My wife and I had the pleasure of attending the services of Dr. Kaufman this Aug. He is a good doctor who thoroughly examined us and recommended cleaning to both of us. My wife and I both like how meticulously he explained the procedures for cleaning, etc. Strangely though, he recommended me to a orthodontics for cleaning, citing that it could be a painful procedure (though my dental health was good overall, but yes, I haven't had a cleaning for a while). But overall, he was okay. The bad thing about this dentistry is the staff. They hide the fact that this clinic is not in MetLife network. While booking the appointment, the lady didn't give any hint about this. When I mentioned about my dental insurance provider, she just said, "Oh MetLife! No problem"! It is only when we were done with checkup, and I saw the bill, she mentioned that MetLife is not in-network. That was a surprise. When I mentioned that why they didn't inform me about this when I was scheduling the checkup, they just said "Sorry!". And rather, she started explaining me that I'd have to pay only 15% of the bill, etc! That was disgusting. They hide the information just to earn some pennies. I mentioned that before giving them a call, I had called another dental clinic (Dr. Honda on University Avenue, Berkeley), and the lady was honest enough to tell upfront that MetLife is not in-network. For what it is worth, I went to another dental clinic for cleaning, and they just did the cleaning. I didn't have to go to a orthodontist. I will never recommend this clinic to anyone. read more

I've only been there twice, but I'm already so pleased with how different -- in a good way -- North Berkeley Dental Arts is, than other dentists I've been to. Who would have thought one could feel so positive about a trip to the dentist?? read more

Wow! One of the best dental experiences I've had so far. I saw Dr. Allan Sio. He's a nice guy that explains everything to you. Also they don't make you feel rushed at all which I've experience at other offices. Also on the way out, they hooked my wfie and I up with nice electric toothbrushes that make it feel like you're getting a dental cleaning twice a day. We enjoy using them much more so than brushing the old way and our teeth feel much cleaner just because of the brushes. read more

I enjoy this place and have referreda few people there for their professional dental work...I also like to stay on the positive side of things. But I have to write some thing not so pleasant about this office. Yes, it is a friendly place and all of that but it is gone down in other aspects, quality care etc For example,I had a teeth cleaning appointment. On the day of the appointment, when I arrived in traffic and rain; they informed me that they had left me a message that my appointment was cancelled that morning. Well, I inquired why I did not receive a message on the cancellation...they said that they had left me a voice message on my home phone and work phone. You guessed it right. There was no message left on either one. I don't know what had happened. I asked if they phoned the right numbers...they were certain they did. One wonders what really happen? read more

I've been a patient since 1991. I'm still a patient precisely because the service is excellent...consistently!

GREAT! I just went to Dr. Lim for the first time and he and his assistant were great. They explained everything they did, completed a full risk assesment for tooth decay (never have I had a dentist go so far as to test my saliva for bacteria that cause tooth decay!?!) and gave my teeth a clean bill of health. read more

Everyone there, including all The dental hygienists are awesome. My dentist, Dr. Sio rocks! Besides everything being pain free, the best part is that they treat you like they've known you forever. read more

I hate going to the dentist but this establishment definitely makes the experience bearable. First of all, all the receptionists are really friendly, and they have great magazines in the waiting room. I had Dr. Lim do my filling and he was really really gentle with the needle, I barely felt it. He explained everything to me also, which was nice. He is a great dentist and the best I've had in the bay area (I've had 3 others). Also, for my cleanings, all the hygienists are so friendly and very gentle. There is definitely a very friendly, down-home feel to this office, everyone listens to you and I always feel that they go out of their way to make me feel at ease in the dentist chair. read more

I come here regularly to get my teeth cleaned and it's a pretty straightforward in and out experience. Last week though, I had to have a cavity filled and I want to say that Dr. Lim rocks!! Getting a cavity filled gives me mild panic attacks and Dr. Lim was a gentle and calming presence. He talked me through what he was doing and made me feel comfortable throughout the whole procedure. And I was in and out in less than an hour! Plus, this place has an awesome selection of waiting room magazines. It's almost too bad that I never have to wait more than 10 minutes for my appt! read more

Absolutely a dream to come here! They have coffee and oatmeal in their waiting room. When I had cavities filled they gave me sunglasses (for the light), chapstick (drying during procedure), a bite block (so my jaw wasn't tired) and a lemon scented hot towel at the end! Amazing! They explain everything so well--going over x rays, past work, future options. The reception staff is friendly and helpful, also. Love this place. read more

My favorite dental place ever. So flexible, great service, no pushiness, great for people who hate the dentist. Just the best.

They are so sweet and kind. Under severe Dental stress (infection, pain, need for anti biotics, cyst etc etc) they gave me all i needed including scrip to find some pain relief, and referrals to specialists i need to see. KINDNESS is hard to find like this, plus it's in a cozy house and just feels very good. i have a very difficult time with these types of appointments but treated me very gently and sweetly. cannot reccommend Enough!!!!!!!!!! read more

A friend recommended North Berkeley Dental Arts and I'm so glad she did! Best dentists I've ever had. In the last several months I've had routine cleanings and a cavity filled and every part of the experience has been great. The staff is super friendly, knowledgeable, and great about reminders. The work was fast and thorough and painless. Dr. Lim and Dr. Sio are both really great about answering questions, explaining options, and just generally making a patient feel relaxed and like they are in good hands. The office is in a nice old house in a residential neighborhood, which makes sense. Visiting them feels like dropping by a friend's place who happens to do awesome work on your teeth. read more

I was Nate's (Dr Nate Kaufman) patient for about 25 years. I really respect him and owe him a lot for how well he took care of me and my teeth. When I found out he sold his practice, I was really nervous about finding a new dentist. He explained to me that he had a number of offers on his business and he was very selective in selling his practice to dentists that he felt were excellent both technically and personally. Because I trusted Nate, I decided to try them, and now stay with them, his successors. My dentist is Dr. Allan Sio. What a fine dentist. He discovered a tooth that had gone through a rapid deterioration and made me aware of different treatment options. Eventually I had to have the tooth removed. But Allan did his best to help me keep it. Finally he arranged for me to have it extracted and have an implant. The work was done by his associate, Dr. Luis Kim. Believe me, I was nervous about having all of this done, but the experience was great. Dr. Kim did the work in Allan's office. I had both of the doctors there to discuss my procedures. What wonderful care. My cousin is a dentist in NJ. Before I had the extraction/implant done, I had my cousin examine me and confirm it was necessary and the best way to deal with my situation. My cousin even called and spoke with Allan, Dr. Sio. Allan was really open to the communication, which was great. Anyway, I have waited to see how my implant has worked out before writing a review for Allan. I wanted to make sure I felt really good about ever thing, and I do. Allan and his staff have also whitened my teeth and to my amazement , my teeth look better than I ever imagined. People comment all the time telling me how good they look. Allan is such a decent person, that he even mailed me a card wishing me well when he knew I was dealing with my father's passing. This is a dental office that I am looking forward to going back to. I am looking forward to having the best care I possibly can have from a very fine dentist. Thanks Allan, to you and your staff. And thanks Nate, for selecting such excellent successors. read more

My whole family has been coming here for 8 years! We love Vince and his staff. From the moment you walk in, everyone is so professional but warm. The receptionists are friendly, and always make sure we book out next appointments. I personally see Karen for cleanings and she is awesome. She takes great pride in her job, always so thorough, and takes the time to really get to know you. Each time I sit in the chair it's like catching up with an old friend, picking up where we left off like it was just the other day. Although this isn't necessarily a kids dental office, my kids love it. Everyone has always accepted my children coming along, from when I was pregnant, to toting infant carriers, to toddlers coloring in the rooms while I had a cleaning. I've never had a bad dentist experience, and my kids are 2, 5, and 6. Vince takes the time to tell kids exactly what's going on in a matter of fact way that kids just totally understand. I'm happy to come here and will recommend this place to anyone looking for a dental office. read more

Extremely competent and caring dentists and staff. My husband has a very difficult time with dentists, and they treated him very gently. Cannot recommend them enough! We were patients for many years before we moved away. read more

I have been going to North Berkeley Dental Arts for a few years now. Dr. Sio is a very caring, knowledgeable, and patient dentist. Mindy at the front desk is also very kind and efficient. I now live in Southern California but make trips to the Bay Area to go to Dr. Sio. He has helped me a lot with my dental issues. Would recommend him to anyone! read more

My family has been going here for years. They are wonderful!! They really know what they are doing - never do too much and do not miss anything. The office staff is incredible! They are a joy to work with. I cannot say enough good things about them. read more

I came home and gave my boyfriend a huge kiss for finding North Berkeley Dental Arts. He usually isn't very good at finding us decent doctors, but after 3 hours on the internet, he settled on NBDA. It was the best consultation and cleaning I HAVE EVER HAD before (and I am one of those with a sick love of having my teeth cleaned). Not only was the admin staff friendly, the office superbly clean, and the hygienist thorough in her run down of the day's procedure, but the doctor himself was so communicative. They evaluated my bite, my gum to tooth ratio, my saliva bacteria content, my diet, they photographed my mouth and walked me through potential concerns, everything you can think of. I'm a devoted fan of North Berkeley Dental Arts from this day forward. read more

I just moved here and thanks to yelp, I have found an awesome dental office. I have only had one other dentist in my life so I was a bit nervous about finding a new one- a new good one. I have heard so many horror stories with dentists and I'm glad not to have one of my own thanks to this office. Lots of concern for my comfort. Comfortable environment and these people are really up to date on their stuff! Just had a deep cleaning this morning and they used a topical pain salve so that I didn't feel a thing. read more

They were able to squeeze me in on a Saturday on short notice. Dr. Vincent Lim evaluated and fixed my problem in less than 30 minutes. Then they took a molds for a night guard with equal speed and professionalism. I was very satisfied overall. Also, Allison and Mindy are great -- very friendly and helpful. read more

Dr. Nate Kaufman had been my and Handsome Hubby's dentist for 35+ years so when he retired (but still keeps office hours on Wednesdays) we went through the 5 stages of grief. Later I reacted to Dr. K's yet-unknown-to-me replacements as Cinderella might have to her new stepmother. But a couple of fillings later, I now trot to dental visits with confidence, certain of excellent service. I usually see Dr. Sio - he is skilled, conscientious, and generous with his attention. I've had an extraction and implant with minimum pain and trauma, thanks to Dr. Kim. I should also pin stars on the front office staff (very little waiting on phone calls) and Jack, who not only cleans teeth with thoroughness and flair, but also brightens up the room with exquisite flower arrangements. read more

This was dentist Nate Kaufman's practice before he transitioned it over to the current doctors over a period of some years - Nate might even still be involved at some level. I have been coming here, as has my family, since 1982 or so when I moved my family to this area. Nate had developed the ability to inject Novacaine in a way that the needle could not be felt going in - a matter of finger pressure on the jaw around the site. Amazing. He chose his successors carefully and well. Everything good said about these doctors in the reviews above is true. Dr. Kim has been my doc. When he teams up with the woman (doc or assistant?) to fill a cavity or some such thing, the coordination between the two, and the precision and dexterity in their interaction, is something to watch. These are superbly skilled technicians at the top of their game. Good people too, as the comments above suggest.. The hygenist / teeth scrapers -- dexterity matters. Two of them are incorrigible liberals (hi Tom, hi Yvonne #2) and require me from time to time to talk back to them. With one I'm making progress. The front office staff are superb at what they do and set the tone for the place. Allison is the one I interact with mostly. I look forward to checking in with her. Mindy too. Anyhow it occurred to me that I sort of take them all for granted, so the least I can do is write them a review. read more

So speaking by personal experience and also on behalf of my mom because she's practically computer illiterate, Dr. Allan Sio is one of those dentists you find and know automatically you can stop looking for a new dentist. My mom's story: Her story begins when she had a crown that had fallen off previously and to remedy the situation, she'd just snap it back on. Then one day, she's eating and voila.. she swallows it! (There goes a $1000...) So she ends up going to the dental office she used to go to only to find out that the dentist retired. So she sees the new dentist anyways.He gives her a new crown only it seems that her bite is all messed up so she's essentially biting on one tooth that had a new crown. i send her to my dentist because she's complaining that it hurts and everything. Now she's an asian mom. If you're the asian child you'll know asian moms are beyond stubborn. Constantly lecturing her did nothing except for her to lie to me and say she did brush twice a day. So after a few visits to Dr. Sio's office and a consultation with their periodontist Dr. Luis Kim, she seems to be doing a lot better with her brushing and keeping it up enough to do 3 implants. Maybe it's their caring attitude, but these guys must be awesome if they can get my mom to brush! Long story short, she went from biting on 1 tooth to having a full set of functional teeth. She always brags about how she barely felt any of the shots Dr. Sio gave. Even my dad goes there now to see Mary for his cleanings. He's such a chicken that when he used to go to dentists, he wouldn't be able to sleep the night before because he was so nervous. Now he doesn't mind at all! My story: Well since I've been a kid, I was so accustomed to waiting around for 30 minutes in the waiting room. Then sat in the chair for another 20 minutes before the dentist came to see me. And I swear everytime I went I saw a different dentist! I'm glad to say I've finally found someone I can stick with and not have to wait forever to see! My main this is I hate shots. I know it's not that bad but I always squeeze the crap out of the arm rest. But when I see Dr. Sio he's got the best chairside manners. He explains what he's doing as he goes along so you don't get any random surprises. When I used to think of dentists, my first thought is heavy hands just mangling my small mouth, but he's the exact opposite. He's quick with a light touch, easy going, and a great listener! Even though I live in NY, it's definitely worth the trip to keep this dentist. read more

I recently had four crowns put on front teeth that were unevenly spaced, ridged, and cracked--so that there were medical as well as cosmetic reasons for having them replaced with crowns. Dr. Vincent Lim at North Berkeley Dental Arts is not only a good dentist but a consummate craftsman. He got the color perfectly and produced four wonderful teeth that now make it a pleasure for me to smile. I recommend him highly. read more

I transferred here based on a rec from my sister and I couldn't be happier. Every single person who works there is extremely professional and welcoming. They are the fore-front of new technology and new tests, they create a comfortable space that allows people like me (zero pain tolerance and overall extreme fear of dentists) to feel at ease, they are very friendly and understanding, Dr. Sio was great at explaining things, showing me on the monitor so I could also understand. They spent a good amount helping me understand the dental problems I had at the moment (one big one that required another visit) and designed a preventative plan that took into consideration my genetic and lifestyle choices. I was extremely nervous about the second visit to remove and replace a decaying filling. But Dr. Sio and his assistant did an excellent job on both the technical (removing and cleaning near the nerve) and the interpersonal (calming me down, being aware of my fears, answering all my questions). Going to the dentist is never fun, but Dr. Sio is helping me see that it can be a positive experience. Also, I really love the little details: Allison, from reception, remembering who I am and asking questions, having a welcoming sign and sending a handwritten letter of welcome, and putting Vaseline on my lips so they don't crack. read more

After having major tooth ache, i came here for emergency help. And after being helped by Dr. Sio, I am so pleased that he prevented me from losing two, and maybe three teeth that were nearly unsavable. I know if i went to most places, they would have went directly to root canal. He saved me from this and I am so grateful. Now it is months later and I am not seeing any sign of aches from these three teeth. So very happy I saved so much money and saved my three teeth. I'll also mention he is just a really great guy that I can trust and put my faith in that he will have my best interest in hand read more

I agree with the previous posters. I've been getting my teeth cleaned by Jack and Dr. Sio is my dentist. They are caring and skilled. Jack has been cleaning my teeth for about 20 years (hard to get an appointment with him though because he is there only on Fridays). I found out about Dr. Sio from Jack and have been going to NBA ever since. Dr. Sio takes great care with pain too :) read more

I have a dental phobia and finally went to see Dr. Sio. He was very patient and really takes time with his patients. Maybe my phobia will ease if I keep going. Staff all very pleasant. read more

I have been coming here for 8 years and wouldn't consider going anywhere else. From the appointment call to paying the bill, everyone is polite, efficient, and the dental care is superior. I have the utmost faith in the knowledge and skill of the dentists and cannot recommend them enough. read more

Great office staff. Hygienists are good and on time. Conservative on drilling and filling. Highly recommended!

I normally hate the dentist experience. But I've had nothing but great experiences with NBDA. A great example is Hygeinist Yvonne, who cleaned my teeth today. She was gentle, explained everything she was doing. No pain. And she was nice to talk to. Suddenly, I don't dread the dentist any more. : ) read more

Walking into North Berkeley Dental Arts, you get a really comfortable, homey feeling. It is actually a converted house, so it is warm and pleasant, rather than being a stale office building. Although going to the dentist isn't usually a pleasant experience, Dr. Sio and his staff excel in what they do, and make me feel at ease. Allison in the front office always greets me, and I never have to wait more than a few minutes for my appointment. I have seen several different hygienists due to a changing work schedule, and each has been equally good. Dr. Sio and Dr. Kim (the periodontist) are very good communicators, and let you know exactly what is going on. I have always felt very well cared for under their supervision. They will even call me at home to check in if I have had some sort of procedure done. Not many dentists will do that! These guys are exceptional. Norma, the business manager, is also great, helping me sort out insurance. EVERYONE at NB Dental Arts puts the patient first, and they are great people! I highly recommend Dr. Sio, Dr. Kim, and the rest of the staff at NB Dental Arts. read more

This place is awesome! And they are open Saturdays, so that makes scheduling a lot easier. I took my 13-yr-old nephew there and the hygienists and doctors were very good at making him feel comfortable and less nervous. I highly recommend this place. read more

When we moved to Berkeley three years ago we signed up with North Berkeley Dental on the recommendation of a friend. My wife and I have been very pleased with the care we receive -- always prompt, friendly, professional and with a caring touch. Dr. Lim and Dr. Sio are top notch both technically and clearly derive satisfaction from seeing that their clients are pleased with their service. They go the extra mile to deliver the best possible care! read more

This is a well run practice and excellent dentist. I go to Dr. Sio and he is great. The staff is top notch and very friendly. They take pride of their work. It is a nice office; clean and good magazines!!! read more

I have been a patient since Dr. Nate Kaufman began his practice, over 30 years ago. When Nate decided to partially retire and sell his practice to the two wonderful dentist who bought it, I had a lot of apprehension. But I figured Nate is a great dentist and I would trust him when he recommended to use the his successors. It turned out wonderfully. I can't say anything better than these fine dentists and their staff are honest, honest, honest, caring, highly competent and have helped me through years of dental situations, from maintenance to surgery. I completely trust them and love having them for my dental care. I drive there all the way from Walnut Creek because they are so excellent. read more

This is without question the best dental practice I have been to. Dr. Sio and his staff are all incredibly friendly and welcoming, putting at ease even those on the phobic end of the spectrum (a category into which I fell prior to becoming a patient here). In addition to being nice as can be, Dr. Sio does excellent work - he doesn't recommend unnecessary procedures, he is extremely gentle, and the results are terrific. He takes the time to explain everything along the way and answers all questions. He's wonderfully attentive to his patients - I was out of town for an extended period of time when I was in pain, and he talked with me over the phone about it since I couldn't make an in-person appointment. The office is sensitive to financial issues as well, which was a big deal for me. A year ago, I wouldn't have thought it possible to be at ease in a dental office, but I have since been proven wrong. It's a stellar practice that I highly recommend. read more

i met with dr. allan sio. he was very patient and thoroughly answered my questions. he gave me thoughtful opinions and wasn't pushy about unnecessary services. he spent a lot of time customizing my nightguard (yes, i'm a teeth-clencher). if you are looking for a dentist, i very much recommend dr. sio. read more