Dr and staff were all terrific and professional. As someone who dreads going to the dentist I was relieved by his humor and light touch.

I went there for a teeth cleaning, but the appointment only took about 10-15 minutes. It didn't feel like a thorough or high-quality cleaning. The receptionist and the dentist were both very kind and professional, but I left feeling that I didn't receive the level of teeth cleaning service I was expecting. read more

Excellent service. Marilyn went out of her way to help get me in last minute when I had an emergency. She and Dr. Jacob stayed late to see me. They were gracious and helpful. Recommend! read more

My normal dentist was booked solid so I needed a cleaning I went here the receptionist was very nice so now to the cleaning I was in chair for about 15mins Mack didn't floss my teeth nor did he polish my teeth all he said was you need this you need that my regular dentist said everything was fine sounds like Mack is all about the money I will not be going here but if you go maybe your experience will be better than mine read more

Amazing cleaning! I'm embarrassed to say I haven't been to the dentist in awhile, but dr. Jacob made my teeth brand new! This was after one cleaning!!!! Dr. Jacob and Marilyn are so sweet! My fiance and I will be back! read more

Mack Jacob, DDS - Before and after! First cleaning! - General Dentistry Near Me - Berkeley, California

How can you get to the doctor if you're ruled out by the front desk? I see positive reviews on Marilyn R., but I just had a very frustrating and disturbing experience with her. After having to wait 2 weeks to speak to her because the doctor was away for a week, I ended up with wasted time and anger. I found Dr. Jacob through the insurance portal and simply wanted to know what will be needed to switch to him as my provider. The consult requirements for my situation were explained, which I understand. I had general questions, including how far out appointments are being scheduled. When I questioned what happens in an asap situation during the days that their office isn't open, part of her response was that their patients are happy with the three days that they're open and in all the years of operation they've only had one emergency situation. I'm trying to learn about their practice and how patients are dealt with on the other four days of a work week, so I had to reiterate "asap services". She accused me of being frustrated and dismissed me as someone who the office may not be a good fit with, so she attempted to refer me to another provider in Oakland, further away from my home. Although I regret my ending words, I have to say, she added 5 score to my level of anxiety. read more

I haven't visited a dentist in YEARS after a super bad experience. I decided I should be brave and finally make an appointment. Dr. Jacob's receptionist is super nice and helped me set my appointment. I was able to get an appointment within the next few days. When I got there, it didn't take long for me to be called in. Dr. Jacob was super nice! He was very kind and gentle after I told him I was nervous. I walked away with very clean teeth and extremely happy! I never had such a great dental experience before. Would recommend! read more

I've been going to this dentist office since 2017 and I recommend them! They're proactive with booking appointments in line with your dental healthcare. Dr Jacobs is proactive with his approach to dental care. For example, he reviews upcoming concerns and makes sure they're addressed with preventative approaches - saving time/discomfort in the future. He is thorough with his review of my dental health. They always are upfront about costs associated, what's covered, what to expect in the appointment. During covid, they followed strict safety guidelines to ensure everyone felt comfortable and safe. This is a professional and friendly dental clinic! Thank you. read more

I made my Yelp account so that I could leave this review. If my experience is any indication, trusting Dr. Jacob is a danger to your oral health. Dr. Jacob will go and entire appointment without noticing anything wrong with your health. Only when you bring up a concern will he go back to check and realize that he missed something. I personally have been victim of Dr. Jacob being silent on: Cavities, gum recessions, wear from grinding, etc. In my final appointment, I was on my way out when I asked Dr. Jacob if I had any cavities. (It's laughable that it's even necessary to ask this to a dentist). He proceeded to check x-rays that he had taken months earlier and low and behold... I did! Cavities had been sitting in my mouth for months because Dr. Jacob failed to properly examine the x-ray at my last exam. This was the final nail in the coffin. I switched dentists, and had six cavities filled (which my new dentist tells me were readily apparent). Additional Details: 1. I saw Dr. Jacob at 6 month and then 3 month intervals. The increase in frequency was because despite the clean bill of health I got after each appointment, I was concerned my health was deteriorating. It was. 2. In that final appointment, the solution posed by Dr. Jacob to deal with the cavities was to buy Gel-Kam, and if that did not take care of my cavities, we would fill them at my next appointment. So, after discovering that he missed cavities on an x-ray from months earlier, Dr. Jacob thought it would be a good idea to wait a few more months before addressing them. read more

Dr. Mack is the BEST! I saw that Denise Alexander and Jacquelyn Williams don't have very many good reviews and I was perplexed because Dr. Mack does a good job, is really friendly, and makes small talk knowing that you can't really respond because he's poking utensils and vacuuming water inside your mouth. He's a really positive dentist, and I enjoy seeing him. The front desk ladies are usually pretty nice, too. After being tossed around by a couple of dentists (not Denise Alexander or Jacquelyn Williams), I've been asking specifically for Dr. Mack since around 2010. read more

Dr. Jacobs has been my dentist for 4 years now. I'm moving to Baltimore and went in to have many things taken care of before I leave. He filled a gap in my teeth, saving me 2 more years of braces for a $35 co-pay. It looks amazing. No one can tell it isn't all my real tooth. He filled 9 cavities for me that he had told me about each year when I had x-rays but kept putting off. He re-fitted me for a night-guard for my TMJ. All of the work he has done has been wonderful. I have very sensitive teeth and have not had any trouble recovering from the procedures. I really like how calming Dr. Jacobs is. He is very intuitive and will ask if I'm ok every time I start to tense up. The fillings took about 5 hours (two 2.5 hour appointments). He is very attentive to detail and careful with me. He always checks in to see how I'm doing and if I need a break, he's happy to give me one. I've had a pretty serious dentist-phobia since I was a kid, and until Dr. Jacobs, had never been seen by a dentist I liked, felt comfortable with, and who waited until I was ready to do the work that needed to be done. For four years, he monitored my cavities and how deep they were getting. He never pushed me to do anything, but was open to working with me when I was ready. I also like that he does all of my work himself, without an assistant, so I feel like he always knows what is going on in detail and can make a very informed decision. Marilyn, his secretary is also wonderful. She works around my schedule, texts me reminders when I need a cleaning, and talks Star Trek with me when I come in for long appointments... I have referred everyone I know to Dr. Jacobs. You really can't find a better dentist. I'll miss working with him! read more

Dr. Jacob is professional and approachable: you can ask him anything and he will explain it clearly. He's perfect for someone like me who is afraid of the dentist. Marilyn and the other staff are friendly and helpful and always make you feel welcome! read more

I am a UC Berkeley student who waited until the day before her SHIP insurance expired to use it for dental work. I wish I hadn't waited so long! My dentist at home always performed super expensive work that was unnecessary and painful (and didn't actually clean the stains off of my teeth and was always wanting to get me to agree to having my wisdom teeth out even though they grew in perfectly). I believe my dentist at home was just abusing my dad's work insurance. Dr. Jacob was exceptional. He was friendly and even though I was scared I was going to get numbed up and have the very painful deep clean procedure (yet AGAIN), it turns out that's only supposed to happen if you have a more progressed form of gum disease. He was extremely professional, he let me watch with a mirror as he worked, he was mindful of any pain I might be experiencing, and my teeth haven't looked this clean in at least SIX YEARS. I'm not kidding. Every time I look in the mirror I can't believe how clean they are. It looks like I had teeth whitening but really it's just because they were cleaned properly. The environment was comfortable (it was in a cute house, my first "house" dentist which at first I thought was different but it was pretty awesome). Afterwards, since I am moving, he gave me a copy of my xrays and showed me informational videos about how to floss to make sure that my teeth stay healthy (admittedly no one has really ever educated me on the exact reasons why it's important). He also took me in on a days notice (before my insurance was over!) I highly recommend and will tell all my Cal Bear friends and if I am ever back in the Bay Area I will be setting up an appointment to see him :) read more

Nice local dentist office with accommodating hours and excellent staff. Dr Jacob is a nice man. I only had routine cleanings but it was a good experience and I definitely recommend this practice. read more

After having a weird experience at a previous dentist, and getting new insurance, I was wary of just blindly searching for a dentist in my new network. My primary requirement was weekend hours, and location, and Dr. Jacob was the top result, and boy am I happy with what I got! Marilyn is a great communicator, clear and concise, and respectful of *your* time - and friendly! Dr. Jacob himself is super great! He made me feel comfortable in the warm exam room, made jokes and small talk, and was a great dentist to boot. Dr. Jacob explained the different options for a filling, and was not pushy whatsoever about my decision. I would high recommend this practice. read more

Best dentist ever! has great staff - Marilyn is the bomb- that work very hard so that your schedule and theirs matches. Dr. Jacob even has weekend appointments! Not that this is how I love to spend my weekends, but sure beats having to take time off work. his bedside manner is great. While most dentists ask you tons of questions while their hands are in your mouth and expect you to answer, Dr. Jacob doesn't have this expectation. He answers for you! It is like a comedy hour while you are getting your teeth fixed! read more

I have been a patient here for the past five years and have thoroughly enjoyed the service! Dr. Jacob is professional, efficient, and an all around joy to be with. In addition, the support provided by the entire office is superb. The place is just lovely to be in. This place gets an absolute A+ in my book. read more

Dr. Mack is super nice, he always gives you options and makes you feel comfortable during your visit. I brought my wife this trip and she thought it was strange that the office was in a house... UNTIL she went in and felt right at home. The staff is great here... Just all around good experiences each time I come in. read more

I can't even tell you when the last time was that I left a review .... but, let me tell you, I'm petrified of dentists and have not been in waaaaaaaay too long. This was the most pleasant experience I've had with any medical professional in a long time. The setting is comfortable (and convenient to boot!), Dr. Jacob is incredibly charming and easy-going, and the receptionist Marilyn is wonderful and practically explained how insurance works. The procedure felt a little strange (not pain, but just strange) due to the length of time since I've been to a dentist, but Dr. Jacob did a wonderful job of easing me through it. Also .... $5 Starbucks gift card for new patients and drinks (although the inclusion of soda made me chuckle a little bit) ... how nice is that?!?! read more

When I was eating some popcorn, I bit on a kernel that caused one my teeth to crack and part of it broke off. I went to see Dr. Jacob and he calmed my fear that I was about to experience a lot of pain to repair the tooth. He expertly reconstructed the tooth and I hardly had any discomfort in the process. The tooth is as good as new and my smile returned. read more

*** FYI: accepts SHIP/Metlife from Cal students *** I honestly don't think I can recommend Dr. Jacob (and Marilyn, his secretary) enough, especially to people like me who has little trust in dentists and is deathly afraid of getting dental work done. Marilyn is very friendly, both on the phone and in person. First of all, I have had a horrible history of cavities and in-lays, and Dr. Jacob was very nonjudgemental and made me feel comforted. His office is in a cute little house (which kind of scared me a bit), but now it just feels like getting work done at home. He welcomes all his first-time guests with a $5 gift card to either Jamba Juice or Starbucks, a dental care bag, and a free beverage (though I don't know why there's soda and juice there but y'know). I came here because I had a very painful throbbing molar (#19) after getting a deep filling from a dentist in SoCal, and needed help quick and they were able to fit me in past business hours (BLESS). He wasn't comfortable doing the RC in case it was complex, so he referred me to Endocare in Oakland to get it done because he had gotten a RC done there. I appreciate him not opening me up when he wasn't 100% sure, and for sending me to a place that he himself, had gotten work done personally. After getting my RC, Marilyn got me in within 3 days to do my crown. Dr. Jacob set aside plenty of time so he wouldn't rush the procedure, and kept reassuring me that he was making it seem like a machine did it ("mechanical" is the word he used). After he finished, I asked him to check if I needed a filling on tooth #6, and if he could adjust my bite on my top right tooth that had been sensitive and he did both without a rush. I feel like most people would send me off because that wasn't what I had come in for, which really shows that he's dedicated to helping his patients and not just trying to make a quick buck or two. I hope more people go to his office and leave him good reviews on Yelp so other people don't have to be hesitant to get dental work done. read more

What a fantastic dentist! He's highly skilled, and he goes out of his way to make sure that everything is as painless and quick as possible. Also has a really great easygoing bedside manner. (While your mouth is otherwise occupied, he still continues the banter with you by speaking your parts as well as his own. Pretty charming!) Oh, and did I mention that the receptionist is almost shockingly nice, and the waiting area has a little mini-fridge with free drinks? read more

I'm a student at UC Berkeley and I have to say that for students, Dr. Jacob is the best. His office is located near the Alta Bates Medical Center (which for me, living in Unit 2, was a short bus ride and a little walk away). The receptionist in his office was very kind and personable. She gave me good directions for how to fill out the forms she needed and was patient when it took me a little extra time to finish them. Dr. Jacob himself is an extremely easy-going guy. He has excellent chair-side manner. He broke down my teeth cleaning and X-rays step by step so I knew exactly what was going on. The other reason I came to him, to get a referral to an oral surgeon so I could get my wisdom teeth out, was also handled with professional ease. Dr. Jacob is used to treating students with the SHIP insurance so he knows how the system works as far as fees and coverage. He gave me detailed instructions on how to maximize my coverage while avoiding fees that I couldn't afford to pay. I will definitely be coming back to Dr. Jacob next school year to get my routine teeth cleaning. I'm actually looking forward to going to the dentist's... read more

I honestly cannot understand all the 5 star reviews here - all the 5 stars is why I decided to try Dr. Jacobs out. Now I want to start off by saying I am NOT afraid of the dentist. I have never had a terrible experience or feared going to get my teeth cleaned. I want to not write an essay here but honestly, I can't because there is so much to say. First of all, the office is an old house in a Berkeley neighborhood and the dental room was petrifying when I walked in. It looked like a creepy scene in a movie with a single chair in the middle of the room, a rusty looking sink in the corner, old paint and unpolished floors. One of the reviewers here also said she was scared when she first walked in, but then later it felt "homey". That is a nice way to put it - it definitely screamed "budget dentist". The dental assistant sat me down to start my teeth xrays. Now, I've had three dentists previously and I have NEVER had to get so many xrays taken. I legit had gotten maybe 40 pictures taken this time around. The dental assistant was not skilled in putting the camera and bite guard into my mouth. Not only was she rough the entire time, making my eyes teary as she is shoving it into my mouth and having it cutting under my tongue over and over, she kept dropping the camera onto my chest and not being able to effectively put it together. Not to mention the technology looked outdated. We spent about 30 minutes taking xrays and she said needed to re-take like 6 of them cuz they were blurry. I wasn't happy as it caused me more discomfort of them haphazardly shoving things into my mouth. I understand having the bite guard in my mouth to take xrays isnt the most comfortable thing, I've had them before. But this HURT. Dr. Jacobs had to come in and help her take the pictures because she kept complaining my mouth was too small (instead of giving me a smaller pediatric size to which she said "we only have one size". How did you do kids???) Dr. Jacobs pointed out the dental assistant had put together the camera wrong, so it wasn't taking pictures right. After several attempts of xrays and apologies from the dentist, we finally get into the teeth cleaning. Admittedly, I haven't gotten my teeth cleaned for about 2 years because I changed jobs and therefore changed insurance and had to wait for my benefits to kick in, and then put off researching dentists because I have a crazy ass work schedule. But Dr. Jacobs and her assistant made me feel SO judged about the conditions of my teeth. They literally wouldn't stop talking about it the ENTIRE TIME they were cleaning my teeth. Not only that Dr. Jacobs kept spitting in my face while he was hovering over me because he didn't put his mask on all the way. I couldn't even say anything cuz my mouth was preoccupied! They kept trying to make forceful small talk as they were cleaning but they were just talking about oddly personal things like how he did not have a lot of things growing up and how he struggled and it seems like I didn't have to (yeah, way to check your patient's privilege when you're drilling into her mouth...), how his health conditions were not ideal and random things that was not professional. I work in a hospital - I get trying to make small talk to try to ease the situation. But there's a fine line with being too casual and too personal. You are better off keeping quiet and focusing on your work. The cleaning itself: Dr. Jacobs was NOT gentle at all. He just roughly grazed over everything and did not put time or thought into at all - much like a busboy quickly wiping off the table so the next person can sit down at the table. Now, I did consider maybe he's so good that he can just do it that quick? Judging by my previous experiences, I can't give that kind of assumption. Every dentist I have had took their time and carefully did their work. Shoot, Dr. Jacobs and his assistant spent more time taking my x-rays than they did cleaning my teeth! Literally! Not to mention - every dentist I have ever been to had some pleasant movie playing if there was a TV in the room to ease your nerves. These guys had the news - you know, with all the existential crisis going on with Trump and the healthcare reform and all that. I was already so uncomfortable with my experience that having to stare at all the horrible news while getting my teeth hacked at was not pleasant. Details mattered here. The only thing that was positive about the office experience was the receptionist. She was great about communicating with me regarding setting up appointments. Honestly, they are all nice people so it's nothing bad about them as human beings, but they were not up to par with their skillsets and their space and technology are outdated. And the dental assistant had the greasiest hair I have seen in a long time. Needless to say, I will not be coming back.I read more

Very nice dentist but incompetent in my opinion. Had a cleaning and he identified a small cavity in one one my molars. Small, straight forward cavity (had my dad look at the xray, as he is also a dentist). I came back and got it filled by him. 2 weeks later the tooth started aching really badly. I went back in to get another xray. He drilled way too far and hit the root of my tooth. In this situation, once the hole is filled, the inflammed root dies. Now I have to get a root canal on that tooth, which will be permanently dead. Through all this Dr. Jacob never apologized or offered to refund my money for essentially killing my tooth. Wish I had never come here. read more

Dr. Jacob is my favorite dentist. I normally don't like dentists because I have a difficult time getting numb and have really sensitive teeth. Dr. Jacob has a great chair side manner and an amazing ability to keep my mind off the dentistry with interesting conversations, and he is funny too. He is also very experienced with even difficult dental work and his prices are affordable. All that and his office is open on Saturdays. His staff are really nice. What more could I ask for? read more

Good person but lack latest technical equipment, definitely not a 5 star rating after experiencing a complete teeth cleaning procedure. Seems hyped rating on Yelp. read more

I have been going to doctor Jacob sense I was a teenager. He is a great dentist patient and makes you laugh. They remodeled a lot in the office it looks nice. They also updated there x ray equipment where you can actually see the x ray on the flat screen. I'm surprised they don't charge more. Some horrible patients on here have given him not favorable reviews with terrible insurance I bet if they went to delta dental they wouldn't get the care of doctor Jacob. He has performed Root canals , crowns and helped to clean my two front teeth and which are stained. He has also did cosmetic work on my two front teeth they look great. I would never go to another dentist. He has referred me for work once to an endodontist my root canal was like 9 years old and needed to be retreated. But I think that is awesome to have a root canal last 9 years in my mouth cause I ate acid drinks. I can't believe a Patient who had not had there teeth cleaned in 2 years complained. Or the girl who claims her dad was a dentist why wouldn't you go to your dad in the first place. These negative reviews were disturbing so I decided to post the truth about how awesome doctor Jacob is read more

Dr. Jacob made it comfortable, he knows his stuff and he is a nice guy! I appreciated his patience and he was not judging me. He just went ahead and fixed the problem(s). He was entertaining and professional at the same time. It was VERY NICE SERVICE! I am grateful! He has a loyal customer in me. read more

i haven't been to a dentist in years, since i haven't had insurance for a long time. but i was flossing and a filling came out. i had heard about dr jacob, and he was around the corner, so i called and the warmth and responsiveness of the woman on the phone totally sold me. dr jacob is great: he's funny and a character and makes the time go by quickly. he also gave me a lot of information about what i could expect and the different options. and he was flexible about being available if i needed more help later in the day. and the office manager is one of those women who gives one faith in humanity. highly recommended. even though my tooth hurt, i left wanting to tell everyone in the neighborhood that they should check these folks out. so here i am. read more