They are no longer in business. I was a long time patient of Dr Galera. I really enjoyed her and her staff. It came as a massive shock to find that she closed her business and some other dentist office took over their spot... not a fan of the new place and definitely not the same caliber of customer service. I'm giving a 3 star only because She is no longer practicing. She would be a 5 star, the business that took over I wasn't impressed with customer service so I wasn't about to try them so they're a 1 star to me. read more

I really appreciate that all the staff is vaccinated and that the windows in the exam rooms are open and there's circulation. I had to get some fillings and in my life have been to several dentists. But in this office, I totally love and appreciate the techniques that Dr. Pasimio used in numbing me with the injections. In the past all other dentists have just administered the numbing gel and then do the injection, pain and all. But here, Dr P did a quick light injection to increase the local numbing, and injected gradually so that no needles were felt! She also shook the cheek to distract as well, so I just had to shout out that expert technique. Additionally this office is so thorough and holistic. I've been to dental offices that talk that game. But this place has a real down to earth commitment about it, so grateful for the quality care here. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Galera for a few years now, although I have only seen Dr. Galera herself a few times. She has a rotating door of staff and other dentists who share her office, so this review is generally about the entire staff, since I can't pinpoint one individual who is responsible for everything I experienced. During my last several cleanings, I told them that I was having a lot of sensitivity on one specific tooth. They brushed it off, saying it was probably my receding gums (although that specific tooth and the surrounding gums don't seem to have much recession, but OK) and told me to "avoid eating or drinking anything hot or cold on that side of your mouth." For 2 years this went on. At one point they suggested some prescription strength toothpaste, which honestly did nothing, but cost me $20. Every time I visited the office for a cleaning, I told them the sensitivity was still there, and if anything, it was getting worse. Finally, the sensitivity turned to outright pain, and I made an appointment to have them look at it. I was told that the pain is probably because I just clench my jaw at night, and I was given a temporary night guard that looked like a chewed up piece of gum and told that I should take some Ibuprofen and wear the guard and hopefully the pain will go away. The next morning I woke up in excruciating, blinding pain. I called Dr. Galera's office in tears and demanded they send me to an endodontist immediately. A couple hours later, I received an emergency root canal from an endodontist who was fairly shocked that Dr. Galera's office had not caught the fact that I had a necrotic nerve. The gross negligence of this office has cost me time, money, and energy, and I don't wish the same experience on anyone. Additionally, the office itself is in a completely derelict building that looks as if it's about to crumble to the ground any minute. The front desk staff was always kind to me and for that reason I'm giving it an additional star, but I am sorry to say that I can't in good faith recommend this dentist. read more

This is the best dental office I have ever been in. I've been in a few and I have had experiences ranging from ok to terrible. Everyone here remembers your name. Everyone there seems to love what they do and it shows. Nobody wants to go to the dentist but if you have to this is the office you want to go to. If I have to give a negative, it's hard to get an appointment because Dr. Galera is so in demand. However, the staff will call you when there is a cancellation and try to get you in earlier. I love that! Regular dentist visits don't seem so bad now. read more

Mischarged us more than once. Doesn't follow up with insurance company when asked to submit certain items. Then treats my family member like a child. Not again! read more

The best Dentist in Alameda! Happy to hear about her retirement. Dr. Barbara Galera and her staff will truly missed especially by me and all the excellent dental work she and her staff provided me since 2007. Take care all! read more

I've been coming to Dr. Galera's office for MANY years now and am never going anywhere else even if I always have to drive from SF to Alameda! She not only takes care of me but my whole family as well. Her staff is super friendly, they are very tech savvy and of course Dr. Galera is the best! read more

Going to the dentist is never pleasant, and I've had serious Dentist Fear for many years. But I just had the single MOST pleasant filling replacement I have ever had (and I've had a few), courtesy of Dr. Galera and her incredibly sweet, knowledgeable, and likeable staff. The procedure was a bit of a surprise, since I had planned to only go in for an Invisalign consult, but everyone in the office did everything possible to make me feel well taken care of. Something I particularly appreciated about today's visit is that everyone introduced themselves (including the assistants), and told me exactly what they were about to do, and WHY - before they actually did it. This meant I understood what was going on at all times, and could consent to what was happening. And when I shared with the technician that I am particularly sensitive to pain, she gave me extra numbing gel - and between that and Dr. Galera's great technique, I did not feel the novocaine needle at all. Not one bit. This was my second visit to Dr. Galera's office. My first visit a few days ago was a standard x-ray, exam, and cleaning, and I really enjoyed meeting all of the staff. Dr. Galera in particular did everything possible to make me feel comfortable - including explaining tooth anatomy, showing me the various high-tech tools she was using and why, and sharing with me some treatment options. Something I particularly appreciated about that visit was the hygienist I worked with also works out of a periodontist's office, so she was able to give me good information about gum disease (which I've had problems with in the past), and how to prevent it from recurring. She also mostly kept conversation to my health rather than other topics (great when you've got a mouth full of equipment). I walked away feeling exceptionally well taken care of. I also didn't feel judged, which is incredibly important. I'm extraordinarily sensitive to feeling judged when I go see medical professionals, and all the staff made me feel like I was already doing a pretty darn good job of taking care of my health, while still providing pointers on how to get better. I am looking forward to many years of excellent, high-quality dentistry with this great team! Thanks, Dr. Galera, for helping me get over my fear of the dentist. read more

Let me start with, I am the most high maintenance dental patient around when it comes to my overly sensitive teeth. I get really anxious when I have to go to the dentist. Dr. Galera and her staff have worked patiently with me to make my appointments the least anxiety provoking possible. And it has worked, I now do not worry about cleanings and dental procedures at all. I think it's the best dentistry practice around. Her office is easy to get to with ample parking. And upon entering Galera's practice I am greeted immediately by her friendly receptionist. The practice is clean and well appointed with a comfortable waiting room supplied with an abundance of things to read (unfortunately I have no time to read because I've never been made to wait!) Dr. Galera's staff is outstanding; they are all friendly, professional and courteous. The doctor's care is excellent and thorough she is up to date with the latest information and technology. I and my husband have been patients of hers for about ten years now and neither of us would go anywhere else. Thanks for your ongoing fantastic service. read more

Dr. Galera is by far the best dentist I have ever been to. Right off the bat her friendly, down to earth, staff made me feel comfortable and reassured about their professionalism. Like everyone else says, I actually look forward to my dental appointments! What sets Dr. Galera apart from other dentists that I've been to is that she is very knowledgeable and informative without coming across as being coldly clinical or condescending. She clearly explains everything that she plans to do in layman's terms and explains things *as* she's doing it. She is very good at putting you at ease which is important when you're feeling vulnerable on your back with your mouth gaping, tubes stuck in there, and whizzing drills excavating your teeth. In fact, I was so relaxed I almost took a nap the last time I had a filling done. Other pluses: they use tech forward dental gizmos that I've never seen elsewhere, parking is ample, they give you headphones to soothe you, they make night guards in house so turn around time is fast. read more

The most gentle, caring, and professional dentist I have ever been to. I'm fortunate to have come here since she opened her dental practice.

I've been in there periodically for years, and am pleased with their office. It's clean, neat, and everyone, including Dr. Galera, is pleasant and knowledgeable. I recommend Dr. Galera's practice. read more

I've never felt in more better hands than with Dr. Dinh and the team at Barbara Galera, DDS. Pain is a thing of the past at this office. Everyone is incredibly friendly and the focus is on you. Not to mention in my 30 years of visiting medical dental practices, I've never experienced the art of the tooth. Literally, Dr Dinh makes sure everything looks natural and feels natural. Not to mention I got to take advantage of the cutest therapy dog and listen to miles Davis on my headphones during while work was being done. Don't wait and visit their practice today! read more

Good dentist, but have experienced better. Be forewarned: additional costs for "extra" work may be tacked on to your bill. Twice I got stung with substantial increases in cost. read more

As a nearly lifelong patient of Dr. Galera, it really pains me to have to write this review, but after a particularly disappointing appointment, I feel that I have to put in my 2 cents. The issue that started my conflict with Dr. Galera had to do with me refusing to have dental x-rays done for a period of time, due to already having been exposed to excessive amounts of x-ray radiation recently from imaging tests that I had to undergo to diagnose some medical problems. Dr. Galera was uncomfortable with this, and initially informed me of the risks of forgoing dental x-rays. I am an educated person, and told her that I appreciate the disclosure and am ok with assuming that risk, and that I will not hold her liable in any way if a dental problem develops as a result of my deviating from the usual x-ray schedule. I even offered to sign a waiver to that effect. This was apparently not good enough, and over the next couple of visits to her office, Dr. Galera proceeded to become increasingly uncooperative and confrontational with me about my wishes. In my most recent and final visit she came into my exam room and very curtly told me that she does not feel comfortable treating a patient that will not allow her to do what she feels that she needs to do, and that perhaps I should find another dentist. I was stunned. I have had a professional relationship with this woman for probably over 20 years, and was essentially being dismissed as a patient because I would not give in to her inflexible demands for diagnostic treatment that I do not feel comfortable having done at this time. I have always respected Dr. Galera's expertise but ultimately I feel that at the end of the day, it is a patient's right to decide for him/herself on a course of treatment, and a provider needs to respect that right. Being bullied and pushed repeatedly to have a procedure done that I do not wish to have does not work for me, especially something that's not critical, at least in the short term. Ultimately, Dr. Galera told me she'd be willing to make "an exception" for me - after telling me that I should look for another dentist - but I am frankly very surprised and offended at how poorly I was treated, and will indeed be looking for another dentist. It makes me sad to have to end a long-standing professional relationship over an issue that I feel has been blown completely out of proportion by the doctor, but I don't feel comfortable entrusting my dental care to someone who can't respect my basic wishes about my own health and who has a "my way or no way" approach to patient care. On a side note, Dr. Galera's staff is great, especially her hygienist Chris, and I am sad to have to bid them goodbye. read more

Dr. Galera's staff are very friendly, and Dr. Galera herself is very approachable and pleasant to work with. I was really pleased with the dental work she performed for me and my family on our first visit. Sadly, my family and I unfortunately will not be returning. When it comes to billing, I came away confused and disappointed. Prior to performing the dental work, I was told how much my insurance provider was expected to pay - inline with what I was expecting and what I've experienced in past visits to my previous dentist. However, later I was told my insurance did not in fact cover the procedure. The administrator on the phone was as equally surprised saying my insurance provider "should have covered the service". Dr. Galera's office never bothered to check to see if that was the case. Several months later, received a call asking money for a delinquent charge for said dental work. Now I was really confused, as I spoke to the assistant looking at a hard copy of my receipt. As it turns out, my payment had been applied to a different client member's account who shared the same last name. How does something like this happen? I need to have my wisdom teeth removed at some point. What happens when I'm told my anesthesia "should have been covered", only to find out it wasn't? My first experiences with this office makes me nervous about having any serious dental work done here. A real shame, because my wife and I really like Dr. Galera and thought we found our new family dentist :( read more

Front office is run by idiots that can not keep track of appointments or patient data. They requested my medical records from my old doctor but somehow managed to lose my phone number and email address so when I turned up, my appointment was canceled without me knowing. How is that possible? read more

I called this place to make an appointment and was immediately asked for my social security number and birth date. Social Security number? After the shock wore off, I called back and found out that they didn't need my SSN, because I have a member ID no. with my insurance company...so they didn't need to ask for my SSN at all. Why did they ask? I can't remember the last time I was asked for my SSN over the phone. Maybe this dentist is great, but I will never get to find out--thanks to the receptionist. First impressions mean a lot, and my first impression of this place is that the security of their patients' identity is not important to them. What else about their patients do they consider unimportant? They are not touching my teeth. No thanks. read more

When my teenage daughter surprised me with the marvelous gift of seven cavities, my wallet revolted...all those co-payments would mean that we'd only be eating Top Ramen for months. Dr. Galera's office VERY GENEROUSLY worked out a reasonable and rational payment plan. Thanks, Dr. Galera and her business management team! read more

First time coming to this Dental office after hearing good reviews however I had the worst customer experience. I got there 5 min before my scheduled appointment. The receptionist greeted me by a diff name and I corrected her and said it's my first time. She then said I didn't have an appointment but I pulled up my email and showed her the confirmation. I was also called the day before to confirm. A week prior, I spoke to them over the phone to provide my insurance as well. It took 2 months to schedule this appointment with them. The receptionist told me to wait so she can confirm with the dentist. I waited and then she called me back and closed the door. She then whispered, (probably so no one else could hear) that they messed up. She said their system never recorded me and that they will contact them about the error. She offered to reschedule only for next week. I was clearly frustrated and they couldn't offer a better solution. She kept saying that I was suppose to call and confirm the appointment making it sound like my fault but I had already spoken to them twice over the phone and received a confirmation email. I won't be coming back or recommending this place to anyone. read more

Best dentist and oral surgeon. I have been a patient of Dr.Galera's for 10 years.

Still seeing Dr. Galera and her fantastic staff for more than 10 years. Here is something I noticed that I think is significant. Most of her assistants have been there for as many years as I have been a patient. That says something very positive about the work environment that translates to the experience of a client. Had a great cleaning today and my teeth are still all mine and looking good. Thanks! read more

I have been going to Dr. Galera for probably about 10 years or possibly more. Most recently I had a crown done and it was pretty painless, considering. She and her staff are very personable and competent. She'll break the bad news about having to do something like the crown in a sympathetic but factual way. They don't use laughing gas and I am not missing that fuzziness as much as I thought I would. Dr. G has a really good way of administering the novocaine in such a way that you don't usually feel it but most of all, you rarely see the big needle coming at you to make you scared. Cris the hygienist is very good. I have recommended friends and family and I came due to a personal referral as well. Recently recommended Dr. G to my coworker and I hope she goes. read more

My favorite dentist I've ever had. Dr Galera and her team are great. I have no hesitation recommending her to my family and friends. I first started seeing Dr. Galera after another dentist did a bad job on a crown and some fillings. Dr. Galera fixed the problems. That was 11 years ago. I have been happy to continue seeing her and her team ever since. read more

Dr. Galera is a wonderful dentist and has been mine for 8 years. In fact I see her tomorrow. She also uses the latest technology which I love. Her hygienists and appointment staff are all very professional and friendly. I love that she has music and CD players for your use along with painted ceilings. She helps you relax before injecting the big novocaine needle, she makes what can be an uncomfortable experience as pleasant as possible. read more

From the time I walked in to walking out I was treated so nicely. Everyones helpful and its very clean. They explain what they're doing and do it well. Im very happy that I was referred here,I am totally at ease and thats a big plus considering im am a little terrified of having my teeth worked on. Thank you so much! read more

The wonder women of Alameda! If you are looking for a great dentist in Alameda, Dr Galera and her team are terrific. They are all very friendly and professional. I've never had to wait. They take care of all the paperwork and explain everything. The hygienists are very thorough and take their time with my cleanings. My teeth feel so clean afterwards. During my fillings, I felt comfortable and in good hands. Highly recommended. read more

Ok so I went to this dentist because my insurance changed and I found her on this site she took exrays and said she found a issue with my back teeth so she referred me to another doctor a specialist I'm thinking this is going to be free of charge for her to look at my teeth and I end up going to the specialist getting seen for less then five minutes being told there's nothing wrong with my teeth and end up being charged $190 i was shocked I left the office a message and it's been three day and no one has called me back I will let you guys know how this ends read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Galera for many years now, and although the service WAS always great, it has definitely become sub-par. I started noticing a change since she started having a high staff turnover. No one even bothered to tell me my hygienist of many years was leaving. So unprofessional in my eyes. It's like not being informed your primary care physician will no longer be your primary care physician!! The front desk which used to be tidy and organized and knew what she was doing, was now un-organized and seemed to have difficulty with the simplest of tasks (Also new staff). I am disappointed and unsure of what course of action I will take, I just hope this is helpful to to those who are looking for honesty. There are a lot of great reviews on here but definitely outdated. read more

Best Dentist Ever! I wish my doctors office would be as great as Dr. Galeras!! Everyone there really goes out of their way to make you feel like a person and not just a number. Thanks to her and her whole staff. You guys are the only ones that could get me to actually start a nightly flossing routine and stick with it! :D ---- that's my healthy, Dr. Galera perfected, smile. read more

Who can say they love their dentist??!! I CAN!!! Mind you I hadn't been to a dentist in about 5 years so my prognosis was kind of grim. I went in a little nervous about what the outcome of the visit was going to be, and sure enough... I needed 5 fillings! As you all know, fillings are not cheap. I decided I only had enough money to do the most serious of my 5 fillings at this time. Dr. Galera made sure I was comfortable the entire time and was so gentle, polite, and told me what she was doing every step of the way with all these neat high tech gadgets that I have never seen before. I felt so thoroughly taken care of that by the time she was done I was 100% POSITIVE I was going to have Dr. Galera do ALL of my fillings with their soonest available appointments. The pleasant experience at the dentist is worth every penny. read more

I recently went to the dentist for the 1st time in about 5 years... I was scared. The prognosis wasn't glowing, but Dr. Galera and staff were all professional, friendly and informative. I have since had one extraction (outsourced by the Dr, to a competent oral surgeon) and two deep cleanings. I still need to have 5 fillings done but am confident because of my prior appointments that these will be accomplished with minimum pain and a pro attitude by Dr. Galera and the staff here! Thanks to the hygienists and the Dr for being so considerate, professional and good! If you live on the island she should really be your dentist! I feel like a commercial! OK. read more

I have been going to Dr. Galera for several years now and she and her staff have always provided the highest level of care. They are always friendly and have the time to answer any and all questions. My teeth feel great after I visit the hygienist and I know I am in good hands when I see Dr. Galera - I wouldn't go anywhere else! read more

Dr Galera is the BEST!!! I have been to so many dentist in my life and used to hate going to the dentist until I met Dr. Galera. She is very professional and does not try to make money off of your insurance like some of the other dentists I have been to. All my kids go there even my 15 yr old. She is very knowledgable and painless when it comes to the injections. I highly recommend her. I have been with her for about 10 yrs now and will never leave. Thank you, Thank you. Dr. Galera. read more

Your search for a dentist in Alameda should end at the office of Dr. Barbara Galera. I've been a patient of Dr. Galera's for over 10 years and have always received excellent care! She performs thorough examinations, is very informative in her explanations about processes and procedures when I have dental work done so I know what's going on, and is wonderful at making me feel comfortable and at ease in the chair. Her staff is a team of friendly and knowledgeable professionals who provide superior customer service. The office is easy to find with plenty of parking, and is equipped with the latest dental technology . read more

Dr. Galera is a superb and highly skilled dentist. I have been going to her for years. I have complete trust in her and her excellent staff. She has my highest recommendation. read more

I agree with "SA", in that I too, had a very similar experience regarding billing issues with Dr Galera's office. Just like "SA", after receiving a procedure, they told me what the insurance would pay and how much my share was. I paid, thinking that was it. Later on, I receive a bill in the mail asking for more money. The said that the insurance company didn't pay what they thought, so they wanted more money! It seems to me that the problem should be straightened out with the INSURANCE company then, if they didn't pay what they said they would pay, but instead, Dr Galera's office just goes after the patient. When I tried to talk with Dr Galera's staff, just like with "SA"'s experience, I was treated rudely and asked to find another dentist. I found one the next day, and her staff is SO much more informed about billing issues, so really, it worked out for the best. Still though, like others who have posted here, the real shame is having to leave the great hygienist Cris! She was truly the last remaining good staff person, and she has been there forever! I think that Dr Galera's billing problems started happening when her longtime receptionist/billing person left [I forgot her name]. That girl KNEW how to do billing, and she always computed the correct patient copay amount. Others here have posted about the years of service of her staff members. It was true in the past, but over the past couple of years, ever since her longtime receptionist/billing person left, Dr Galera's office has basically installed a "revolving door" at the entrance, for all the staff that are constantly coming and going, with the lone exception of the hygienist Cris. Currently there is nobody there who has been there ,very long except Cris. Like others have said, this is not a good sign, and contributes to the billing problems that I and others appear to be having. Dr Galera does seem to have a problem when patients question their bills, as others here have also experienced. She does have a modernly equipped office, with the latest dental equipment, but it is all for nothing if she doesn't have an office staff to back it up. read more