I found Dr Dekano on yelp after reading the reviews and I'm so glad I did. I hate going to the dentist but I just went for a routine check-up and cleaning. She was very gentle and the whole experience was actually quite enjoyable considering this is something I usually dread. Thank you Dr Dekano and staff!!! :) read more

Called to set up a dental cleaning appointment. Told her my HMO and plan assigned her as my primary. She responds. I don't know anything about HMO plans. I'm like. Well this is madness. Moving on to someone else. read more

Totally price-gouged me. Ended up having her audited by my insurance company. They were over-inflating their fees and not billing the insurance at all. In the end Dr. Dekano had to pay me back around $4000 worth of fraudulent fees. Then she told me that she wouldn't take that insurance any more. I'm sure that she did that so as to avoid the insurance company investigating her further. Awful, awful experience. read more

Dr. Dekano you are the best!! I appreciate your professional expertise and your thoroughness with my dental needs. Seems like the numbing took longer than the actual procedures;) I highly recommend Dr. Dekano to anyone looking for that excellent dental experience. You will not be disappointed. Cozy environment, nice gentle breeze from the window that makes you feel comfortable and at ease. Not to mention the warm and friendly staff. Thanks again for all your outstanding dental care. I always look forward to my visits. Another major plus is the 2-hour free parking you get next door. read more

I am so glad I found them! I haven't been to a dentist in a while cause I had anxiety due to some and past experience but Dr Dekano totally understood it and took it into consideration when working on my dental issues. I have some other work that needs to be done and I finally feel comfortable going to the dentist again! I have already referred them to a few friends! Also Inga at the front desk is the best...we pretty much became friends : ) see you soon! read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Lela Dekano for several years now. I have read the other reviews and wanted to provide my insight. I understand that not everyone is always going to be happy, we all know that it is impossible to please all. But it seems so far fetched that some of the negative reviews she and her office have received imply misappropriation of charges and border line negligent care. I further understand that not all competitors utilize ethical business practices, and this may be further reason for the negative reviews. Unfortunately, it's a cost of doing business in certain industry sectors. And yes, I'm aware even people put up bad reviews as leverage in an attempt to hold honest businesses by the jugular to "renegotiate" their bill; such an unscrupulous practice. But now on to my review. Dr. Dekano has always provided me with the utmost professional care and has even accommodated my hectic schedule. She has never attempted to sell me a "deep" cleaning", or any other form of up-sale. She is very comprehensive and takes the time to fully explain every facet of my treatment. Never have I felt not to have an understanding of the processes to take place, nor the billing aspect of my treatment. Dr. Dekano has done everything from basic cleaning treatments, to porcelain fillings, and replaced a crown. Never any pain, and always expeditiously completed, as I have a very hectic schedule (sometimes 70+ hrs a week). I have been to bad dentists in the past, so much so that legal procedures were filed, but I withdrew after an agreement was made between that so called dentist and myself. I only state this to further exacerbate the fact that I do not tolerate second rate medical service and neither should anyone else. I'm not some media firm out of someone's garage or in some place in India. I'm a native to West LA and a true Bruin and am willing to answer any questions directly. Hope this helped clear up the waters and made your decision easier, whether you decide to utilize Dr. Dekano's care or not. PS-My brother, his wife (whom is a Dental Asst.), my niece, and two nephews; are now patients of Dr. Dekano's office as well. read more

My experience was not as good as the other reviewers. A few years ago I came to her as a new patient. Her analysis was that I needed several thousand of dollars worth of treatments including two cavities, a bridge and crown replacement as well as gum surgery in one area. When I asked about the co-payment for all of the above, the prices seemed much higher than I had paid for two NON metal crowns in previous years. I contacted my insurance to go over the fees and found that they had augmented the real co-payment by over $300 for the crown alone. When I discovered how they were adding money to the co-payment, I switched dentists. The next dentist found agreed that the crown did need to be replaced but did not agree with any of the other findings with the exception of the gum issue. He was surprised that she suggested surgery and had me do a deep cleaning instead. Because of the discrepancy between the two dentists, to make sure that I didn't have a cavity and needed to do a new bridge, I got a third opinion. The third dentist gave the same finding as the second dentist who was wonderful (Dr Labib). Because Dr Labib is no longer in my network I have recently had to find someone new, but I can't speak highly enough of him as a dentist. He is kind and top notch as a doctor. I understand that dentistry is not an exact science and that I have no proof of this Dr Dekano price gauging other than the discrepancy of the co-payment which may have been an oversight, but I do not recommend Dekano for the reasons above. I should also say that I am writing this review several years after the fact because I had another dentist issue yesterday with a dentist not on yelp named Dr Tara Nakhjiri. She was nice and seemed to be a very good dentist, but when I agreed to the procedure she wanted to do (a cavity and crown), she would only do the crown as an out of pocket payment because she said that my insurance only covered metal. When I explained that I had had two porcelain and ceramic crowns before that were covered and even contacted my insurance again to confirm that my plan does cover 100% porcelain and ceramic crowns, they still would not do the procedure through my insurance unless I paid out of pocket. Honestly, I got so dismayed by the seemingly unethical practices of these two dentists that I decided to write a review about both of them. If the PPO plan wasn't so much less coverage than my HMO I would gladly switch to a PPO to stay with Dr Labib who would never have these types of issues in his practice. read more

Lela Dekano has been my dentist for years. She is amazing at her job, and I never feel any pain. She tells me exactly what needs to be done and prioritizes my needs for me. She is a lovely, sweet and honest lady. I would definitely recommend anyone to go to her in a heartbeat. She's fantastic. I'm not exactly sure why Jennifer J. had a problem with this dentist, but she wrote that Dr. Dekano's office was "sorta ghetto". Sounds like the office isn't the only thing that is "sorta ghetto". I'm not sure how a dentist can be a scam artist. Her office is in Beverly Hills, for people who are into that kind of thing, in a very nice building. read more

She is the best dentist I know. I tried 3 different dentists before I found dr. Dekano. She puts me at ease. She is very attentive to patient's concerns. I didn't even feel my root canals. I brought to her my wife as well. My wife naturally scared of dentists. Now they are best friends. She even recommended her coworkers to Dr. Dekano. Stop reading, call Elena her assistant to schedule you for whole new experience at dentists office:310 275 1137. You ll like it!!!!! read more

Lela Dekano, DDS - Dr. Dekano in action, patient is my wife - General Dentistry Near Me - Beverly Hills, California

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I've only been to dentists for cleaning and maintenance so far, no surgery or anything major. This is a small office. They seem average. I wouldn't go here for anything major. They don't want you visiting any other dentists. Dr. Dekano has some very good skills in teeth cleaning. But then she handed me over to another hygenist for the polishing. I've never had such a horrible job of that. It was embarrassing and ineffective. Since that isn't a critical portion of the preventive maintenance I'm not deducting this to 2 stars. So - 3 stars. Useful tip, if you want to go to a good dentist, try Dr. Jay Grossman in Brentwood. read more

Dr. Dekano is amazing. My sister-in-law referred me after I had a bad experience with a rip-off dentist like the other reviewers describe. I was very skeptical when I first visited Dr. Dekano because her office is small, but she was just like the other reviewers say: Honest, diligent, kind, and straightforward. After my family all started to see her, I got a job at USC and so moved over to the USC faculty practice - e.g. the best professors at USC were my dentists. They commented on the good work that had been performed on me by Dr. Dekano before I came to see them. I shouldn't have been surprised - Dr. Dekano studied at USC - but it was great to get that validation. Now I no longer work at USC and I'm back to Dr. Dekano. She remembers me and my family like we never left. I can't recommend her highly enough!! read more

Dr. Dekano has been giving me expert dental treatment since I was in the 9th grade. I'm 30 now and in the past 16 years I've always had an accurate assessment of care, completeness of procedures from cleanings to root canals, and gentleness of touch by this dentist. I stopped fearing the anesthesia needle since after the first time I came to realize how painless it is when in caring hands. If there is one thing I know it is that I'm constructively critical to the maximum extent. Dr. Dekano simply leaves no rock unturned when checking the health of my teeth and managing very cost effective strategies to maintain their health and my smile. If that isn't enough Dr. Dekano listens to understand, she is very patient, easy to talk to, gives great advice, and is always pleasant to be around. Hope this review helps the reader. read more

Dr. Dekano is very professional and very knowledgeable. Explained all my treatment needs clearly and answered my million questions. Today's treatment went great and feeling much better already. Thanks for being so gentle and taking great care of me Dr. Dekano. Glad to have found my new dentist. read more

Lela Dekano, DDS - Nice view - General Dentistry Near Me - Beverly Hills, California

Dr. Dekano is very skilled, intelligent, friendly and direct about the health of your teeth. If you want a more softball description of the state of your dental health, then maybe Dr. Dekano is not for you. If you want excellent dental care with modern equipment and fair pricing, then look no further. read more

Been with Dr. D for about 8 months now. Can't say enough about her and her work. My previous dentist wasn't bad but I always felt like he was rushed and not really paying attention to detail sometimes. Not the case with Dr. D. She is very detailed in her work and systematic. Even with routine checkups and cleanings. And let me say that after I got a cleaning with Dr. D it was the first time I felt like I actually got a professional cleaning! I've had some fillings and a crown done over the last few months. Her work is amazing and esthetic, most importantly pain free. She is very detailed in her work and truly cares about her patients. Referred a close friend to her and she is also very happy with her. Most definitely glad I moved to the westside and got a new dentist. Thanks Dr. D ! read more

A good friend of mine referred me to Dr Dekano and I must say my visit to the dentist was amazing.Dr Dekano treated me more like a family member than a patient.im gonna refer Dr. Dekano to more of my friends. read more

I went in to Dr Dekano's office for a teeth cleaning and was thoroughly impressed with her staff, the location, and Dr Dekano herself. Would definitely recommend her! read more

They did a great job and I was extremely satisfied with the teeth cleaning service. I'd definitely recommend Dr. Dekano to my friends for their next dentist appointment. read more

Doctor Dekano is very hands on! She did my cleaning and it was the best cleaning I ever had. This office accepts HMO and PPO which was great because I didn't have to switch dentist after switching my insurance read more

STAY AWAY FROM THIS OFFICE!!!! I am appalled by the way this office is run. I went in for my semi-annual check up and was charged a $15 co-pay which I later found out was supposed to be $0. Dr. Dekano found 5 cavities..the same # she found a year ago (coincidence..maybe) even though I brush and floss every day (ok...it could happen..I dont dispute that) but I asked for a price quote from Elena (her front office manager) and was told she would email it to me. I did not receive the email. I called and emailed again asking for the price quote. I eventually got it 4 days later on a Friday at 4:30pm (after threatening to cancel my appointment). The bill was $810. It seemed very high for 5 cavaties. I called my insurance company the Monday morning before I was to have to work done to be informed that I had no co-pay for a regualr check up visit and that the first half of my bill which was the decay clean out was covered and I was being billed over $400 for nothing. When I asked Elena about this she explained that the code they put on my bill is an "in office only code" and the procedure is not covered by my insurance. So, they are making up their own codes to bill me more. A simple cavity should and is covered by insurance.The white resin that they only use and the only kind they offer, is not covered by my insurance which is why the bill should have been $385 but some how was $810. This office is SHADY!!! It is a shame because I liked Dr. Dekano. She is gentle with her patients. She does great work and is thorough.....if you dont mind having your wallet guaged and cleaned out. I wonder what the in office code for deep wallet cleaning is? The way your office is run is a direct representative of the dentist in it. This office clearly rips people off and its a shame because the work they do isnt half bad. Time to find a dentist who provides excellent care, perfect customer service and knows how to read a co-payment schedule. read more

Dr.Dekano is the most professional dentist , ive ever been with ! Since 2015 .she is very friendly and make you feel very comofortable.she explains everything in detail and also gives you tips how to take care afterwards. Ive never felt any pain ever ,after visiting her. Stuff is very friendly and careful.definatley recommend you . read more

I actually have a different, regular dentist who I love and have been going to for years. The only reason why I tried changing dentists for this one routine cleaning was because my work-provided insurance changed to HMO and thought I'd try a dentist that took the insurance (not easy). So, I ended up at this place. Big mistake. I knew something was wrong when on the forms they asked how much deductible you had left on your insurance(!). That alone told me that I was in for a scamming and I should have left right then but decided that since I was already there I'd give her the benefit of the doubt. First I should say that I had been warned by people I trust before I came to this appointment that HMO dentists often do unnecessary deep cleanings because it's the only way they make any money, thanks to how the HMO system works. I had also been informed by my regular dentist at our last visit that I shouldn't need a deep cleaning anytime soon, and to get a second opinion if an HMO dentist said that I did. Back to the appointment: the office was small and grimy. The building was nice, but the office not-so-much. The dentist was quite rude from the beginning and was already trying to sell me a deep cleaning before she ever looked into my mouth. In fact, trying to sell me a deep cleaning was the only thing she did while I was there. I told her I wasn't interested in a deep cleaning and she told me I could leave her office. So I did. I went back to my lovely regular dentist two days later for my routine cleaning and was told I was a hygienist's dream (in a good way). Sure, my insurance didn't cover it and I paid out of pocket, but it was worth it not to be treated the way I was at this office. Moral of the story: Don't come here unless you want your wallet deep cleaned. read more

I received a price quote from Dr. Dekano's receptionist regarding some dental work that needed to be done. I needed a new crown to replace my old front tooth crown. The receptionist estimated it would be about $800. About a month later I went in to get the work done. Once I sat in the dental chair, and AFTER she numbed my mouth, Dr. Dekano once again went over pricing with me. This time I was told the new crown would cost $1,600 and I would have to drive out to Irvine to visit a special lab so they could do some color matching. Upon finding out that the price had doubled, and I would have to spend an entire day driving to and from Irvine, I got up and left! Their price quotes are all over the place and can't seem to get organized. They immediately lost my business. read more

Dr. Dekano is a caring, generous dentist whose desire to improve the lives of her patients is revealed in all she does. I have veneers and have also gone to her for general dentistry for more than 10 years. I owe her my smile! I also greatly appreciate her professional and kind staff! read more

I would go as far as calling this woman a crook. I moved to LA a few years ago, but always would visit my family dentist when I returned home. I have never had a cavity, so you can imagine my surprise when Dr. Dekano found six. One so big it "may need a root canal." I have never dealt with scam doctors or dentists, so although I felt hesitant... I let her do the dental work. Big mistake. I should have gotten a second opinion. I had her send my X-rays to my family dentist after the visit. He confirmed I had the "beginning of one small cavity" - but nothing more. I spent hundreds of dollars having unnecessary dental work done. I am less concerned with the lost money - more concerned with the damage she could have done to my mouth. She also told me I needed a deep cleaning for my gums which I thankfully declined. My family dentist said this is only necessary if there are gaps/pockets beneath the gums (neither of which I had). I merely needed to floss more often. I strongly advise against going to her. read more

I have been going to Dr. Dekano for years now and she's amazing. I remember I had a huge headache and toothache and didn't know what it was, so went to get it checked and she told me I needed to get my wisdoms removed. The same day she pulled all four wisdoms and it didnt take that long and didn't hurt at all! I usually never like going to the dentist and I hate needles, but she was very caring, and it felt calming when she did the procedure. She talked to me most of the time to make sure I was ok. I feel relieved that I removed my wisdoms. If I didn't do it the same day I probably would have procrastinated. I just hate the feeling of pain, but I was surprised it all happened fast and I didn't feel a thing. She made it seem so easy, and it really was. I will be seeing her soon again to get my gums trimmed, and whitened. I guess my gums show a lot when I smile and she's going to help fix it. Im excited because who doesn't want to have a perfect smile? :) read more

Can't say enough about Dr. Dekano. It is really hard finding a dentist who is good but more so one that you can trust. She is both and so much more. I was referred by a friend who was her patient before she moved out of state. I needed some dental care but was really hesitant about who to go to and I knew for sure I didn't want to return to my previous dentist. My initial visit with Dr. Dekano was great. The exam was thurough and her explenation of treatment that was needed was very detailed. She took time to explain procedures and why they were needed, ansewing all my questions. I sensed she was knowledge as well as caring. My first treatments were cleaning and filling. All went great. I never had cleaning as thurough and good as this one. This is what a truly professional dental cleaning should be like. The filling were also a breathe. She has a great technique for anaesthesia, truly barely felt a thing. Very soft touch. Was really happy with my treatment and trust was established. Since then I have gotten a crown placed which feels great and looks amazing. Now we're moving on to some cosmetic procedures starting off with whitening. I want to thanks Dr. Dekano for her help and her care, as well as her staff. She is an amazing dentist but even a more amazing person. read more

Been a patient of Dr. Dekano for the last couple of years now and couldn't be happier. Her work and care is amazing. Always feel comfortable in her office and confident under her care. read more

I've always had some trepidation about going to the dentist, which I think is common about most people. That is until I found Dr. Dekano. Her direct manner is complemented by her skill as a dentist. I had a full mouth deep cleaning and was able to go back to work the same day and had absolutely no pain. I was so impressed, I recommended her to my mom, who has a huge dentist phobia. Now Dr. Dekano is the only dentist my family goes to. Best of all, she takes my company's dental plan. read more

I was always avoiding the dentist because of the anxiety it would cause BUT!! This place made me feel like i was family and never will i have that uncomfortable feeling again and i love it. The office is clean and the staff is friendly. I have recommended them to all my family and they all love it and thank me after there visit. Every dental office should be like this one. read more

Dr. Dekano expertise and professionalism keep me at ease when visiting her office. And I always leave with a smile on my face.

Wow!! Complete opposite experience as other reviewers. She is most definitely a scam artist. The receptionist is also the dental assistant which is strange. The dentist's exam consisted of scraping a few teeth with the tool. Then she looks at my x-rays and says I need to replace my metal fillings because they have mercury in them and because under one of them is a cavity and the other one has a crack. That's strange because I was just at the dentist 9 months ago and this wasnt a problem then. And believe if it was, the other dentist would have wanted to do something about it to make more money. Then she says I need to come back to do my cleaning because I also need a deep cleaning for my bottom teeth because there is a lot of build up. My gut was telling me that this was a scam but I got suckered in to making another appointment. I told them I wasnt going to do the fillings, but I will do the deep cleaning. Sure enough I get home and do the research, and find out that that procedure is completely unnecessary. That procedure is for people who have periodontal disease in which the gum separates from the tooth which creates a pocked and bacteria gets in there. Not only do I not have that, she wouldn't even know if I did because she didn't use the tool to measure my gums during the exam. AND on top of that she explains that the deep cleaning is necessary because of all the build up. Complete lie. Unless there is disease in the gums a deep cleaning is not necessary. I was wondering why my old dentist was measuring the gum on three points of every tooth. It's to check for periodontal disease. I even mentioned to the "dental assistant" that that wasn't done, and her response was "your old dentist didn't show you the problems with the build up on the teeth". Now I stuck having to go back for the cleaning and am demanding to just have the regular cleaning. Do not go here!! Also, the office is sorta ghetto. read more