I knew Dr Fetterman since 1997, i found him through a co-worker and i had him as a Dentist until the end, BEST Dentist ever, if you fall asleep at the Dentist while he works on your teeth that is pretty good, his wife was a awesome lady but him he was my #1 Dentist, every time i went i saw him it was like a Broadway show, never a dull moment with my Dentist. that's all i had to say. read more

He kicked me out of the office almost as soon as I sat down in the chair, BECAUSE I asked him what's is he planning to do? He said: I DON"T THINK IT'S GOING TO WORK BETWEEN YOU AND ME! That's ridiculous! read more

A refuge for those of us who don't thrive on semi-annual trips to the dentist. If your hand slips off the doorhandle of your dentist because it's sweating too much, give Dr. Fetterman a try. Awesome guy - funny, skillful, patient, and into his work. The man loves teeth. Ask him questions about what's wrong with yours, and you'll get a great education along with clean teeth. "Helga" is still there, I think - but hey, you want clean? She's got your clean, pal! Seriously, this is the only place I'll go. Five stars. read more

Dr. Fetterman is the MAN!!!! He explained everything that he was doing as he did it, and explained why he was doing it. If you are looking for a great dentist downtown in highly, highly suggest Dr. Fetterman. The Anelya character below me must be quite abrasive to have had this response from Dr. F. read more

I hate dentists but have only really trusted one, the same one, since I was 14. I've lived in the city since I graduated college and even then, I drove to San Jose to go to my dentist there. So, when I had a dental emergency, couldn't see myself driving to SJ and was finally resolved to getting a dentist in the city, I found Dr. Fetterman. And man, did I luck out! He was funny, nice, gentle --- and told me that I didn't have to have a root canal, that I was just stressed and that awful throbbing pain was due to stress. Then he made me laugh because he blamed it on my being a newlywed. So yeah, efficient, knowledgable and calming. Everything you want in a guy who wields a drill. read more

Thank you Yelpers! Your recommendation to Dr. Fetterman was spot on! I've not been to a dentist in more YEARS than I care to admit to. He's gentle, funny, nice and a class act! His dental hygenist, Nadia, inflicted pain on me but i really NEEDED a good clean! And she did an amazing job! My gums were aching after but my teeth felt cleaner than they had ever been! read more

It's rare to leave a dentist feeling happy, but that was my experience here. The dental hygienist was awesome. She was fun to talk to, did a great clean on me, and made an awesome recommendation for some sensitivity issues I've had for years. Dr Fetterman came in and did my check up. I passed with flying colors (I have perfect teeth but terrible eyes, go figure) so I can't comment on any kind of serious dental work he may do. He told me a funny story about the Yelp review of the woman who said he kicked her out. It was pretty good. They took my insurance no problem. Everything here was quick, painless and easy! read more

I can't offer the rave reviews that others have. Dr. Fetterman creeps me out. Mostly because, the first time I went to his office, he probed my mouth (not too deeply, but still) WITHOUT GLOVES. I had Nadia as a hygienist and it was the most painful cleaning I have ever had. I have never had a cavity: I know what I am doing as far as my teeth go (although, I will admit, I hadn't been to the dentist in almost 2 years). Usually, there is a trace of blood at my dental cleanings, but there were serious blobs of blood coming out when I spit. She kept telling me to floss but also that my teeth "weren't bad." Then Dr. Fetterman (who told me I am beautiful at least twice during the appointment, thereby magnifying the creepiness of my experience) came in and raved about how great my mouth looked. He asked how I felt about my teeth and I said "Good, but they're a little yellow...I'll just get some Whitestrips." He replied, "Those don't work [I have had other dentists tell me they work just fine]. You should have it done in the office here." "How much does that cost?" "$500, and you can always come back for a touch up." "Yeah, I can't afford cosmetic procedures not covered by my insurance. Thanks anyway." "Well, we do a lot of work to whiten them. We take a mold of your teeth and then you get a tray that fits you perfectly and..." etc. I was semi-peeved at this point. Peevishness escalated when I was asked to come back for an xray appointment. Don't xrays take approximately 5 minutes to perform? Couldn't we just do it then? I came back a week later for the appointment. I have never had more than 6 xrays done at a time (usually 4), but Dr. Fetterman (after telling me that "We have this new thyroid collar on the lead apron, 'cause glands really hate xrays! Haha!") gave me no fewer than 12. I will probably have cancer of the teeth in a few years or maybe glowing gums; the only solace I found was in reminding myself that I get xrays very infrequently. I won't go back to Dr. Fetterman's office. read more

Going to the dentist is a pleasure when it's Dr.Fetterman you are going to go see. He always tells you what he is doing and I always get tips on brushing and flossing! I have seen him for the past year and half and he always remembers what I was up to the last time I saw him- the man is an elephant- he doesn't forget! I love hearing his stories too- it's like going to see an old friend who happens to be a dentist. I am actually writing this review the day that Dr. F pulled my wisdom tooth. First tooth I have had pulled as an adult and he was fast and made me feel comfortable. If you are looking for a good dentist, I would highly recommend my doctor. read more

Dr. Fetterman is great. I've been seeing him for about seven or eight years now (since I moved to the City). He took out my wisdom teeth (all four) when they needed it, and has replaced a lot of my old fillings from childhood. He's very skilled and very concerned that everything feels right when he's done. As everyone else has mentioned, he is very friendly and funny. I actually look forward to seeing him. He hasn't told me I'm pretty, but he has complimented my socks. The dental hygienist is, er, efficient, it's true, but she's really very nice (maybe because I *do* floss). read more

Aw, I love this guy. But that's probably because he told me I'm pretty. And he cleaned my teeth with his own two hands. He is very gentle. And he told me I'm pretty. read more

I've been going to Dr. Fetterman's for years now, and I couldn't be happier. I've had a lot of work done here and always superb work. I tend to be shy of the needle but Dr. Fetterman has this trick that I don't even feel the shot. Everyone that works there is highly educated, kind, and welcoming. I refer all my friends to him, I highly suggest Dr. Fetterman. read more

I used to go to him when I worked nearby. Funny guy, and very nice. His clientele seems to be mostly little old ladies who lunch, but I liked that. I can't recommend the dental hygienist here, who I nicknamed "Helga the Dental Nazi." She'd hack at my gums with grim efficiency until I bled, and if I complained, she would scold me and snap, "You should floss!" True, but ouch. read more

I love Dr. Fetterman! He's like a Dick Van Dyke clone a la Diagnosis Murder era. He's great, treats you great; he even bought my CD!

Dr. Fetterman is way great! my good friend sent me his way, and i have never looked back. i had gone to a few other dentists in SF before -- ranging from ho-hum to down-right mean (i had one guy berate a staff member throughout my cleaning at one place... major yikes!). But Doc Fetterman is gentle (of the soft-fluffy-Saint-Nick variety) professional, and caring. he employs friendly staff, as well. oh, and, Dr. Rivus (Fetterman's partner) seems cool, too. 5 stars! read more

I've been going here for 3-4 years now. I really like Dr. Fetterman and his staff. They do very thorough cleanings and very kind staff. I don't go to my dentist office to watch TV and stare at fish tanks, I go for good dentistry and thats what you'll find here. read more

What a great dentist! From the moment I entered his office I was greeted witha warm welcome. Nice front desk staff. They were very knowledgable about insurance. Dr. Fetterman was very kind and funny! It was like having Santa Claus work on my teeth. What could be better than that? He has a very gentle touch and conservative approach. He didn't try to push any treatments or products on me, as many other dentists do. His assistant was also very jolly, and informed me of many sales going on in the area. (She and I had just discussed Loemann's boot sale.) Afterward, Dr. Kim Mitchell, his associate cleaned my teeth. She was also very gentle. I WILL be returning! 4/13/09**Had an emergency! Cracked a tooth this weekend. He saw me during his lunch hour. I'm as good as new read more

I really like Dr. Fetterman. He's nice, friendly, and makes me feel calm while at the dentist (which, believe you me, is not an easy task). I've recommended him to friends and I guess now I'm recommending him to strangers too. His staff is also very friendly and they can always make an appointment in a reasonable amount of time. read more

When I moved back to San Francisco more than five years ago now, I took the very high recommendation of my aunt who has been going to Dr. Fetterman more than 40 (yes, forty) years. Well, now I know why she's stayed with him so long; he is everyone's dream dentist. He's friendly, professional and competent. He's always generous with compliments. (I love that he tells every woman she's beautiful!) He's conservative in that he doesn't perform unnecessary work (I've had my share of dentists "creating" treatments to meet their own financial needs.) I don't ever remember a visit to Dr. Fetterman being painful or uncomfortable (physically or mentally.) I can see why, with the exception of one individual, there is unanimous high praise for Dr. Fetterman here. (About Aimee F's review, cancer of the teeth and glowing gums? Someone needs to go back to eighth grade science!) read more

I have been going to Dr. Fetterman for 30 plus years.....met him in my early days in SF and would not even consider another dentist. He has always been dependable, professional and excellent at his profession. He has helped me get thru some tough dental problems and without sending me to a periodontist or other specialists. and he has never, never put me in pain.....even with teeth removal....he loves his profession....likes to work....enjoys being around people...his staff is also great...his receptionist, Anita, has been there as long as I have been going....she knows everything!! His wife, Jane, works as his assistant and is outstanding with patient care besides being a very nice person. I would highly recommend Dr. Fetterman....6 stars.... read more

At the age of 57, I've had many, many dentists. No question, Dr. Fetterman is the best I've ever had. (I hope he never retires.) The first and lasting impression that struck me is that he truly enjoys his work. This reflects in a warm, friendly and reassuring attitude. This and a sense of humor go a long way in assuaging any apprehensions about our life's second worst recurring experience (the first being paying taxes.) And on the technical side, he's very competent. The few times that I needed more than just cleaning, he was almost clarvoyant in diagnosing to a pinpoint the source of the problem and with seasoned skill fixed it right the first time each time. And painlessly! I also have to mention his wonderful staff. Every one of them without exception is friendly, courteous and competent in her respective duties. read more

Ihad been a loyal patient for over 5 years to Dr. Fetterman as I do not like to change doctors, but I find him and his office staff to be quite rude and dismissive. At my last, and final, scheduled appointment with him, his receptionist coldly told me that I would need to reschedule since I was 20 mins. late. My situation was not taken into consideration; driving from the South Bay, caught in traffic, trying to find parking in downtown SF, and I had called from the road, twice, to say I'd be a bit late. The worse part was when I asked the receptionist if there was any way to be seen just for my check-up (I'd skip the cleaning), she went to the back to ask Dr. Fetterman and I overheard him saying quite brashly...."tell her to come back another time". I would not trust going to this dentist. read more

Love this guy. Super nice, and so are his staff. The first time I went he cleaned my teeth and was talking to me the whole time. Which I found a bit odd, but whatever. The second time I went the oral hygienist did her thing and then he checked my teeth. Seriously if you need a dentist in SF, Dr. Fetterman is your man. read more

Dr. Fetterman makes dental visits as enjoyable as they can be. Even though he's not a WWII veteran, he tells stories throughout your treatment/visit in a very war-vet sort of way, leaning back in his chair, crossing his arms, and looking into the distance as he reminisces. Really endearing. I've only ever had semi-annual checkups there, so I can't comment on more serious treatment. But he is prompt and friendly, and even if you get his partner dentist (whose name I forget and who is also quite friendly) to clean your teeth, you always see him at leas at the end. They're both quite concerned about your physical comfort when they're cleaning and poking away in there, which is reassuring. read more

Dr. Michael Fetterman is the best dentist I could ever hope to encounter. I have been going to him for over 20 years and have found him to be a thorough, careful, extremely competent, ethical, gentle, caring man whose integrity I have never questioned. Several friends have expressed deep gratitude that I have referred them to Dr. Fetterman. His entire staff is accommodating and excellent. How many people can say, as I can, that they look forward to a trip to the dentist? This is a high recommendation indeed! Kudos also to Anita, his longtime, congenial, wonderful office manager; Jane, his lovely, efficient wife and assistant; and Natalia, who works as his hygienist and is very capable and kind. read more

Dr. Fetterman was a rude rude old man, he tried to convince me to get a dental bridge implant on my front teeth but I didnt see why I should when I could just get braces. So I told him that it would look unnatural and fake if I were to get the dental bridge implant. He tried convincing me by saying, "Oh....but everything people get is fake....plastic surgery....and what you're wearing is fake!" (He then picks on my bra strap and snaps it) First WTF, did you have to do that for, so unnecessary and very very unprofessional of you! Second WTF, why do you have to talk about plastic surgery? I just think it's fake getting the bridge implant because I don't feel like getting the implant and I prefer getting braces to fix my front teeth! read more

I would give him 5, but I've only seen him one time. That being said-that was THE BEST visit to the dentist ever. Dr. Fetterman and his wife/assistant Jane are so awesome! First arriving Jane was so bright and outgoing and nice. She brought me a gossip magazine while I waited which was only like 2 min-I didn't even get to read it, but still I thought it was rad she did that. Then when Dr. Fetterman came in he was just a friendly, and got right down to business. He took his time to explain to me everything he was doing (was just a cleaning) and even drew out pics for me of what the teeth look like inside etc. It was pretty interesting! He said he just wanted me to know because no one ever tells anyone. He seemed to genuinely care about my teeth but wasn't nagging on me about anything. On top of that he had me laughing the entire time with his joking around. When it came to business he was very professional, fast and good. But-the best is that he and his wife are so personable-you really feel like you are in good caring hands. I actually look forward to my next cleaning. I rarely take the time to write yelp reviews, but in this case I made a point of it. read more

I love Dr. Fetterman. He's a kind man, fair, funny, interesting and to top it off he's got skills.

After scouring Yelp to find a doctor with good reviews who was also covered by my insurance, I came across Dr. Fetterman and his associate Dr. Mitchell. I called to make an appointment, and although I was very specific about what times and days I could come in, was given an appointment two weeks from when I called. When I went in, the receptionist was extremely polite and kind. Dr. Fetterman did my cleaning himself, after chatting with me for about five or ten minutes. I was immediately at ease with him; he was very congenial and gentle. He also took x-rays, and it was the most painless x-ray experience of my life. I mentioned my possible interest in getting my teeth whitened, to which he replied that they were fine, and in his opinion didn't need to be whitened. I admit, I consider myself to be a pretty easy patient and have never had a terrifying experience with a dentist, but I can still say that Dr. Fetterman was one of the best dentists I've been to. He was quick without feeling rushed (actually, we chatted for so long that I was surprised to be out of the office in a little under 45 minutes), we had an interesting conversation (as much as possible with the other person's hands in your mouth), and I left feeling wholly satisfied with my cleaning and overall experience. I will definitely be recommending Dr. Fetterman to my friends! read more