Office is nice and some of the assistants are nice but the dentist and manager is horrible. They will Lie and say you didn't pay for things so keep all your receipts!! And record the conversations!! read more

I have never written a negative review. But I feel it's necessary to post this as a warning. I went in to this office for the first time last week after experiencing some pain and noticing a few cavities in my mouth. They gave me a full exam (X-rays, cleaning, etc.) which was much appreciate and the hygienist that did it was so so sweet - I do wish I remembered her name. I Then one of the doctors came in, already seeming disengaged and barely letting me speak. She did a quick exam, took a few photos, and told me that a tooth--which wasn't even causing me any pain--needed to be extracted and replaced with an implant. Let me repeat: the tooth wasn't bothering me at all. The fact that extraction was the first and only option presented immediately raised red flags. I also mentioned pain in my lower jaw, and she dismissed it as sinus-related--despite me having no sinus symptoms. She then hurried out of the room and had an assistant come in to review my treatment plan--which had the tooth extraction scheduled before addressing any of my cavities. I told them I wouldn't move forward with the extraction as I wanted a second opinion, but I was still willing to do the fillings. I've since canceled that appointment as well, as I no longer trust this office. I fear this office is after your money and not your well being. A true shame. read more

The care and respect I receive from Independence Dental Group is exceptional. After recently moving, I had a dental emergency where a tooth I had crowned elsewhere cracked (whoops my fault!) and they were able to see me immediately. When I arrived via the 61 bus (it is also close to the MFL 8th St stop) I was welcomed and they completed my intake effortlessly. The front desk staff of a practice tells you a lot about the work environment and I ADORE the people here! They ensure they answer all of my questions in a way that's easy for me to understand, including billing and care plans. Dr. Kim, Dr. Gelbert, and all dental assistants that I interact with are exemplary. Everyone is very considerate and puts my comfort above all else. I will be honest: my teeth suck. I have a complicated history with my teeth but their staff have never made me uncomfortable or looked down on me for their imperfections. Staff empowers me to make the best informed decisions by providing all facts and options upfront. This transparency is very important to me. The facility is clean and I find it is comfortable spacious. There is enough privacy between rooms to feel at ease (though it does sound like a "dentists office" if you have auditory concerns). Today, they've completed cleanings, tooth extraction, and the multi-step process for an implant. I am astounded by how quickly they always work and how little discomfort I feel during and after every procedure! It's always a quick trip and rarely inconveniences my daily function. Thank you so much, IDG! read more

Independence Dental Group - patient room - General Dentistry Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The office is very clean and the front desk staff are very friendly - these are the only positives about my experience at Independence Dental. To start: I moved to Philadelphia for graduate school right before the start of the pandemic. I had a cavity filled at a different dental office during the pandemic, and they did a poor job and the filling eventually cracked. I came to Independence dental initially to have them repair the broken filling. They informed me that I needed a root canal (which was very expensive) but as the filling had broken in such a way that it basically felt like a razor in the back of my mouth, I agreed. They performed the root canal the same day. At the time, I felt they had my best interests in mind, so I acquiesced. All good. About a month or two after having the crown placed, I started to experience pain in the same tooth they performed the root canal on. I attempted to call and ask to have it looked at to see if the crown was misfitted or any other potential issues. They initially did not reply to me, and it took several additional calls before they agreed to an appointment to examine the tooth. When I arrived for this appointment, the dental assistant took me back and said they were going to prep me for an extraction. I assumed they mistook me for another patient because at no point during scheduling did they suggest that the appointment would be to extract the tooth. I understand that a failed root canal can lead to extraction, but also know the pain I was experiencing could have easily been from a misfitted crown, or heck, even clenching my jaw, and I solely wanted to have the tooth looked at to determine what may be occurring. After consulting with (I assume) Dr. Gelbart, they gave me an xray to look at the tooth. Dr. Gelbart then came in and told me his root canal looked "perfect." He said, and I quote, "We've told you multiple times now that extraction was the only other option." This is patently false. I had only ever spoken to Dr. Gelbart once, and the only other time I spoke to anyone at his office was to schedule the follow up appointment where they apparently were trying to manipulate me into getting my tooth extracted. As this was also December and my dental benefits had already been maxed out due to the root canal, I asked that even if we were to proceed with an extraction, could we wait til January so that I would have insurance coverage, and again was pressured to accepting an extraction that day. I obviously declined, and Dr. Gelbart handed me off to another employee who then told me the cost of the procedure (over $4k!!!) and attempted to get me to schedule the extraction for January. I declined, and went for a second opinion. This secondary doctor identified my pain as due to strain from clenching my jaw -- there was absolutely no need for the extraction at all. This was by and far the worst dental experience I have ever had - I am almost positive that the initial root canal was likely not needed, but given that it pays them top dollar, I was pushed into it. The pressure I felt from the doctor and the staff to have a completely healthy tooth extracted - without any care for what may have been causing my pain - has left me believing this clinic serves only to make money. They do not care about your tooth health or your experience, just how much you can pay them. read more

I knew Steve through a mutual friend. While I heard good things about his skills as a dentist, I waited until my old dentist retired before checking him out. Now I can safely say I found my new dentist. First, let's talk about the office. Clean, organized, and sterile could all be used to describe it. It is pristine! That doesn't even scratch the surface on what they are doing to support COVID, which just takes it above and beyond. With all the latest equipment and big screen monitors in every room, you'll be as comfortable as you can be for a dentist appointment. It was great to see the X-Rays and have Steve walk down what he saw. It is also reassuring to know that should an dental emergency come up, he will have everything he needs. Other notables: a friendly staff from the front desk to the dental hygienists. Validated parking across the street should you need. Plenty of space should you need to bring the family in for their check-ups together. read more

I had a very bad experience, first my tooth was drilled down for a crown, I didn't believe I needed. Then I was told my mouth was too small to get the crown in, and I needed an extraction, (which would have meant an implant $$$). WTF! I'm already nervous about going to the dentist after a previous incident. I don't like feeling like I'm getting an unnecessary diagnosis/procedure, so they can get more money. What happened to the Dr. Welby's of the world? Near work, but my trust is gone for this location. Sounds like others had good experiences. Good Luck! read more

This dentist had come highly recommended from a friend so I was excited to try it out. Unfortunately, I will not be returning as they were negligent and were anything but patient forward. Firstly, when I arrived (15 minutes early as stated on the forms) I waited 30 minutes past my appointment time, so I was sitting in the lobby for 45 minutes. No apology or updates the whole time. Then, my entire interaction with the dentist was not even 5 minutes. He told me to smile, didn't even look in my mouth and then billed me for a "comprehensive exam." They did X-rays but as these are billed separately, unsure when the exam happened. I talked to the dentist briefly about Invisalign and he said I could get scanned that day, and the tech who did the scans were very nice to my face, but a few of the techs were loudly complaining about who asks for Invisalign scans this late in the day, right behind where I was sitting. If they had taken me for my appointment on time it wouldn't have been that late, and the dentist was the one who offered so weird to be complaining where the patient can hear you. Finally, my appointment was on April 22, it is now the end of May and they still have not contacted me for a cleaning though they said they could get me in the next week. Needless to say I won't be returning to this messy practice, upset that I have to pay out of pocket for my actual dental exam now though since they billed my insurance as if this was comprehensive. read more

Dr. Gelbart did not respect my choice not to wear protective glass against light. No other dentist ever forced me to wear them. I complied with his demand at today's appointment. He also refused to use a simple technique whereby the patient's cheek is shaken to reduce the pain of injection. My previous dentist has done that successfully. He not only refused but was dismissive in his attitude. I asked politely that he uses the technique at our next appointment. I reported that the back of my jaw was injured when an imprint of my teeth was taken, tactfully and politely. All my communications with him either by email or in person were tactful. He displayed a disciplinarian attitude and was not open to listen to my questions. In today's appointment, he installed a new crown but refused to install another temporary crown because he didn't want to remain my dentists. He hasn't explained or told me ahead of time why he made this decision. He forbade on me to talk during the appointment, saying "no talking", and that he'll put me in the corner if I talk. It was apparent from the beginning of the appointment that he was angry and hostile. He did not admit it. When I said that he is an accomplished dentist he had no patience to listen. He pushed me out of the office by force, in the presence of his patients, even though I did not resist. I was too shocked to know what to do. No one has assaulted me physically in all my adult life. Certainly not a health care provider. I find this outrageous beyond words. His assistant, whose name I don't know, as well as several patients in the waiting lobby witnessed his pushing me out. read more

Great all around. Hard to believe the severely negative comments based on my positive experience over several visits across the past 18 months. Be skeptical of the trash talk. read more

Beware! My visit with him at his 7th street location now feels rushed. I felt very uncomfortable. He did not take the time to educate me on my health procedure. I tried to be a good patient but he is taking all of my time and money and giving me stress. His new environment has an unprofessional feel. The teeth kept falling out my mouth, it was a total waste of time and money. He was very combative and argumentative and tried to falsely accuse me of being there for pain medicine! Dr. Stephens convinced me to stay and take down all of my negative reviews. He tried to tell me I was a good patient and to stick with him and he would take care of me. He had convinced me it would take time but I ended up in tremendous pain, while he withheld pain medicine from me. I was in so much pain I needed to go to the emergency room. I talked to him before that but he told me to visit him after the hospital gave me pain meds. I went to the office and he tried to get me to sign a form releasing them from any of the trials and suffering they gave me. I refused and he eventually called the police on me. He knows I suffer tremendously not only from the tooth pain but also from anxiety. I just want the work done and he is giving me drama and it is causing me lots of trauma all over again. This is also costing me money, time, and anxiety. Please be aware of what you sign before you become his patient. He keeps accusing me of false claims and I just want my dental work completed. I am tired of going through this and I deserve quality service! By someone who treats me like a person and gives me my rights as a person! read more

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He is the best Dentist I have ever gone too. Very concerned, and caring about his patients. I definitely recommend going to him. Excellent service could not say enough. Linda Campbell. read more

Finally my fear of dental visits is over. The reception team is quick and on point. Jamie who treated me, ensured I was completely aware of each procedure and I was actually confused at how little pain there was. Best experience and the cleanest facility to top it off. read more

I have been Dr. Gelbart's patient since COVID began and can say, he's the absolute best. He continued to provide dental care selflessly in the spring of 2020, risking his life to help his patients. The quality of his care is 5+ stars, and his office is state of the art beyond belief. I'm a loyal patient of his for the forever. read more

I first found this dentist when I was having excruciating tooth pain in the summer of 2020 and he was the one dentist available in the middle of a pandemic on such short notice and I've been to see him regularly since. I just had dental implants put in and I am ecstatic with how they look. I have long had issues with my teeth but I did not think I was a candidate for implants because the ones I had before did not take (not enough bone). He showed how he would be able to do it and I was convinced. I know I made the right decision. They look amazing and I know they will stay in. Also, the price was entirely reasonable. I cannot stop smiling. read more

Having been patient (as has my daughter as well) of Dr. Gelbart for approx. 5 years in his previous office (before March 2020), I can say, without hesitation, that I am thrilled and delighted that he has now set out on his own. Indeed his new office on South 7th Street in Center City, near Chestnut, is not only convenient to everything, but is spacious, clean and comfortable. He is an excellent dentist who keeps up with all modern tech (and has even given given seminars on such to other dentists). He has a "light touch" when digging around in your mouth, and he even does same-day crowns, which are fabricated right in the office. He is super responsible about office hygiene. And he is quite compassionate about the predicaments and challenges in patients' lives. All in all, this is a good guy and a great dentist! read more

Independence Dental Group - General Dentistry Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I just started with this dentist today and I had three significant procedures done. The doctor was highly recommended in online reviews at his previous place of employment. The process was impressive from the initial consultation, decision making, information given and an extremely smooth execution of the first phase of treatment. The staff is comprised of very efficient and pleasant people including Dr. Gelbart, of course. read more

Dr G was my dentist in a previous location. When I had an issue in late 2020 at the other location, I found Dr G was no longer there, and had an issue with a procedure. Fortunately I found Dr G online and immediately set up an appointment: and he is my dentist for life! There isn't enough good to say about him, his staff and the pristine office setting. Dr G is one of the most the most scrupulous, open and direct doctors I've ever know in all my life. Period. read more