What is it--close to 20 years now of top-notch dentistry? Great work, great staff. Thanks again.

While Dr. Chen and staff are personable their conduct was clearly a case of malpractice! After sending me to another dentist for five root canals with temporary fillings that subsequently are required to have crowns constructed by Dr. Chen that was not done even though I had many other visits to the office for other issues. As a result one tooth broke off entirely leaving the post that is inserted after a root canal extending from the root that then had to be removed by a dental surgeon. The side fell off another of the teeth exposing the post but it could be saved by another competent dentist who crowned the remaining three. As I said, this process took several years and many visits to Chen's office when the crowns were not done. The cost and damage were extensive and the responsibility to crown teeth after root canals requested by Chen was, and is, clearly his. read more

I have had a few experiences with this establishment, mostly with Dr. Shannon, but some with Dr. Chen as well. What most other reviewers have said is true: the staff is helpful, and Dr. Chen is in general very friendly. I have had a few procedures done here with no problems. However, my visit to Dr. Chen this past spring set off what would be the worst dental experience of my life. A little background: I had a check up at a different dentist on my regular dental schedule. This dentist serves all my family in the area (not in Baltimore). After I got back to Baltimore, I noticed some stain built-up, so I went to this establishment to get a cleaning. During my cleaning (which was rougher than the last time I had a cleaning there), the hygienist noticed some possible decay, then notified Dr. Chen, who then came over and took a look, and confirmed some "small" decay on my back molar near previous filling. He suggested that I get it filled, since they are "small and quick" anyway. I should mention at this point that just 2 months before this my family dentist did not detect any decay. (I confirmed this with that dentist later, and she also said that there's no way for the teeth to decay that quickly that would warrant new fillings by the time I went back to Baltimore.) I followed Dr. Chen's advice, and had them filled by Dr. Shannon, who had an open appointment available in the following week. What was to be two "small and quick" fillings turned out to be the some of the most painful and stressful dental procedures I've ever had. It turned out that she dug out the old fillings and then place two very deep fillings on my molars. One of which had a lot of complications afterwards. At the time of writing, I'm probably looking at a root canal + crown, totaling about $1k. (She also didn't take any x-ray or pictures of the decay, so there is no way for me to know how much decay there actually was now.) I understand sometimes such procedures are necessary, and sometimes these complications do occur. However, none of that was explained to me BEFORE the procedures were done, and after the procedures my mouth was so numb I could barely ask Dr. Shannon any questions (she was also just in such a rush at the end I barely had any time to explain). I walked in expecting quick fillings, and walked out having terrible pain with deep fillings and cuts around the gum. Had the risks and the extents of the fillings been explained to me, I probably would've sought second opinions before having the procedures done. Clearly, the decay wasn't extensive, otherwise my regular dentist would have noticed and told me. I feel that the practice is in general rather aggressive in putting in fillings and suggesting other dental procedures. It was just such poor handling of the whole ordeal on their part. I usually don't like to leave negative reviews, but the whole ordeal has plagued me so much for the past several months that I just had to put it out there. My previous visits to the establishments were generally positive, which is why I still gave them 2 stars. If you'd like to visit this establishment, I would suggest you stick with one dentist, and just force them to explain absolutely everything every time they suggest a procedure. read more

great friendly staff, and they didn't bitch at me for not going to the dentist for like 9 yrs =P they were very helpful and always smiling. They explain everything slow and in detail, since normal joes like me don't know much about how bad/good our teeth is. Their schedule is always packed, so don't be surprised to wait for a couple months for an appointment. read more

Super friendly and helpful staff! Dr.Chen was really informative and helpful. Receptionist staff were friendly and attentive!

Literally could not imagine a better experience with Dr. Chen and his team. I used to dislike going to the dentist - now it is actually enjoyable. I never thought I would feel compelled to write a review for a dentist but this team is so outstanding that I feel obligated to let everyone know. Beth is the best hygienist ever - she is so funny - and Dr. Chen is always kind when he checks up on me. I really appreciate their service and care - it's Hampden's best kept secret! I recommend that everyone go see the excellent team at Dr. Chen's! You won't be disappointed!! read more

I had my first appointment with Dr. Chen & Associates today and it was a great experience. Their office is in a very convenient location for me- close to work, free parking and I can run errands in the same location before or after an appointment. I arrived 10 mins early as requested to complete paperwork and afterward was almost immediately taken back to get started on x-rays. After the x-rays I only spent about 7 mins waiting for the Dr. and the dental hygienist brought me a pile of magazines to leaf through while I waited, which was very thoughtful. The initial appointment was an exam only, I'll have to go back for a cleaning, and while I was initially disappointed I now appreciate that approach. The Dr. spent time on both a thyroid and oral cancer screening (which I can't recall any dentist doing for me before), explained what she found during the exam and showed me her findings both on my x-rays and in photos she took of my teeth. It was the most individualized breakdown of my personal physiology and how that impacts my dental health that I've ever had, instead of the standard "gingivitis bad" speech you usually get at the dentist. They did give me info on tooth whitening and tooth grinding solutions, but I didn't feel pressured to spend any extra money. I was nervous about the exam because my last 3 dental experiences (all with different dentists) had been pretty negative in the customer service and quality of care arenas, but both the Dr and hygienist Amanda were sensitive to my nerves and very nice and easy to talk to. -Katheryn Anderson read more

This dentist office was my go-to for all my issues. Dr. Chen and his associates are amazing and kind people. It's an office that works with you and wants the best for you and your teeth. They've always taken care of me and helped me get on a path to help better my teeth. Alison handled all my cleanings and she was extremely nice, knowledgable and helpful. My teeth felt like a million bucks and there was barely any soreness w/ my cleaning (I have sensitive teeth). Dr. Chen is a super nice dentist, great sense of humor, knew how to keep me relaxed throughout any procedure... I live in buffalo, ny now and I definitely miss his practice. read more

Dr. Chen is the best! I highly recommend him as a dentist. I was really nervous about seeing him because 1) going to the dentist makes me nervous in general and 2) I thought I had a couple of cavities. Dr. Chen was really nice and easy-going, and after he confirmed that I had cavities, told me exactly what the next steps were going to be. He also gave me a very thorough teeth cleaning! I'm glad I finally found a good dentist. read more

Terrified of the dentist but Dr. Chen and his team are very nice and patient. Evening hours are great so you don't have to take off from work! Would recommend read more

I tell all of my friends to go to Lawrence Chen! He will take away your dentist fear. As the other reviewer said, the staff explain everything really well. Dr. Chen has such a calming manner about him, and the dental hygienist gave me the best cleaning I've ever had. I shouldn't tell you all this because now it will be harder to get an appointment, but I know how scary it is to look for a dentist and Dr. Chen is awesome. read more

I've seen both Dr. Chen and Dr. Choe, and both are attentive and caring dentists. All of the staff there, medical and administrative, are friendly and provide great service. read more

The staff at this office act like drug addicts. They fail to call to remind you of appointments and charge you an arm and a leg for missed appointments. They also pressure you to make appointments that you can't afford. They always want to do a lot of work and what I have had done there has not been really quality work--one filling fell out twice. All around bad place that I went to for too long before finally getting out of there. read more

Dr. Chen may be OK, I don't know. Dr. Ford was OK, but she left. My issue is with the staff who book appointments, and handle charges. The phone calls to remind me of upcoming appts. drove me crazy, the 15 phone calls about a (2 month) balance due pissed me off. The number of calls from the front desk staff were amazing, but never one to ask how my last visit was. The negativity from the staff at the front counter felt like they didn't want me there. I missed a few appointments and not unexpectedly, they charged me for them. This I get. But to be pissy about it was just rude. I talked to Dr. Chen about this, but I don't think the staff cared about me feeling better about my issues. They put on a temporary crown and it came off twice, before the f/up appt. for final crown. And they messed up the crown(s) replacement process.. It all felt complicated and regimented. Hurry up to get in, and hurry up to get out. Oh, and pay us right now for it too. There was plenty of attitude in my opinion. My last time there, they denied me a possible appointment time, and while I was still standing there, she took an appointment from the caller for the time she just told me was not available. Not sure what I did to piss them off so much, it's just a dentist office, not a trip to the moon. read more