I had Grant Hofmann DDS clean my teeth today. I'm 58 years old and this was the best cleaning I've ever had. So gentle, professional and friendly. Can't recommend enough. read more

Garret S Madderra, DDS - Front of the practice - General Dentistry Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

The office staff is unprofessional, inept, and seem lazy. Both in person and on the phone. The "office manager" (Gavette) also doesn't return calls or emails in a timely manner and claims to not have received messages for appointment updates. Then charges for no shows. Dr. Madderra is pretty good, but expensive. There are many other dentists in the city with the same skills that are less expensive. read more

Highly recommend! I have been a long-term patient here at Madderra Dental Spa and have always been happy with the services I have received. Dr. M and his staff are very professional, helpful and friendly, and make me feel like family when I come in. They have been very reliable when I have needed them, not to mention the office atmosphere is very relaxing! read more

Dr. Madderra is the most gentle and thorough dentist I've ever had. He is hands on and very informative about your treatment plan. With the insurance billing and his awesome staff I'm. Very happy that I chose him as my new smile maker. read more

I have been a patient for a few years and Dr. Madderra's dental office is always an excellent experience. Not only is the staff friendly and professional, but the atmosphere is more relaxing than any dental office I've been to. It's modern, well-maintained, and has a soothing ambiance that makes my appointments feel luxurious. read more

I chose Dr. Madderra based on convenience at first, but I am a recurring patient, because the quality of care is high. The staff and Dr. Madderra are friendly and efficient, although responses to email could be faster (they're best via phone, which isn't as convenient for me). I'm one of those patients that loves sitting in that comfortable chair and getting my teeth cleaned, and I appreciate how knowledgeable my hygienist is and how willing she is to explain how things work in my mouth, so I can adjust habits, if needed. Additionally, they accept insurance. My previous two dentists stopped taking and stopped billing insurance, which meant more administrative work on my end. I don't want to add figuring out insurance stuff to my life. Thanks Dr. Madderra! read more

Love this dental spa! I was going to the dentist in the south bay, so when I moved to SF I asked around and a friend recommended doctor Madderra. Was getting something painful done, and the office staff had a sense of humor which is awesome. Will definitely be coming back for a long time. read more

Horrible staff. I took a day off from work just to go here and learn that my appointment was canceled. When I showed them (lady at the reception and the guy who is the dentist's assistant) the email and text confirmations, they said those are automated emails and that it is a malfunction. I told them this is not professional, and they suddenly started asking if everything at my work was perfect (mm what?!?) I asked for a letter from them to confirm what happened, and told them I'd post this on Google Maps so they know the letter would go public, the lady at the reception started yelling at me and asked if I was threatening them (again, mm what?) What I would expect from a professional place would be to offer an alternative date and time to accommodate me, instead of trying to tell me that their system is automated and it doesn't work... read more

Garret and team are wonderful! I was always skittish and non-committal about not only going to see the dentist but seeing x person a second time. Garret has changed all that. He is friendly and competent and the clinic has such a soothing, calm, lovely vibe with its water features, aquariums, modern furniture, pots of bamboo and New Age flute music. I'm a patient who wouldn't last more than a year with the dozens of dentists I've had on the East Coast (maybe they were too mean and grumpy - haha), but I'm going on five years strong with Garret's office. Whenever I had gone to my former dentists, I always felt like I was being punished. Not so with Dr. Madderra. The whole team: Katie, Jedi, Tiffany, they are all very patient, highly-qualified and approachable. Garret understands that redheads need more novocaine than the typical patient and is able to provide. We make jokes about it but he's read the research and gets it! Highly recommended!! Garret's office also takes Care Credit which is a plus. read more

The dental visits themselves went OK. Pretty typical, but it was just a cleaning, and then a followup to redo fillings, and things seemed to go how I'd expect. It's very much a "spa", and very slick and business-y, the type of place with cucumber water in a pretty pitcher in the waiting room. Personally, I miss my previous dentists in a boring waiting room with 6 month old copies of Time. My big problem is that I'm the first to admit that I'm pretty clueless when it comes to insurance. I called to make sure an appt was available, gave my insurance info, and told them that I was going to call my insurance company to confirm coverage. I was told they'd do that, which was nice of them. I assumed this meant they'd confirm I was fully covered for this particular service & location. A week later I showed up to my appt, and they still hadn't confirmed, so the appt was delayed for ~15 mins while they called. Sloppy, but better safe than sorry. Boy, was I sorry. Fast forward to a few weeks later and I've got a bill of ~ $450 (~ $300 for the cleaning alone!). Turns out that Madderra wasn't "in network" (for my Anthem PPO). And it turns out that when they tell you "we called your insurance company to confirm and we're good to go, except only for some x-rays and not others", they really only mean "the member number you gave us checked out and you're active, but we didn't bother asking them if we're in network, or any other important questions that, being in the business, we should know to ask". Yes, at the end of the day, it's my responsibility to confirm, which I was about to, but when they told me they'd confirm themselves, I thought that was good enough. Clearly, it wasn't, and I feel like they either took advantage of me (they're getting paid regardless) or were ignorant when they contacted my insurance company.. or both. They did knock ~ $80 off what I owe them, but I still owe hundreds out of pocket. Needless to say, I won't be back... even if they were covered by my insurance. read more

It's really hard to find a new dentist when you get settled in a new city, but I am so thankful that I was introduced to Dr. Madderra. I went to see him for a bi-annual check-up, where I received x-rays and a cleaning. Dr. Madderra personally cleaned my teeth in a gentle way. Since I have very sensitive teeth, he also made some great recommendations on products. For those who are scared of going to see the dentist ( LOL I know I am a chicken), he disarms his patients with his friendly personality. Not only that, he'll communicate what he's going to do, and how he's going to do it so that there are no surprises. I highly recommend Garret and his helpful staff. My trip to the dentist was efficient and pleasant :) read more

First visit to Dr.maderra was OK. Routine cleaning and a cavity filled....Until a month later, same tooth was hurting me. :( went back and he said the tooth had more decay- so he filled it again. 2 months later, same tooth again!! Mind you I've had healthy teeth my whole life! Hardly eat sweets and am overall healthy! Went to another Dr., for the same tooth. She used a microscopic camera and found a crack in my tooth. Yikes!!! She completed a crown and sent me home with a night guard 5 days later. Fast forward almost a year- no pain- comfortable night guard and normal painless routine cleanings! -----2 days ago, I receive a bill from Dr maderras office- what? I haven't been there in a year!!! Insurance is handling it.... read more

Have lived in SF for five years now, and glad to say I finally found a dentist that I'll be sticking with. Went in for a routine dental cleaning and everything from scheduling the appointment to the cleaning itself was painless. Never felt like I was being up sold, highly recommend Garret. read more

I tried, I really did, to buy into the hype of a "dental spa". I switched to Dr. Madderra because my old dentist wasn't covered under dental insurance I had at that time. I was told that as a new patient (and we are talking well over a year ago now) I would receive a free facial. After many attempts to schedule said facial, I gave up. I happen to have very good teeth and get them cleaned religiously every 6 months, so I only require cleanings, which are under par IMHO. I never feel like I come out with white teeth like I have with my past dentists and I really miss having my dentist do the cleanings him/herself. Now that I have moved, I'm happy to be done with Dr. Madderra and do not recommend him. Not to say he isn't a nice person, but I miss feeling like my teeth are as white as possible. As an aside, I do want to say I am very disappointed with Dr. Madderra regarding changes that have occurred to my teeth under his care. I went to see him specifically about this problem a few months back and he denied that what he did had anything to do with it, but I had teeth that were perfectly aligned before I stepped into his practice that have now moved in very noticeable and unattractive ways after NOT doing so for over 30 years. read more

I love, love, love my dentist!!! How often do you hear people say that? I've been going to see Dr. Madderra for a few years now and I am so happy I found him. His office is always so inviting and relaxing - yes, a dentist's office! Charlisa, the receptionist/esthetician is always so great to see and the rest of the staff there are always warm and friendly. I really don't like going to the dentist, but if I have to, this is the place for me. Today I got there early and was treated to a very nice cup of tea while I waited, then Charlisa did a skin consultation with me and I left with clean teeth and a new face scrub. How great is that??!! read more

There is NOTHING I would change about this dental office... seriously! Dr. Madderra and his staff are the nicest, most sincere and caring people whose goal is VERY clear - YOUR GOOD DENTAL HEALTH! I was living in Oakland when I first started seeing Dr. Madderra. I was searching for a gay-friendly dentist with a comfortable office environment who took my insurance. Once I stepped foot inside I was hooked! Depending on the day you have your appointment you may get a complimentary mini-facial from one of the sweetest gals, Charlisa! She is SUCH a doll! I scheduled an appointment for a mens facial with her, separate from my dental appointments - $75ish and well worth it! She gave me many useful tips which I am still using to this day! Dr. Madderra even went above-and-beyond by arranging for me to have Invisalign (SOOO well worth it!!) which I am 2 trays from the end now. In February I moved to SoCal and he still remains my dentist, shipping my trays to me in 6 week intervals, checking up with me before each shipment. He also has an office in Sacramento, but I have never been to it. Dr. Madderra - 5 Staff - 5 Services - 5 Atmosphere - 5 read more

Garret Madderra is the BEST dentist in San Francisco. I know because I worked at his office in the past. He doesn't put mercury fillings. His digital x-ray uses the lowest levels of radiation. The whole office is very clean and relaxing. His staff are all top rate. Appointment reminders are emailed to me before the appointment. I mean, what more could you ask for? I am shocked that somebody would post a bad review. read more

I absolutely LOVE this office!!! Dr. Madderra has been my dentist for 15+ years, and I have no intention of going anywhere else. He, along with his staff, are reliable, efficient, and patient-focussed. I always feel informed before treatment and the calm music in the background makes for a relaxing experience. The procedures I've had for fillings were quick and as painless as it gets. The cleanings I've had are very gentle, yet thorough - my teeth always feel so smooth! Highly highly recommend to anyone looking for a pleasant dental experience. read more

I had been doing my yearly checkups (back in Scotland) on my yearly visits home and would have carried on doing so if I hadn't broke one of my old silver fillings and had to get it taken care of. I'm not sure if this is worldwide or just back home but my memories of the dentist back home were nothing short of being strapped to the chair, some geriatric putting the fear of god in you and then handing you a lollipop for being a delightful patient (I kid you not ) nothing short of a horror movie are my memories of the dental chair as a kid. Advancing to adulthood, I found a dentist in Glasgow who was just lovely, was phobic friendly and offered sedation, I was all over it, even signing myself up for regular checkups. Now faced with a broken tooth that really needed to be fixed asap, and I did consider flying home, seriously! I braved the dental chair at Dr Madderras practice. My husband had recently signed himself up with Dr Madderra and was super happy with the experience. I warned them that I was a serious phobic, I'm sure they get that all the time, I mean really who likes the dentist?! I had nothing to fear, well I did, I think its the drill noise and invasion of a small space that really freaks me out, that and not being able to breathe. BUT I cannot sing enough praises for Dr Madderra, he is gentle, caring, empathetic and a true professional. I needed two crowns after my initial consultation and told him of my concerns. He told me not to worry, that I wouldn't feel or a 'hear' a thing, so I put my faith in this man and returned armed with HUGE headphones and playlist of techno, pumped up to the max. Popped myself in the chair both times, got in the zone and honestly it felt like it was all over and done in 10 minutes. maybe 30 but didn't feel that long. All without sedation!!! my dentist back home would be proud! Not only that, the staff that work there are super friendly and will gladly keep you entertained while you wait AND supply you ipod cables when you arrive and freak out that your pod is low on batteries, and a crown treatment is imminent :D Maybe techno filled ipods for appointments may be a thing of the future :) read more

No one likes going to the dentist. It's stressful, it's scary, and sometimes it really really hurts! Well, you're in for a pleasant surprise with Dr. Madderra. From the moment you walk in until you leave, it's a pleasant experience. The staff works with you (and your insurance company) to ensure that there's no stress there -- and everything about your visit is calm and relaxed and professional. I've had other dentists before that were alright. But I would still dread having my teeth cleaned (or worse!). I've had several procedures so far and all were pleasant experiences. Have you ever been to a dentist who didn't nag you about flossing? Of course we all know we're supposed to floss -- and sometimes we play this game with our dentist "he knows that I know that he knows that I don't floss!" Doctor Madderra probably wants you to floss (as much as the next dentist) but he respects you enough not to nag you about it! I've had some bad experiences with other dentists who have tried to get me to do unnecessary procedures or scam my insurance company or who have just been careless or painful or too lofty and unfriendly! Not so with Dr. M. Everything's laid out for you honestly and logically and you'll get exactly what you need for your dental health. Plus, you'll lose your fear of dentists! I promise. read more

I've been going to Dr Madderra for about 12 years now, and recommend him very highly. Great staff, terrific service, and just generally a pleasant experience. I can't believe I haven't posted this recommendation already. read more

Amazing place to be. Front desk was outstanding made me feel comfortable and welcomed really on point with all her information. Amazing personality and very insightful. As for the dentist and other staff Amazing as well very fast and friendly could be happier with my apointment. read more

I love this place... love it, love it, love it... Remember, we're talking about a dentist's office so please understand just how strong a statement "I love this place" is in this context... I love this place. The zen atmosphere actually really does work, for the most part -- lovely mood music, schwanky herbal tea, light and airy set-up. And then there's Billy. I mean, really, if Billy can't relax you and put you in a positive mood, you're in need of much more than simple dental work. He's a lovely, lovely man and his presence -- his warm, friendly, witty, professional, FABULOUS presence -- in that office is one of the high points. And then you sit down for Dr. Madderra. He's such a nice guy! His personality certainly lends itself to the zen theme (or vice versa). He does great work, explains things in very practical and human terms and is not one of those "gloom-and-doom, I shall-judge-the-ever-lovin'-shite-out-of-you-while-tearing-apart-your-mouth" Orin Scrivello types. He's ducky, I tell you, ducky. And the facials! ...Okay, truth be told I haven't had one yet because my timing is horribly unfortunate, but what other dentist offers a complementary facial after dental work??? I mean, come ON! I love them and I will be going there as long as they'll have me... read more

Dr. Madderra and his staff are the best. He and his staff are very friendly. But most importantly they're very gentle when doing your teeth cleaning. I've never had a dental visit where my gums/teeth weren't sore after a cleaning. I've had cleanings done by both of his assistants/dental hygienist and they were both pleasant experiences. If you want a non aggressive teeth cleaning go here. read more

I never thought I'd say it, but I found paradise at the dentist's office! I've always hated going to the dentist, ever since I was a kid and had to look up at the nose hairs of my family dentist. When I moved to San Francisco 12 years ago, I began an endless search for a dentist I could tolerate. I've had 5 different dentists in that time. Some were ok, others were real horror stories. And then I found a review on yelp for Dr. Madderra's office. I figured at least I'd get a facial, so it would be worth checking the place out. All of the reviews here sum it up. The place is amazing. The staff is friendly, efficient, professional, and made me feel very comfortable. The atmosphere is very relaxing and tranquil. And Dr. Madderra was great. He cleaned my teeth and I felt absolutely no pain - I think it is the first time in my life I didn't mind the cleaning. I was relaxing in the comfortable leather chair waiting for my x-rays to be taken and I actually dozed off because I was so relaxed (and tired). The best part is that I trust the folks in this office. I had a dentist go beyond my insurance limit for procedures that could have waited until the next year. Another dentist continually pressured me to have fillings replaced, even though she would have gone over my limit (and I told her I didn't want to do that). When I explained all of this to Billy, he relayed it to Dr. Madderra, and I left feeling confident that they would stay within my insurance limit and not pressure me to get things done that could wait until the following year. Now, on to the spa. I can't believe I can go to a dentist and get a free facial! Charlisa was great. She was so sweet and I felt so comfortable, even though it was only the 2nd time in my life I've ever gotten a facial. She explained things I could do to take care of my skin and recommended some products I could use. For a person who hates the dentist, I can't believe I'm going to say this but I can't wait until I have to go back! read more

I hate the dentist - it gives me so much anxiety (not alone here I know) - and I've tried one million dentists looking for that place that has the right amount of gentleness and understanding that I require. I have found it. Dr. Madderra is amazing. He's clear, he's gentle, and he's kind. He's also FAST. I've never had novocaine shots NOT hurt, until him. if you're like me, you should go. he's wonderful, and so is the staff. read more

Dr. Madderra and his team are incredibly friendly, helpful, and experienced. I struggle with TMJ, and Dr. Madderra immediately walked through a variety of solutions and ensured we move forward quickly with what is best for me. I feel like I am in excellent hands and certainly recommend Dr. Madderra to anyone looking for a reliable, experienced, and congenial dentist. Thank you! read more

Dr. Madderra is excellent. I am a longtime patient and recently needed two fillings filled and his staff fit me in with very little notice and I was patched up and and on my way in less than an hour. The Dr. was great and the experience was pretty painless. read more

Love getting my teeth cleaned there. Convenient and I'm in and out quickly..

Before I came to Madderra's office, I had an experience with a different dentist that left me physically and emotionally traumatized for several months. Consequently, I felt apprehensive about going to any dentist. As soon as I entered Garret's office, I was given a friendly welcome by his front desk receptionist. They handled my initial question well and said i could see the dentist almost immediately. As I sat in the waiting room, the meditation music and videos helped to put me further at ease. We were off to a good start. The purpose of my visit was to have Garret assess the damage the previous dentist had done and provide me with some advice for healing it. I agreed to pay for 2 x-rays and a consultation. During our consultation, Garrett looked at the x-rays and told me that the previous dentist had "taken some bone" when she extracted a tooth. There was a "big hole" where the tooth used to sit. He spent about 10 minutes with me. When I started to ask some of the questions I had about the condition of my mouth, he abruptly said: "Time's up. Make another appointment". I paid his $75. and made an appointment for the next day to get a full set of x-rays and finish the conversation we started. Specifically, I still wanted my questions answered and to get more information on the condition of my mouth and ways to heal it. I had an appointment for 12pm. About 2 hours before my appointment, I received an email from Garret requesting that I reschedule for 12:30pm. I came in at 12:30pm and waited 15 minutes for Garret to see me. Just like the previous day, he rushed the appointment. I asked whether he thought the previous dentist had done a good or bad job extracting the tooth. He gave me a filthy look. Wow! -- Where does he get the audacity to give me a filthy look for asking a question? Before I could ask other questions, he looked at his watch to let me know my time was up. I paid his full fee of approximately $142. I received a little information about the condition of my mouth and one idea for self-care--but not much more Shortly thereafter, I contacted the office to get a copy of my dental records. I received a copy of the x-rays and nothing more. I requested written notes. Again, the purpose of my visit was to get an assessment of the damage the previous dentist had caused and get some ideas for healing it so I could work with my general physician on healing that damage. I was informed that Garret had not written any notes (what?!), but that the front desk person was trying to convince him to write some notes for me. Within a week, I received some clinical notes from our two sessions together. The notes were very difficult to read. They were written in incomplete sentences and included medical language that the average non-dentist would not understand. I forwarded the notes to my general physician. It seems she wasn't able to use the information to put together a plan for my oral healing. The notes were mostly "just the facts" and virtually void of his clinical judgments/interpretations. Moreover, some of the statements he made to me orally were excluded from the report--such as his statement that the previous dentist had "taken some bone when she extracted the tooth". I sent two emails in which I asked about the missing information. To date, I received no reply. His apparent resistance to providing me with the services for which I paid him is odd. It leaves me with the impression that he does not care that I suffered and that he is a moral coward who won't do the ethically right thing. If for some reason he simply did not want to provide me with the assessment of the damage, he could have told me that directly, ended our session, and not accepted any payment from me. Instead, he rushed me through both appointments, wrote clinical notes that were entirely worthless/unusable, and took full payment from me. None of that is okay. read more

I don't normally consider Yelp to be the best forum to complain about a business or organization, as I believe one-to-one communication is what helps us resolve issues. However, after this experience, I must post a review. I saw Dr. Madderra a few weeks ago, and made a appointment to have some work done. The appointment was for today (4/24) at 9am. On 4/11, I was hit by a car as I crossed the street. My leg is badly injured. While I was in the hospital, I made calls to cancel or reschedule appointments as I had surgery and can't walk. I called Dr. Madderra's office the next day - on a Friday, and left a message, explaining the situation, and asked that they cancel the appointment for 4/24, and to call me back to confirm. I didn't get a call back. I call again the following Monday or Tuesday, and spoke to Adonis. I explained the situation again and asked that he be sure that my appointment was cancelled. On 4/17, while waiting for surgery, I get a reminder email from Dr. Madderra's office for the 4/24 appointment. I called the office and Adonis answered again. I told him that I received the email, and asked him to verify that my appointment is cancelled. He told me that the computer automatically sends out the reminders, and to just disregard the email. I asked him to just check again, as I don't want to mess up their schedule. I even spelled out my name. Today is Wednesday, 4/24. I've had my surgery, and am now trying to recover at hme. At 9:15, I get a call from Dr. Madderra's office, telling me that I have an appointment "right now" with them. I explained (4th time) that I was hit by a car. I've had major surgery. I cannot walk. I called and left a message the day after the accident. I called again last week and spoke to Adonis. I got an email reminder and called and spoke to Adonis again. Why am I still on the schedule? The woman on the phone hastily said she'll have someone call me. I hadn't gotten any calls from Dr. Madderra's office and called at about 12 noon. I spoke to Adonis and asked him why this had happened, since I've made 3 attempts to cancel my appointment well beyond the 48 or 24 hour cancellation policy. He responded that he probably got me mixed up with someone else and now my appointment is cancelled. Whoops. Sorry. My bad. I can't believe the ineptness of this. I don't normally get angry with people, but I told him how upsetting this is - I had made every effort possible -- 3 calls -- to cancel this appointment. I thought it was a courtesy I owed them so they wouldn't have an empty slot in their calendar. I felt completely brushed off. I asked to speak to the doctor directly; Adonis said he was with a patient and he would ask the doctor to call me back. I asked to speak to the office manager - I found it impossible to have confidence in Adonis carrying this through. In talking to the office manager, I told her that i had gone above and beyond responsibility on my part. All she said was sorry. I told her that this is very upsetting to me. She countered by saying that Adonis had left a voicemail for me this morning. I told her that there is no voicemail from this office on my phone. Did he call the right number? She said that she had witnessed him leaving a message. I feel she's insinuating that I am not checking my phone or getting my messages. This situation just gets worse. It is needlessly upsetting. I asked her what can be done now. Her response? That I will not get any reprecussions for missing my appointment. I'm floored - I'm crying as I type this. read more

Lovely office atmosphere & a kind, reasonable dentist. I've only been twice-- for a cleaning and then a few fillings. They provide efficient professional service and excellent dental care. read more

Highly recommend it. Dr Madderra is very friendly. He was very nice and explained everything. The place is very clean and pretty modern. The staff is very helpful and friendly too. I had an emergency and the Dr squeezed me in to make sure I was seen. read more

Hard to find a good dentist, indeed I managed to do so. The whole team does an outstanding job and they always accomodate my needs in terms of schedule. They are very open when it comes to costs. I suggested Doctor Madderra to three other people who also loved him and the staff. read more

5 years on and still there is no better dental experience than Dr. Madderra and his team. Only a place like this can make you look forward to going to the dentist. read more

I'm really not a fan of the dentist and hate going. However, I feel as if I have found the perfect one in Dr. Maderra. The office staff is amazing, the wait is never long, and the billing is seamless. In addition, Dr. Maderra uses great technology, is professional, fast, and gentle. His hygienist, Clarisa, is wonderful. Having a cleaning from her is like being touched by an angel! I highly recommend his practice. read more

I had a couple of good experiences with Dr. Madderra, but then when I was having a cavity filled he pumped the numbing agent into my bloodstream rather than numbing the nerve, jacking me up on epinephrine so that my heart started pounding immediately and I couldn't focus for hours. Then the filling had to be repaired four months later. The office may be nice, but this place is more focused on the business than the healthcare. read more

I had nothing but great experiences here, starting in 2010 through 2014. Garret is a great dentist and his support staff over the years gave me just as excellent service. Going to the dentist sucks, but I never dreaded my visits, in fact I looked forward to feeling cleaner. They even got me to floss more... I'd say I'm better off having their services. If I didn't leave California I'd still be a patient. I'll miss them. read more

I am more than happy that a friend recommened Garret Madderra. The place is inviting and the staff is superb. It is very crucial to find a dentist that you like and I am very happy to have found that. read more

Dr Madderra has been my dentist for almost 20 years! He and his team provide the best dental-care and comfort. His office is equipped with latest technology and the ambiance is relaxing, comfortable and soothing. And did I say..what a great staff he has!!! read more