It is a mystery to me why there are so many negative reviews on Yelp. My experience was a polar opposite. The staff are friendly, kind, and efficient. Andrea went out of her way to help me with my insurance coverage and went over all the charges to make sure I understood everything. I waited about five minutes before they brought me into the patient room. The x-ray tech was great and she was fast. Now, let's get to Dr. Ramon; he was pleasant and jovial as well as extremely professional. In all my years going to the dentist, I have never experienced a procedure that was completely pain-free; this visit was an exception. He is gentle and highly skilled. I had five crowns done in one day and it went as smooth as silk. Then, there is Erick Pomp who assisted Dr. Ramon. The man is amazing, professional, and very good at his job. I even asked him how long he's been doing it because he handled everything flawlessly. He made me feel comfortable and did a perfect job on the impressions. I just switched to this dental group and I'm so glad I did. Thank you, Gentle Dental team read more

Terrible service and customer service. They dropped items on the floor and couldn't xray me properly. They charge you and can't provide the documents to follow up the charge with. Then they ignore you because they can't face what happened. What a joke! read more

I am BEYOND mad with this place. Absolutely would NOT recommend. I haven't even been to Gentle Dentist in YEARS, yet I'm still being harassed with automated calls from this office regarding teeth cleaning. I have called them MULTIPLE times asking them to stop, and somehow I'm STILL receiving calls DAILY. And if that isn't enough, apparently this is also the place to go if you want to pay $500 for a service and then STILL have them requesting payment for something you already paid for. I seriously cannot with this place anymore. The nonstop calls, the billing issues, and having to repeatedly contact them just to get nowhere is ridiculous. 10/10 WOULD NOT RECOMMEND. read more

Everyone I saw today was incredibly nice...I got to go in right at my appointment time and was done quickly. I really appreciate the work and kindness of everyone there. : ) read more

Just experienced the worst service with this clinic whose staff completely wasted 3 hours of my time only to tell me on the third hour that they aren't even sure they can take my insurance. They took the X-rays and exams, and made me sit there on the chair waiting for a doctor just to tell me I won't be able to get my cleaning done. Do not recommend. I took time off work just to get nothing done. Highly unprofessional. read more

After an initial consultation that went smoothly, I made a follow-up appointment for my children a month out. We arrived on a Saturday morning to a closed building. No notification, no explanation -- just a group of patients in the parking lot with the same confused look on their faces. One mentioned this wasn't the first time the office had done this. When they finally called Monday, I was told the doctor had the flu and that a text had been sent. I never received one. The person on the phone was indifferent and not apologetic. She just wanted to reschedule and move on without acknowledging the huge inconvenience this was. She rescheduled me two Saturdays out -- an 8 a.m. appointment. Given that we don't live close by, I confirmed twice that the office would be open. She assured me both times. We arrived. Closed. Empty parking lot. I called their number and was routed to a call center, which attempted to reach the office three times with no answer. Their website features a polished leadership page with no contact emails. There was no way to escalate the issue directly. My children have had their braces for nearly two months. Due solely to this office's inability to run a basic appointment schedule, they have not received a single follow-up visit. That's not a minor inconvenience -- it's a failure to deliver the treatment we paid for. This appears to be a multi-location practice with serious operational problems. I cannot recommend them and regret selecting them to provide orthodontics care for my children. read more

Told the office in advance I was pregnant, at both my phone call to schedule and numerous times in the pre-appointment questionnaire they were adamant I complete. I show and give my name and the receptionist is too busy with phone calls and says she'll check me in shortly but doesn't give me the courtesy to let me know once checked in as I'm sitting in the waiting room past my appointment time, which I arrived early for. Once called in, they tell me I'm due for x-rays which I said I wished to decline as it was non-emergency care. They immediately sent me back to reception where I was told that they needed to reschedule and have my OB send a medical auth for x-rays (which was never advised to me in advance), and told me they would not do a cleaning without x-rays. I then said I wouldn't be rescheduling at this time as I did not want to have x-rays during pregnancy. Come to find out after hours they put in another appointment for me without my consent. Not sure if this was a method to encourage a missed exam so they can charge a fee, but it was 100% clear I was not going to be rescheduling and yet there is a date and time chosen for me a week and a half out. If it is their policy that they will not do a cleaning if overdue on an exam/x-ray, that's their policy and their right to exercise. But I was never informed ahead of time, wasted time taken off work to drive there and given attitude by the staff when I didn't want to have any x-rays, and now writing this after finding they put in another appointment for me anyway. There were 2 women standing there when I clearly declined to reschedule. read more

I'm rating my only two appointments thus far. During my initial appointment, I was told that I require the following care, but after a recent appointment with my primary care dentist, he stated. PCD = (Primary care dentist) 1: Gentle Dental said that I had a cavity. (PCD): Doctor Krupnak stated that he agrees that there is a very small possible cavity. 2: your office told me that I have only had one root canal. (PCD): Doctor Krupnak showed me where I have had two root canals on teeth directly next to one another. 3: your office gave me a care plan that I needed a crown. (PCD): Doctor Krupnak Says that he does not see anywhere in my mouth that requires a crown. 4: Your treatment plan states that I either need a root canal, or have an infection in one of my teeth, or I was told that directly. (PCD): Doctor Krupnak Disagrees 100%. He sees no evidence that I need a root canal or have an infection.. 5: nearly every day in your treatment plan was contradicted by my regular dentist during a yearly check up after I saw you for the second time for a cleaning. 6: I do not like the fact that you try to up. sale me on a PERIO protect scan for $750 out-of-pocket if my insurance didn't pay, if I went ahead and had the scan done at that time. I sent that request to the VA in a secure message as soon as you all presented it to me and they will decide, but I'm not coming out of pocket for any of this. I came out of pocket when I served my country. 6: I chose Dr. Stephen Gallos.... I believe that's superior dentist that I selected, having no idea that he was part of a dental group. I would never have picked him if I was aware that he only shows up once a month, which is normally not a big deal but actually it is because I shouldn't be able to see him in a irrational time if the need arrives. 7: my primary dentist, doctor KRUPNAK informed me that I was not supposed to see a general dentist for my initial appointment. I was supposed to see the Periodontist. You are referred me or are referring me to an endodontist, but I'm just so confused at this point... PS during my appointment with my regular dentist, he called you all multiple times because he needed your treatment plan, and I had taken pictures of it on my phone, but your plan didn't state which tooth needed what treatment, and he says that he didn't receive any information at the VA. After my dentist had to get off the phone because my appointment was basically ruined with him since he couldn't figure out what you all want it done where. I followed up with you after leaving my dentists office and spoke to a lady in your office to request a copy of my treatment plan numbered with what teeth needed what and you never sent it as of this day February 14, 2024. That is a really harsh first impression. read more

The staff is friendly and honest. I was sent a text message ahead of my appointment where they let me know they were running behind. I respect that a lot. They had a difficult client while I was there and they were nothing but kind and understanding. Very professional. I'm highly impressed. The facility is very clean and the building is well maintained. I absolutely recommend Gentle Dental. The Endodontist was upfront and spoke to me as a regular person and let me know everything he saw in regular terms. Parking is easy and accessible as well. read more

The dentist and hygienist were belittling and blatantly rude to me. I asked one question regarding care and they attempted to scare me by loudly playing a video on gum disease and lecturing me like some unruly child. I heard them talking about me, and they openly mocked me in the hallway. Do not go unless you want to be made fun of. read more

I have to say I love my hygenist Noras. The place is generally clean. It's not set up well so that you have to move chairs for your cleaning vs. seeing the dentist. They have a high turnover of staff. In the past, I had trouble with a mouth guard. It took me 2 years, but the last new manager rectified it for me. On my last visit, I went in with a super sore jaw after partially dislocating my TMJ. My whole jaw was pretty tender on the side where I was going to get my crown replaced. I spent at least 2 minutes (an eternity in a dentist's office) explaining to the dental tech about my injury and pain. At some point during my visit, that dental tech went to lunch and apparently did not update the alternate dental tech about my condition. Shortly after, he came in with my second temporary crown (the first one was too big) and clamped down on my jaw with all of his fingers: his thumb on my tooth and his other 4 fingers under my jaw. And when I say he clamped down, I mean it. I almost went through the roof, and my eyes watered from the pain. I went home with the whole side of my face throbbing and a whopper of a headache that put my in bed the rest of the day. My ear has been bothering me too. And after it happened and was like WTF?? He briefly apologized and went on to recommend I take Motrin (I can't because of stomach issues) and that I see a TMJ specialist. Well, sir, I wouldn't need either of those things if the staff had communicated. Does Gental Dental not have a protocol for this, or was the protocol just not followed. I immediatley went upstairs to find the manager, but the second office was locked. I called the second I got out to my truck and spoke to the interim manager (another one left). She apologized too, but shit. You're supposed to be Gental Dental, yet there was extreme pain inflicted on me. Incredibily disappointed. read more

If you're considering going to this office, please don't. I was referred to their endodontist by the Sorrento Valley location for an infected tooth because that location couldn't figure out which tooth it was. I scheduled an appointment and that appointment was a week later. Despite telling them how bad the pain was and that my cheek was swelling, the office canceled my visit and rescheduled me the following week. I tried calling the original office back and they didn't return my calls or emails or texts.I called my insurance and told them what was going on so they called the Sorrento Valley office and they got me in the same day only because they thought I was a new patient. When I got there and they realized I wasn't a new patient but still had me see the dentist I had originally seen only to be told he still couldn't help me but he'd give me another round of antibiotics. I also asked for him to inject me with lidocaine because the pain was so bad. Back to the Grossmont Office, I waited for an hour and a half just so the endodontist could come in for five minutes. Spray the tooth with cold just to tell me that the infection was so bad it had spread to the bone and the reason it didn't hurt as much anymore was because the infection had killed the nerve. He said I needed two root canals and a crown. Then he told me that he couldn't do anything for me today because he didn't do crowns but I could come back in 2 to 3 weeks after he got the authorization from Insurance for the root canals but I'd have to go back to the Sorrento Valley office for the crown. read more

Staff are nice and get the job done. I've only ever had one bad experience speaking with someone over the phone, but I chalk it up to coincidence as every other interaction has been great, especially their hygienists! They are super great read more

Type of care and treatment for my dentures. I was blessed with such a great team and I was able to have some fun at the same time read more

Gentle Dental Grossmont - My face - General Dentistry Near Me - La Mesa, California

I like the staff but runs poorly. Appointments constantly run late and very long. There is too much waiting around. My last appt was at 1 pm to get in and out quickly. 35+ minutes later and after asking 3 times, I was finally told it would be a while because no room was available. If you value your time this is not the place to go. read more

I honestly couldn't say enough good things about this office and their staff. The ladies who work the front desk are always nice, they take the time to remember me by name as soon as I walk in the door. The doctor is very nice, and the dental hygienist, Rasha, is AMAZING. She takes the time to answer questions and ease anxiety around dental cleaning and being at the dentist in general. She is very gentle and takes the time to check in periodically during appointment to make sure you're okay. Everyone is very sweet and caring, they take the time to make you comfortable as I, along with many other people, have anxiety or fears associated with dental appointments and procedures. This office is truly amazing, they make going to the dentist a great experience every time! read more

I do not recommend Gentle Dental in Grossmont. They are very unprofessional. I had an appointment scheduled for a cleaning today, and when I called to confirm the time, I found out they had already canceled my appointment without notifying me. They gave excuses about the doctors having meetings and claimed they had tried to contact me, which was not true. The staff member I spoke with on the phone was rude and made no effort to accommodate me with a better appointment time. Overall, the lack of communication and professionalism was extremely disappointing. I would not recommend this office. read more

Dr. Wilson Jing and Donna worked great as a team making me feel comfortable while in the chair waiting to have my tooth extracted. Even Sylvia the office receptionist made sure I was fine throughout my visit and went over all my paperwork with me. I've been coming here for 3 yrs now and couldn't image myself going anywhere else. read more

Gentle Dental is a busy dental office. Today's current staff from office personnel, dental assistants, hygenist Noras, and general dentist Dr. Alan Mohammed, deliver a professional, knowledgeable, and personable patient experience. It is obvious that this office is striving to improve operations and retain quality professional staff. They are accommodating and address patients' needs and concerns. I have been going to this dental office for 30+ years. I've seen many changes within this business, and as stated, the current office's operations and personnel are some of the best I have experienced for my general dental needs. Wait times are minimal. The office staff communicates well with patients who are waiting for their appointment. Dr. Alan Mohammed is professional and thorough in his diagnosis and treatment plan. Hygenist Noras is friendly. He educates his patients with regard to dental hygiene. The dental assistants work hard, communicate well, and are friendly. I recommend Hygenist Noras and Dr. Alan Mohammed and his team for anyone's dental care. read more

Today was a huge day! The day my braces finally came off. I couldn't have asked for a better orthodontist than Dr. Ghazaleh Vargha (AKA "Dr. G). She is very, very knowledgeable, and makes sure the process for the patient is always a smooth one. I HIGHLY recommend not only Dr. G, but the entire Gental Dental Grossmont staff for any and all dental and orthodontist needs. They are awesome! read more

The worst dentist I ever been to. The did two root canals, botched.... Tooth fell out. I'm left toothless on the front/side. They told me they would refund my money.... Almost a year later.... Nothing... plus they want to charge me for havin to pull the root of the tooth out. I have been to the dentist a lot in my life and can say I've never had such bad service. The owe me $1500 dollars .!!! read more

Run! Get work done in Mexico. The Gentle Dental chain are a bunch of butchers. I lost a tooth because of their incompetence. I gave them a chance to fix the mistake. They just mess everything up! I had to report them to the state. They shouldn't be able to operate. It's that bad. read more

I had a great experience coming here the front staff was awesome I was helped by Giselle she made everything extremely easy for me thank you guys again I recommend coming to this office. read more

They provided decent dental treatment. The dental hygienist was very good. However, the clinic overcharged a lot regardless of the negotiated price with my dental insurance. When I contacted about the charge, they didn't even give me clear explanation, no resolution, no refund. I wanted to go back to get a cleaning, but I don't want to receive overcharged invoice, so I decided not to go back there. Not recommended. read more

Great staff and Sarita is an amazing hygienist. I recommend this office for their friendliness and professionalism. Thank you so much for a truly great experience. A. S. Blackson III read more

Gentle Dental Grossmont - Gentle Dental puts a smile on this face! - General Dentistry Near Me - La Mesa, California

The staff here is amazing:) they always do helpful and make me feel comfortable!! Dr.Lagda is really awesome!!! I don't think I could go anywhere else !! Definitely recommend this team !! 10/10 The office ladies are so sweet !!! read more

Would like to give a big thanks to Gental Dental staff for providing, excited service for my mom. It was the first time here, and I was pleased to start to finish. The prices are great and affordable cause we all know Dental is very expensive. The place was clean and the staff was kind of friendly. read more

I am a new patient. I just had my initial appointment. Everyone I came in contact with was very friendly and helpful. I feel confident in their experience. So far I have only had xrays and my evaluation. It was quick and easy. They have newer equipment. They took their time to explain the treatment they recommended and the costs. I will update after I have had my treatments. read more

Unfortunately I am not able to leave NO STARS AT ALL. I don't remember the name of the Dr. who took care of me but I can say he was professional and straightforward to the point. Extra cleaning without the insurance is $95.00 kinda pricey. The front desk people have NO CLUE OF WHAT THEY DOING AT ALL!!! On 8/17/2021 a guy called me trying to change the appointment. On 8/18/2021 (the date of my appointment) I received 3! More calls from different people trying again to change my appointment for THEIR OWN CONVENIENCE. And also they switched my appointments 30 minutes early, and again for their own convenience. Not happy at all. Time to look for another clinic! read more

From the many negative reviews of Gentle Dental offices in SD County, I suspect each office has to haul in a minimum income because that's all they discussed. As noted on Yelp -- and supported by all the people rating them with one star (that's why they have an overall 2.1-star rating, second lowest in the county) -- they are there to make money and second they perform dentistry. I went to the Grossmont/SD office since I needed a dental clearance prior to replacement hip surgery...that may sound bizarre but my orthopedic surgeon requires a dental clearance prior to surgery (surprisingly, it's not that uncommon), so I went to Dr. Kadhem because my usual dentist couldn't see me for 6 months (he saw me within the past year on my Denti-Cal insurance) and I had already been waiting 18 months for hip surgery and the prospect of another long delay was too much. Gentle Dental was able to see me in days, NOT months, and I was so relieved -- despite having to pay for my visit in cash since they don't take Denti-Cal -- that I didn't check Yelp's reviews. Big mistake! I was in their office for almost 3 hours, 90% of which was spent on detailing a very extensive/expensive dental treatment plan and paying for it, NOT about why I was there. I finally got to a chair and met Dr Mohammad Kadhem and as Leona J. notes, he's a rude, unscrupulous, horrible man. I'm not surprised his office has a 2.1-star rating...frankly, I'm surprised it's that high! Compare their few 5-star ratings to their HUGE number of 1-star ratings...I wouldn't be surprised if those few 5-star ratings are fakes posted to boost their pathetic rating. Gentle Dental offices are rated the lowest in SoCal...only one office is lower! Keep in mind, my visit was to obtain a "note" from the dentist clearing me for surgery. Having just seen my usual dentist within the past year and having no current dental issues, I assumed getting a "note" would be no problem. Kadhem's office knew why I had scheduled the appointment and that I had Denti-Cal insurance which they don't accept so I had to pay their $50 initial visit charge in cash...you get what you pay for, eh? I stated all of this upfront from the very first minute I reached their office and I reiterated it repeatedly during my visit. I had extensive x-rays upon arrival and then finally moved to a dental chair for the exam...or so I thought. Instead I was subjected to a dental consultation that hammered me about a very extensive/expensive dental treatment plan and payment options, but nothing about the "note" I needed. Dr. Kadhem went to great lengths discussing a detailed treatment plan: 1) correcting my bite, which was with an orthodontist for a fitting for braces (oops, did I mention I'm 68 yrs old...68!!!...at 68, I'm NOT wearing braces...(nothing about the "note" and my hip?); 2) afterwards being fitted with a night guard to address my nocturnal teeth grinding (mea culpa, but again, what's that got to do with my hip?); 3) followed by getting crowns on EVERY tooth, starting with three initially at a cost of $3,000 (I won't have a working hip but I'll have a great smile!); 4) after which a dental hygienist then assessed the "deep pockets" in my gums which measured two/three to three/four, which according to the chart displayed in that room, put me in the "safe" zone to the upper range of the "warning" zone (nothing preventing surgery!); 5) which Dr. Kadhem then weaved into his narrative of the "plan", which was going to cost $30,000-$40,000; and 6) finally I was turned over to the office financial coordinator to review "their" dental plan and financing options to pay for all this treatment...still nothing about the "note" I needed. I finally said I'd discuss my dental options later AFTER my surgery and got ready to leave. This quick synopsis minimizes how Dr Kadhem kept "floating" in and out dangling the "note" in front of me just out of reach as he prattled on about this dental treatment plan he had concocted. He even went so far as to arrange an orthodontal consult for braces! Did I mention I'm 68? I told Dr Kadhem at one point that I was considering implants to improve my smile, and he summarily dismissed that option and circled back to putting crowns on ALL of my teeth. That ain't happening! He then claimed to know nothing about doing a "note" so I called my surgeon's assistant from Kadhem's office to discuss what she needed. BTW, this drama was surprising since according to her, they've obtained a "note" from Dr Kadhem before. Not able to reach her, I left a message and it was decided I'd see her the following day and have the note done electronically. Later I was called by Kadhem's staff to say they had tried to fax the "note" but the number I provided wasn't working, so I called back to give them an alternate number but Dr Kadhem THEN decided he wasn't faxing the note UNTIL I had undergone a cleaning, which would cost $375. That's blackmail in any industry! read more

My temporary crown fell off on Monday. I called the dentist and they wouldn't see me until late Wednesday. The excuse; we're busy, what I heard was we're too busy for you and we couldn't care less about the health of your teeth. A temporary should be put back on ASAP to protect the exposed tooth. This wasn't a week end, so they could easily squeeze me in at any time, I wanted to come right away.. I thought this office had finally straightened up, but no, they still suck. Do yourself a favor, find a better dentist. read more

I came in on 10-14-2019, and had a great experience. I especially enjoyed the service of: Simon, Victoria and Ellie. I was moved by their professional demeanors as well as their positive attitudes. They made going to the dentist a happy experience! : ) Thanks so much- Best, Reverend Kat read more

Gentle Dental Grossmont - Here I am (with my Grandma). I'm on the right hand side. : ) -Kat - General Dentistry Near Me - La Mesa, California

This place is run by idiots. appointment for my 3 year old They told me they would see him. only to show up and find out that they don't see children. Waste of my time the two females at the front are rude. They look like they hate life. Don't give out appointments if you don't have the right staff working. Don't waste your time with this place. read more

Gentle Dental at Grossmont Center I have experienced excellent professional service from technician staff, but also unpleasant administrative services by some staff. Recently, having suffered from jaw pain, I left a message several times, but no one answered at all. The system only allowed new patients to talk directly with the staff, rather than current patients. So I pressed the button for new patients, and mentioned to the receptionist that I was a current patient and she gave an appointment. When I arrived at the Dental office, my name didn't show up in the system for appointments and this was followed up by an administrator who rejected me for pretending to have an appointment. She loudly wanted me to justify my presence, which I felt unprofessional and made me to distrust their public service and their appointment system. Thankfully I was taken care of by a competent doctor in charge who carried out my examination. This incident seems to represent a preference for new customers and disdain for existing customers. After a week, I returned and Noras Mechael, RDH provided my prophylactic treatment. I felt in heaven with his angel hands and delicacy in handling all the instruments and his wisdom answering my questions. The trust I felt for the technician staff is intact, and that is the reason I returned to this office. read more

Great customer service I felt welcomed and was provided with all the information. Felt taken care of and was very satisfied. Great staff all around. read more

I hate going to the dentist. Dr. Mohammed Kadhem and Assistant Diana are the reason I have gone back. I can't thank them enough for being personable, professional and having amazing patient care. They always make sure I love the work they do, not just like it. They care and it shows. So happy I found Gentle Dental. read more

I never leave bad reviews. Half the time I think people are over reacting anyway. This dentist is terrible, overcharges, no communication between billing and staff. I've been trying to contact them since JULY about an overcharge on my account that my insurance said I was not responsible for. I would call and call leaving messages to receive a call back and would never hear back. The billers were always off or out for the day when I would call. I just went it and waited until I could talk to a biller because it was impossible to get through via phone. read more

This place is so horrible. They over charge for everything and your consultation is less than 3 minutes. The DR does not listen to you and wants you to get procedures done that do not need to be done. I was told I needed a root canal and I got it done but when I went back he told me that I didn't need the root canal that I just needed the tooth pulled. They just want money. I do no recommend this place at all. Do not waste your time here. read more

I have nothing but great things to say about this location. Everyone was so welcoming and kind as soon as I walked in. Cynthia assisted my son with the ortho process and made our visit a 10/10 with her exceptional customer service. I will be sure to refer this place to all friends & family. read more

10/10 experience on my office visit because Cynthia V. Was such a great help! Her customer service was outstanding. I definitely recommend Gentle Dental in Grossmont! Hopefully Cynthia V. Is there so you guys can have the wonderful experience I had. Thank you Cynthia! read more