I started going to Alpha Dental as it was close to SDSU campus and I needed the composite on my permanent retainer fixed. Their quote for pricing was almost $200 less than other dentists/orthodontists in the area. During my visit they even pointed out issues my regular dentist had missed. They did a fantastic job and I have been back multiple times. Dr. Kuwamoto seems very knowledgeable, him and staff are always friendly. No problems booking or waiting for appointment. read more

Dr. Kuwamoto's office is well organized. His staff are caring and efficient. Dr. Kuwamoto was thorough and took time to explain and listen. He is intelligent and kind. I recommend him. read more

It's taken me years to come back to the dentist because of my fear of needles and the tools are just intimidating. But I went to Alpha Dental on recommendation, specifically for Dr. Kuwamoto. He helped me get relaxed and did a deep a cleaning for me and my gum swelling went down. I also got a filling and after he applied some numbing agent I didn't feel shit and the pain in my tooth subsided. Alpha Dental also had a super accommodating staff. I definitely found my new dentist! read more

I was feeling it ya know that feeling that if you don't get help your brain will soon pop!!! my surfing buddy Dr. Roy sent me to meet a absolutely a great team!! Painless visits!!! And is looking out for my grill and understand my financial hardship at this time in the world I love these people All the love Thank you read more

I have been a patient of Alpha Dental for 10+ years. When I first started going here Dr. Vegter was the owner of the practice. He was an EXCELLENT dentist with tons of experience. Never had any issues with the quality or care of his work. Then Dr. Kuwamoto took over the practice. Over the last 3-4 years every experience seemed to be less and less pleasant. Longer wait times to be seen, painful dental work, fill in dentists (maybe a student dentist) who were allowed to fill a cavity under Dr. Kuwamaoto's supervision but not do it correctly. Resulting in it having to be drilled and removed and filled again all in the same visit. That's a lot of time in one chair for a cavity filling that had to be done twice when it should have been done correctly the first time. Other visits where it should have been a simple cleaning but it turned into a sales pitch trying to talk me into an at home sleep study with a purchase of some type of breathing machine. Which seemed more of a way for the office to pay for the new CT machine they recently added. After they did the ct scan they started asking all these questions about snoring and if I have a hard time breathing when I'm sick... saying "this is the way dentistry is going. We're partnering with doctors and seeing how else we can help our patients" when all I really wanted was my 6 month cleaning done. All the extra CT stuff took over 30-40 extra minutes and caused me to be late for work. Don't get me wrong, the dental hygienists that work here are the best! I have always had great cleanings. They're always so friendly and welcoming. I have tried to give Dr. K and the office the benefit of doubt but today I went in for my normal 6 month cleaning and the new girl at the front told me my insurance was now out of network. I have had the same insurance for the last 10 years. So I asked if they stopped accepting it and she said "no we still take your insurance but at this moment the plan doesn't have in network coverage for the summer????? But we can reschedule you for November and you will be in network again" I was very confused. I have worked in multiple medical fields for over 10+ years that involve insurance billing and have never heard of seasonal coverage. It just seemed very odd. She said I could get services done still today but have to pay for them out of pocket. I told her I wish I would have known this before driving 20 minutes to get here and now having to drive 20 minutes back home without my dental cleaning being done. That is the real problem. A courtesy call to notify someone about insurance coverage only takes 2 minutes. read more

I love Alpha Dental. I always leave with the best dental care and I feel secured making the right decision by coming here. Very hygienic, professional and great expertise. Nobody likes having their teeth worked on but here I can rest assured everything is worthwhile and will turn out great. I love coming here, doctor is very knowledgeable, respectful and kind. Highly recommend. read more

Veterans stay away. I was referred by the va. The va was paying for my dental care. Kept asking what insurance i had. Took half a day off just to told that this is a private dentist office, and turned away. Now I have to wait for two weeks for the va to find me a new den. read more

I was in search for a new dentist that was also in my network. I was skeptical of most places because the review was pretty low. However, this one caught my eyes because the reviews on yelp were great! The process to make an appointment and check if you are in net work was very smooth. The receptionist was very nice and welcoming. Once I got there, I did not have to wait long to be seen. What I love was that everyone was very transparent and provided all the details about your teeth. Dr. Kuwamoto explained the X-rays and was very informative when he recommended what should be done. He tells you why he recommend those things and let you know the process as well as how much it would cost. The 2nd time I came back for a fill, I think there was a new assistant because his work compared to the first time I had a fill was completely different. I had water sprayed everywhere which was fine because you are at the dentist. Then when they put a paste or something in my mouth it was so biter and he didn't rinse it well until he was told to do so by one of the seasonal dental assistant. Other than that, I think this place does a phenomenal job and highly recommend! read more

Can't say enough about Zena, our hygienist. She makes coming to the dentist tolerable. Very informative, kind, and professional. Goes the extra mile. She deserves a raise Dr. Kuwamoto. Highly recommend this dentist office Only con about the office is that parking is a bit limited read more

Everyone in that facility is beyond kind and phenomenal at their job. They take good care of their patients and don't encourage unnecessary surgeries and give you the care you would expect from a dentist. read more

Love Dr K and his staff. Always friendly and professional. We've been going here for years now. Easy to get in and the hygienists are gentle. Highly recommend! read more

New patient here, I really enjoy being a patient here. Doctor Tyler is really informative and always makes me feel welcomed. His staff is kind and gentle. They give me Options for my dental treatment plan and I'm glad I never feel pressured to do anything I am not uncomfortable with but advice is always given, so thankful. I am scared to go to the dentist but at least I know I am in good hands. Thank you read more

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If you have dental anxiety, I cannot recommend enough that you stay away from this place. I told the front desk folks I had dental anxiety and they put it in my chart, but the dentist proceeded to ignore it, have someone else's personal dental information up on the screen when I was back there, and when I stopped his long diatribe about how not taking good enough care of your teeth could actually kill you (I wish I were joking) to say again that I have significant dental anxiety, he abruptly stopped to reassure me they knew how to support that. Before starting AGAIN on the weird doom lecture. Nobody I interacted with at this office appeared to have any actual concept of what dental anxiety entails or how to mitigate it. I had to come back three times to get all of my procedures done and every time I consider just not going back, but I had to balance my fear of the office with my fear of letting my teeth get worse (or starting over somewhere else that could be just as bad) so I just soldiered through it, but it was legitimately terrible. During my last visit, the dentist filling my cavity had to start over like three times. I was having trouble breathing - not sure if it's because of my deviated septum or anxiety or what -- so I was literally panicking, and she was so irritated with me and kept making me feel like it was my fault she had to start over, even though I was telling her I needed breaks to breathe and again: DENTAL ANXIETY IN MY CHART. It was awful and I still feel panic when I think about it. The worst part is, the procedures decreased my quality of life so much. Before I went to the dentist, I had NO oral pain. I knew I was going to have cavities because I've had weak teeth my whole life and always have cavities, but I had no symptoms of any dental problems before going in. Now the right side of my mouth is so sensitive and it hurts to chew with it. Even taking a single drink is pretty excruciating. I haven't called them or told them about it because I don't want to go back, so I will have to start over with a totally different place, and I don't even know if this can be fixed. It's been about 1.5 years since my procedures and I really wish I'd never gone. Finally writing the review I've been considering leaving the entire time to try and process lol. If you don't have ACTUAL training on how to support people with dental anxiety, don't tell them that you know how to do it. I specifically asked before I started! Just please stay away from this place if you need a dentist who knows how to support anxiety. read more

Exactly right before thanksgiving day, I would like to say a big THANK YOU! to Dr. Kuwamoto and his team for their services to my mom's dental needs. My mom's dental situation is not as simple yet Dr. Tyler has always been professional and attentive with his service (he has given us his time to explain, his time to answering our questions, his consideration as uninsured patients...). We have been at alpha long time patients; we have seen Dr. Tyler about 4 times now and our experience has always been excellent. Thank you Dr. Kuwamoto for what you do to help out your patients, for your kind heart and consideration. If someone is looking for excellent treatment and also a doctor that cares for his patients beyond just professionalism; for a great human being, doctor Tyler Kuwamoto is the one! Don't hesitate to call them up and ask your questions and concerns. They will help you out! Alpha Dental 11/26/2025 read more

Dr Kuwamoto does great work. Did a tooth extraction and felt no pain. Friendly workers and extremely professional.

Full disclosure, I love clean white teeth but hate going to the dentist. That being said, I had my first appointment at Alpha Dental today, and it was fantastic! Dr. Kuwamoto was incredibly thorough--he took the time to explain any areas of concern and shared what he recommends or plans to monitor moving forward. One of my molars has a poorly fitted crown, and while he pointed out the potential issues, there was absolutely no pressure or upselling. He simply advised keeping an eye on it and to reach out/come back if I experience any sensitivity, which I really appreciated. I also had a cleaning with Zina, who was absolutely wonderful. She managed to remove a stain from my tooth that another hygienist at a different office had worked on extensively six months ago and told me was impossible to get off. Zina took care of it effortlessly with her polisher (whatever it's called). My teeth look so clean and white! I usually have pretty sensitive teeth, but aside from one known problem area, I didn't feel any discomfort during the cleaning! I will definitely be back and have already recommended this place to my mom and a girlfriend! Parking can be meh, but there are definitely spots around the neighborhood and it's well worth it for a great dentist! I added photos of the stained tooth before/after. Sorry for the poor quality before, I didn't know I would need a before pic, but they were that good! read more

Alpha Dental - General Dentistry Near Me - San Diego, California

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Zina is wonderful, gentle and thorough. I hate the dentist but they make it as painless as can be. Highly recommended.

Best dental office I've been to in SD! Great dentists, great hygienists, all around phenomenal staff! Can't recommend them more!!

I had chosen this place of practice due to the high ratings on yelp and it's fairly close to my home. Upon arrival I was twenty minutes early and waited 15 minutes over my appointment time. I thought to myself that they were busy, someone was late before me, or they are just very unorganized. First impression is everything and I got an off-putting vibe about this place. I specifically made an appointment for a cleaning and x-ray. The X-ray tech was nice but Tyler was very rushed and told me there would be no cleaning today because we are backed up. Uhmm okay, why did they waste my time in the first place? I know if I did that to my clients they would leave and never come back. I paid for my x-ray and left. I would rather give my money to a dentist who wasn't so rushed and cared more. I find it ironic that after I had posted this review the dentist calls me to say he wants to talk about my dental plan at 7:30 pm? He clearly did not care when I was at the office and told me that the x-ray tech would explain it to me. You seriously think I would understand dentist lingo? He did offer me a free cleaning but no thanks I'll take my business elsewhere. read more

Everything went well. Dr. Kuwamoto was exceptionally great with his kindness and professionalism. Finally the hygienist was one of the best ive ever had. And June was very helpful, extremely nice and professional. I highly recommend this dentistry. read more

I have been coming here for years when Dr Roy was still there. He was a little rough around the edges but was always fair and never tried to upsell me which had been my experience at a previous dentist. Now Dr Taylor has taken over and its even better. They are a busy office, but I always feel well taken care of. I have become more anxious about going to the dentist as I get older, and I remind them every time I have an appointment. They are patient, kind and work with me, so I am able to relax and get whatever I need done. Staff has always been pleasant and efficient. read more

They are not my current dentist as I needed some specialist work and continued going to that doctor afterwards. That said, I have referred two people and they were happy with the dentist. They check insurance coverage and don't recommend anything you don't need. I feel like this is an honest practice. Parking is tight. Check the days they are open, it's not every week day. There is a bit of a wait to get teeth cleaned so make your return appointment while in the office. read more

Amazing office experience, Samantha did such an awesome job taking care of me. The office has been wonderful staff. The care here is wonderful and have been very attentive. read more

I'm afraid of needles and pain but the doctors here are truly a blessing. I've received great care here and they always make sure you're comfortable. Thanks for doing great work! read more

I'm glad I found this office! From the moment I walked in, the staff was warm, welcoming, and attentive. Dr. Kuwamoto is also very knowledgeable. He took the time to walk me through everything in detail, answering all my questions and making sure I understood my treatment plan. I highly recommend Alpha Dental to anyone looking for top notch personalized care! read more

I was a new patient to this office in 2025. I had nothing but problems. My follow-up appointments were rescheduled without my notice or consent. I received a bill with no reasoning or enumeration of service. When I finally came to a follow-up appointment, there was confusion on what service I had already received and what I was in for. I had to convince the staff of what was already done in my mouth. Overall, a nightmarish experience on the customer service, communications, and professionalism fronts. Definitely would not recommend. read more

I have never had a better experience with any practitioner ever before! They restored my teeth even better than before after an accident unfortunately knocked them out. No chunky veneer look - just natural beautiful teeth!! Thank you Alpha Dental, I will never go anywhere else! read more

The best dentistry in San Diego by far. A very comfortable office with a great staff. Dr. Kuwamoto and the rest of the staff are very informative and do a great job with cleaning and general teeth care. 10/10 recommend. read more

Dr. Kuwamoto is one of the best dentists I've been to in a long time. My entire experience was excellent. Not only were his office staff kind and efficient, but Dr. Kuwamoto was also incredibly detailed. He spent time with me and I felt that he really cared about my health. I will most certainly be coming back for care! read more

Dr. Kuwamoto was AMAZING!! He made me feel very comfortable especially with having a fear of going to the dentist. All of the staff were very welcoming from the front office to the assistants. I highly recommend Alpha Dental! read more

I am new to SD and had to find a dentist who would be able to fix the discomfort I've been having. I love my teeth and I don't trust just anyone to work on them, with SD being my new home, I had no choice but to trust someone new with my teeth. I am so grateful I found Alpha Dental! Almost immediately after walking into Alpha dental I felt welcomed by the receptionist and heard by Dr Kuwamoto. He listened to my issue, assessed my concern, and got me in for a procedure. I'm happy, my teeth are happy and I am happy to call Alpha Dental my dentist. Thank you for making me feel so welcomed! read more

Do not come here if you value the health of your teeth! The cleanings are not consistent and a recent filling fell out within a few months. You will be ignored and left to your self for 15 plus minutes at a time while on the operation chair. On top of that the customer service is awful. The new receptionist was incredibly rude and dismissive. If you want quality dental care and to be treated with dignity, do not come here! read more

Alpha Dental has treated me well over 4 years! I am appreciative of the type of care and quality of service they provide. The office is always calm and welcoming. Shout out to beautiful Zina! She is professional, friendly and great service with her patients. Thank you all! read more

I had been looking for a gd honest dental office. I tried many, everything was about the money. I live near this office so I google to see how many . I booked andI had a gd amount of work done including a bridge. More to come also! The staff is the Best. They really care about your dental needs. Dr. Roy and Dr.Tyler is the Best... I've never been to a dental office that give you shots and you do not feel a thing. I can't tell you more than if your looking for a dental office. You have PPO, book your appt now. They do not accept HMO bummer... Oh yeah they did not try to rip me off. They use my Insurance the correct way. Their Not trying to find ways to get money from you. A Good dentis lt is hard to find! read more

If you are afraid of the dentist - go to Alpha Dental. If you have sensitive teeth - go to Alpha Dental. If you have a low pain tolerance and even lower tolerance for being made to feel bad about the state of your teeth - go to Alpha Dental. Everyone is so friendly and professional, from the receptionist to the techs to the dentist. Dr K, Jessica, Denise, and Yuko work so well as a team. You can tell everyone respects each other. They made sure I was comfortable and understood everything that was going on. I appreciate their commitment to make sure everything they did was just exactly right; they have high standards for their work. I also appreciate that they use very small needles for novocaine injections. It is barely a pinch. It is really comfortable to get care at Alpha Dental. You can actually relax and trust that they are doing a good job and will take care of you. read more

As always, Alpha Dental always takes great care when doing a checkup or cleaning. This cleaning went very smooth and by the numbers. The dental hygienist was careful and engaging while doing the cleaning. Front desk staff is on top of things as usual. Always great service here. read more

My only regret was not coming to Alpha Dental sooner. Their whole team is amazing, and took care of me during my visits. So far I've only gotten a cleaning, dental crown, and teeth extraction, but I see myself going here for a very long time. read more

It's rare to find a dental clinic that treats you like family, but that's exactly how I felt with my initial visit at Alpha Dental. The receptionist, Erika, was always accommodating in person and over the phone and knew how to handle any concerns I had with my appointments. I've just gotten four fillings done in one sitting and I have to admit, it went significantly better and faster than I had anticipated. Dr. Kuwamoto (Tyler) and Denisse knew exactly what they were doing and worked like the dream team. I was actually amazed with how synchronized they were, so much so that my focus drifted away from the agony of getting my composites installed. Tyler was transparent throughout the procedure and consistently checked in to make sure I was doing okay. I don't have any experience in dentistry myself, but I assume precision is standard for the practice. To perform the job precisely to requirements while quickly operating on sites with another person isn't an easy feat, but that was exactly how both Tyler and Denisse handled the procedure. So yeah, I highly recommend Alpha Dental :) read more

I had a pending implant and was having very late second thoughts, even AFTER I arrived at the office Dr K. came out and talked to me and addressed my concerns, then gave me some time to think about. I decided to go ahead with it. The procedure went fine. It wasn't painful as I'd feared. Dr. K explained what he was doing step-by-step. I appreciate that, and the fact that he didn't push me into making my decision. Great dental practice! read more

Had an amazing appointment. The whole staff was very nice and friendly. Dr. Kuwamoto is fantastic. Everything was thoroughly explained and I felt comfortable the entire time. I trust this office with my care, highly recommend. read more