Dr. Van Kooten is a perfectionist. She did not stop trying until she made the new crown on my front tooth match the adjoining teeth. I feel much more self-confident when I smile than I would have had she not done such a good job. read more

My wife and I recently moved to the Pennisula, and we both needed annual cleaning, checkup, etc. I did a preliminary exam and cleaning with Dr. Van Kooten, and she determined that I needed two crowns. She was patient, thorough, trustworthy, and professional in her assessment and the work that followed. I would recommend Dr. Van Kooten and her team to anyone. read more

A lovely practice! I've had two wonderful visits so far. Very thorough and I loved the extensive imaging of my teeth. I got a small chip fixed as well. read more

My family & I have been patients of Dr. Van Kooten for approximately 4 years & we all LOVE her and her entire staff!! Dr. Van Kooten is very gentle, so kind, sweet ,very reasonable & honest! You will feel the same about her staff too! Fay is the BEST!! She is so sweet & so awesome about making appointments to accommodate you and she is equally great in contacting your insurance companies for coverage on your dental treatments!! We love you all! Marlies & Gary Wilson read more

Lighthouse Family Dentistry: Patricia Van Kooten, DMD - General Dentistry Near Me - Monterey, California

Let's just saw that it had been a while since I visited a dentist. After working up the courage and overcoming previous trauma, I consulted with my choosiest friend. He highly recommended Dr. Van Kooten. After my first visit I could understand why. I felt at ease from the moment I walked in the door. Ernst at the front desk is terrific. The dental assistants are equally as great. Dr. Van Kooten is amazing at what she does. She is soft spoken and kind. All in all I felt at ease and most importantly didn't feel like I was being pressured to pay for services that I didn't need. read more

Please be aware that this office has poor organization/ file notations . The team there is fantastic and very good at their jobs. The receptionist/head of billing not so much. Failed to keep accurate account information which ended up costing me $1,400 plus. Let's just say after months of her avoiding the issue and me attempting to discuss in person she was rude and unapologetic. I am sure I can find a dentist and their team who would offer some sort of apology if they made an error which resulted in costing a patient a lot of $$ Well this office is not one of them. A simple apology would have kept me as their patient because the services were amazing. I have since left because of how poorly the billing issue was handled. read more

I didn't look to review this, it came up to me. I live 10 feet behind their building. I was warned by a neighbor that it was best to avoid this office altogether. I go back-and-forth to Eutaw all theI wish I had listened. After the procedure I had shooting pains from the tooth area to my neck. After a few days and on a weekend just before I was going to call the office I saw the receptionist outside. I told her I was just getting ready to call their office, I wanted to know if this was common. Is there a nerve that shoots down into the jaw from this tooth that can act up? How long does this usually last, is there anything I can do for it? She told me that she would NOT call the dentist. Instead she went on a tirade about the Dr.s personal unfortunate life and how she was working on her day off to paint the door to the building to make her boss happy. I told her I thought about going to the InstaCare and that seem to get her attention for a moment then she thought about it shook her head and said nope she is Finally having a lovely day shopping with her daughter and she would not interrupt it to convey the message to the dentist that I was in pain. When I went back to finish the work on my tooth I told the dentist about the pain and that I had tried to reach her but was refused. She said, "are you still in pain" I said no it did finally stop she said OK. And that was that. I could fill many pages of drama from this office that my neighbors have shared with me, all coming from the receptionist it seems. That is their stories,, But the buck stops with the dentist herself. I can shrug off drama if it's a good dentist and a good experience. But it's just too weird. Oh, and after that and after going back to my original dentist two times I get an email from Lighthouse saying that they are no longer my Dentist. Followed up by a notice on my door to go to the post office to pick something up from them that required a signature. I didn't bother. I read about that from another review on here. Fortunately in this little residential and business community everyone else is helpful to one another, supportive and a true joy to be connected to. That makes all the difference. Good luck!! read more

Faye is the reason I will never go back to this dentists office. She is very disorganized, and a little bit wacky. She communicated with me through email. Offering me appointments. Back-and-forth emails while I am trying to work is difficult. I asked her if I could call and and make appointments with one phone call, and she told me that she is alone at that desk with patients in front of her and she doesn't have time to be on the phone. She told me they were closing down the last two weeks of the year because all of their patients are coming in now to get work done before the end of year. They're all just working too hard and needed a break. I completely understand the need for a vacation at the end of the year. It was the way that she said it, like the patients are a nuisance or some thing! When I asked about my insurance and what would be covered she got very nasty with me. She said that she cannot memorize over 50 insurance companies in what they cover, and don't cover. On another occasion when I came in for a visit there was a mixup with what I was coming in for. It was fine with me and I still wanted to see the doctor. I wanted to know if my insurance was going to cover that appointment and the other three appointments I had scheduled. She was very sarcastic to me and treated me very condescendingly. When I told her that I did not appreciate the way that she was talking to me and that I thought she was being rude she smiled a fake smile and just shook her head up-and-down to patronize me. She embarrassed me in front of other people in the office. I walked out of there completely humiliated. Because of that I could never go back there. I don't want to deal with the Waccadoo at the front desk. The doctor and her staff were very kind. During my initial visit, teeth cleaning, x-rays, and exam by the doctor, the doctor was able to point out a few things that I needed done, but she said she needed time to review my records before making a full assessment, and to create a plan. I waited three weeks and still had not heard back from them. I had to call to get a return appointment. I am not sure how much longer I would've had to wait if I had not called. It appeared to me that they were very disorganized. Last but not least. Their parking stinks. There's a very tiny parking lot in the back that is very difficult to get in and out of. I parked in the street and nearly got killed. Just ask Faye. She tells everybody that some delivery trucks deliberately drive-by and knock the side mirrors off of peoples cars! I am really looking forward to finding a normal doctors office after this crazy experience. read more

Dr Van Kooten is a true artist. I have been getting dental restorations for more than 60 years, and have both crowns and an implant. Her work is magnificent; even my periodontist comments on the quality. I used to live in Monterey, but moved to Sacramento. After trying one of the dentists here for several years, when I retired and had the time, I started going to Dr. Van Kooten again. She's worth the 3 hour drive! (Plus, I get to visit old friends.) You will not be disappointed with her work. Faye at the front desk is helpful and informative, and Melvin the dental assistant is a real part of the team. Happy, Happy, Happy to be back at Lighthouse Family Dentistry. read more

After 6 years of not visiting a dentist, I finally overcame my stupid childhood fears and established myself as a new patient at Dr. Bryan's office. First, calling their office, Fay assisted me with an appointment that fit in my schedule and helped with various calls to our insurance (TriCare). She is very kind, upbeat, and goes out of her way to help you. A great first impression. The day of my first appointment, she offered me coffee and tea upon arrival. She introduced me to the dental assistant who was also upbeat and very kind. He really put me at ease (after 6 years I was evidently nervous). Dr. Van Kooten came in and was also very kind, professional, knowledgeable, but with a fantastic 'bedside manner'. As a new patient, they take x-rays of your mouth, pictures with a small camera (about the size/shape of a toothbrush), and look at your gums. Dr. Van Kooten explained each step before she did anything. The hygienist, knowing I was nervous, turned on a perky Pandora station to put me at ease. I was impressed that they didn't rely on elevator music to put you at ease, ha. Each step was explained. After completing the exam/X-rays/pictures, Dr. Van Kooten went through each X-ray and picture to show me and explain her thoughts. She also showed me illustrations of a gum problem she found. I was very thankful for her calm and thorough explanation. Her explanation came in the way a friend would visit with you, not in a demeaning way, no "well, since you haven't been to the dentist in 6 years...", nothing that made me feel like the problems were huge or drastic. The hygienist was the same - great bedside manner. My first deep teeth cleaning was completed by another hygienist who had the exact same manner. Because of the deep cleaning, I needed a numbing medicine. She checked in regularly to ask if it was hurting or how the medicine was working. She was extremely patient, and gave more medicine when I requested it. She visited about Monterey, etc while doing the cleaning which helped keep my mind off my nervousness. They also have free parking for customers that is in their parking lot, which is nice. I read other reviews here on Yelp before choosing this dentist, and others' positive reviews helped me choose this dentist. I hope my positive experience helps you as well. read more

They are great professionals and really kind. This place is family friendly and their equipment is very modern too. So happy l found them!

I was actually "fired" by Fay, the receptionist and told not to ever call again. This followed me questioning the large amount of my co-pay for a crown. I explained I had filed for financial hardship. I even put it in writing. I asked if I could make payments. Fay went crazy. She sent me numerous emails telling me not to call the office. She wrote me that the doctor felt it was best that I don't return. Then she sent me encrypted files of my recent X-rays. I am humiliated and extremely depressed. I am 69 years old. I am on a fixed income. I am supporting my adult children and their child. Where is the coexistence that Fay preaches. The workmanship of the dentist, Dr. VanKooten, was excellent. Her techs Melvin and I think her name is Amanda, are kind and efficient. Don't go to this dentist unless you have lots of cash saved up for co-pays. And beware of Fay, not the dog. She bites. The dog that is always in the front office is kind. And the parking is awful, but the dentist was great. Bye Fay. And please don't call or email me either! Merry Christmas too! read more

I enjoyed going here and received great service but due to difficulties with Humana, they dropped their insurance which left me without a crown. Update: I downgraded the review to 1 Star. I went to a new dentist and I did not need a crown. All I needed was a deep cleaning and a filling. In hindsight I'm quite grateful they dropped my insurance. read more

Best Dentist I have ever been too usually I feel like they are over charging me or telling me things need to be done that don't need to be. I have had a bad experience at a different dental office but here I am well taken care of and explained everything that needs to be done. Faye in the front of the office is amazing she is always helpful and gives me information about my insurance and what it will cover in a timely manor. She is prompt to email me back and fits me into the schedule. So friendly and professional. The staff and the doctor are also amazing so friendly and knowledgeable. Dr. Van Kooten does great work and always double checks everything make sure your teeth are lined up. I would definitely recommend them to all my family and friends. read more

I just got a teeth cleaning and my experience was excellent. Dr. Van Kooten and her staff are very friendly, gentle and helpful. I would recommend this dental office to anyone. read more

I have seen Dr. Van Kooten and her team (never met a poor hygienist) for approximately 2 years, and I have at least three cleaning a year, fillings, and contouring. I have never had an issue with billing or scheduling. Fay, the receptionist is excellent, kind, and easy to work with, and her dog is a sweetheart. I think Van Kooten has only ever recommended necessary treatment and has done the least invasive option each time. They also provide excellent referrals to ortho and oral surgeons. Van Kooten is calm, a perfectionist and gets the job done right. Thank you for taking care of me! read more

Dr. Van Kooten and her staff are very pleasant, however, regarding the level of dentistry performed in this office, I unfortunately must forewarn. I was told that I needed a total of three crowns and "high probability" of root canals on two of these three teeth (third crown a replacement of prior onlay on a root-canaled tooth.) Subsequently, I visited another dentist, who said that I did not need any crowns, nor rootcanals nor a new onlay. He performed fillings on the two teeth that had cavities, and cleaned stains from the onlay tooth. Judge for yourself from this account. read more

Be sure to ask for all costs upfront. I asked a few questions about a simple filling procedure which the dentist was not able to answer. I simply wanted to know how much she planned on charging my insurance company. Unfortunately, she was not able to give a direct answer. She said that "the computer" handles the billing. Red flag #1. The receptionist was unhelpful, dismissive, and dare I say rude. Did not get a warm fuzzy feeling from her. Red flag #2. Apparently, they did not appreciate my inquiries into their billing practices as I received a letter 2 days later stating that she is "withdrawing from further professional services as your dentist" and that I have to secure the services of another dentist. Ok. I guess, as patients, we do not have the right to ask any silly questions about costs without jeopardizing our dental care. We should blindly agree to pay whatever they decide to charge. Red flag #3. So...to any potential patients, should you choose to brave this dental practice, get all costs in advance before any work is done and beware that they may drop your coverage without warning. read more

Excellent dentist. Pain free. Soft hands and gentle manner. Explains things well and is never in a hurry. Always seems to be happy and relaxed. And her staff appears to like and respect her. Office is clean and well run and I always feel like I am in the right place. I am pleased with the treatments she has done for me and I trust her. Give her a try! read more

Great dentist, gentle, patient, kind. Dr. Van Kooten will even call in the evening after a procedure to check in on you. Staff is super helpful and extremely friendly. I agree with all previous reviewer wrote, as well. Look no further for great dental care. read more

I just discovered Dr. Van Kooten is an amazing Cosmetic Dentist! I'm thrilled with the results of a recent visit.

Do not go here! I was told I needed a restorative crown, so got a second opinion. No crown was needed! I was also quoted thousands of dollars for a replacement tooth, but of course went elsewhere for it and was charged less than half of what I was quoted here, despite the same insurance. Good luck getting a call back here also. The receptionist used a bizarre accent and was very condescending as well. read more

Excellent Dentist Place! My Wife & I have been going to Dr. Van Kooten's office for a couple of years already! Awesome place!

I am shocked as I have never been so disrespected in my life. I am tears. FAY, you need to be nice to your dentist's patients. My husband who has recently had thousands of dollars worth of treatments at this office was in the middle of getting a crown today. The procedure was taking hours longer than it was supposed to and I was getting worried as he want answering his phone. Was there a complication? Did he get into a car accident? I didn't know...very scared, I called the dentist asking if he was okay. And instead of simply saying he was okay, in an extremely angry tone, she went off on my about how he was 20 minutes late and so she had to shuffle other patients and how it was really inconvenient for the doctor, etc. After she finished talking literally a mile a minute, I asked her why she was being so mean to me as I was just wanting to make sure my husband was okay as I hadn't heard from him. She said she couldn't find out for me because he was still with the dentist...his simple crown procedure has now taken THREE hours and I have no idea how he is. This is absurd and cruel. All she had to do was nicely and calmly say 'Yes, he's okay. It's just taking longer because he was late." I am still shaking from this woman's treatment. I hope my husband is doing OK.... read more

Dr. V is the best dentist I have ever visited. She is gentle and does great work. My crown looks just like any other tooth, the color is perfect. It caused me very little pain after the procedure and Dr. V called me later that night to follow up. She truly looks after her patients and I would recommend her to anyone. All dental assistants are also absolutely wonderful. Fay (not sure if I am spelling that right) at the front desk is very sweet and a joy to work with. read more