A little bit of context for this review: I am a severely anxious, nervous, frightened etc. dental patient with years of dental trauma under my belt. That being said, I absolutely loathe going to the dentist. Imagine my horror when I realized I needed to find a new dentist (that story will be saved for my review of Dr. Olson's office in San Mateo). 1-800-Dentist steered me in Dr. Benson's direction. I was in a bit of a pinch because I'm losing my dental insurance in a month and am out of state within a week for 6 weeks. Maria, the most wonderful and kind person ever, informed me that she could fit me in two times the next week to take care of all of my fillings!! It sounded too good to be true...but it wasn't! Dr. Benson was so calm and kind and made me feel completely at ease without being condescending. He's super informative and tells you how to take care of your teeth and gums in a very clear, non-emotional way. Most dentists get angry and shame me for my fears and hesitancy to come in for regular check ups but Dr. Benson just was matter of fact and had a great sense of humor. The team totally worked over time to get all of my work done in those two appointments and I am forever grateful! Overall, the best experience I could have ever dreamed of having. read more

Dr. Benson is a really good man, with a great staff (Maria! So friendly!) and an expert support crew of cleaners, assistants and technicians. I had my last cleaning done by a woman who completely blew my mind. I have never, and I mean never, had my teeth feel so good. She was thorough, and friendly, and I really believe that she wanted my teeth and my mouth to be as healthy as possible. Yelping about my dentist. What?! read more

So a few years ago in San Francisco I had a problem tooth, but the dentist turned out to be the bigger problem (unless you think following your patient to the Irish Bank post treatment is normal) and the tooth was never fully treated. Fast forward to the East Bay a few years later to my visit to Dr. Benson last week who confirmed that my problem tooth had now manifested itself to a dreaded root canal. He was professional and didn't talk down to me and was informative. While he didn't actually do the root canal, he laid the groundwork and excavated the old filling. His staff is especially friendly. Look forward to coming here on a regular basis so that my teeth stay in good shape. read more

I went to Dr. Benson while I was in grad school a couple years ago. He is THE person who really taught me how to take care of my teeth properly, and is a great dentist. He even spotted some weak points in my old fillings (especially with a problematic double-surface filling), and remedied them for me. I've since moved to SF, and my new dentist keeps telling me what an awesome job I've been doing with my teeth -- minimal plaque and healthy gums! Pluses: - He has great attention to detail and is passionate about oral health! - Has taught me how to properly take care of my teeth - a life skill! My cleanings don't hurt anymore -- HOORAY! - His hygenist is so super friendly and gentle. I've enjoyed my visits with her. - Cares not only about your teeth, but also your gums. - Super friendly staff in the front office. Minuses: - He kind of scares you into taking care of your teeth...which I thought was odd, but it kind of worked. My first appt was a long spiel of the effects of having unhealthy teeth and gums. - The conversation is odd at times...I almost felt like it was a bit TMI. I guess he's just chatty? read more

I've been going to Dr.Benson since I was little and yes he is awkward with his story telling(he's the reason why I know who designed the Nike swoosh) but is a great dentist.However his secretary who seems to think she is a dentist is the real reason why I stopped going there!! She is rude. She isn't a dentist or even a hygienist so for her to comment on my teeth or oral health is completely unnecessary. My advice to Dr.Benson is to get a new secretary or tell Maria to go back to school if she would like to make comments regarding patients Oral health!! read more

A friend told me Dr. Benson was the best dentist he'd been to. So when my dentist of 35 years retired, I tried him. Once is enough! First, they wouldn't schedule a cleaning till I'd come and had every x-ray in the repertoire. Then, he basically put my dentist down, and told me I'd lose my teeth if I didn't have immediate perio, which he recommended be performed by someone else in the building. All of which I know is bull. Still wouldn't give me a cleaning appt. So I procrastinated, finally called 2 weeks ago and said I'm NOT going to the perio and need a cleaning! They have a 6 month wait! and could only give me a July appointment I asked to be added to the cancellation list--it's winter, people get colds, and my old dentist always had cancellations if I needed to switch appts.; not a single call. All I can say is, I'm switching dentists ASAP. Want some actual service, need that teeth cleaning before his prognostication starts to come true. read more

I've given Dr. Benson 4 stars because I think he's a great doctor, but sometimes I can't stand his attitude and the things he chooses to say to me. I was referred to him by one of his former employees. She quit because she couldn't stand working with him, but she referred him because he was the best, most honest, most by-the-book dentist she had ever worked with as a hygienist. He is a great dentist! He always does an excellent job and I don't feel like I'm being taken advantage of. I recommend him highly for his technique. I do wish at times, however, that I could just sit/lay there and not be lectured to for the entire duration of the procedure. read more

Dr. Benson is the best dentist I have ever been to. He is so thorough and cares so much about educating his patients so that they can have healthy teeth and gums. The staff is really friendly and helpful too. It can take six months to book an appointment with Dr. Benson if you want a particular day but if you are flexible you can ask the staff to call you with last-minute openings -- they have always fit me in. read more

Well, I haven't been to Dr. Benson for 12 years now, and I never gave it a second thought since I changed to a dentist closer to home. But then my crowns that he put in started shifting and so I had them checked. The bad news is what my current periodontist said when he took the crowns off to have a look "ewe, I didn't expect THAT!". He said something was left in there and desroyed 90% of the bone. 12 years ago when they were put on I do recall complaining about the tenderness and they said it would go away and that was that. Well, now I know to always follow your gut. Just push back is you have work done by him and you're, well, just not sure about something. read more

Been going to Dr. Benson since I was a CAL student (almost 10 years, more or less) and I am very happy with his work and his staff. I pay out of pocket and his prices are reasonable. He is very honest and although I hate being lectured, it IS important to hear the truth about your dental health. He won't perform unnecessary procedures and will let you know what needs to be done immediately versus what he'll keep an eye on. FYI: someone mentioned that Dr. Benson won't do a cleaning unless you do the x-rays and visit. Once I had to wait almost a year because I couldn't afford all the extra work, and that was a serious bummer. I think the rule is to protect the patient, and not out of greed. If a dentist doesn't do the proper examination, including x-rays, then he/she is not doing the job right and could be held liable. That is my understanding, so it's not fair to blame the dentist. read more

I am very happy with Dr. Benson and his staff. He is very honest and trustworthy. Maria (the office manager) is one of the warmest, nicest people I've ever met and Susan (the main hygienist) is awesome and makes cleanings effective and painless. I will definitely keep coming here for as long as I live in the area! read more

Dr. Benson is a great dentist and a very amiable guy! I've been going to him for a few years now, and I certainly trust him to provide me with good dental work. He is more expensive than some, but then again my cheaper previous dentist didn't do nearly as good of work. read more

I've been going to Dr. Benson and staff for about 7 or 8 years. I've been cursed with bad teeth, so I become intimate with my dentists. Dr. Benson is great. He is into being a dentist; he's a dental nerd, and that's what you want. He seems to obsess about doing things right and is able to creatively think when unique dental issues arise. The staff is second to none - from Maria to Susan, the hygenist to the dental assistants. Everyone is professional and friendly. I've been to mediocre dental offices and this is not one. Good magazine selection too. read more

While I was a young Cal freshman student (10 years ago), I would get my teeth cleaned and checked by Dr. Benson's practice predecessor (some Dr. who had no people skills). Dr. Benson bought the practice, and wow - the difference in dentistry since then... The doc and his staff are so warm and very helpful. They take the time to explain everything and I never feel like I am rushed through an appointment if I need more information. They always do a good job, and I never feel like I have to get a second opinion. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Benson for several years. He fixed some terrible dental work that I had done by a supposedly great dentist. Those old crowns were painful, they never fit right and so the teeth underneath were in big trouble. My previous dentist had also done some pretty painful things, so I was rather dentist phobic. Dr. Benson got my teeth back in good condition, and his kind care really put me at ease. read more

In terms of dentistry, Dr. Benson is the best dentist I have ever been to. He is the first to take the time to truly show me how to brush and floss correctly, and my oral health has improved greatly since going to him. For those reasons, I have stuck with him. However, I truly dread going to this dentist (more so than others). He uses the time you are stuck in the dentist's chair, mouth dry and gaping open, to tell you long and boring stories. Nothing interesting happens, and there are many unnecessary details and side trips along the way to the non-existent punchline. Often he takes his dentist's tools out of your mouth to gesticulate along with the story, which means that the procedure is prolonged. I'm writing this review in the hopes that he sees it, isn't too hurt or offended, and next time I go in he has cut out the storytelling and excessive chitchat and sticks to dentistry. Because while he is a bad storyteller, he is a great dentist! read more

I've been going to dentist for 35 years and this is by far my best experience. Doctor Benson is careful, thoughtful, conservative about treatment. The dental hygienists and staff always go above and beyond. read more

I seemed to have a different dentist every year while growing up, so I've seen what else is out there. In college, I started going to Dr. Benson, and in the ten years since I've graduated, I've continued to go back to Dr. Benson no matter where in the Bay Area I've moved to. He's knowledgeable and straight to the point. The entire staff is fantastic. Appointments need to be booked months in advance, but so worth it. read more

I just had my oral exam. He was very informative on the status of my teeth and all the options i had. My family had seen him for year and have always thought that he was a great dentist and a great listener for any questions you have. The highlight of my exam is that he taught me how to brush and floss by showing me on my teeth. I'm very excited to start working with him read more

I had an unfortunate bike accident where I busted two of my teeth. One was chipped, and the other was gone all the way to the gumline. I was really freaked out, to put it mildly. After reading a couple reviews of Yelp, I crossed my fingers and gave Dr. Benson's office a call the next morning to explain the situation. Luckily, there was an opening that day. I went in, thinking it would be weeks before I had a full mouth again. Less than two hours later, I had my teeth back. They treated me right there on the spot! I was thrilled. Dr. Benson worked his magic, kindly explaining to me what he was doing, not that I could always follow along. His staff was friendly too. I can't tell you how grateful I am for their patience and understanding. I'll be a regular patient from now on. read more

Dr Benson is great. I feal like a family member when I go to his office. Roy

When I was in grad school and my tooth started throbbing I went to many dentists and Dr. Benson was the only honest guy to be found (according to my retired dentist dad). He told me that some things can't be explained and that the pain will probably go away. Which it did. And he didn't charge me a thing for that visit. Every other dentist I went to wanted to charge me an arm and a leg to fill cavities that Dr. Benson said were not a big deal. He's just not in it for the money. And Susan, the hygienist is such a sweetie. read more

I was actually looking Dr. Benson's e-mail address and found this instead. I have known Dr. Benson 23 years as a patient. Dr. Benson went from driving a beat up Volkswagen to the BMW he has now. He has not changed his ethics, nor his chairside manner, unless to improve it, in 23 years dispite his personal financial success. Not to mention, he can be incredibly funny sometimes. Like one review said, he is a "nerd" dentist. He is always honest with me on treatment options and it seems that he just wants me to have as many of my own teeth as possible. His motto seems to be "if it's not broke, don't fix it". Some dentists will do crazy things that might not be in the patient's best interest just to get a little extra cash or to satisfy a demanding patient. Not Dr. Benson. It he says you need it, you do need it. If he says no such as to cosmetic processes such as whitening trays, he knows that they are not safe for everyone's teeth. I got orthodontics at the age of 40 years because Dr. Benson said they would help me keep my own teeth longer. Were they a miracle? NO. Did they work? Yes. I personally will not go to any other dentist for as long as possible because Dr. Benson is the best. read more

When I first went to Dr. Benson 11 years ago, I was afraid of dental work. For my first filling, he had someone come in and hold my hand for a minute until I got comfortable. He has that level of commitment to his patients and their comfort. You can also pay a small fee for laughing gas which takes away anxiety during procedures. He is very thorough and honest. Yes, he is a dental geek but that is why I trust him. His staff is always personable and knowledgable too. I have never had any pain with a teeth cleaning, something that can't be said for my previous dental offices. I actually love going to the dentist now as it feels like visiting friends and I know I am doing what I can to have healthy teeth. read more

Dr. David Benson is highly professional and greatly skilled dentist. He really cares about your teeth, keeping those teeth and offering some lower priced alternatives, which is so rare in dentistry today. He has the best support staff in Berkeley. It's true, making appointments may make time, because he is in demand. Wouldn't you really have the best? If you become his patient, he will be always be there for you. read more

I went to Dr. Benson for years and finally decided that I could probably find a dentist that I liked better and I have. Every time I went in, I felt gently scolded by his staff, despite having good oral hygiene. Despite being young, I was told that my gums were receding, that my bone was disappearing and that I needed oral surgery. He seems to have issues with people keeping their wisdom teeth (many people still have them including in my family) and repeatedly suggested that I have them removed because one day they COULD become infected. I don't take surgery lightly and felt annoyed that he kept bringing this up. Finally, I went to a consult with an oral surgeon he referred me to, to learn that not only was wisdom tooth removal NOT recommended, but that I could experience permanent nerve damage based on the placement of these teeth. I quickly tired of being a captive audience for stories and anecdotes about his personal life, as did my partner. Awkward and uncomfortable. When my partner complained that he had shaky hands and was not feeling comfortable having him perform procedures on him, that was the last straw. He is a nice person, but wasn't a fit for my dental needs. read more