I would like to say that this is the best dentist overall. I have been a patient for more than 10 years, and I highly recommend him to my boss and co-workers due to his quality of care and expertise. Today, he completed my bridge, and it fits perfectly. I would not go to any other dentist. If you're looking for someone who is truly dedicated and skilled, I will gladly refer him to you. He is one of a kind, and his staff is also exceptional. They are very attentive during your visit, so you can trust that you're in good hands. read more

The staff at this dental office are respectful and very accommodating when possible. They are amazing! Dr Gulbenkian listens and takes steps to ensure the patients best care. read more

Dr Gulbenkian is an awesome dentist. He's very caring and has a gentle hand, I never worry about being in pain. And I recommend him to everyone! His office staff are wonderful and very helpful. read more

Very attentive to your needs. Always willing to work with patient. His staff is great.

Dr. G is a true gem, you can tell he really loves his profession. He's been my family dentist for well over 5 years and does absolutely stellar work. The operation is seamless, and the staff is amazing. Tracy makes sure you're in/out! Wish I could give 10 stars, they're that good! read more

Joseph Gulbenkian - General Dentistry Near Me - New York, New York

Dr. Gulbenkian is the best!! He does beautiful work and is a perfectionist. From his awesome receptionist, Tracy, to his assistant to his accounting/insurance staff, they are all a pleasure to deal with! You will not be disappointed. read more

Dear Dr Gulbenkian, Thank you for clarifying what happened to my front tooth in your response below. I've never had a filling on the top of my front incisor. I would know. It's my incisor. I believe I had a tooth there. One that your hygienist chipped. I am confused why you are publicly commenting that I had a filling in my front incisor when I never did? Please feel free to clarify that for me. I did get scheduled with the same hygienist that chipped my tooth. That appointment was the one before Patricia turned me away for being 13 minutes late. I had to make myself feel comfortable with her because you guys couldn't be bothered to schedule me with someone else. The "best solution" you end your comment with was not the best solution for the consumer. It was the best solution for your staff. read more

I agree with a lot that's been said about the brusque manner of Dr. Gulbenkian. It's true that he brushed off questions. Doc: It's really important to engage with anyone who wants to learn more about their health. Come on! It's health! I will also say that Dorothy the hygienist was so so helpful, kind, and gentle. Really considering sticking around just for a cleaning that I don't have to dread. read more

I like the dentist and the hygienist. But the office staff could use some improvement. I made an appointment two months ago and confirmed that the practice took my new insurance. They said they did, and I decided to stay with Dr. Gulbenkian despite the two month wait for an appointment. The day before the appointment, the staff calls me to tell me that he doesn't take my insurance anymore, despite being listed as in network on the United Healthcare website. This should have been communicated to me when I made my appointment, not after I waited for two months for an appointment. Simply unacceptable, and not even an apology from the front desk staff member who told me the wrong information. Doctors and dentists like to say that it is the patient's responsibility to confirm that the patient's insurance is accepted, but doctors and dentists also have a responsibility to make sure their insurance information is clearly listed online and communicated to patients. Don't be listed as United Healthcare in-network if you don't actually want to accept certain United Healthcare plans because they don't pay enough. read more

Have you ever met a doctor that refers you to other doctors?I rest assure you all the bad reviews are complete bullshit. I've been struggling with finding a good dentist and fortunately I found him through my moms new insurance. None the less Dr. Gulbenkian changed my life. Literally. I had really bad experiences with dentists and I am a maniac when it comes to my teeth so trust me if I tell you that if my insurance didn't take him I'd still pay the money for it because not only is he caring but he makes sure you are in good hands. I had a major issue with my molars in the back and after having the worst experience with dentists thinking they can do everything (cause they want your money) Dr.Gulbenkian not only helped me save a couple of my teeth but he referred me to other dentists ( for root canals and wisdom teeth removals) and they were also amazing!! Dr. G made sure my insurance was accepted with them. His other staff who I did not get the names of (his assistant) is also so nice and welcoming they feel like family.If I ever have any other needs I will make sure that he takes my money because it is well spent. My molars are now in amazing condition and I feel comfortable in my smile. To Patricia: thank you for always scheduling me to my convenience with my busy schedule. I will definitely be coming back and referring everyone I know! You guys definitely deserve 5 stars from everyone and anyone that does not give you that is just upset over their insurance. Keep up the great work!! read more

I never write yelp reviews, but Dr. Gulbenkian lied that I had a cavity when I didn't... I was given this dentist as a recommendation from someone I knew since they had been going to Dr. Gulbenkian for years. I went for a cleaning 6 months ago, and they told me I had 2 cavities that needed to be filled. I have had a cavity once before, and didn't feel any of those symptoms before this visit. I found it strange Dr. Gulbenkian seemed to try to be convincing me I had a cavity by saying multiple times 'do you hear how the probe is sticking to your tooth.' Something seemed off, almost as if he was trying to prove himself. I work in medical sales so I'm very familiar with the back end of physician offices. It's more common than patients realize how physicians (and dentists) try to 'upsell' and bill as much money as they can out of visits, or have patients come back/do procedures when it isn't necessary. I never went back to have the my 'cavities' filled. I tried to have my X-Rays sent to my new dentist from Dr. Gulbenkian's office, but they said the internet was down and they couldn't send them over. Today I went for a cleaning at my new dentist and they said I didn't have any cavities! I find it extremely unethical that a dentist would try to tamper with perfectly healthy teeth in order to make more money. read more

Any gushing review of this scammer are fake and planted. Yes they do 10 minute cleanings, yes he has zero bedside manner, yes he is incompetent and even a crook! I saw him several times, he was always rushed and impersonal. He even used his iphone with his gloves on during a visit. So he put on a crown that fell off after a month, then he ordered a new one that literally broke in my mouth when I bit down on it in office! can you imagine? He said "I had a strong bite". What a joke. Then he tells me He wants his oral surgeon friend to "shave my gums down so the crown fits". that was final straw with this nut job. Finally I realized he defrauded me $400 for the crown out of pocket which was covered by insurance. i had to march into his office and stand over him to get my money back. He deserves an investigation by consumer affairs and then some. RESPONSE TO HIM: I DONT USE MY REAL NAME ON YELP BUT STORY IS COMPLETELY TRUE. I hope others dont get screwed by this guy. With Dental work you get what you pay for and this guy is a scammer. Sad read more

I was a first time patient of Dr. Gulbenkian today, and I have never had a more impersonal and upsetting dentist appointment in my life. My cleaning was perfunctory (he spent 15 minutes with me total) and my gums were bloody and swollen after leaving. I am still spitting up blood this evening. After telling me I had mild gingivitis and a small cavity, he made no effort to ask if I had any questions, and when I tried to ask, he responded in a way that made me feel stupid for even asking (flossing and brushing? yes I know) Should I be using a mouthwash, what are the odds that this cavity will develop into something that would require drilling, what is mild gingivitis caused by and why have i never had it before if I haven't changed my brushing and flossing, all of these questions I would have appreciated even the opportunity to ask. All in all, his manner was brusque and dismissive, and I felt like I was being rushed out so the next patient could get in. I definitely will not be coming back. Maybe this sounds crazy, but I like to be treated with a little bit of courtesy as a patient. read more

Called to make an appointment and they were very rude. First they said they only take existing patients with my insurance. Then they said they won't be taking any new patients with my insurance in the future. Then they said they don't take my insurance at all, even though they are listed with my insurance and when I called my insurance I was told they accept it. So, which is it?? They don't even know what insurance they take? Do you take my insurance, but just don't want new patients? The woman who answered the phone was very rude so I assume this is indicative of the dentist, since bad behavior usually starts at the top. Sounds like a terrible place. I prefer service with a smile, or even no service with a smile! read more

In the past, I switched dentists whenever I changed jobs and either my insurance plans changed or my location in NYC changed and I chose a new one that was near my office. None of them made much of a lasting impression on me. Dr. Gulbenkian, however, had personality. On top of being very professional, he really makes each patient feel like he/she is his only patient. He listens to concerns and gives suggestions -- not orders -- on what you should do. He also works with you if you lack insurance so that it's fair for both parties. The waiting room is small, but it's clean and the staff friendly. read more

Dentist stopped taking my insurance, which is not the problem. I have called twice to find out how much to see the dentist "out of network" and willing to pay out of pocket. The receptionist is acting like she's doing me a favor as i pry information to try and get an appointment or simple answers to which i think she should know. There is nothing worse than being treated poorly by a doctors office when you call on the phone and it sets the tone for the entire experience. I really don't appreciate it and you have lost me as a patient of 5 years. Complete nonsense read more

Let me add my praises for Dr. Gulbenkian to this list. Prior to seeing Dr. G, I was using another dentist who I began to feel was bilking me and billing my insurance for procedures that I hadn't had done, just to pad the office's income. It felt wrong, and the last straw was when that office suggested that I have a "deep cleaning" done for no apparent reason (I was having cleanings 4x a year after getting bonding on my front six teeth, because I was told that otherwise they "wouldn't hold up" ...what?!). In any case I did an extensive search for a dentist and Dr. Gulbenkian was both on my insurance company's rollbook and positively reviewed online. I've been seeing him for two years now and have been to his office for three cleanings including one repair to one of my bonded teeth. He is always kind, chatty and he definitely makes you feel like you're the most important patient of the day. He takes a more conservative approach to dentistry, which I appreciate--he takes more of a "wait-and-see" approach rather than telling you that you need umpteen fillings and root canals as soon as he sees you the first time. I'm very pleased with Dr. G and will happily continue to see him as long as I can! read more

I have been going to Dr. Joesph Gulbenkian for years probably around 10 years. He is the best, very gentle and caring. I always listen to what he has to say when it comes to my gums and teeth. I am so happy to have found him... one night I was out for dinner with my girlfriend and her friend join us later and to my surprise she knew my dentist Dr. G. She raved how he took care of her son after he had been to several dentists and needed immediate help. Wow.... this was so impressive to hear what a small world... many people go to Dr. G and truely love him as a dentist and his work. When my brother came in to town for the first time to the big apple Dr. G squeezed him in his busy schedule to do a cleaning and X-rays. My brother was so happy and very pleased with Dr. G with his work and his ackowledgement as a doctor. If you are looking for a Great Dentist in the Big Apple it is by train just a hop skip and away and you will be there at his office - 162 W 56th Street. I will see you there!!! read more

Dr G is an excellent Dentist! 1) He knows his stuff. 2) He explains and answers all of your questions. 3) He respects your time (gets you in and out). 4) He loves being a dentist. read more

I've been going to Dr. Gulbenkian for over 7 years now and have never had a bad experience. Multiple cleanings, cavities filled and old fillings replaced, and two crowns. Funny bedside manner. Yes the office is strict about the 15 min lateness policy but that's because it will affect the next patients appointment. read more

I have been going to Dr Gulbenkian (a.k.a Dr. G) for 10 years. In fact its been 3 generations (me, my mom and grandma) are patients for Dr. G. He is so great we just had to keep him in the family! I have referred coworkers and friends to him and everyone loves him. Most recently I went for my usual 6 month appointment and I have to share: as always there was no wait time, you are immediately in the dentist's chair at your appointment time which is crucial if you attend appointments on your lunch hour like me!!! The staff there are friendly, accommodating and helpful. The place is super clean. The best part of my visit was their HYGIENIST: NICOLE!!!!! She took her time with my cleaning and X-rays and gave me important tips and feedback. Nicole is patient and pays attention to detail which is important especially when it comes to my teeth. She is knowledgeable, humble and doesn't make you feel embarrassed in any way!!!!! Nicole and Dr G explained everything to me and asked if I had any follow up questions. Every visit to this office is a pleasure which is rare in the dental world, but I'm being honest!!!!! :) read more

At 72, I have lots of elderly issues, especially swallowing any type of liquid as well as severe GERD. About 4 years ago, I was complaining to my good friend (Ronny Lee-professional guitarist / teacher) about my previous dentist. Ronny recommended Dr. Joseph Gulbenkian. At my first dental appointment, Dr G reviews my dental issues. He explains that he will minimize the amount of water during regular dental work. Wow it works. Finally, I am looking forward to seeing a dentist. Prior to seeing Dr. G I had to have emergency dental surgery at the hospital. Without the surgery I would have lost a part of my jaw. Ouch! Shortly after that I began seeing Dr. G. He discovers there is a bone chip where the surgery was. Dr. G picks up the phone and speaks to the surgeon. The surgeon takes another look and yes he finds the sliver of bone and removes it. A dentist who ADVOCATES for me. Amazing. As a Doctor of Education (1989 NYU alumnus) I tend to be demanding when it comes to professional standards. Joe and the entire staff get my highest rating. Robert T Spellman SoHo, NYC 10014 read more

Finding a great dentist is NYC is difficult! I went in for a checkup/cleaning and Renee cleaned my teeth and it was literally the best teeth cleaning of my life. In an informative manner she explained each step of the way and it was very comforting. As well she taught me better techniques to care for my teeth. Dr. G himself is awesome, what a rockstar! A week later he swapped out a poorly done filling in record time with minimal pain and now I can eat normally again. Thanks for being my new dentist! :D read more

I was there last week and was very happy. Dr. Joseph was courteous and friendly, explained everything and did a wonderful work. Wait time was short and the entire experience with the staff was great. Thank you. read more

Recently changed dentist and the office of Dr. Gulbenkian has been very welcoming and kind to me. The customer service is great and very punctual when it comes to appointments. So, for example, if your appointment is at 2:30 PM, at 2:30 PM you will be called. I like that because I get very impatient waiting around. Dental work is great and they are catered to your every need. I totally recommend to anyone whom wish to switch to another dentist or for new patients. read more

My whole family has been going to Dr. Gulbenkian for years...in the beginning, at the start of his career, he was engaging, explained things thoroughly, did good work overall. My relatives started leaving him one by one....so after my last visit, now I am really thinking about changing dentist. He has gotten to be very brash, full of himself, and careless. His work has gotten poor, and the staff is really hard to deal with. They all feel like they are doing you huge favors. It is your job to pick up the phone and answer questions, you are getting paid for it, therefore you should treat patients with some sort of courtesy and respect. I would like to mention, that even though there has been a different hygienist every time I have gone for a cleaning, they have have all been great across the board. read more

Best dentist in midtown, me and my husband use dr Gulbenkian services long time.

I don't lean to hyperbole in writing or conversation, so when I say Dr. Gulbenkian has changed my life, I mean it. That first time I smiled without worrying that everyone can see my rotted, blackened teeth was like lifting a heavy wet blanket of self conscious worry off of my entire sense of self. I had let my teeth go for about 14 years without a dentist appointment. It was a mix of fear and poverty/no insurance that kept me out of the chair. the tops of my canines started showing some black spots by the gumline in my early 20s. I think living in Florida and drinking rum 5 nights a week probably had a little to do with this. It started getting worse. The black spots were now full cavities rotting away and now it was spreading to other teeth both visible and not visible. a few years go by and now i have teeth coming apart in the back of my mouth.I was spitting chunks of my teeth out far too often. I moved to NYC in 2010 and I looked like a meth head. I did nothing to take care of my teeth other than brushing and flossing/general maintenance. I knew I had to do take some responsibility, but I had a fear that I would have to get dentures and that whatever dentist I went to would berate me for my bad choices. I am aware this is stupid, but this is what I did. Fear is a hell of a demotivator. Fast forward a few years and I got a decent job with insurance! (guess I didn't have to smile in the interview...sweet!) I was incredibly nervous at my first visit, but Dr. Gulbenkian was very thorough and non judgmental. He described in detail how he would like to approach my treatment, set up a schedule, referred me to excellent oral surgeon and root canal guy (forget the actual job title) and most importantly, did a fantastic job on all my teeth. After my first procedural visit, I could do a 1950's rockabilly sneer without showing rot. Progress! While there are few social situations where a sneer is applicable, I was giving em out all day. And with the Novocaine, it was pretty easy to only move one side of my mouth, so...bonus! About a year later, all cavities are filled, and all root canals completed. I went from looking like a meth addled junkie to a semi-respectable person. Most importantly, now I can smile again. It's a much more important thing than I had realized. Your outlook improves, life doesn't seem so distant, and girls dig guys without rotten pirate teeth. Dr. Gulbenkian told me on my first visit that he would have me smiling again in no time. I honestly can't thank him enough for his professionalism, skill, and artistry. Now for the general review stuff: - Never had to wait for an appointment. When they say 2:30, they mean it. - Professional and courteous staff. - If you are DC37, he will work with you. This is not the best insurance (NYC Employee Union) They are slow to approve, slow to pay, etc, but he plans for their inaction and works around it. - They are pretty busy, so you'll have to book in advance, but if you can wait a few weeks, its definitely worth it. read more

I have been seeing this dentist for years for regular cleanings and occasional issues (chipped tooth, loose filling). Great dentist who does only what is needed (as opposed to other dentists I've seen upstate who try to put fillings in all of your teeth). I am happy I found this dentist and definitely recommend him! read more

Dr. Gulbenkian is a gem. I actually look forward to my cleanings.

I've been seeing Dr. Gulbenkian since 2004 and have referred many family and friends over the years. All have had nothing but great things to say about their interaction with Dr. Gulbenkian. I never really thought to personally write a review for Dr. Gulbenkian until somebody mentioned that there were a few bad reviews on Yelp, which I could hardly believe without seeing with my own eyes. Over the course of my 13+ years of seeing and referring people to Dr. Gulbenkian I can tell you that in every instance for me personally, as well as those whom I referred, he has been nothing short of professional, compassionate, personable, kind and beyond fair...to his own detriment. What do I mean by "to his own detriment" -- how about not charging me when I was between jobs and without insurance. He also took calls from my mother and brother who live in different states (FL & CA respectively) when they were having an acute issue. There are many other things that he has done for me over the years that went way above and beyond his call of duty or responsibility. Dr. Gulbenkian is by far the best and most caring dentist I've ever seen. I hope you will give him a chance to prove the same to you in spite of the handful of negative reviews you see here. Don't let a few bad apples keep you from finding the best dentist in NYC. read more

Dr. Gulbenkian, along with his superb network of specialists, fixed my varied complex dental problems and now my teeth are great. Dr. G., the CEO of my mouth, is a maestro. He's a smart, highly-skilled, gentle, painless and versatile professional who can think on his feet when the unexpected arises. The perfect comfortable crowns he put on my implants were, well, the crowning touch. His staff is great. He's my go-to guy forever. read more

The first time I saw Dr. Gulbenkian, he came across kind of brusque. However, I am very happy that I went back for a follow-up because he was super nice and efficient. As the other reviewers say, he's very straight forward and doesn't push unnecessary surgeries. He works very quickly and gets in you in and out pretty fast. I did have to wait ~30min this time because he was backed up, but it had cleared up when I had left. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Gulbenkian and his crew for a year now, with 3 appointments total. I have no complaints! He makes me feel welcome, and I trust his practice and everyone that works there. As a fellow Long Islander, I am glad he moved his practice to the city! I specifically have great things to say about Shu Ping (who went by Renée), the hygienist who gave me a cleaning the past 2 visits. I remembered her as soon as I walked into the office for my most recent appointment, she was bubbly and friendly, and made me feel welcome. As a side note, I have to say, in the past, I haven't had great luck with hygienists... And this is coming from a model dental patient! I have never had cavities and I have a high pain tolerance. Cleanings don't bother me. I had all 5 of my wisdom teeth (yes, 5) without anesthesia. That said, I feel like in the past my hygienists have always been grumpy, angry, and rude. They didn't really say much. On the other hand, Renée described what she was doing while she was giving me a cleaning, and addressed a few of the concerns I had about my brushing habits. She made me feel comfortable in the dentist chair, which is not really an easy thing to do. I must say I never thought I would have a positive relationship with my hygienist, but I am glad to say that I do! read more

Dr. Gulbenkian is the dentist for people who don't like to go to the dentist. I have been his patient for about 15 years and he will be my dentist for as long as I am in New York. "Dr. G" (as he is known) has had great luck in hiring Dental Assistants because they all are superb. He also has an "A" List of specialists whom he can refer you to for things like implants, root canal work, etc.. What more can I say? He's the man! read more

Dr. Gulbenkian did two crowns for me on teeth that had old fillings. It took two visits, each less than an hour, and they look beautiful and feel great. This is the first time I have never had to come back to have new crowns adjusted. He is also kind and honest. I will definitely recommend him to friends. read more

I have to say my best experience at any dentist is with Dr. Gulbenkian. I haven't been to a dentist in quite a few years and have been putting it off because its usually not a very pleasant experience. I finally buckled down and went. I chose Dr. Gulbenkian because of the good reviews on Yelp and he is my insurance network. Needless to say, because I haven't gone in so long, I had to get some stuff done. He's been great through it all and took no more time than a lunch break. read more

I have been seeing Dr. Gulbenkian for over a decade. He is the kindest and most informative dentist I know and highly regarded friend of my family. He is also the dentist to many of my friends. One of the things I love about Dr. Gulbenkian is his candidness about what any procedures are truly needed and which are not. He is truly awesome! read more

I've been seeing Dr Gulbenkian for several years. He and his staff are very professional, efficient, and work with you to get you exactly what you need. Not only is he a great dentist, but he has an encyclopedic knowledge of 80's music! I strongly recommend him to anyone seeking a dentist in midtown. When I emailed him with a question, he answered very promptly and got me right in the next morning to make sure I was ok. read more

Dr. G is amazing. His office is well run and he seems to care about his patients and practice. I heartily recommend him to anyone! The office staff is also super friendly and I've received good dental care over the last two years. read more