If I could give 0 stars I would. Went to seek help from Dr. Val for a new crown, onlay, and two cavities. I should have known there was something wrong because my onlay kept coming out. 3 times to be exact ( and I was only eating a pizza when it came out, nothing hard at all) and when it happened the second time I had swallowed the piece apparently and I was still charged to pay for a new one. I thought the third time would be the charm since he insisted this time it was a new and stronger material. Boy was I wrong. Here I am 2 years later and it came out again while eating soft foods. Not only that, one month later my crown came out as well as the two cavities that he had filled 2 years ago. This is not a coincidence. Dr. Val purposely does half-ass jobs so that you will have to keep coming back and paying for it. I tried to reach out to Kassi and Dr. Val through email, but they stopped emailing me once they found out I had moved out of state. This is a warning for all new patients. And also just for the record, I spoke to another dentist who said this case was very suspicious because crowns and onlays are supposed to last 5-10 years. Same with cavities. I've had cavities from since I was a child that never fell out. Very sad case. As now I am stuck with the same problems as before, and the $5,000 that I wasted here. read more

I have been going to river road dental for many years and recently decided I was ready to enhance my smile to perfection and chose to go with the invisalign method . all I can say is WHAT TOOK ME SO LONG to change my smile ! Dr.Dounski' s confidence in what my results would be help me to feel confident and finally deciding to go with the invisalign method. I am satisfied w/ Dr.dounski and his patience, how he took time to Thoroughly explain every single step of the process. The atmosphere of the office new location is very nice and relaxing. I'm happy to say I'm extremely satisfied with the results and I STRONGLY recommend the services of Dr. Dounski at river road dental... read more

What an amazing dentist. I was so nervous the first time I went, about a month ago for a cleaning, but Dr. Val and his great staff put me right at ease. They explain everything in complete detail so that you understand and you can tell the entire staff really cares. After my third visit today I must say I am hooked. I will never go anywhere else for my dental care! read more

Very friendly front desk, prompt appointments and follow ups. Dr. Dounski is very pleasant, professional and well informed. Would recommend to everyone of my friends and family. read more

I was very nervous and anxious before visiting Dr Dounski for the first time having not had my teeth checked in a number of years. After calm and extensive consultations, with me as the very nervous and frightened patient, major and extensive dental work was done. I am extremely happy with the way Dr Dounski put me at my ease, explaining each step of procedure. I can smile confidentally again! I would absolutely recommend Dr Dounski and his practice. I am still a nervous patient but, once in the very capable hands of Dr Dounski and his staff, I relax knowing that I will be receiving excellent treatment. read more

I've been going to River Road Dental for about 5 years now and I should have left sooner.I can go on and on but I'll talk about a few experiences. When I was pregnant, I saw Dr. Sun about a tooth that was bothering me. I was sure that it was cavity given my "propensity for decay" and experience with dental issues. After I insisted on getting an x-ray, I was told that I I had "pregnancy gingivitis" and Dr. Sun deep cleaned my tooth. I came in after my pregnancy and sure enough I had a cavity so deep that it took an hour to fill. Dr. Sun was diligent in trying to fill the cavity in such a way that I would not lose the tooth but never even apologized for not finding the cavity in the first place! Several months later, the tooth had a dull ache and I went back in. It was now time for a root canal. Dr. Sun had left and Dr. Dounski performed the root canal. I went against my better judgement and let him peform the procedure instead of an endodontist. I later learned that he should have used some sort of guard around the tooth while performing the procedure. The tooth was capped and okay for about 3 years when it started to ache again... Dr. Dounski adjusted the bite but wasn't sure of what else to do. I mentioned that when I first had the cavity, it didn't show up on the x-ray so I was wondering if it was possible that the tooth was re-infected but the infection was not showing up on the x-ray. He really didn't seem so sure so he suggested we try replacing the crown; perhaps it doesn't fit right. I agreed (even though I still thought that the issue as an infection). He suggested that we try a zirconia crown this time. I agreed, even though he had previously stated during other visits that zirconia crowns aren't appropriate for molars. He used a gingival retraction cord for the crown fitting and put my old crown on as a temporary.My tooth was swolen for over a week. It felt like someone dragged a rake against it. He gave me no warning that this would happen. Early on, the temporary crown fell off. I called the office to have it put back in concerned that my teeth were going to shift as they had done for another tooth situation and I was told I don't need it - that my new crown would arrive in 7-10 days and that my teeth wouldn't shift that quickly. Then a month goes by! I rushed in because I'm tired of having to eat on the other side of my mouth (which has other problems that this practice contributed to but I am explaining one story as an example). Dr. Dounski tells me that the "PFM" crown looks good. PFM?? I thought that he ordered a zirconia crown?? He casually states that he forgot when preparing my tooth that the tooth needs to be prepared differently in order to get a zirconia crown. The he tried to put the crown in but it doesn't fit that well. My teeth had shifted! So he adjusts the crown a bit but now the contact wasn't great. He temporarily cements it to make sure it fits well - and of course the crown comes out again on its own - and it didn't fit well but he suggested permanently cementing it - because he really just didn't know what else to do. I politely told him that I was unhappy with the series of events. Dr. Dounski he didn't take the feedback so well and got defensive and made no apologies. Well, right after the new crown was put in the tooth started bothering me even more. 6 visits and several months later and obviously the crown is not the issue. Complicating matters is that Dr. Dounski had put in two posts. He's worked on crowns on 4 of my teeth and has tried to put posts in all of them. He does this as a standard procedure. I've had several dentists tell me that it should be as needed and that it makes re-treating a tooth more difficult (this will be my third tooth that I need re-treated). When I suggested my concern about putting a post in another tooth because it would complicate re-treatment, he shrugged me off and said that I wouldn't have to worry about that for 15-20 years. Well, I plan to be around in 15-20 years so that's not an appropriate answer! In fact, Dr. Dounski does is not very good about explaining things in general so each step of the process is a surprise. The only reason why I'm not giving him 1 star is because he's very patient and will see you as many times as necessary. But that's also often a negative. It seems like I need 6-7 visits for every thing I go in for! 1/7/15 Update: I had the tooth re-treated and it turns out that when Dr. Dounski performed the root canal, a bit of the instrument broke off at the end of the canal :( My understanding is that while this can happen, it's very rare and often happens when a dentist is doing the work. Also, when removing the crown that Dr. Dounski had put on, the metal came apart. My new dentist was perplexed as she'd never seen this happen before and asked if it was made in the U.S.!! What kind of dental lab is he using?? My new crown was made and it took only 2 visits vs. the 6-7 with Dr. Dounski! read more

This guy is a crook. They told me I was in network, and charged insurance $400 for a cleaning; I only let them take a few x rays versus the full set they wanted. Told me I had 8 cavities that needed filling. Charged me $65 months later for a CLEANING. Ridiculous. I went for a second opinion, and the other dentist told me i could optionally fill a cavity for appearance, not health. read more

Very disappointing!!! My 89yr old mother needs extensive gum work. Since she just moved to the area I got her an appt at River Rd Dental. After her check up, when we were told of all the work that needs to be done, I asked our former family dentist to call after her check up for a consultation, especially since she's a bleeder. So, after charging her over $600 for a basic check up, and my former dentist calling and emailing, and then my calling many times to ask him to call her former dentist, he has not contacted any of us! I've been told that consulting and getting second opinions is pretty common practice. I even asked them to tell me if he's not going to make the call...let me know...the office took my number 2 days ago...still no call. I woukd not recommend this office! read more

I recently had an emergency situation with a crown. The crown popped off while I was in the office and I needed it repaired immediately. I contacted River Road Dental because of their location to my office. They saw me immediately. The Doctor was very nice and explained that he could fix the issue but he recommended going to my regular dentist. So he put the crown on temporarily so I could get through the next few days until my dentist could see me. Overall, great service - plus the girl working the front desk was cute. I would go back if they were closer to home. read more

Absolutely the Best doctor, so professional and reliable. Always on your side and cares about you! Office manager, Kessi is very helpful and always pays attention to details so clearly understand your financial responsibilities for the procedures. I never got an unexpected bill from them as I used to get from many other offices. Highly recommend this office! read more

A few years ago I was referred to this place by a good friend, that actually lives in Glen Cove, Long Island, and who goes to this dental clinic in New Jersey. He and his whole family have been patients of the practice for a number of years. So, considering my extreme anxiety of dentists and concerns about high prices for anything related to dental care, I wanted to go to a place that comes highly recommended in terms of proven experience of doctor, and value of spent money for the care! WOW!!! I only have good words for the best kind of service that I received in this great dental office. Everything from the first phone call, to the amazingly kind staff, and of course the dentist doctor Val Dounski, blew my mind away! I live on Upper Westside of Manhattan for over 16 years, and I've tried in my past all kind of dental clinics in New York City, some of them located very close to my home on West 72nd Street, and in Central Park South area, between 59th street and 57th; a lot of overpriced dental offices in that area. I have spent a great amount of money at modern fancy dental offices, but anyway, with years I have had more and more problems with my teeth. When my wife became pregnant she also got multiple issues with her teeth, and no luck with doctors. And finally, I have found this right dental clinic just across the Hudson River, for myself and for my whole family, my kids, my wife, and even my parents who live in Upstate New York, but don't mind to drive to River Road Dental clinic for 2 hours when they need to get their yearly check up and dental care... From my very first visit to River Road Dental and meeting with doctor Val, who explained to me in details how with step by step approach we can get my teeth to healthy state, and without killing of my family budged; I knew that I am in right place. I've made my choice almost 3 years ago - and I never regret it - this is the only right place for dental care. Did I mention that I have a great smile now and healthy teeth? I highly recommend this practice.... even if you have to drive to get there from another city! read more

River Road Dental - Dental office - River Road Dental - Val Dounski - General Dentistry Near Me - Edgewater, New Jersey

This review is a year overdue! I meant to write this FOREVER ago, but time got away from me. I have an appointment tomorrow, and because of that, I remembered I had wanted to give them stellar reviews on yelp. So ...here goes... :) Dr. Val is nothing short of AMAZING. Seriously. I have dealt with bite problems, jaw pain from what I thought was grinding my teeth and having to wear a custom bite guard every night to avoid the pain. This had been going on for like 15 years. I moved into NJ last year and found him through yelp and chose him thanks to the great reviews here. He took his time with me. He listened to everything I had to say about all my issues and then he went to work. After carefully analyzing both what had to say and what he saw, he realized that my bit was off because some of my molars weren't allowing me to bite down properly. He very carefully began to file my teeth down to get my bite correct. Which he did. I mean, my bite is awesome now! I was noticing my teeth weren't aligning when I smiled and after he was done, my smile was back!! :D He told me I no longer needed the bite guard at night and at first I really didn't believe him. It had been 15 years! But, he assured me my issues would be resolved. ALL TRUE!! Long story longer, if you need a dentist, go to him. He is so kind, super cool, totally patient and very comforting. I am so happy to find such a great dentist on the east coast. I have a review for another INCREDIBLE dentist on the west coast. How did I get so lucky to find two great people on each coast? I don't know, but I'm totally stoked about it! :) That's my story and I hope it helps. Also, the entire staff is also incredible here!! THANK YOU RIVER ROAD DENTAL!!!! :) read more

I love this dentist (and his entire office, for that matter)! I HATE going to the dentist, and was extremely anxious the first time I went to see Dr. Val as I knew that I was going to need extensive work due to a cavity that I had neglected for far too long. Dr. Val put me at ease immediately. Even as he broke the news that a root canal was in order, he was very patient in explaining what was going on, and what the next steps would be. Because my situation was a bit complicated, it required multiple visits and Dr. Val worked with my schedule to find evening appointments that wouldn't require me to take too much time off of work. In addition to leaving with the normal prescriptions you would expect after a root canal, I also left with Dr. Val's cell phone number and an invitation to call if anything should I experience any problems over the weekend. Now that I've been to River Road Dental, I can't imagine going anywhere else to get my dental work done. read more

I am impressed in every way w Dr Dounski work. I am a dental coward. Very fearful of pain and bad dentistry. I had an 3 exceptionally pleasant visits incl cleanings and one root canal and also 2 small cavities for my daughter - 23 yrs old and her FIRST cavity. She had no complaints of any type. I have a lot of experience sitting in the chair and I highly recommend Dr Dounski. read more

The staff are really nice and informative. I avoided the dentist for years and was nervous. They explained everything I needed to know about taking better care of my teeth. They are a little more expensive than other offices, but you get exactly what you paid for plus more. I'm hoping my next couple of experiences are as pleasant as the first few. They haven't given me any reason to believe other wise. read more

Before I made my first appointment for a checkup, I asked the staff to confirm with my dental insurance that there would be no additional charge beyond what my insurance covers. They confirmed it and I signed a document stating that my balance is $0. Over 9 months later, I get a bill for $34. I call the office and explain and the receptionist says she spoke to the doctor and they will waive the charge. So I go in for my second appointment, again after confirming no additional charge beyond my ins coverage. Now I get a bill for $27, and it shows my total balance is $61! I wouldn't have minded paying the difference if they had been upfront about it, but I really don't like the continuing of telling me one thing and billing another. read more

I went to River Road Dental, Valeri Dounski DDS, on the recommendation of a dental assistant at my health club who just started working there and said he discounts work and seems to be very good . I wanted a solution for a tooth that was a bit too broad on an upper bridge, for better head-shots (commercial actor). Dr. Dounski recommended removal of the bridge since it was there for awhile and that I replace them with implants; he explained that there was no rush. I told him that I had money in a Flexible Spending Account that could possibly cover the charges and I wouldn't be employed there after this year (2012) and would not be working. His assistant Kelly gave me the bill for the work to be performed which I signed, then gave me another bill saying these are the actual charges that supersede the other bill, so I signed that. I asked both Dr, Dounski and Kelly was the $3601.00 total payment for everything, they both confirmed. About 1 1/2 month after they received a small payment from my insurance company, I was told that the final bill was $3791.70 for 2 implants. I still thought this was a very good price and offered payment from my spending account that day; I again confirmed that this was full payment for everything. They took the payment, he removed the old bridge a short time after and gave me a temporary bridge, but no work commenced for a couple of months; one reason was the office was closed for about 2 weeks due to Hurricane Sandy. Finally in December I was scheduled for the implants which were performed by Dr. Mark Stein, who did an excellent job! I was given another temporary bridge by Dr. Dounski that continuously fell out or broke as did the bridge prior to the implant. On one of those visits to re-seal my bridge Kelly brought me into Dounski's office to explain that I had a $3500 balance and there was a mistake or misunderstanding before. I explained that both she and Dr. Dounski were clear that I was paid in full moths ago and I discussed it with both of them individually. She explained that he doesn't pay attention to these matters but will discuss it with him further. I discussed it with him that day as well as Crissy, his office manager, and he seemed lost for words and basically said he doesn't get involved in these matters. After this occurrence, I came back for temporary crown maintenance several more times and their story went from a mistake, to offering me a deep discount to total denial of any fault or wrongdoing. After having my attorney contact Dr. Dounski for a resolution he responded with bitter absolution and abrupt condescending correspondence. My lawyer communicated to him my right to file a complaint against him with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, which I am. I went to www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/dentistry under Board Actions and as expected reviewed other deceptive practices that Dr. Valerie Dounski, license# 22D102193600 aka as Val Dounski, aka Valeri Dounski has been sanctioned for. His behavior is consistent in all matters; extremely interesting reading. Neither the person that referred me or his dental assistant Kelly are employed there any longer. Buyer Beware! read more

I felt so at home .the staff is really nice an dr. d knows what he is doing an how to go about things ,that better sooth my needs .I would never go any where else and recommend river road dental to every body who is looking for a great dentist. an mary is such a great help she is pleasant an very understanding thank you all once again your friend victor olson read more

I have never written a review on line before this, but my situation at this dental practice was so horrific that I feel people should know before going and it's all because of one person, the office manager "Lyn" or Linda. I parked my car in the office parking lot at 10 AM and to my surprise when I left the office at 10:50 AM my car had been towed. When I went in to ask the practice manager what might have happened she expressed anger at the doctors office next door saying that they were out of control, but rather than going over to speak to them on my behalf she said I should probably go speak with them and then disappeared. I thought that she might be going over with me so I waited for her to return. Finally I got the hint and went over myself and the receptionist told me that she had told Lyn they were having a car towed and said she might want to let her patients know. Lyn told the other doctors receptionist that it wasn't "her car" and left it at that. I was absolutely livid that as a new patient Lyn did not feel it was necessary to ask the patients in the office if they had parked in one of the neighboring doctors spots by accident or perhaps they could have warned us that towing was a regular occurrence and we may want to check we were not in one of the other doctors patient parking. Instead, Lyn's logic to me was that "I was lucky it wasn't a handicapped spot or else the fine would have been double." I called the tow yard and they told me I was going to be charged $130 and that it was over a mile away. Lyn did not offer to pay the fine, she did not apologize and she did not offer to drive me the mile to my car! Finally I lost my temper and said I would never be back and that I wanted my records. She told me I would have to wait 48 hours (I have no idea why). When my husband came to pick me up and asked to speak with the doctor directly so that something could be worked out and so the doctor would understand that he had hired what they lovingly call "a practice killer," he refused to come out and then Lyn belittled my husband and told him to lower his voice when he was already speaking in a normal tone. Unfortunately the situation did escalate to loud argument between my husband and Lyn. Too put this in perspective the tow yard personel actually comforted me and said this was no way for a doctors office to treat patients and she hated towing for them because of the volatile situation. She only ended up charging me $50... they goodness I met one kind human being in this frustrating situation. read more