Great dentist, wonderful hygienists and friendly staff.. been a patient since the 1990's

Dr. Joy has been my dentist for over a decade and has provided great care. Recently, I developed a toothache the week before a family wedding. Dr. Joy's office got me in to the office quickly. As soon as Dr. Joy determined that I needed a root canal, his staff quickly called his recommended endodontist (while I was still in the chair). I had an appointment for later that week by the time I got out of the chair (the ensuing root canal went well). I really appreciate the help by Dr. Joy and his entire team. read more

My wife recommended Dr. Joy to me for some emergency dental work when a tooth broke. I was (and still am) very impressed. His attention to my comfort and peace of mind was notable. He has built a practice around some key helpers, and his real skill in the craftsmanship of dentistry. I have been back for other "interventions" and I continue to be impressed. I recommend him to my friends. read more

Dr. Joy does good work, however if you or someone in your family is hearing impaired do not go to him. my mother was in her late 80 s and had a severe impairment. he took her money, but laughed behind her back poor dear she is deaf as a post. never once asked what he could do to make it easier on her. hearing impaired people do a lot of lip reading. Dr. Joy always wore a mask. i tried to tell him she could read lips. He has very little respect for the struggle hearing impaired elderly people deal with on a daily basis. read more

I moved to the Peninsula and needed a new dentist, and was so lucky to have found Dr. Joy and his team. From my first appointment, everyone was very professional, courteous and had a genuine interest in making my experience a positive one. Dr. Joy has a wonderful bedside manner and put me at ease immediately. While I don't relish going to a dentist, I would highly recommend this office for their friendly environment and empathic attitude. read more

I was a patient of Dr. Joy for many years, and felt he generally did good work - albeit pricey. However, I dropped Dr. Lee in late 2016 after he recommended a crown for a tooth which had no previous work and no issues ever raised, and a filling on an adjacent tooth. I found a new dentist had a thorough exam, with full x-rays, and even asked if there were any teeth that needed watching or may need work soon, and I was given a clean bill of health (no work needed). Now over 5 years later both teeth that Dr. Joy recommended for treatment are still in great shape, with no crowns, fillings or other work needed. read more

I'm in my late 20's but have had trouble with my teeth since I was a young teen. When I met Dr. Joy, for the first time I found a dentist who started with, "OK. We're making a plan - and taking it one step at a time until your teeth are perfect" without making me feel guilty or embarrassed for my mouth. In a short time, he's made a lot of progress. No longer am I scared to go to the dentist! And his staff is great. Liz at the front desk is super-personable and so organized. Even after my work changed our dental insurance and Dr. Joy was no longer in our main plan, I decided to stay with him - which says something because he's not the cheapest dentist... read more

Dr. Joy and his staff are excellent; no, actually they are extraordinary! Dr. Joy was referred to me by a retired dentist and I am grateful for the referral. Dr. Joy truly cares about his patient's experience & the quality of his workmanship; and it is obvious that each and every patient really matters to Dr. Joy. it's refreshing to have a dentist whom I can completely trust & whom I know will treat me as if I was part of his own family. Way to go, Dr. Joy! read more

I found Dr. Joy in the early 80s because my roommate went to him. She thinks that she was his first (or one of his first) crown patients. He still asks about her and her family. When I tell her that, she always reminds me that she still has the crowns. I left the Bay area, but returned in 2004 and went back to Dr. Joy. I had lived in Cambridge, MA, and had dentists who taught at Harvard Dental School, so my bar was pretty high. Dr. Joy continued to meet my standards even if I ignored some of his advice. He recommended that I get a mouth guard because I was grinding my teeth when I slept. I didn't get one in spite of seeing the evidence with my bare eyes on my front teeth. Finally, I bit the bullet (pun intended). He made the cosmetic repairs on my teeth and then made the mouth guard. I had the BEST night's sleep the FIRST night I had the guard. I had no idea how much the grinding was affecting my sleep. Thoughtful, yes. Terribly competent, yes. Expensive, yes. Great experience, yes. read more

The best of the best. My wife and I have been seeing Dr. Joy for years and he is exceptionally professional, smart, skilled and pleasant. His team is top-notch and the accounting department and reception are superior to most others in town. We have sent over 8 different friends here over the past 7 years and all 8 have huge accolades for the competence and professionalism of their services. They are very up-to-speed with all the latest technologies including x-rays that take 1/2 the time at 1/10th the radiation. The hygienists are efficient and highly skilled. Skip the old-fashioned dentists, visit an innovative and caring dentist. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Joy for 12 years, since I was a freshman at Stanford and asked my orthodontist who his dentist was. I can't say enough good things about Dr. Joy and his team (long-time assistant, Cammie, and office manager, Liz). It's hard to find a dentist with a better command over the art and science of dentistry. Suffice it to say that I moved to LA after business school and when I recently broke and killed a tooth and needed an implant, the only person I trusted doing a procedure like that was Dr. Joy. I've flown up to Palo Alto a few times and his office has been tremendously accommodating of my schedule. I'd highly recommend Dr. Joy to friends and family. read more

I have been going to Dr. Joy for about 10 years and I have been thoroughly impressed by him and his staff since the first visit. He gave me my first filling when I started going to him and his work was excellent...I recently had to get it refilled and he once again did a superb job. He always makes sure that I am comfortable and he and his staff genuinely care about the patients. I highly recommend him for any of your dental needs. Top notch all the way around!! read more

Chris and team are wonderful..... While getting my teeth work on is always worrisome, this team calmed all my fears and provide a great experience. read more

My teeth, never the best, have been doing noticeably better since I switched to Dr. Joy a few years ago from an unnamed dentist in downtown Palo Alto. Dr. Joy has great bedside manner, Liz at the front desk is very friendly, and Amy is a great hygienist. They all seem to take pride in prevention, rather than in charging huge fees for fillings and more (like my previous dentist). read more

I highly recommend Dr. Joy and his staff to anyone looking for a very skilled and knowledgeable dentist and hygentist, and friendly office staff, too! This is definitely the best dental office I have ever been to - - and well worth the long drive I take to get there, as demonstrated by the fact that I have been a patient of Dr. Joy for almost 13 years and counting! I have never been to a dentist who's trained all of his people to be so gentle, yet thorough, with exams and cleanings. I have dual broken jaw joints so keeping my mouth open is hard enough... but they are so gentle that it doesn't bother me to get my teeth cleaned at all at their office. They take special care to make sure to remind you about appointments in whatever way works for you (phone, postcard, email, text) - - their office manager Liz caters to what works best for you! I am so satisfied with their practice that I am about to start bringing my very young children there too, since I know they are the best around! read more

The fee is shockingly high! I paid over near $1000 for for nightguards and they didn't fit. I went back two times after that to get a replacement but still did not fit. If he just doesn't have the skills to make nightguards then should you trust him to do anything else to your teeth. If it wasn't so expensive, I would say ok forget about it and go somewhere else but my pocket has been cleaned out. COSTLY AND INCOMPETENT!!! read more

Dr Joy is by far the best dentist I've ever been to. I've referred all my friends and family here, and my mom referred me. We all are extremely happy with him and his staff. Which, I know, sounds weird to say about any dentist... read more

Dr. Joy understands individual human battles in our lives, lends a compassionate ear, and is upbeat with a good sense of humor. He has a way of making you want to take better care of yourself and that good dental care is just part of the total picture of good overall health. Dr. Joy is kind and sympathetic and can make an ordinary person to feel like one of those beautiful people. He is intuitive to the patient's needs or stresses, which makes him a perfect dentist. I'm glad that he's there. read more

Doctor Joy has been my dentist for my whole life. He is kind and caring, and professional. The rest of his team is wonderful as well. Can't say enough good things about him and the office! read more

As a physician I truly appreciate it when I find myself in the hands of another skilled professional. I have had good dental care my entire life but never "great" dental care. I have always been told "eventually you will need more work done" over time some teeth have failed with root canals and the like and after a particularly painful tooth I found myself in Chris chair. He spent two hours patiently explaining with photos, X-ray,and sketches exactly what was happening in my mouth and why. The clarity and ease at which he laid out what was required and why was like a ray of sunshine on what had been watchful waiting of progressive decline. I feel now like my bite is better than its been in 20 years and am working my way through the carefully developed plan to long term dental stability. I cannot praise his staff or his care any higher. Some yelpers have suggested that he is expensive. No more so than my prior dentists but I suggest you get what you pay for and his talent and expertise is worth every penny. read more

Our entire family (me, my wife and 3 children) have been going to Dr. Joy for over 20 years and he is THE BEST DENTIST we have ever known. We've moved around Northern California quite a bit and have driven up to 2 hours each way to see Dr. Joy. He is extremely knowledgable and skilled in the practice of dentistry, including cosmetic dentistry. My wife has had numerous procedures involving capped teeth, root canals and crowns, and she loves his attention to detail, stress-free environment and compassionate staff. All 3 of our children have seen Dr. Joy since they were toddlers and they have never had any cavities! They are all in college now and look forward to seeing Liz, the office manager, who greets them warmly and asks about their lives. Amy, one of several skilled hygenists, takes great care in cleaning our teeth. We are grateful to Dr. Joy and his staff for always taking such good care of our family! read more

Simply the best dental operation I've ever experienced. Personalized, friendly, professional. It doesn't get any better than this!

My family's been coming here for almost a decade and have always been impressed with Dr. Joy's excellent work. We have tried several other dentists for a variety of dental ordeals, and he is the best. read more

Dr. Joy and his staff are the true definition of "team". Dr. Joy is an amazing dentist who not only does excellent work, but also makes his patients feel relaxed and comfortable (I am usually a "nervous" patient but not when under his care). His staff genuinely care about the patients - and each other and the whole experience is just flawless. Highly recommended!! read more

Recently Dr Joy did any amazing job with a tooth I broke off. Due to the nature of my jaw bone and teeth, a very creative solution was needed. Dr Joy is an artist! He managed to come up with a plan to take care of the very visible tooth, and everything worked out perfectly. You'd never know there was a big hole in my mouth where the broken tooth was - perfect fit and it looks great. My thanks to him and his talented staff! read more

I wouldn't trust my teeth to anyone else. Dr. Joy cares so much and I don't see how his expertise could be matched. I have some very complex issues, he took the time to work with my Periodontist, Dr. Dee Nishimine (also incredible), and even went to Dr. Dee's office in Saratoga to work with Dr. Dee to ensure the foundation for Dr. Joy's work. Dr. Joy also calls to make sure all is well and his staff are all wonderful and reliable. read more

Dr. Joy is a superb dentist, to the point that other dentists point out his craftsmanship. He is extremely concerned about patient comfort and will not start a procedure until he is absolutely sure you're numb. I had a procedure done once and my teeth felt a little rough afterwards. This often happens when you leave while still numb. Dr. Joy made time with me right away to file the rough spot and make sure I was comfortable even though he had a full patient load that day. My son is special needs and I was a bit concerned when it came time for him to switch to an adult dentist. Dr. Joy knew just how to handle it. He scheduled an intro appointment at no charge just to get acquainted with Joseph and make sure he felt comfortable in the office. Joseph now looks forward to his appointments. There are many beautiful photographs in the office as Dr. Joy is a gifted nature photographer as well as excellent dentist. We are very pleased to have Dr. Joy as our family dentist and look forward to many more years of service. read more

We had made our first appointment with Dr Joy a few weeks ago. It was for an initial office, hygiene, bite wings etc. This all went fine . there were several undefined extra charges on each of the bite wings totaling 28$?! I then found that it was recommended that I have a few cavities taken care of on a follow up apt. I have been a dental patient to two dentists in Palo Alto and Menlo for 20 years so am not new to pricing or services for my family of 5. I asked for a estimate of what the cost for the fillings would be prior to attending the appointment. Sticker shock........$495.00 per filling for a composite! I called three other highly recommended Dentists referred by my neighbors. They are also in state of the art offices in Menlo and Palo Alto, have considerable experience, top notch schooling and great reviews for their practices. To the point here: Just had two fillings completed, excellent experience and Professional work done for 50% less than Dr Joys estimate. now if you multiply that savings x's 5 family members over the course of a year or several years........? enough said..........! His dentistry may be fine work, but if we can save 50% on our family's dental work and still get quality professional dentistry and a wonderful Dr ......thats where we will go. read more

While living on the peninsula, I was a patient of Dr. Joy from the late 80's to early 2000's. He did extensive reconstructive work on my teeth. My family moved to NV so I have used other dentists since then. I never felt that the work there compared to Dr. Joy's so when I was faced with a broken tooth, I drove 4 hours to see Dr. Joy and have him do the work. It was definitely worth it! The tooth looks great and the procedure was painless. I will continue to drive to see Dr. Joy when faced with any other dental problems. He is the best! read more

I wanted to update you on this situation. Since my first post, I was contacted by Liz, the office manager, who was very apologetic about the misunderstanding and worked with me to resolve it. I feel much better about my experience with the office. read more

My husband and I have been going to Dr. Joy ever since he started practicing in Palo Alto (maybe 20 years ago). We both had "problem" teeth, having grown up in the days before fluoride or something. Initially we had quite a bit of work done and since then, we have lived happily ever after. I went to another dentist once. The crown he did was never comfortable and luckily it had to be re-done by Dr. Joy and it has been fine ever since. Dr. Joy is great medically, technically and personally. We feel lucky to have him as our dentist. I agree with another reviewer about Amy. She's wonderful and makes an inherently unpleasant procedure not at all bad. She's super nice as well. read more

I used to be a patient of Dr. Hoffman and then Dr. Joy who took over his practice in 2006 removed my amalgam filling. When I asked if I could have a mask over my nose instead of breathing in the mercury, Dr. Joy laughed at me and I could not help but smell the burning of the silver and mercury. That same week was the beginning of my myriad of health problems related to mercury poisining. I can no longer eat any sugar, as I get pain in my joints as a result. I have gluten intolerance with abdominal pain and hypoglecemia, insomnia, kidney/bladder issues, and the list goes on. Looking back I wish I never saw Dr. Joy that last day as his procedure has lowered my quality of life and his laughing at me just added salt to my wounds. I am on a very restricted diet now just to live a life out of pain thanks to him. I would not recommend him. Also my tooth is still silver/grey in color so it does not look like he successfully removed the filling. Worst decision of my life, literally. read more