This a great place they were through and able to find issues with my teeth this place can be more in the expensive side if you need your teeth drilled or anything else but other than that its a good place to get your teeth cleaned on my side the service is really nice and friendly they knew how to schedule and do their best to clean your teeth and if it wasn't for them I would of not found a dentist near Berkeley read more

I'll start by saying that I had no issues with the quality of care I received at Channing, both my hygienist and Dr. Nguyen did a great job and were warm and friendly. But unfortunately i've found that their billing practices are be deceptive and untrustworthy. I found them through Zocdoc, which listed them as in-network for my Aetna plan. When I went in for my appointment, the front desk staff reassured me that I would be covered through my insurance. But they gave me an incredibly high bill for fillings, higher than i've ever paid before on this same insurance. The front desk is also pushy, they kept trying to lock me into the payment plan on the same day. I later looked into the billing directly via my insurance and realized that they aren't actually in-network. At this point I had already completed half a treatment plan and paid out-of-network rates I hadn't transparently consented to. This doesn't appear to be a one-off error. Other reviews describe the same pattern. If you're considering this practice: call your insurance provider directly and confirm network status before your first appointment. Do not rely on Zocdoc or the practice's own representation. The quality of dental work is alright but you have to do your own due diligence. read more

They will lie to you about being in network (Delta Dental). Do not trust them. It's a shame because Dr. Nguyen is a solid dentist.

Like many others, I was given an incorrect estimate and hit with a surprise bill after the fact. I wish I had read online reviews before coming here. I was told the cost would be $0 (and frequently get junk mail sent to my home advertising the $0 cost for regular cleanings). At intake, I was told they accept my insurance (Delta Dental) with full coverage, but they never mentioned they are not "in-network" so services aren't actually fully covered. I will be filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and encourage others to do the same. I don't think these providers should be allowed to mislead or lie to us this way. In addition, the cleaning I received was one of the most painful I've ever had, and my gum sensitivity got worse afterward. Not recommended. read more

My husband got only ONE simple filling. We were told the dentist was in-network and prepaid $164.69 on the spot (staff even said it was a discounted amount). Three months later, they suddenly updated the account claiming we now owe $788.31. Absolutely do not come here. It's a scam. STAY AWAY. read more

I needed major work done. The dentist was nice and asked my questions about my past care. He removed old fillings that were loose He fixed an alignment with my teeth that a past dentist had left by over filling a hole. The office was really quick about organizing my bill and explaining it. read more

The staff was kind and fit my dental emergency into their busy schedule. However, (1) my filling was faulty, (2) I was almost overcharged, and (3) their estimate of what your insurance will cover is not accurate. 1. The replacement filling I received from Channing Dental became loose after only 8 months, causing sensitivity and pain. I had to get the filling replaced altogether by another dentist. 2. I was told that I would owe $292 at the end of my appointment. I asked for a printed confirmation of this number. When I went to check out, the receptionist insisted several times that I owed $1,600. When I showed her my printed receipt, she accepted my payment of $292. 3. 10 months after my appointment, I received several texts that I owed $98 to Channing Dental. After asking why, I was told that their estimate of what my insurance would cover for my filling was incorrect. Instead of their estimated $292, I actually in sum owed $390. I would not have gotten my filling from Channing Dental had I known the price would be this high. read more

I came in for a simple routine cleaning. I asked multiple times if they took my insurance, and they assured me they did. I even double-checked with the front desk to confirm there would be zero out-of-pocket costs for the visit. Fast forward three months, and I get hit with a surprise bill for $423! This is a classic bait and switch. Total scammers. Stay away from this place. read more

I've been a patient of Channing Dental for several years and will now be moving on after multiple incidents of overbilling and subpar services. At first I was impressed with Dr. Suri and the work he did on a crown. I brushed off misleading billing incidents as one-time events. Then last year his office insisted I would need a crown replaced post-root canal and pressured me to pay in advance... without the dentist even seeing me, and without insurance covering any portion of the cost. When I explained that the endodontist did not think a replacement crown would be needed, the receptionist argued with me and insisted the crown would need to be replaced. When I finally saw Dr. Suri, he said that replacing the crown was a "gray area" since it was fairly new. I pointed out that insurance would cover a replacement after four years and he said we could do a simple filling and "monitor" the crown instead. Quite a difference in recommendation. I went back for a recent cleaning which was overly aggressive and aggravated a nerve... And then had another billing miscommunication following it. My insurance hasn't changed for years so it shouldn't be a perpetual surprise that I would be reimbursed directly -- and also it should be common practice to receive an invoice when payment is expected. My husband had an even more troubling recent incident where he was told he should have a service completed before the end of the calendar year to ensure insurance coverage, when in fact the opposite was true. He followed up with the office to explain the situation and the office manager never called him back as promised. We are finally taking our business elsewhere, as much as we hold Dr. Hites (previous owner) in the highest esteem. The new business practices are not aligned with Dr. Hites' approach. read more

Avoid this dental office. The dentist (Nguyen) either just inexperienced or incompetent, said I needed one crown for my broken front tooth with a total price tag of about $4,000. Thankfully, I went to a different dentist who saw I needed a root canal and afterwards crown for my 2 front teeth for the cost of one crown @ Channing. I asked right at the onset that I only want the minimal consultation as I want to save my coverage for the actual procedure, however, they insisted that a comprehensive xray was needed and sold me a cleaning which cost double the price of cleaning in other dental offices. The dentist I decided to go with took one xray and made a competent diagnosis. I asked Channing to refund me for the unnecessary xrays. No reply. I asked them to send me the xrays images - No reply. Very dishonorable. No wonder all the negative reviews. read more

I would avoid Dr. Suri. I went to Dr. Suri for a routine cleaning and to have my X-rays done. Everything seemed fine with the lab tech, but things took a turn when Dr. Suri arrived. After examining my teeth for about five minutes, Dr. Suri told me I had seven cavities and needed over $2,000 worth of dental work. The problem is that Dr. Suri didn't know I have two cousins who graduated from UCSF and one from UOP, so I'm not unfamiliar with dental care or what to expect. I showed my cousins the X-rays and even visited their offices (they're not local, which is why I didn't go to them initially). All three dentists independently told me that performing the suggested work would risk damaging healthy teeth and that Dr. Suri was overtreating me. Needless to say i will not be visting Dr Suri anytime soon read more

This is probably the worst review I've ever left on here. The problem was it was a complete waste of time. I scheduled a cleaning as a new patient two months ahead of time. My appointment was at 4:30 PM and I got a text message closer to the appointment date saying it was at 4:30 PM And I didn't even get my dental forms till two days before the appointment however, I got there and the front desk mind you, there are four front desk women and they said my appointment was at 5:30. I would've never scheduled an appointment at 5:30 and she said well you can wait like I really wanna wait an hour. I wasted already enough of my precious time in that day , and I had to do time management so I rescheduled for a Monday, at 4 PM, but I called back cause I noticed my text messages said yes indeed my appointment was at 4:30 PM not 5:30 , so I don't know how my appointment got pushed an hour later and not even being notified and not even being notified that there's a parking garage. I spent a good 20 minutes, looking for parking and paid for parking not even be seen. so when I called back to verify that I got the text message at 4:30 for my appointment, she didn't even know why and then changes her mind and says oh Monday at 4 o'clock is not available so me being in the profession for about 20 years in dentistry. This is very bad business and they did not care that I wanted to go somewhere else, so this is a very bad first impression so my thought is it's probably better this way, because if your front staff all four of them don't know how to schedule appointments properly that tells me that their dentistry skills as far as hygienist or doctors that work there, might not know much how to do WORK I would feel very scared for any of them to touch my mouth so it is a blessing, cause I don't want people in my mouth that don't know what they're doing, and I sure hope that these people are licensed. I would be aware of going there. This place doesn't even deserve one star but unfortunately,Yelp makes me leave one, not a very good first impression. These people need to get professionals that work for them like I said I don't even know if these people are licensed. Very bad customer service, save yourself and don't even go there. I know they don't care because this is probably already happened many times it's amazing that they're still in business. I guess they're like western dental.. read more

I was here in August 2025. My follow up appointment was cancelled without my knowledge, and when I called to get my xrays, I was told it was canceller because I didn't confirm the appointment. I was given Feb 15, 2026 as the date the confirmations were sent out, but I didn't have any emails, voicemails, or calls logged on or around that date from the location. My new dentist also informed me I have cavities that have probably been forming for at least a year which were not mentioned to be at all while I was at Channing. I also did not get any fluoride applied to my teeth here. My new dentist at Advanta Dental told me it is covered by my insurance and my dental insurance has been unchanged for 3 years. Definitely cannot recommend coming here. I also need a night guard and Channing priced me at $1000, and Advanta estimates $550. ​​ read more

"I had been a patient of this office for many years under the previous dentist and was very happy with the quality of care. After the practice was sold, my experience changed significantly. On a weekend, a crown broke off and I called the emergency number but never received a response. When I went in on Monday, the office had no record of my call. A new associate replaced the crown. At my next yearly exam, a dentist I had never met before spent only a few minutes with me and immediately said I had a crown that needed to be replaced, then the staff quickly presented an estimate and pushed to schedule the procedure. I felt uncomfortable and decided to wait. While visiting family in Denver, I saw another dentist (a long‑time colleague and friend) for a full exam and complete set of X‑rays. He found no issues and did not see any need to replace the crown I had been told was "necessary." Because of the lack of responsiveness to an emergency, the very brief exam, and a recommendation for expensive treatment that another dentist confirmed was unnecessary, I have decided not to return to this office. I would encourage anyone considering major treatment here to seek a second opinion." read more

We looked over this service and saw all the negative reviews - non-starter for us. But what is really annoying is that they inundate us with unsolicited junk mail, continuing to send it even after we've asked them to stop. They must be really hard up for business, and I bet there are some good reasons. read more

Everyone at Channing Dental was efficient, respectful, courteous, and got the job done. I am 68 with several health issues, so perhaps that is why I notice pain a bit more than most people. This office did not act like that was some big deficit on my part, which sadly can happen in some places; instead, they accommodated me in ways I had not even thought of. So the 7 fillings I had to have were done much more quickly than I expected, and the process was much less painful than what I was used to. Well done, Channing Dental! Keep up the good work! Thank you so much! read more

Dr. Suri refuses to respond when I had an important question. He refused answering phone calls and also emails. One particular office staff member was also very rude and accused me of ot being one of his patients. Yes, I am a patient of a different dentist at that location but I was also a patient of Dr.Suri a few years ago. It sometimes depends on who is available. It is not a pleasant atmosphere. read more

Please avoid at all costs! The dentist told me that I would be covered 80% but I actually had to pay for all of the service. Do your research with your insurance because the receptionist is mean and unhelpful. The service also felt rush so try to not pick appointments in the evenings. All in all you can find better service and a dentist who is ethical elsewhere. read more

I cannot say enough good about this office! I walked in one evening on a whim and the vibe was so calm- Tiari was so kind and welcoming and I booked a cleaning after months of procrastinating. Dr. Nguyen was so gentle and reassuring and I knew it would be okay to bring my kids here for their first cleanings. The office is bright, airy and clean, everyone works together like a they're running a tight ship. My kids had solid first experiences and I am confident they now have that positive foundational experience with dental hygiene and offices that can be so elusive. I feel so taken care of every time I am here, and I recommend the practice to all my friends. read more

Channing dental is nicely located but it is Berkeley so parking can require a brisk walk. Looks like they recently remodeled so the place is looking a lot fresher from a year or so ago. The patient bathroom was very modern. Tiara made the appointment process very streamlined. Shane was an excellent hygienist and I can tell my cleaning was detailed and was very comfortable without any unnecessary discomfort/bleeding. However, most importantly Dr Suri was professional, energetic and showed me the pictures of the cracked filling before reviewing the different options for resolving the issue. read more

Channing Dental - Waiting area - General Dentistry Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Worst dentist in town. AVOID AT ALL COST. this place is FILTHY! Instruments are old, rusty & the chairs/rooms are so dirty! Dr Suri is truly only after money, not patient care or best outcome. I would never recommend this place. I worked here as an assistant and quit after one day. The receptionist & office manager are EXTREMELY rude & this office does NOT follow OSHA standards for cleaning/sterilizing. I reported them to the board as well. STAY AWAY read more

Channing Dental - Only clean area in the whole office... waiting area - General Dentistry Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I did 2 crowns there. The service was good, the dentist was nice. However, the receptionist tried to scam me. They sent me a payment link for $400 more. When I asked why the price differed from the treatment estimate, they tried to rush me into paying. After asking several times they just sent me another link with the right amount. read more

I can't recommend Channing Dental enough. The front desk team is always friendly and responsive, and the hygienists are incredibly thorough and gentle, taking time to make routine cleanings comfortable. The dentists are focused on long-term health and offer balanced treatment options. They have very functional scheduling and reminder systems to help patients stay on top of appointments which works great (Tiari is the best). And their office is located conveniently for errands or walking after as well. This is the longest I've been with a dental practice and can't recommend them enough. read more

My Aunt was a patient ( in her 80's) she was told she needed to have two crowns replaced for a total of 4000+ dollars. We went and had a second opinion turns out there's nothing wrong with her crowns at all. I feel they were trying to take advantage of an elderly person, absolutely do not patronize this office. read more

Dr. Wong did a thorough exam for me before I went to Taiwan 6 months ago. I took care of required dental work there @1/3 of the cost in the U.S. Planned to join Channing after I return; scheduled & showed up for my 8am appointment this morning. The hygienist who took me in 1) didn't really know whether an exam is part of my appointment today. He then asked what has changed; I said i had some work done in Taiwan, and assumed that the exam will see the difference. He then ask "did they take x-rays?" I couldn't understand who "they" were, and why i'd need full mouth x-ray then, right after my exam with Channing. When I asked why, and if he's expecting me to transfer my x-rays from Taiwan, 2) he raised his voice replying they wouldn't want to over radiate me, which was the first clear message he conveyed. I couldn't tell if he was socially inapt or sexist/racist/ageist, so I say i'm not doing this and stood up... On my way out, he told me "it's your problem not mine", I replied "of course it's my problem"... And I don't need to use Channing Dental at all! read more

Made appointment for whitening arrived early. Once I got to the back, I was told there was an exam fee of $178 , which was never mentioned. I was then informed I would have to reschedule after I paid the $178 for exam because they did not discuss the Whitening procedures after five . Waste of my time ! read more

This business cannot even properly manage a mailing list. I told them in no uncertain terms to remove me from all their mailing lists and never contact me again as they completely suck on all levels. Yet I received 2 mailers. I'm sure they will blame the the mailer company. All members of my family stopped using Channing Dental of their own accord and are much happier with Dr. Kurtz in Berkeley. My granddaughter says that Dr. Kurtz doesn't hurt her the way the staff at Canning did. See my earlier review of 8/17/2022. read more

I have avoided a dental visit for the past years but I was fortunate to find Channing Dental where my dentist Dr Nguyen did a fabulous job. The staff was curious and the office space was first class. I highly recommend them to any one seeking a good practice. read more

Super kind, caring and helpful group of women both at the front desk and the dental team! The women at the front desk are great for helping students who are new to the area/ looking for a dentist in Berkeley and the dental care team are all very kind and gentle. Very lucky to have found this place! read more

I came in on a saturday a few weeks ago with my dad for a new patient exam and cleaning. When I was called back by one of the assistants, at first she asked me why I was coming in with my dad. Then with an attitude she said "I'm just gunna get some xrays". she seemed very rude and aggessive when taking my xrays that it felt very uncomfortable. My dad picked up on her negative energy and immediately asked her to stop. She then told my dad to "calm down, why you bothered". I didn't appreciate the level of disrespect she was showing towards me and my dad. My dad then asked for her name, so he could write a review about her behavior that day. Her name was Linnel. As we got up to leave, she yelled, "Go on then, find somewhere else to be seen, I don't care!" I got the vibe that she did not like us or she just didn't want to help us out that day. If the staff acts like this, I would never recommend anyone coming here, Never going back. read more

When I come here I usually try to get an appointment with Shane for cleaning and Dr. Wong for my checkups because they are very professional and attentive to details. The people at the desk always check me in ASAP, shoutout Kianna, Marissa, Sarah, Jasmine, and Joanna they are very compassionate and delightful to talk to read more

I'm usually not one to leave a review but my experience was so traumatizing that I feel I should warn others. This place does not care about their patients. They just want you to come in, get it over with and pay. They don't bother answering questions or even making their patients feel comfortable enough to ask more. On top of this whole experience, they were very inaccurate with their cost estimation. I ended up having to pay a lot more. Either they wanted to downplay the costs until the process is over leaving me no choice but to pay it or their employees were not trained properly. Regardless it's unfair to us as customers. I personally would not recommend this place. The service is not worth what you're paying! read more

Booked on ZocDoc and it said my appointment was at 11:30 went in at like 11:23 and the receptionist said my appointment is at 11 and I looked again at my appointment on my phone and it said 11:30. She said I have to come back a different time as they don't do half an hour appointments. I was like fine whatever I came back the next day and it seemed to be going good when I was getting my teeth cleaned but then I looked around at the place is DISGUSTING so much dust I was like I wonder what else wasn't cleaned. When the dentist came in to look at my teeth and give me a consult he was not knowledgeable at all and completely money hungry. I told him at my previous dental office before I moved here I got prescription anti-cavity toothpaste and I haven't got a cavity yet and I think I attribute it to the toothpaste. He told me to stop using it... I'm like why so I can get a cavity... He also told me I need a $500 night guard because he could tell I grind my teeth at night and they kept getting on me about the night guard on my first visit. I talked to my sister who got a night guard recently when she talked to her dentist and she said she got one for $25 that works great. Long story short I'm finding a new dentist. They are money hungry and don't care about the patients. read more

This was one of the worst experiences I have ever had at a dental office. I wanted exams for my 3 children and stated clearly I did not need or want xrays. I was bullied by the staff about the importance of xrays and then asked if I wanted an extraction for one of my kids; I was not told there would be an additional charge of $350 for the extraction until I was paying for the visit at the end of the appointment. I would love to find a dental office that is patient centered and does not talk down to people. As my husband and I had our teeth cleaned out of the country this summer ($45 each!), I know much of the dental industry is a racket in the US but there must be ethical providers in the Bay. read more

Sorry tried this place because of some of the really good reviews but was disappointed. Rude staff and the cleaning felt rushed. Did not get the coco floss either but maybe I should have asked for it. read more

I booked a teeth cleaning only, as I don't live in the area and was not looking for dental care. When I got there, the tech insisted on doing a lengthy and expensive series of X-rays before the cleaning. The front desk was going to bill me several hundred dollars for this unwanted exam, until a kind person found a New Client special that discounted this to a reasonable rate. Whew. Five months later and I am getting repeated phone calls from Channing Dental requesting that i book appointments for followup work, despite me calling back multiple times to explain the situation and ask them to take me off the call list. This place is way too pushy for my taste (their x-rays also "found" a shocking amount of dental work to do, not what I hear from my regular dentist). read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Hites for several years and he has done wonders for my TMJ. I have had the most success with his treatment plan for helping to adjust my jaw than I've had anywhere else. I have a clear understanding of my treatment plan and am finally nearing the end. I also switched to coming to Channing dental for my teeth cleanings and feel very well cared for by all the dental hygienists I've seen at the office. The front desk staff is great, very caring and always quick to get me back in a chair. If you're looking for a new dentist or need of specific jaw treatment, definitely check out Channing Dental! read more

My care at Channing Dental has been thorough, friendly, and the highest quality. Today is my second appointment and I am excited to share my experience here. Dr. Suri is warm and caring and he explored aspects of oral wellness and aesthetics no other dentist has ever mentioned to me. Anna applied a fluoride varnish last time I was here that is really helping with my tooth sensitivity (to cold especially) Dean was my hygienist today and he was great! I had my first ever Scaling and Root Planing. I was nervous because I'm a total scaredy cat and super sensitive to tooth pain. The whole appointment was basically pain-free! He used a less aggressive anesthetic called OraQix that doesn't need to be injected and it worked amazingly! Dean gave me some pointers for preventing (and maybe reversing?) the progression of my periodontal disease. I'm committing to flossing and daily OraCare. Fingers crossed. Hoping my gums are going to look better when I see Dean again in 3 months for the follow-up. Chuck made my check-out and appointment scheduling process painless as well! Thank you to the whole Channing Dental team. read more

The whole staff seems authentically friendly. Husband and I have been going here for a long time, since the days of Dr. Hites. We always appreciated his approach. Originally went to him because he took out my mercury fillings without looking at me. funny. (My old dentist had thought I was on the fringe for wanting to get them out..) Dr. Siri is taking. Dr. Heights place and has recommended some great treatments for me. I really appreciate the care of these guys take. Office staff is amazing too! read more

What Not To Do As A Dental Office & Billing Practice:: Day 1 Patient Paid Upfront for dental exam & x-rays & paid by VISA $500. Same day paid Upfront for 8 fillings, core buildup & crown bringing total to $5,500. Patient tof Primary Insurer authorized $1,600 & Secondary Insurer $1,200 to be reimbursed to Patient. New Patient credit does not apply "It doesn't work that way." Patient asked if office was going to bill any more and was told no. Received a receipt with zero balance. Insurance Billing (PPO): Dental Office insisted that Patient did not pay for exam & demanded $120. sent by Primary Insurance Co. stating that patient did not pay so is not losing anything. Patient paid $120 by VISA. On Secondary Insurance Co, office did not secure a pre-authorization for core build-up and crown so therefore, patient was denied rembursement for such. Additionally, insurer said they did not receive this claim to which office replied - I have worked 30 years with insurance companies and they always say they did not get claim. The fees for dental work are 100%+ more than insurance pays. When you factor in unscrupulous, shady, and downright dishonest billing practices, with no explanation to patient, it is no wonder that a patient would consider office to be untrustworthy. The End.​ read more