and my case still remains unresolved as they were unable to process my paperwork correctly. It got as bad that I even helped fill out what needed to be submitted, made sure the offices could actually contact each other, and they still failed to get this done. Bottom line: don't go here if you have a workers comp case. They will refuse to figure it out, and wallow in their incompetence for years, plural! read more

Dr. Berger is a phenomenal surgeon and his staff is kind, patient and compassionate. I had 5 implants all done with precision and I didn't even feel any pain. I highly recommend for all dental services. read more

The only reason this doctor is getting my rating is because 10 working days passed since my visit and I am still waiting for an estimation for my necessary oral surgery for implants. He has to work on his financing person that is sleeping on the job. Now I have to spend more time to visit other doctors to get my implants done. To bad! read more

Did this really happen?? ‍‍‍‍‍‍ I was referred by Dr. Baker to see Dr. Berger regarding a jaw issue I have. Well, when I contacted Dr. Berger's office to schedule an appointment , I was told to contact my insurance company to confirm I was covered (which I always do anyway). After speaking to my insurance company, I was told I have EPO as my plan. I called Dr. Berger's office again to let them know what my insurance company told me, and whoever this girl was, said to me that I was covered because they accepted EPO plans for sure (this person needs serious training...). Well, after waiting for a month to see Dr. Berger, I arrived to his office and the first thing the receptionist told me was that they had to check with my insurance because she did not think I was covered. Really? After all the work I put into checking with my insurance company and Dr. Berger's office? To make the long story short, I was told I had no coverage to see Dr. Berger. Even though I have EPO, which they accept, I did not have the "right" EPO plan. What?? Are you kidding me? I was told that due to the confusion, Dr. Berger will see me today at no charge but he won't be able to treat me. Sooo... what's the point to see a specialist if he can't treat you?? . To make matters worst, I drove all the way from Escondido for nothing, and lost vacation hours due to their mess up. Maybe, just maybe, Dr. Berger's office should check with patients' insurances themselves to avoid rejecting patients due to these technicalities. You are the experts, I am not! Unbelievable...Horrible experience! What a way to waste people's time!! Ok read more

Dr. Berger did my implants when he was the owner of permadontics (now it has been sold). I don't have a good experience with him as I don't feel he did a good job on my implants. From time to time I am becoming aware of problems. One problem I have will now get fixed by the new owner of permadontics. I regret on not having done enough research on Dr. Berger before deciding to go with his service. There have been law suites against him for medical malpractice. To have an idea you can check this link https://www.ratemds.com/doctor-ratings/dr-joel-sheldon-berger-san-diego-ca-us/?third_party_page=1. read more

Steer clear of this person!! I am living a nightmare because of his carelessness. I can't believe what has happened to me under his care, I was recommended to him from another dental practice because of his specialty procedures. He looked at my scans and told me he could place implants "You have enough bone (25mm)" he claimed . I asked a few questions about the surgery, he looked at me and said " It's just teeth,not brain surgery" OK I then trusted his word, and experience. I scheduled the procedure. I guess the surgery was quite invasive I was in the surgery a long time. At my first visit post surgery there was a pocket of pus, I was concerned what the cause is. He said " It's not infected" OK good news, but it would not clear up. A few more weeks went by I called to complain, his staff kept telling me "it's healing and is normal", he looked at the pockets of pus, lanced the gum, and again said it looks better. A few more days went by and my jaw fractured !! I don't know why but my face blew up !! I went back to him ,he put me on a strong antibiotic, I did not trust what this doctor was telling me at this point. I went to another Oral/Maxi facial Doctor from a well known Hospital got a scan he could not believe what he saw on my scan, missing bone, fractured jaw next to the implant. But wait ,I went back to Burger to tell him I was in pain, he looked at me and said it looks much better. WTF !! I asked him to look closely at the scan he took ,at this point I know it's bad but he says "it's fine",he looks at the scan ,he then sticks his hands in my mouth( without gloves) and says" It looks broken and you need to go to emergency room and page him. What happened to me at this point is even worse than I could ever imagine. The infection was smoldering in my jaw around his implants and weakened my jaw for over 5 or 6 weeks. I had to go to an operating room at another hospital to filet me open from inside and outside my cheek to put in a plate to stabilize the jaw in order to heal. His implants were loose and had to be removed. Another 10 K out of pocket and not sure what else I will be paying for. My face now looks like I had a stroke!!! I don't know if it's permanent,I look terrible. I can't eat, So again ,think twice about having any procedure from this Doctor!!! read more

One important detail I neglected to mention before is the lifetime guarantee. I laughed and told Dr Burger that it was easy to give a 70 year old man a lifetime guarantee. That said I'm in great shape and plan on being around for while. I've went back a few times for minor problems, one area in particular is somewhat sensitive. They've always been accommodating and did their best to take care of the problem. So they're living up to that lifetime guarantee. Dr. Kruger has been very good and helped all he could. The young ladies who are the dental technicians are also very good and accommodating. read more

Joel Berger, DDS MD - Oral Surgeons Near Me - San Diego, California

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Avoid this man- go anywhere else! Didn't look at the X-ray and with so little care for the patient-removed multiple teeth damaging the bone long term - wish I would have done the research on this arrogant man who should not be in practice read more

Dr. Joel Burger is a great surgeon and well respected doctor. He's an excellent implant doctor and facial reconstruction, if you're looking for a great doctor, one you can trust to repair your mouth fix your teeth, Berger is your man read more

The best Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon anywhere!!!!!!! Honestly his work has changed my daughter's life.... Kids at school use to make fun of her because of her large extended chin and crooked jaw.....Thanks to Dr Berger she has her confidence back and is living life without constant reminders of her childhood bullying and being made fun of because of her looks........ We love you Dr. Berger .......... Thank you........ The Clarke Family....... read more

Joel Berger, DDS MD - Oral Surgeons Near Me - San Diego, California

Dr Berger will always have a special place in my heart because of his skill reconstructing my face after being hit by a moped in Cancun, Mexico. I have had 11 reconstructive surgeries & Dr Berger performed them all. When I was flown into Sharp Memorial they postponed my surgery, so that Dr Berger could do the surgery. Since I was only 22 at the time they wanted the best. Every bone in my face was broken. Dr Berger & Dr Vecchione took bone from my hip to give me a nose. They had to pick the pieces of bone from my cheeks w/a tweezers to reconstruct that area & forehead as well. I have 54 screws in my lower jaw & 12 metal plates to rebuild my palate. My teeth were laying in my mouth & Dr Berger had to get my dental records to put them back in. He then worked w/a talented team of doctors regarding my dental implants. His office became like family. Lynn, his office manager is amazing. I Can't imagine having to go through this with any other doctor. Dr Berger is, so intelligent that he could do trigonometry in his head. When my body was rejecting some of the metal we had Doc do the surgery to remove them even though insurance wouldn't cover it. I see my scars because I know what I looked like before, but unless I point them out people don't notice them. Dr Berger knew how to hide the scars in my brows & my nose had no scaring. I look very close to before the accident & that is because of Dr Berger's amazing work. I was the first he had used a new titanium screw on at that time, so he is always on the cutting edge of technology. If you want the best then book an appointment today. He has also done work on my mom's teeth. Amazing!! read more

Dr. Berger is the BEST surgeon and my family and I are so fortunate he did my daughter's double jaw surgery. Also--Dr. Dentico-Olin worked aside Dr. Berger during surgery and was amazing during my daughter's post op care. Dr. Berger changed my daughter's life! Hands down these 2 doctors are the best Oral Surgeons in San Diego! It is no wonder why his office is jammed packed with patients. Thank you Dr. Berger for your hard work, wisdom, kindness, professionalism, and much more! Thank you Dr. Dentico-Olin! You two are the best! read more

Finding a silver lining when dealing with a loved ones traumatic bicycle accident is difficult if not impossible. After enduring some unfortunate care at a hospital in Escondido we were helped/saved by the skills and professionalism of Dr. Joel Berger and his Staff. Dr. Berger is everything you'd want and need in a DDS/MD Unicorn (DDS & MD is hard to come by!) We couldn't be more impressed or thankful for the wonderful work and kind treatment we received. I'd also like to commend and recommend Dr. Berger's staff for their professionalism, kindness and skill. Dr. Berger's office runs like a fine oiled machine...I recommend this practice with all 5-Stars...it's everything this worried wife and injured husband could have asked for in care and skill. read more

He is terrible, it's time for him to retire. I'm sure at one time he was the best, but not anymore. He over schedules, he puts surgeries on top of another. At one point, he was 7 hours late for surgery. The staff at Scripps Green hate him, as do I. The last surgery he did on me, he operated on the wrong tooth. Stay away, there are many good ones out there. read more

Dr. Joel Berger is the Best in the Nation! He's done miracle work on my entire family and we would never go anyplace else. People from around the world come to San Diego to see Dr. Berger because he is that good. Dr. Berger is so smart because he has two degrees, as a MD and DDS (Doctor & Dentist)! If you need the best when it comes to a Oral Surgeon then go see the office of Dr. Joel Berger. Aaron V read more

It has been a little over 3 years since my mom was diagnosed with cancer and Dr. Berger has been amazing thru many surgeries- many last minute. I am sure other scheduled patients have been unhappy about being bumped but without my mom's emergency surgeries- she would not still be with us. Office support are so understanding - great customer service- Thank YOU! read more

Dr Burger has helped me to be pain free and has worked with me over the last 2 years. I had developed osteocronois of the jaw from bone harding drugs that dissolved my jaw bone causing extreme pain. I had to remove 4 molars that became infected. Today I am ready for a partial denture and on my way to recovery. I could not find another dentist to help me. Dr Burger is highly educated and way more knowledgeable than your average oral surgeon. I highly recommend him. He has changed my life read more

Originally had a below par experience with the front office staff not returning calls but Dr Berger more than made up for any hassle. Dr berger called me at night to talk about how to work payment regarding a procedure... Went above and beyond the call of duty and showed immense customer care. Would highly recommend read more

Dr. Berger is great. No complaints there. But his office staff is HORRIBLE. They do not return calls. They do not submit timely insurance claims. They again do not return calls. They do not timely repay account credits. And they don't return calls when keep following up. They did not properly submit radiology orders, and they would not return my calls about the issue. Messages do not get delivered, and voicemails apparently do not get checked. Even when I've left messages for the office manager, my calls have not been returned. I've never had an experience like this at a doctor's office. Their entire admin staff should be fired, and they should start over with people who can do their jobs and communicate with patients. read more

Outstanding and deserving of his flawless reputation as the best oral surgeon in San Diego. First class and professional organization--in particular his staff who followed up with me routinely concerning billing procedures, pre-treatment procedures, and more. I visited him for a tooth implant as well as wisdom tooth removal and would not hesitate to use him again. Very personable as well and good at what he does. Thank goodness for the laughing gas as well ! read more