I absolutely hate going to the dentist. I detest having things in my mouth. I don't even like chewing gum or sucking on hard candy. And I have a crazy sensitive gag reflex. So you can imagine how much I abhor having sharp pointy things and fingers in my mouth. The extent to which I hate going to the dentist is also the extent to which I love Dr. Cao and her staff. They are genuinely lovely, caring people who go out of their way to make an unpleasant experience enjoyable. I like them so much that I still go there even though I have moved away and it now takes me an hour to get there. I don't know if Dr. Cao is taking new patients, but if she is, take advantage of it. You won't find a better dentist and team. read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Cao-Chan for over 25 years, which speaks volumes about the quality of care she provides. Recently had a cavity filled and the experience was excellent as always. She's highly skilled, professional, and personable - the perfect combination you want in a dentist. Her prices are very reasonable, especially considering the high quality of work. The office atmosphere is great too. Joy, the office manager, has been there for years and is always helpful and pleasant to work with. They offer comprehensive services including teeth whitening, and every procedure I've had has been done with expert care. If you're looking for a trustworthy, experienced dentist in El Cerrito who provides excellent dental care at fair prices, I highly recommend Dr. Cao-Chan. There's a reason I've stayed with her practice for a quarter century! read more

We consider it a privilege having the quality of thorough care and attention provided by Doctor Linh Cao and associates of Marina, Joy and Maisha. My intuition is they're the perfect combination of professionals doing most things exceptionally well given their combination of knowledgeable experience with patience and understanding. Access to their office (with free parking) is easy. read more

I had been a patient at a practice in San Francisco for nearly 20 years, and for reasons that aren't really germane to this review, I wanted to find a new dentist closer to my home. Serendipitously, I found Dr Cao. All aspects of my experience with this office were extremely pleasant and smooth. When I called to make my initial appointment, the person at the front desk (Joy) was incredibly thorough and friendly when setting up my appointment. The office is well appointed and very serene. Unlike some dental practices, there's not a lot of activity going on around you, which tends to set patients at ease I would think. When I arrived for my appointment today, I was warmly greeted by the technician, Marina, followed by an exam and cleaning performed by Dr. Cao. She is patient and thorough, providing just the right amount of professional engagement. She made sure that all of my questions and concerns were thoroughly addressed I currently don't have dental insurance, but this practice does offer a 10% discount for seniors, and because I was a new patient, I also received a an Oral B Floss Action Electric Toothbrush. All told it was a very positive experience. read more

I love Dr. Cao!!! I have been going to Dr. Cao for almost 10 years. I have moved as far as Modesto, but kept driving to EC for my dental visits. She's not only a great dentist with excellent skills, she's also a friend. I've referred all my friends to her and they end up going back too. That's saying something about her! She's got a gentle touch, a clean and modern office, and awesome staff (Joy, and new dental assistant whose name I unfortunately don't remember). Definitely recommend!!! read more

Dr. Cao, Ping and Joy are an absolute delight!! My parents were very briefly patients of Dr. Cao's and found her to be very patient, kind and very thorough in her treatment and in explaining everything. Joy, the front desk/office manager, is an absolute JEWEL and painstakingly and so patiently explain the billing and costs of Dr. Cao's treatment plans... so there are NO SURPRISES!! Everything is upfront and discussed beforehand. (Something many dental offices can't claim.) If her office took Delta PPO insurance, my parents would have loved to remain patients. But our experience - my parents as patients and me as the one who handles the bills - has been nothing short of wonderful. We;ll make sure to send any and all of our dearest friends and relatives (and even strangers on yelp) her way because they take good care of their patients!! read more

Excellent service. Professional, experienced, and friendly, Dr.Cao takes her time to make sure the work is done right the first time. Dr. Cao's office is modern, clean, and pleasant, with all new equipment and furnishings. Friendly and efficient staff. Central location with good parking. Also close to BART. My visits are always pleasant and pain free. read more

I've never liked a dentist and her staff so much that I always look forward to the next visit. Or even think about stopping by just to say hi and see what they are up to. But that's how I feel about Dr Cao and her staff. I've moved around a lot the last several years and changed dentists more often than I replaced my running shoes (which is a lot, since I like to run). And Dr Cao is the best dentist ever. Seriously, I look forward to my appointments! I love the lovely greetings from Joy at the front, the smiles of Danielle (assistant) and Dr Cao, who feels more like a friend than my dentist. So obviously, the URL name caringdds.com fits really well. I love that Dr Cao does all the cleanings! I can't remember the last time a dentist actually cleaned my teeth. And she does such a thorough job, I swear off all coffee and Diet Coke (for at least a week anyway)!!! Her new office location is fantastic, love that the decor is really bright, open and modern. If you ask, they'll even change the Pandora music at your request. I can never get out of my appointments on time because I get so caught up in my conversations before and after. Ok and sometimes during, too, although it's not easy when you have probes and fingers in your mouth. I've been seeing Dr Cao about 2 years now (between cleanings and that one cracked filling, I've come to really appreciate her and the team) and really, she's one of my favorite things about El Cerrito. Ok that and the 2 Bart stations. And Ba Le and... well, Dr Cao is definitely on top of my list! read more

Ok so don't judge me - I hadn't been to the dentist in a very, very long time. We're talking years++. (Freelancer's life without dental insurance, you know?) I also am HIGHLY dental-phobic. However, I had a loose molar and knew it was time. I did some research and found Dr. Cao-Chan. I was terrified to get this tooth removed. However, Dr. Cao has a very calm, matter of fact demeanor and explained everything that she was going to do and her recommendations. The pricing was also straightforward shown upfront. The extraction went quickly - it took about 15 minutes or less and didn't hurt much at all. I have since overcome some of my fear and went again to get a deep cleaning, and it was definitely worthwhile. Also note that the Dr. is very petite and I look for this in a dentist because I have a pretty small mouth. (I've been to dentists with large hands before who have literally ripped my mouth open. Sorry that was gross TMI.) If you are a new client her office even gives you a choice of a free electric toothbrush or teeth whitening package gift. The staff is really friendly and efficient here as well. I want to go to the dentist as much as I want to do my taxes, but if I do go, I'm very glad to have Dr Cao and would highly recommend her office. read more

WOW! My experience with Linh was fabulous. She took good care of me and made sure I was comfortable at all times. She's also a perfectionist, so that is awesome. Her office is chic, contemporary and sleek. Services include a selection of movies along with headphones (so each patient's room can watch their own choice of movie) and some slic shades to prevent stuff getting into the eyes. Whenever there is any emergency, she will always be there to provide her services. Linh is very detail oriented, smart and funny. She went to one of the top dental schools!! Go read her bio! Everyone in her office especially her assistant made me feel real comfortable. She gave my hubby a gold crown and did a great job. She detected a small cavity and fixed it right away for me. Both my hubby and I are a patient of Linh's and will be for many years to come. There is parking behind the office. She is available on MWF. read more

I had been going to my previous dentist for 15+ years and didn't think anything about it. I just endured what I thought was normal pain for cleanings, choking for impressions taken, etc. At the suggestion of a friend, I tried Dr. Cao. At my first appointment, I realized that pain and suffering for simple cleanings and checkups were NOT routine. She uses modern/current techniques and is very knowledgeable about everything dental. I wish I would have gone to her much earlier. She has a very friendly staff too. read more

The Tooth Fairy LIVES! I have been one who has had some negative experiences with dentists since childhood. Recently I discovered Dr. Linh Cao-Chan and er am so happy. Dr. Cao is not only competent but caring. What I love about her is her straight forward nature...yet non-judgmental. Dr. Cao has given me a renewed confidence. Her staff, like herself, exhibit a calming influence on me unlike other offices I have been to where you sit, wait and worry about what may take place. Her office manager, Joy is so aptly named. Upon my first visit I was presented with a total plan along with costs.....nothing hidden. You will get every dollar's worth of work from your insurance and more. I love the fact that Dr. Cao does all her own work....no hygienist. Ping, her dental assistant is fabulous, and very concerned about patient care and comfort. Dr. Cao uses Pandora to allow you to listen to whatever music you enjoy through headphones while she works. A couple of times I could have fallen asleep.....unheard of in my experience with dentists. If you feel you have a need for dental care and want a positive experience I cannot recommend Dr. Cao enough. Dr. Cao's office is WONDERFUL. read more