I felt very safe when I got my recent cleaning. They took all the necessary pandemic precautions, and then some. And the pandemic didn't keep the staff from being their normal, bright, and friendly selves. I've been going to Dr. Pacleb for over a decade, and I've never felt more at ease when going to a dentist's office. They do great work, never try to sell me on unneeded work, and give me the straight truth when discussing what needs to be done. The staff has always been super helpful, and as I mentioned, bright and friendly. It's not too much to say that I love this place (which is probably the last thing anyone expects to hear about a dentist's office). read more

Horrible treatment for a senior! This dentist owned office does bad business in my experience. They owe me the most important appt that I have already paid for. Mostly the problems are with the manager (deception & delayed or no communication) though isn't every owner the one ultimately responsible? If Dr Ellen Pacleb cared about following through on the clinical - administrative end I am sure she would of. They market they will give you a Report of Findings type end visit with the manager who claims clinician experience to do so. Is she an unlicensed technician or dentist of some sort that is able to give findings after assement from what the actually licensed dentist used to give? This being up to half hour (in their office) as your last part of services rendered while establishing care. I never got the complete care promised and even had it scheduled at one point before it was apparent there was no charting notes. Apparently those notes is what usually happens there (of course!) and lends the foundations for the manager to be able to do her last appt with me before treatment with dentist or specialized cleaning all within the office. This could be possibly because I spoke up about it as the office manager decided to attempt to deny access of any future possibilities of that appt just yesterday. Dismissive business folks shouldn't underestimate the ability for a patient to see through the nefarious. Not keeping their word on a critical piece of the post assesment is unethical. Is not that precisely why a person would go to the dentist? To understand clearly what is wrong with our teeth/mouth/gums so we can make an informed consent decision on what to do next? With the clinician and/or overall staff? I even have a family member who was treated haphazardly too. Just last year! They made it so hard for her, also a senior, that she gave up and established elsewhere. In my situation there were not even any chart notes after an extensive visit with the Dr where no information was given to me in real time. Part of the overall office culture in my experience is unprofessionalism. Cutting corners in this business leaves the patient high and dry - unless they advocate like I am in this case. The manager (or Dentist not sure) withheld time sensitive information that I needed a very specialized Dr outside of the office and didn't even have the respect to tell me for a year. And they didn't divulge why (with dx etc) I was recommended this yesterday add on type of care in the first place. Extraordinary poorly managed medical dental office. If you want to be treated like a number and wait a long time for communication that may never come this is your place. They sure are capable it seems in taking your money. There is no cutting corners there. Glad I owe not a penny and have verification of what I just stated above to seek fairness when able. read more

We went to this practice for a while but came to feel they just wanted money. It started when Dr Pacleb told me all my fillings needed to be replaced, requiring multiple different visits over a period of weeks. I grew skeptical. Around the same time, they scheduled my wife for multiple visits for simple things that seemed as if they could have been consolidated. All this made us feel like our mouths were a means of extracting money from insurance. Sure enough, the two denstists we just told us everything looks great without any excess. read more

Update....Delta Dental reviewed my dispute and agreed that I was overcharged!!! This office was not responding to any of their inquiries. So basically I got stiffed for almost $300. As a favor to any patient going forward, please ask for insurance authorization before paying a dime. read more

Starting with the good: the clinic is clean, pleasant, well-appointed. The desk staff are pleasant and skilled. The X-ray tech was kind and easy to work with. Dr. Pacleb herself is pleasant and professional. That said, I had an unpleasant experience with the business practices at the clinic. While doing my first routine cleaning there, the hygienist broke off a piece of orthodonture glued to my teeth. She exclaimed ("oh my God") when she did so, so I don't think this was an expected occurrence. Dr. Pacleb said she would re-glue the device when I came in for a procedure the next day. The next day, after Dr. Pacleb finished the other procedure (over $1K) , I reminded her that she had said she would fix the broken device. But she said there "wasn't time" to do the repair that day. She then referred me to her business manager, who told me Dr. Pacleb would not fix the device after all. Contrary to what Dr. Pacleb had told me, the business manager said my device was bound to break, and that I would need to repair the damage elsewhere, at my own expense. I understand that mistakes happen. But I felt the clinic's response to this situation was dismissive. It did not indicate they saw value in retaining my business, despite the fact that they had prescribed $5K of work on my teeth. I told the business manager I was unhappy with how they were handling it. As I see it, a minimal, reasonable response would have been to comp the cost of my hygiene appointment, which was significantly less than the cost to replace the broken device (local estimates to do so ranged from $400 to $1k). But the business manager told me the clinic would not do anything to acknowledge my expense and inconvenience. I had been excited about working with a female dentist and had no complaints about Dr. Pacleb, except that she did not straightforwardly tell me, when I asked her directly, that she had decided not to fix the device after all. The clinic should have called me ahead of my appointment to tell me I would need to repair the damage to the orthodonture elsewhere, not waited until the very end of an (anesthetized) appointment to deliver that news. I found the good cop/bad cop approach to be off-putting and unsavory. When I called the practice to let them know I would like my records transferred to another local practice, they did not ask me if there was anything they could have done better. read more

Looking for a new dentist, if so Ellen Palceb, DSS, in Albany is the perfect choice. From the moment you walk in the building you are greeted with a warm welcome and the staff is extremely knowledgeable and the the comprehensive exam is thorough and completed with some pretty cool technology. And I must add that the music selection played throughout the clinic is second to none. read more

I've been coming to this office for a very long time but I've noticed in recent years it's become increasingly difficult to get an appointment, reschedule in a timely manner, get someone to call or email me back, etc. Recently, I needed to reschedule an appointment due to a work conflict and the next available appointment was literally 4 months away- unless I wanted to call weekly to see if there were any cancellations. This is a wonderful office, but I'm sorry that wait time is insane. I've also noticed no one will return messages or respond to inquiries placed through the website. I think their business has grown substantially (which is great), but it seems to be at a detriment to existing patients. I'm sure they don't want to turn new patients away but they clearly aren't equipped to handle everyone. Giving them 3 stars because it really is the best dentist office I'd ever been to (if you can actually get in). I even kept coming here after I moved from the area! Unfortunately, I'll be looking for another dentist due to difficulty getting appointments and overall lack of responsiveness. Very disappointed to feel pushed out as I've been a patient here for a long time :( read more

Long term client . Consistent, thorough , thoughtful care and service. Highly recommended.

Best dentist in the East Bay! Such a caring team and Dr. Pacleb is amazing. She provides patient centered care, without pressure and will work with you (and your insurance boundaries) to take care of your dental needs. Dental hygienists take their time and provide excellent suggestions on optimizing oral care during your routine cleaning. read more

Cost me hundreds of dollar because Maxine repeatedly give me wrong information on my insurance but refuse to take any responsibility. I was not told to bring my night guard when to do a crown. So I have to pay an extra go back to fit it to the new dental crown. read more

I've left favorable reviews for Dr. Pacleb's office before but am compelled to do so again simply because this office is just that good. After being completely dissatisfied with more dentists in the area than I can count, I came to this office with major dental problems and very little hope. But surprisingly, as soon as I walked through the door, I felt at ease. Not only was the entire staff professional, they were also compassionate. And I do mean everyone, from the receptionist to the hygniests, to the technicians, to the lab experts and of course to Dr. Ellen.....everyone demonstrated the highest level of care; and for the very first time, I knew I had found the perfect office. As most people know, going to the dentist (even for routine work) can be highly stressful.....not only from a treatment standpoint, but it's also psychological. If you are anything like me, I avoided routine dental appointments at all costs; now, and as unbelievably as it sounds, I look forward to those visits. Special thanks to Elisa, Maxine, Adam, Marisol, Katie and my magical lab technician Chuck. And to Dr. Ellen, I consider you an expert....your level of skill, precision and dedication demonstrates this during each visit....and your niceness....well that's a 5 star rating! TRY THIS OFFICE....YOU WILL BE AMAZED! read more

I found Dr. Pacleb through my insurance network and the office is just a few minutes away from where I live so it was very convenient. I had to come in due to a tooth emergency and they were able to squeeze me in a few days later. I have a lot of commitment issues when it comes to dentists (too many traumatic and negative experiences when I was younger) but Dr. Pacleb made me feel so supported and informed. The office itself is very warm and inviting and all the staff are so friendly and put you at ease during the whole process. I never felt pressured or coerced into anything and Dr. Pacleb made sure I was comfortable during the whole procedure. I fully intend on finally committing to a dentist and even encouraged my husband to start coming to Dr. Pacleb as a new patient as well! read more

I don't normally do online reviews, but yesterday Dr. Pacleb and her front office staff (who are always excellent) earned a 5-star review for their response when I was in pain. They squeezed me in for the second day in a row, and sorted out my situation efficiently and with great kindness. I've been going to Dr. Pacleb for several years, and I'm very satisfied. read more

If your looking for a good dentist don't go here! She is extremely nice,BUTshe allows her dental assistants to finish her work. Because of this I lost 4 teeth and now have to have expensive implants. If u get your teeth cleaned, don't go to her husband, he's annoying and never shuts up! read more

Needed a crown; had to go in after work. Dr. P. told me her assistant would do it, the assistant had been a dentist in another country. The assistant worked on me for an hour, leaving me with a space between the temporary crown and the next tooth that was too tight. I protested but she was not proficient in English and could not understand what I was saying. I asked Dr. P. for help. She said the crown was only temporary, I'd be fine, and I should go home and rest because they were closing. Next day I had food wedged in the space and was in terrible pain. I called the office; was on hold for a long time so I drove over there. They were closed. They had forgotten to roll their phones to an emergency number. Dentist in the office next door saw me, took pity, and fixed my tooth. As I was leaving Dr. P. came in. She wondered what I was doing there. I told her that her assistant had been unable to communicate effectively with me or understand my concerns; she had done such a bad job that I was in terrible pain; and I was unable to get emergency help because her office had not switched the phones to an on-call number. She didn't apologize, got defensive, didn't address any of my comments. There's no excuse for any of this. I recommend Dr. Thomas Smithers. read more

While I find the staff here to be friendly, I'm sad to say after 7 years of being a patient here I was left with no choice but to find another dentist. I was getting cleanings here every 3 months, and after having some health issues come up recently that Dr Pacleb assured me were medical in nature, found out 4 specialists later, were actually a result of poor teeth cleanings. I called Dr Pacleb's office twice and asked to speak with her directly and both office staff assured me that I would get a call back same day, that was over a month ago now. No one has ever called me back and so here is my feedback via Yelp. read more

I've been going to this dentist since it used to be Dr Pederson's and I must say, Ellen Pacleb is amazing. She's a perfectionist herself, and any complicated dental work I've had done (two crowns, a root canal, and two veneers) has all been exquisitely executed. Her staff is courteous and professional, and she has the best oral hygienist I've ever met. In my last few visits, I've discovered why people of english/irish origin have worse teeth, why whitening toothpastes are actually bad for your teeth, and lots of other really useful day-to-day tips on keeping my mouth healthy. I love this dentist, I'd gladly recommend Dr Pacleb to all my friends :) read more

Great dentist. I got referred here a number of years ago. Soon my wife and daughter were coming, too, and we are all loyal customers now. Friendly, comfortable atmosphere and excellent dentistry. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Pacleb since she took over Dr. Peterson's practice. The new office is modern and inviting. They are very congenial with appointment times and trying to make things work. The male assistant is HILARIOUS which is nice when you are getting your teeth cleaned and fixed. Most people don't like going to the dentist. I am one of them. This place makes it bearable... which is an enormous feat. read more

The thing I like the most about this dentist office is how honest the advice is. Your teeth aren't going to last forever, they all wear out eventually. But doing the right thing for your teeth can make it so that they last just long enough that the rest of you will wear out first. :) Dr. Pacleb and her team are very upfront about doing what you can to keep your teeth healthy for as long as possible. My hygienist I see every time is Tom. He is always full of great explanations about teeth; though I sometimes think we get a little too carried away chatting and then I end up being in the office longer than my appointment. This place is seriously great. I enjoy going to the dentist. As others have said, I'm not sure what's up with the review by M S (http://www.yelp.com/biz/ellen-m-pacleb-dds-albany?hrid=3YJm8AgG7HFYBQOrTTIRag). Dr Pacleb does all operations such as crowns herself, she speaks perfect English, and there isn't another dentist next door. Seems the review may have been mistaken. read more

My wife, kids and I have been going to Dr. Pacleb's office for three years and I've never been to a better dental office. Everyone is very friendly, and I especially appreciate that they never try to make me feel bad about missing a regular cleaning or whatever, like most other dentists do. I also like the fact that they are on the cutting edge, they have lots of new technology and are knowledgable about the newest developments in dentistry. I especially love Tom, who's the most friendly and knowledgable dental hygienist I've ever met. (I noticed that one other review says he's "annoying and never shuts up"--I get where that's coming from, and I could see folks not liking him, but I think he's the best, so YMMV, and there are other hygienist options.) Anyway, visits are by-and-large enjoyable and painless (except for, you know, all the pain in your mouth, but that's to be expected). As a side note, I am perplexed by this review by M S: http://www.yelp.com/biz/ellen-m-pacleb-dds-albany?hrid=3YJm8AgG7HFYBQOrTTIRag. It sounds like they've mixed up Dr. Pacleb with someone else. For one thing, I could never imagine Dr. Pacleb or any of her staff behaving that way. But the more confusing part: there is no dentist office next door! FWIW. read more

I would have to agree with the last two reviewers. I'm from out of state and recently moved down here to go to school. I found this dentist through Yelp and needless to say, my first visit exceeded my expectations. Aside from the fact that I did in fact have to get my teeth cleaned, it was a very pleasant and informative experience. Dr. Ellen Pacleb and her staff were friendly, helpful and have done a great job taking care of my teeth. They worked with me to make sure my insurance company would cover my visit and subsequent night guard. I have nothing but good things to say about this dentist and would/will recommend them to any of my friends and family. read more

I started going to Dr. Pacleb's office about 6 years ago on the recommendation of a coworker. And they have done a wonderful job all those 6 years. The staff are very helpful, professional, and knowledgeable. At the same time, they are friendly and fun to talk to. Tom (the hygienist), in particular, is a fun guy to talk to, and I enjoy hearing his stories. Strangely enough, I actually look forward to going to the dentist as a result! I once had a problem where my insurance wouldn't cover part of my visit that *was* covered under insurance, and they worked tirelessly to get the insurance company to pay for it. I really appreciated how much effort they put towards that, even though it took a year (!) for the insurance company to finally pay. Dr. Pacleb and Tom are great people, and I hope to keep coming here for years. If I ever have to move, I would be very sad because I don't think I could find a dental office as awesome as this one. read more

I have been going to Dr. Pacleb's dentist office since 2007. My family had been going to Dr. Pacleb years before I started. Dr. Pacleb is very professional when it comes to dentistry. I also am very fond of her hygienists: Tom and Nancy. They are both highly professional and are very informed about the ideals of dentistry. The office environment is cool and the receptionists are great at finding out follow-up appointments that best suit their clients. I was also a part of a 2 year dental study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco. This study looked for better ways to handle people's teeth, including special toothpaste, mints and mouthwash. Great dentistry. read more

Dr. Pacleb and her staff are wonderful-- very warm and friendly. Also, I feel like she is more open and honest than other dentists I've visited. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Pacleb (and Tom) for years! A lot of years! That in itself speaks volumes. My parents are also happy patients. From the happy and personal greeting at the door, throughout my visit and as I leave, I couldn't ask for much more. The atmosphere is so friendly. I always get good and honest advice and info about my teeth. (Which I have had a few "problem children") I never have to ask what to do next because it's always been laid out for me. Never ever would I even dream of going elsewhere! One con: I probably enjoy my visits way more than I should... On second thought, that's not a con at all! Sorry, couldn't have a negative thought if I tried. read more

Ellen Pacleb has been my dentist for many, many years: she took over the practice of an outstanding dentist with a kind and open personality. Ellen continues this legacy of highest quality dental skill and professionalism; her practice and staff are the most relaxed and familial I've experienced. Recently, Dr. Pacleb removed an old amalgam filling from me in one snap. I had been suffering in my mouth and body in generally, but it all seemed to seemed to begin healing instantly. I can't promise any miracles, but I can recommend Dr. Pacleb without reservation! read more

Very good office. Conservative approach. Careful and detailed explanations. I've been going to Dr. Pacleb's office for many years -- mainly for cleanings and checkups, as they've done a good job of taking care of my teeth. read more

I REALLY LOVE the atmosphere here!!!! The customer service is AMAZING and I felt SO comfortable!!! Dr. Pacleb was extremely kind and patient. She listens carefully and asks questions to get a clear understanding of who you are and what your dental concerns are. Did I mention, SHE LISTENS!! During the examination, she took her time explaining thoroughly what she saw to make sure I wasn't confused. (The technology she uses makes it very easy to understand the evaluation. ) I left feeling like I was a part of the family! They all made sure that I was cared for. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Pacleb's for over 6 years now. I honestly hadn't been to the dentist in about 10 years before due to drill-fear. Doc and her team started by addressing my fears and concerns and really put me at ease. Almost immediately I felt like part of the family and it's a real pleasure being their patient (even when a drill is involved). I've recommended Dr. Pacleb & Co. to many friends - I cannot thank them or sing their praises enough! THANK YOU! read more

I think Ellen and Tom have been my dentist and hygienist for at least 8 years now (I've lost track of how long), and it has been the most pleasantly uneventful time for my teeth because they are so good at preventive care and gently motivating me to cultivate good care habits. I grew up having so many cavities and fillings, and dreaded going to the dentist, but since I started with them, it's actually become a delightful visit! Tom is wonderful to talk with and a fount of information and amusing stories. Ellen is calm and patient and attentive. They alert me to any developing issues and discuss how that might impact my health and health costs. The few procedures I've needed have been done well and stood the test of time. The reception staff are friendly and professional. It's a warm, cheerful office, and I'm very pleased to be their client. read more

You won't be disappointed when you see Dr. Pacleb and staff. She has the most gentle touch and is THE nicest. When you go for a cleaning, ask for Tom Terrific! read more

Excellent dentist and staff. They are very careful and thorough and are available if you have a question or need extra care. I definitely recommend them! They've been my dentist since I moved to the area 12 years ago. read more

Horrible! Poor communication skills mixed with incompetence. She has one awesome male Tech, everyone else is painful, incompetent and indifferent. On my second visit I went in for a night guard, and a cleaning. The cleaning took an hour, the Hygienist was indifferent and was continually poking my gums with her sharp tools. The Fitting for the night guard was a night mare and included: The dental Tech using the wrong size tray causing painful abrasion to my gums, She had no response to my complaints of pain until the second tray went in. She said "Oh look at that, it was the wrong size." Not getting any info about the mouthful of gunk that was coming The 10 minute follow up appointment turned into an hour of Dr. Pacleb grinding on the guard because the lab didn't get the right dimensions from them the first time. When she got tired of grinding she let her tech (who had obviously never done this before) grind away At the end of appointment 2 they still didn't have a guard that fit, she re-scheduled me for a third appointment after more lab work. I mentioned to her that I wasn't having the greatest time with the process thus far and her response was to say" oh, ok, sorry about that" then she had her secretary call me the next day to talk about it. I guess she's above conflict resolution. She still couldn't get it right the third time so she canceled my appointment and wrote me a dear john letter about how our relationship wasn't working out! Dump them before they dump you, quite a way to treat your patients read more

Dentist and her husband are really nice people but when it comes to the conflict with one if their staff, dentist didn't try to fix it. This specific staff would act like she know your husband schedule more than you do. She will be aggressive when you call and say "my kid is sick , I cannot make to our appointments.There is no one to take care my sick kid so I could go to dentist with my other one !" She will say " How I fill this 3 hours appointments now ?" How should I know my kid would get sick and we wont be able to make it. She is rude and disrespectful to the situations :( read more

I've never had such a positive experience at a Dentist's office until I visited Dr. Pacleb. The atmosphere of the office is very calm and relaxing, it all seems very new and high tech. The staff is incredibly friendly and Dr. Pacleb did a very thorough examination. I would definitely recommend her to anyone else in search of a good dentist. read more

This is the first dentist I went to 5 years ago when I moved to San Francisco, after having seen the same dentist for literally 25 years in my hometown. My good friend Orthodonist Chad Sears referred met o Ellen. Ellen and her team have been nothing but amazing to me ever since I started. She is extremely nice and personal and I feel like she has my best interest at mind. She is friendly, sweet and I feel like she really knows what she's talking about. Her staff are insanely sweet and they all treat me with extreme respect and hospitality. I have referred several of my coworkers in the East Bay to see her and they also love her. They've always worked with me on my insurance issues and always try to put patients first...even with small things like ordering sonicare toothbrushes. I live in San Francisco and work in San Ramon and still drive to Albany just to keep Ellen as my dentist. Keep up the good work! It's also really nice that it's a family oriented environment. One of the first times I knew I was going to like it is when she introduced me to all her kids...which I thought was very personal. Thanks for alway making me feel welcome Ellen and team! read more

I really appreciate Dr. Pacleb's practice. Everyone working there is very nice and helpful, and they really care about cleaning your teeth. It's important to know, though, that your first appointment will probably be pretty long, since they are very thorough. I appreciated it though, because they never waste your time. You spend very little time waiting. Most importantly, whenever I leave, I feel like i have a new set of teeth. They really do a great job read more

At this office I was embraced, tolerated & pampered through my dental phobia. I'm a born again dental hygiene enthusiast.

This was my first visit to Dr. Pacleb and I was very pleased. I used to think that it was supposed to be a painful nightmarish experience going to the dentist being that my old dentist would stab me with various tools for a long period of time. That was not the case at this office! Dr. Pacleb squeezed me in for and emergency filling at the last minute and did a great job. She was gentle and very efficient. The procedure was quick and painless and the staff was very friendly. I never knew a dentist appointment could be so pleasant but I know I will definitely be back. I say go check it out....it won't hurt. I know it didn't hurt me :) P.S. the address that this site gives for this office is old. They recently moved to 1307 Solano Ave. Albany, CA 94706 read more