I have been a patient of Dr. Tapaltsyan since 2025, and it has been a wonderful experience on every level. I have had a lot of dental work done over the past 30 years and have been fortunate to have several excellent dentists during that time. Dr. Tapaltsyan is, by far, the best dentist I have ever had. What stands out to me is not only his skill, but the clear pride he takes in his work. He seems to approach dentistry as both a science and a craft, with a level of precision, care, and ongoing commitment to excellence that is rare to find. You can tell he is someone who continues to stay deeply engaged with the education, research, and advancement of his field, and that dedication shows in the quality of care he provides. The entire team at Berkeley Hills Dentistry has made my experience equally positive. The dental assistants are professional, capable, and attentive, and the front office staff has been excellent with scheduling, insurance questions, and explaining the cost of dental work. Everyone I have interacted with has been helpful, clear, and kind. I highly recommend Berkeley Hills Dentistry and the outstanding dental work of Dr. Tapaltsyan! read more

It's been about 3 weeks since Dr. T installed my new upper teeth to my implants. They look and work very nice. They align well with my lower teeth. Dr. T and his team made it as comfortable as possible. My biggest drawback was not being able to smoke for three months. Aside from that, the dietary restrictions are flexible for sift foods. My advice is- if you need implants, get them. read more

I first went to Berkeley Hills Dentistry 2 years ago when I had a tooth ache. They were friendly, kind and professional. They took care of me quickly and I have been a loyal patient ever since. We book our appointments well in advance but the front staff is always helpful if we need to make changes as the appointment gets closer. My 2 year old is also a patient and has had two visits so far. Everyone here has been very patient and kind to her as well. She loves choosing a prize after her visit is complete. Street parking is plentiful and this office is located in a lovely area - you can take a stroll on Solano Ave or grab a coffee or bite to eat before or after. It is hard to find a good dentist; I sure am glad I found Berkley Hills Dentistry. read more

This is an update to my previous post and I sadly spelled Shu's name wrong previously (I referred to her as Soo)! I am keeping it 5 stars specifically for the hygienist Shu! Shu is such an amazing hygienist, meticulous and thorough in her craft. She does an absolutely excellent job every single visit and answers any questions I may have. The reason I keep going back to Berkeley Hills Dentistry is because of the experience provided by Shu. All of the desk ladies are friendly and nice as well! Always give a warm welcome and greeting. I really can't leave a review for the Dentists because I only see them at the end of the visit for 30 seconds or so. Not enough experience with the dentists. read more

I recently visited Dr. T's office for a second opinion and dental consultation. I was interested because his qualifications seemed strong and he offered comprehensive dental care in one location, including implant. Scheduling was quick, and the appointment was available within a few days. When I arrived, I waited about 30 minutes before being seen. The consultation itself lasted only around 5 minutes, and the fee was $206. No X-rays, scans, or other diagnostic tools were used during the visit. The dentist briefly pressed on my teeth to check for movement, something I could easily do myself. He advised that all of my teeth would need to be extracted and replaced with implants (He is the only dentist who said this; my other 2 dentists and one periodontist told me I only needed two fillings and three or four extractions, including 2 wisdom teeth), which would cost tens of thousands of dollars, and also recommended a 3D imaging scan priced at $492. When I asked about the possibility of a deep cleaning, I was told that he would only provide full dental care, not individual procedures. I left the appointment feeling very uncomfortable and disappointed, as I had expected a more detailed examination of each tooth like all other dentists do (1,2,3..,) and a trustworthy diagnosis. read more

Long story short, I lost one tooth. From google search, I found the Berkeley Hills Dentistry. Dr. T and the staff performed the dental implant procedure on the hole. Now, I can smile and chew again. I feel extremely happy, grateful to have found them. Thank you, Berkeley Hills Dentistry, so much! I highly recommend the team! read more

Extremely pleased with my results! I had full on 6 implants and I love the results! The staff is wonderful, efficient and very friendly. Cat is my go to communicate my follow up questions I forgot to ask while there. Dr T is the best! He is friendly and very attentive, answer all my questions, addressing my concerns and communicating realistic expectations of what to expect. I went to many offices for a consultation and I found Dr T to be the most thorough, personable and just pleasant to speak with. I recommend this office read more

From the very first communication when I sent in a photo of my teeth, to the very last appointment, I have been treated with so much care and respect. From the cheerful and always upbeat Cat keeping me on schedule and working with my insurance company, to the elegant chair-side manner of Doctor T, and every single person in between who worked alongside the doctor, this has been the most positive dental experience I've ever had. I had complete dental implants, upper and lower, which is quite a detailed process. I had previously checked out a few places, big chains who claim to do everything in one day. But Dr. T was careful about explaining why that may not be my best choice based on my specific dental health and age. At every step of the way I felt informed, had all my questions answered in detail, and the doctor called to check on me after each major step to make sure I was tolerating the process. One's smile and dental health are important and I always felt uncomfortable about my teeth. Now I get compliments on my smile all the time. Probably because I'm smiling more! Those close to me have seen the biggest change in my confidence and self-esteem. The Berkeley Hills Dental team are an amazing group of professionals, but they're also compassionate people who really cared about my feelings along the way. read more

One star purely for the fact that I now owe them $50 for a 4 minute consultation for Invisalign. My insurance covered the other $100, meaning that the 4 minutes it took for the doctor to tell me I'm a candidate, was a combined total of $150. I will add that I shopped around and had 4 other consultations for the same service, and was not charged, and no claims were filed, by any other practice, to simply explain to me what is possible and what the costs are. Dental care, in general, is something that you need to do your homework on. Do not sit in any dental chair without asking first what will be billed. I had absolutely no idea of the cost for a consult, and had I known, I would not have done it. I will be paying the bill because it is the correct thing to do, and I'm sure they would simply turn me into collections, but I will be doing so with irritation. read more

I cannot recommend Dr. T and staff highly enough. And I cannot believe my luck, finding this amazing practice so close to my house (~1mile.) For years I went into SF to a dentist who could not anesthetize me properly and as a result, I was sent to an oral surgeon for expensive teeth extractions. The final straw was a crown this dentist couldn't handle himself. I was going to need to hire a private anesthetist to come into his office. A Google search led me to Dr. T and I took a chance. He had ZERO trouble anesthetizing me. My crown was done swiftly and painlessly. This month he did a root canal, the best one I've ever experienced. No pain during or after. Grateful to have found them. read more

If I could give negative stars, I would. Also how do they only have 38 reviews? This looks fishey. Here's my experience, hopefully this one shows up. I've been a patient at this dental office for over 5 years, and while I know everyone has off days, Dr. Tapaltsyan ("Dr. T") has consistently been unfriendly. Today was the last straw. While the staff has ALWAYS been welcoming, Dr. T has continually left me disappointed--I'm pretty sure he has no idea what my name is since he's never said it out loud (even though it's right on my patient form). He placed a porcelain crown for me just 2 years ago, and now it already needs to be replaced. After doing some research, I found that porcelain crowns typically last 5-15 years, so I don't understand why I'm expected to pay for a new one so soon. He mentioned that he needs to do additional work on my tooth, which will require a new crown because the current one won't fit after the procedure. Reminder: he's the one who did the originial work that I am now having to pay to fix (again?). During my last visit, Dr. T was late to the appointment, and to make matters worse, he barely spoke to me throughout the procedure. Not once did he provide clear instructions on whether to open or close my mouth as he inspected my teeth--it was uncomfortable and felt unprofessional. When I asked about the pricing, instead of speaking with me directly as a long-term patient, he simply avoided engaging in any meaningful conversation and passed the info through Marina (she's such a sweetie, I'm sure she felt awkward). This lack of communication and disregard for my time is rude. I've shared my experience with my close friends who also go to this practice, and have decided to leave this review as a warning to others. To top it off, they expect me to pay the full cost of the crown replacement. As a patient who values their time and money, I won't be returning to this office. If anyone knows another dentist who treats their patients with more respect and transparency, please let me know. read more

I want to start by saying that this is going to be a long post, so if you don't get past the first sentence, know that I recommend Dr. Tapaltsyan 100%, 10 stars!!! If you choose to continue reading, you will know why. I have hated my teeth for as long as I can remember. They were gappy and short and stubby and I ground them down nearly to the nerve :( I never liked showing my teeth; in pictures my mouth was always closed. It's true, cosmetic dentistry is not cheap, and after going to 2 consultations about 5 years ago, I realized I was going to need to save up. So, that's what I did. I saved and saved, went on Instagram and researched. Found photos of teeth I liked, followed dentists, watched tons of videos on veneers and crowns, etc. When I had finally saved up enough money, I began to look for MY dentist. The one who would make my smile beautiful. I had consultations with FIVE dentists from Beverley Hills, to Arizona, to Berkeley. One benefit of covid was that all the dentists were doing initial virtual visits. So after that I narrowed it down to two: a dentist in Beverley Hills and Dr. Tapaltsyan at Berkeley Hills Dentistry. From the very beginning I was impressed by Dr. Tapaltsyan's resume. Not only does he have his own practice, but he also teaches! My experience with Cat was also wonderful from the very beginning. She was kind and responsive, flexible and helpful. I never felt pressured- (there were no special discounts if I signed and put a deposit down on my first visit). The work was expensive, but I was prepared and it was exactly on point with what all 4 other dentists quoted me. In the end, I ended up needing a full mouth reconstruction because of how badly I had ground down my teeth. Dr. Tapaltsyan went over my options including veneers and crowns. He was honest about the pros and cons and gave me his professional opinion based on functionality, longevity, and aesthetics (and probably other technical things I can't think of right now). Ultimately, we decided to go with crowns and the strongest material so that they could withstand my grinding. I had a lot of anxiety but Dr. Tapaltsyan was so patient. He let me ask a million questions and rather than feeling like I was questioning him, he actually complimented me and the research I had done. He took so much time explaining and re-explaining things so I felt comfortable with my decision. His assistant was also kind and helped to make me feel as comfortable as possible (it is the dentist after all). The actual prep work was done in one day. He talked me through the procedures at every step, explaining what he was doing and why. He constantly checked my pain levels and made sure I was as comfortable as possible. I got temporaries which we kept on for an extended period of time to make sure the size, shape, and color were what I wanted and what worked for my mouth and bite. I had a lot of visits in between so he could make sure everything was just right! The office was so accommodating! Dr. Tapaltsyan and I made adjustments based on the aesthetic hopes I had, but also using his professional knowledge of functionality. On the final day when the permanent crowns were put in, I was overjoyed. It was truly a work of art- a combination of skill, medicine, and artistry. I had follow up visits to ensure everything settled in well. I was and still am so thankful for making the choice to go with Dr. Tapaltsyan and Berkeley Hills Dentistry. My entire experience from start to finish was everything I had hoped for! I could not be happier with my smile, which I now love showing off!! :D read more

Berkeley Hills Dentistry - General Dentistry Near Me - Berkeley, California

Back to the dentist after a long gap - thanks 2020. Had to pick a new dentist close to home instead of the office - thanks 2020. Always a little bit anxious about the dentist - thanks, we'll, not really 2020s fault. Despite all that this was a super great experience. Everyone from reception to cleaning to Dr T are super nice, patient, and easy to work with. That not always the case with dental offices but I felt very comfortable here and they made everything easy and simple. Much appreciated and will be back in 6 months. read more

Excellent staff, both medical and front office. Scheduling has been easy. Equipment seems up to date (e.g., they make crowns and night guards using 3D scanning). I like that they don't waste money on making the lobby fancy. read more

After 3 months or so, they actually billed me for no reason. Cleaning and X-rays are not considered services and are 100% covered by insurance. If they wanted to bill me, they should have let me know before my visit when I asked them if there were any extra charges. They told me no because my insurance would cover. Not only are their billing department liars but they are also slow at processing. Now they are harassing me with bills that the insurance company should have covered. They are incompetent, untrustworthy, and unreliable. I will not go back there again. read more

Let me preface my review by saying this: I HATE going to the dentist. This is not uncommon. However, despite pretty great oral hygiene as an adult... poor/infrequent dental care growing up + love for all things sugary + genetics result in my having to spend lots of time in a place I dread most. I had a great dentist in San Francisco that I had seen for 11 years, but needed to find a new one after moving to the east bay. I ended up trying Berkeley Hills Dentistry because Dr. Tapaltsyan is in-network for my insurance, and because of his great credentials. (Yes, I'm so anal about finding a good dentist that I look at these details). I just had a cleaning and exam today, but I'm really pleased so far. Cat at the front desk was very kind and pleasant to interact with. The dental hygienist who did my cleaning was wonderful -- she was so gentle (both literally, during the cleaning, and figuratively) and kind: saying "please" with everything (totally not necessary, but something I noticed and it was very sweet), checking to make sure I was ok, making gentle suggestions -- like reminding me to rinse my mouth with water after drinking coffee or tea. And Dr. T seemed great too! He introduced himself at the beginning of my appointment and did my checkup. I'm hopeful that I've found another dentist I can stick with long-term. read more

I went to this dentist needing an emergency tooth extraction. After many years dealing with dental offices, I have to say Dr. T. Is the best ever! His office was super professional , inviting, and wonderful receptionist ( who happens to be his mother) I was unduly nervous about the extraction but trust me, it was pleasant and even calming. His skills are impeccable and caring. Check him out. He makes painless extractions even possible. GK read more

Used to be my dentist for over 25 years. Doc sold the practice and new owners have either fired or chased away all the original staff. He has fired people with no notice and no severance pay. This was after he decreased their hours during months. He is double booking patients to make sure they don't lose any money, and that the visits are short. Staff are obviously dissuaded from chatting with patients, as on my last visit there everyone looked really nervous except for the new employees. This used to be such a friendly place. The initial doctor I saw there after the transition is not an owner, just an employee. I liked her and would love for her to be my main dentist, but can't depend on her remaining there since she's not part of the fixture. And I don't want a different person each time looking at my mouth. Since this transition has not worked and the new practice is not working for me, Someone who is used to the old ways and professionalism, I am going over to a highly reputed dentist who uses the same wonderful hygienist. Can only imagine she was not fired because she is a contractor, not an employee. A sad outcome. read more

DO NOT GO THIS PLACE! There are plenty of other dentists in the Bay Area. Do not waste your time here. I signed up for teeth whitening and my teeth are not AT ALL whiter. Also, the dentist insisted that it's "normal" to only whiten the teeth in the front of your month (6 on top and 6 on the bottom), as if the rest of your teeth are invisible when you smile... I went back to the dentist to complain, and he offered a 50% discount to redo the whitening. I had already paid $650 for a service that did not work at all. After the appointment, my mother-in-law asked when I was getting my teeth whitened! And I got a bill from my insurance. This place is the pits. Avoid at all possible costs. **Please note that the actual service that I received was not good, but the ladies at the front desk and the dental hygienist were all excellent! read more

Great experience. Dr. Tapaltsyan is very knowledgable and offered me many options.

Dr T and his staff are great! Everyone is so friendly and easygoing, including DrT. I've gotten cleanings, fillings, and Botox for TMJ and couldn't be happier with my experience. Highly recommend them! read more

I've had numerous appointments here, each with different kinds of dental work done, and every experience has been wonderful. I have a lot of anxiety when it comes to my teeth and also dental work in general, but this practice works hard to make the experience as quick and as painless as possible. Dr. Tapaltsyan is gentle and efficient, keeps you updated throughout any work, and frequently makes sure that you're not in pain. The receptionists are some of the most friendly I have ever met; they will work hard to find a convenient appointment for you. They will also advocate for you with your insurance company if need be to ensure you get charged a fair price for any treatments. I don't think I will ever 'enjoy' going to the dentist, but Berkeley Hills Dentistry has provided by far the least stressful care I've had when it comes to my teeth. read more

I went in to establish care and have my teeth cleaned. Everyone that works there is so friendly. Dr. Vagan Tapaltsyan was really kind and laid out a plan for my future dental needs. They're very flexible as well. Great place. read more

I have to say that Dr. Vagan is the most compassionate and knowledgable dentist I have ever met. He explains every procedure in detail and follows up with expertise and diligent care. He also has a great team. They always make you feel welcome and special. read more

We came to see Dr. Tapaltsyan from very far away around three months ago for a consultation after seeing the incredible before/after photos on Yelp. Dr. Tapaltsyan was very attentive and spent over an hour and a half discussing my case. It turns out I need to be seen by a prosthodontist first, and Dr. Tapaltsyan has been very helpful in suggesting and referring me to the correct specialist for me. He is taking active part in sending my scans over to the other clinic and is a very kind and caring person in addition to being a highly-professional doctor. His staff is quick and helpful: during the consultation with Dr. Tapaltsyan, they printed all necessary insurance documentation immediately, which contained all the coverage information I needed. I hope that we will be able to continue working with Dr. Tapaltsyan after all the necessary appointments with the prosthodontics office. read more

I've been visiting this office throughout the transition process, after Dr. Koppell retired. Whatever kinks which occurred in the early days that perhaps previous reviewers experienced, have clearly been worked out. During my last visit I was seen by Dr. Dashiell who is undoubtedly the kindest, most efficient, and thorough dentist I have ever experienced. She took her time to understand my treatment plan and brainstorm new ways to approach my situation. The appointment did not feel rushed whatsoever, yet still finished quickly and efficiently. Overall, she went out of her way to assist me and even followed up after the visit over email. In addition to Dr. Dashiell, the rest of the office is just as pleasant. Kat at the front desk was super warm and helped me schedule a last minute appointment. I would definitely recommend Dr. Dashiell and the rest of Berkeley Hills Dentistry. read more

The worst experience possible. Teeth capped look phony, do not fit, and are NOTHING, even close to what I'd specifically asked for. Office reneg'd on their financial agreement, negotiated at the very beginning. I've never written a review before. For ANYTHING. Felt the need to do so here because, this dentist is terrible. My serious mistake for going here. Nobody MADE me do so, so I am responsible for my bad decision. Never the less, check out ANY other dentist before going here. It is going to cost me a small fortune to undo what was done to me. read more

$18K, 2yrs after, still biting my tongue, one good exiting good tooth knocked out, bad fitting new crowns. SIGH.....

I have always had bad experiences with dentists and I felt really nervous going to the dentist after 3 years of not going. I found Berkeley Hills Dentistry through Google and saw the reviews on Yelp and Google and decided to take a chance. I'm so glad I did! The entire staff made me feel well attended to and made sure I felt comfortable during my cleaning and check-up. Dr. Tapaltsyan was super knowledgeable and he was so patient with any questions I had. I also ended up getting an Invisalign here and it was such an easy process! I felt so welcomed by the front desk staff. One of the front desk staff, Cat, definitely made me feel less nervous! She was so sweet and welcoming! I definitely recommend this place to anyone who is nervous or has reservations about going to the dentist. read more

Dr. Vagan Tapaltsyan is calm, professional and honest. March 4, 2021, I was in the chair for a root canal procedure and he determined there was no need at this time. Two weeks earlier he performed a root canal on a different tooth throbbing in pain and have not had any issues. Berkeley Hills Dentistry staff is upbeat and made me feel at home. I plan to have all dentistry work done here. read more

De Tapaltsyan is an awesome dentist. Chose his office for Invisalign treatment and it went faster than I expected!!! Next level stuff!

Everyone in this office is incredibly helpful, kind, and professional. Like many, I find even basic dental care somewhat stressful, but I always leave this office grateful for the people there and feeling like I received top-notch treatment. I rarely write reviews but Dr. T and the whole team are terrific. read more

Warm, welcoming and gracious staff that truly made me feel at ease, even after an extended absence from dental care. Dr. Dashiell was kind and efficient, and Dr. Tapaltsyan thoroughly explained my options for re-straightening my teeth. I could not have had a better experience and highly recommend. read more

Great transition from the last Dr. We are very excited to work with this new team and all the great things we've heard.

Really glad I get tonwork with this dentist. The office does many dental procedures in house and the office is equipped with state of the art equipment. Staff is awesome! read more

I'm excited to start working with this office. Finding a good dentist is not that easy and I believe that Berkeley hills dentistry is the one to help!! read more

I'm grateful I found a dentist office that meets my needs. The staff are very kind and attentive. Dr. Tapaltsyan was also very nice and did a good job in helping me understand my problem and the treatment options. read more

I agree with all of the positive reviews. The staff there is amazingly friendly and nice. When you arrive, you will be greeted by the very warm office manager Kat. The business manager, Anna, is also welcoming, and the two hygienists care about the patients. I have gone to other dental offices where the hygienists were rough in their practices and also abrasive in their chair side manner. But not here. I usually dread hygiene appointments, but the hygienist here couldn't have been nicer or gentler. And Dr. Dashiell is enthusiastic and caring; she has a beautiful smile and a lively upbeat style. Something else nice about the office is that they have a specialty dentist there on Fridays. So if you need more than a routine dental appointment, you can get in quickly to see the specialist (without having to be referred out). Since they are a new office, it is easier to get scheduled for appointments than many offices out there. And the staff provide excellent customer service and really want patients to be satisfied. read more

The whole visit was very pleasant and easy. The staff was extremely friendly and welcoming throughout the visit, ensuring that I was always comfortable. Dr. Tapaltsyan gave me my examination and clearly showed his knowledge and scientific background in the field by explaining everything and giving me advice rather than trying to sell me something I didn't need. I would recommend Berkeley Hills Dentistry to anyone. Staff, cleanliness, efficiency, and overall knowledge are all excellent. read more

Best dental office! I recommend them to everyone I know in the area. They actually care about the patient and their health.