Great dentist and staff. He has a lot of good stories to occupy you while you are in the chair.

I was treated back to July 2014. I was in an emergency situation and needed to see a doctor as soon as I could. After viewing the review on line, I made a call to this office. The staff was nice and helpful, but it was the only good thing about that office. My month is tough for many dentists because I have small teeth and I couldn't open my month wide in long period of time. I told Dr. Barbe the situation in the first appointment, and he told me he was confident to handle it. Well, it ended out that I had visit the office multiple times so that they could fix his mistakes during the procedures, which made a 3-visit root canal procedure became 6 visits. I lost quite some money on my paycheck by keeping taking time off for his mistakes. Dr. Barbe got frustrated very easy. He doesn't control his emotion well, which leads to unprofessional behaviors. He threw the instrument and walked away during one of my procedure because he couldn't get the teeth right. He didn't have patience to answer questions. I learned not to trust what he told me after the procedures because the office would always call me later and asked me to go back to redo the works. After my awful 6 times visit, I told myself that I will never go back again. To the end, I still have problem with my tooth which Dr. Barbe did the procedure on. But it is small enough that I think I can take my time finding a better dentist. read more

I actually love Dr. Barbe. He is very personable, and he pays great attention to his patients needs and comfort. He has filled caviites and done root canals and crowns, and even extracted my wisdom teeth, and I keep coming back. He is not stingy with the novocaine! I never have to wait very long and he never seems hurried. And to the poster below, I'm sorry his location is not ideal for you, but he is a great dentist and I don't think its fair to give him only one star if you have never used his services. read more

I HATE going to the dentist. Luckily my husband found Dr. Barbe and referred me to him as well. Went in for a chipped front tooth, haven't been to the dentist in quite some time, so of course there were some other issue that needed to be taken care of first. The staff is FANTASTIC. So kind, and knowledgeable. Dr. Barbe goes through everything that you need, and ways to help you. And his office manager goes through all your insurance info in detail so you know exactly what to expect. I will never love going to the dentist, but at least with Dr. Barbe I know he and his excellent staff are going to take very good care of me and make sure I am as comfortable as I can be. To top it off I even got a hand written note from the doc a few days later, and a phone call the evening after I had my first procedure to check up on me. WOW! Beside manner is not dead. I hope if you need a dentist you go see Dr. Barbe and let him take wonderful care of you too. read more

Additional information: Had to go back to get a root canal on one tooth last year. It was quick, painless, and easy! Going back today for a checkup. hopefully no more work needs to be done! TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH, KIDS! It gets expensive when you're older if you didn't! And I take decent care of my teeth. Should probably have done more when I was younger! read more

He's a pretty cool guy. He could be a little softer during the cleaning and i'm sure he would if i would ask. guess i'm afraid of sounding like a wuss. anyway, he seems knowledgeable and is very easy to get along with. read more

Dr. Barbe (and his assistant, Vanya) are, without a doubt, one of the best dentists that you'll come across. He's the only dentist that I have ever met that has a true passion for his patient's interests and well being. There is no self-interest in how he goes about his job and you can tell. He is going to give it to you straight up how it is and I find that incredibly rare. Before coming across Dr. Barbe, I was advised by two separate dentists that I needed a root canal and crown operation ($2k operation). Ironically on different teeth no less. When I met Dr. Barbe, he found that while I did have cavities, they were simple filling fixes. Since then, I've been his patient for over 2 years and he's been there for me on a number of dental emergencies. Late night calls/texts, emergency appointments, etc - you name it and he'll go out of his way to make sure that you are taken care of. Before finding Dr. Barbe, I personally dreaded going to the dentist (and still to this day have a healthy fear of dental operations, needles, etc). But now when I see Dr. Barbe, at least I know I am in good hands. Vanya, Dr. Barbe's assistant, is amazing. There aren't enough good things in this world that I can say about her so I'll leave it at that. read more

Moved back into Austin and found Dr. Barbe through my work insurance providers. Went in with a chipped tooth that I needed a root canal and crown for. I'm half way through the process and couldn't be happier. Their office went over the costs and explained the process in detail. I even received a hang written letter from Dr. Barbe after my first visit. Cheers! read more

Dr. Barbe and his staff are wonderful! No one likes going to the dentist but they make it an ALMOST pleasurable experience. I have had absolutely no pain any time I've ever had anything done. The hygienist (I can't remember her name) who cleaned my teeth was super gentle and such a sweetheart. Vanya is amazing. I have lots of anxiety with trips to the dentist and she really helped me stay calm and relaxed. Dr. Barbe is just a great guy whose honest about what needs to be done and doesn't suggest unnecessary procedures. His prices are reasonable and I've never had to wait to get an appointment. I'm so glad I found them! read more

Dr. Barbe and his staff are very friendly and professional. I'm always in and out quickly. My whole family goes here and my kids don't even mind going. I highly recommend Far West Dental! read more

I wouldn't know how good a dentist Dr. Barbe is. I can't get to his office. I am disabled. His office is on the second floor of the North Hills Office Park, Building B. There is no elevator or other means to get to the second floor without walking up steps. read more

Absolutely terrible. After what should have been a relatively straight forward procedure of removing a tooth that had fallen victim to a bad crown I had a huge divot in my gum. This seems inherent in a tooth pull however when the doctor takes twice as long as he has to literally crack, brake and pry my root out of my gum you soon realize things are not going to plan. The fact of the matter was that though he claimed the tooth needed to be pulled because the walls were too thin after he had drilled out some cavity that had gotten in the tooth under the crown. But when he was saying 'that was tricky' and 'hardest tooth extraction I've had to do' it was clear that this tooth was extremely solid and the walls would've held up just fine with a new crown put on. Regardless, what people have said about about him loosing his temper and. Ring easily frustrated is extremely true. I hadn't disputed what I thought was his knowledge and hadn't said much of anything and he was seriously pouting and being extremely rude to everyone in the room WHILE doing (failing) this procedure. The icing on the cake was that I was charged for 'extras' without being made aware. Of course when I brought this up with the Dr. Barbe he (after many grunts and pff's 'you should've figured') would reimburse me the difference - right before hanging up the phone on me (and believe it or not I truly was being courteous and respectful). Of course he did not reimburse me and in fact lied saying my check was cashed and it was too late (It wasn't and I wanted to just stop pay it and send a new one - the same day as op). I then called his secretary 'M' the next day and confirmed he had not cashed the check - as he had forcefully said before hanging up on me the previous day. I kindly asked her to dispose of the check so I could issue a new one for the correct amount. After this was done I received countless phone calls (all of which I took or timely returned that same day) about how the new check wouldn't cash. Bare in mind I had spoken with Chase Bank and they had reiterated time and time again that no one had even attempted to cash the check. They suspected that the reason the teller was refusing to cash my check for the doctor and not giving a reason as to why they wouldn't cash it (according to 'M') was that Dr. Barbe must've been trying to cash it in a personal account. I finally 'stop paid' yet another check and mailed to them a money order. Of course I then received more calls asking where their money was (with not more than 2 days for the mail to arrive). Can you say sketchy, shady, unprofessional... This has been a terrible experience. I forgot to mention this office/Dr. Barbe were removed from my insurance provider Cigna's program - no doubt likely for unethical billing practices, nickle and diming and very well articulated and thought out schemes. Don't be fooled. Find a dentist you can trust. read more

I'll be frank: I really don't like going to the dentist. I thought this was one of those childhood things I eventually would grow out of, like pretending to be a dinosaur, or voting Republican, but I've yet to shake the sense of dread that comes over me anytime I imagine setting foot in a plastic-lined room at the back of an office park, where some cut-rate podiatry school drop-out in purple scrubs invariably probes me for the details of my flossing regimen. The HR-approved beige walls, the shrill whir of the oversized chair, the glint of the assorted hooks and drill bits, all showing you your own helplessness; the whole damn thing is Hippocrates meets Orwell. So when my well-intentioned but medically overzealous mother started in on my getting a cleaning over break, a procedure that I admit was overdue (I go to college in Massachusetts, where convincing medical professionals that my Texas insurance is legitimate is more difficult than it might seem at first blush), I can't exactly say I was thrilled. After a fair bit of profanity-laden hemming and hawing, and a thorough search of the various rating sites, I called Dr. Barbe on a rainy Monday morning to schedule an appointment. To my surprise, he had an opening that day. Sure, I thought, what's one more body to hide? Even more surprising than his immediate availability was the painlessness of the process, and the comfort I found myself achieving in spite of the circumstances and all good sense. After a brief chat with the polite and unmistakably Texan receptionist, and a few quick x-rays with a pleasant and refreshingly attitude-free nurse, the good doctor actually did the cleaning himself, and in record time. There were no lectures, no guff, and no attempts at murder; just competent care with a genuinely nice guy, and a newly whitened smile. I still won't cop to liking the idea of dentistry. But, if you happen to be a dyed in the wool ondontophobe like me, or related to one, or someone simply looking to avoid the typical dental hassles, I can't recommend Dr. Barbe highly enough. read more

I have been a patient of Dr. Barbe's for several years. He and his staff are wonderful. He's always been honest and highly competent. I have referred a few patients to him over the years and would recommend him. HIs office is also pretty good about scheduling appointments, even at the last minute. read more

Wonderful staff, very easy to schedule appointments, and they actually take the time to review your needs, etc. One of the best dentists I've ever been to and I will definitely be back. read more

My husband and I, as well as our two kids (7 & 5) cant say enough about Dr. Barbe and his entire staff! Highly recommended!!

Absolutely the best experience. I have now been a total of 2 times. And since I have never really had dental work done, the staff and Dr. Barbe take time to make me comfortable and explain. When I had my wisdom teeth taken out he even did a follow up call at night to make sure I was ok. And just today, I had a tooth pulled and was scared. They told me to breathe and exactly what was going to happen. And before I knew it, I was done. Highly recommend!! read more

Dr. Barbe and his staff are phenomenal. They always take a consultative approach to my questions and provide prompt and excellent service. I highly recommend them! read more

Had an excellent experience with Dr Barbe. Him and his assistant are both very friendly, make pleasant conversation, and did a great job. I later received a hand written letter in the mail from the Dr. which is much appreciated. My best experience at a dentist in a long time. read more

Dr. Barbe is very personable and does a thorough, efficient job. I appreciated the service. The staff was kind enough to note that work could help pay for an optional item and I was very impressed, no pressure for me to spend money for things I don't really need unlike some health and hygiene places. About the cleaning, you are supposed to say something if it hurts, pain is a sign from the body that there is a problem. Some dentists are more aggressive cleaners than others and I want a dentist to be thorough to make sure there are no places missed where my mouth or teeth are in bad shape and hurt on contact. Of course I don't think any dentist tries to cause pain. People have very different pain thresholds. If something hurts the patient then the patient has to say something or get attention somehow and get a gentler cleaning or a closer look at the place that hurts. Ask questions, talk to the doc or dentist, get feedback, etc. to make the most out of the appointment. They even have commercials telling people to ask questions at the doctor's and dentist's on TV now! read more

I can't say enough nice things about Dr. Barbe! My wife and I have been going to him for a few years now. We've had cleanings, fillings, and crowns done by Dr. Barbe. The work is all great. This isn't some corporate dental office where you feel like one of 100 patients that day -- this is a small practice where you are treated as if you are his only patient. He'll take time to explain things fully and answer questions. He does the teeth cleanings himself. He is very friendly and personable. He truly cares about his patients. When my wife had her first crown, she was very anxious. Dr. Barbe went as far as calling that evening to check up and make sure she was doing ok. I never liked dentists growing up, but I had never had a dentist like Dr. Barbe. read more

The absolute worst dentist I have ever been treated by. During a "crown lengthening" I had to be re-numbed over 4 times. I honestly began to think his anesthesia was diluted since this has never happened on any other procedure. Further, his touch is like a bull in a china closet, just in your mouth. The final straw was when I began to feel bad during the procedure and asked to be let up from the chair. Dr Barbe became angry and threw the instrument down on the floor. After an awkward moment, I stood up and left. I honestly cannot believe all the positive reviews. A zebra does not change his stripes. read more

If you've ever had bad dentist experiences that make you hesitant to go, he's your man. He pays a lot of attention to patient care and comfort. He's also knowledgeable and does fantastic work. There are never any surprises when it comes to billing; they go through everything with you and will even work with your insurance ahead of time so you can find out what different procedures would cost you. All of the staff are wonderful and friendly, and they'll work with you to get you in quickly if you have a dental emergency. He's also really sweet and writes you a card if you refer friends to him. I will add that I don't think the building is handicap accessible, and his office is on the second floor. Additionally, I'm surprised by all the comments here accusing him of unprofessional behavior because in all the years I've been going to him, I've never once witnessed it. read more

When I heard the words, "You need a root canal", I slipped into a dreamland imagining industrial size drills, gushing blood, and incredible pain. I cursed my cracked tooth for causing me this pending pain. Dr. Barbe must have recognized the fear on my face because he took the time to explain what was going to happen and my pain medication options. He calmed my fears and made me realize that I might be visualizing it way worse than it actually is. Now that I am done with the entire process, I can say he was right; it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be. Don't get me wrong, the procedure wasn't all rainbows and ponies, but it was tolerable. I have found that I can usually get into see Dr. Barbe quickly and his staff is very friendly. On my first visit, we reviewed what I needed done and received a print out of what I could expect to pay at each visit and the break down for my insurance company. I liked that I didn't walk into any surprises and knew ahead of time what I would need to pay. I will be heading back to see him the next time I need any work done (which I hope is never :) ). read more

I was recommended to his office by a friend. Dr. Barbe is a genuine, caring and personable dentist that I highly recommend.

Love this place. Office staff are professional and friendly. Exam and cleanings have been easy and painless. They explain insurance and costs really well. They let me know what procedures I need to have in the future without pressuring me. Office is neat, well kept. read more

Dr. Barbe and his staff are GREAT!!! They listen to you and offer help and advice. My husband and I have been going to him for many, many years. An added bonus is that Dr. Barbe believed me when I told him that it takes a lot to numb my mouth so he takes that extra step and is very patient and waits till I'm ready. I wouldn't go anywhere else. read more

When I moved to Austin, a friend recommended Dr. Barbe, he's been his patient for many years. It's been about 2 years since, and Dr. Barbe is the BEST dentist I ever had. I trust him completely and he makes the hard work seem easy and painless. Kudos to all his staff as well! They are friendly and will go above and beyond to take care of you. My wife is now a patient too. Thank you so much! read more

Absolutely terrible. After what should have been a relatively straight forward procedure of removing a tooth that had fallen victim to a bad crown I had a huge divot in my gum. This seems inherent in a tooth pull however when the doctor takes twice as long as he has to literally crack, brake and pry my root out of my gum you soon realize things are not going to plan. The fact of the matter was that though he claimed the tooth needed to be pulled because the walls were too thin after he had drilled out some cavity that had gotten in the tooth under the crown. But when he was saying 'that was tricky' and 'hardest tooth extraction I've had to do' it was clear that this tooth was extremely solid and the walls would've held up just fine with a new crown put on. Regardless, what people have said about about him loosing his temper and. Ring easily frustrated is extremely true. I hadn't disputed what I thought was his knowledge and hadn't said much of anything and he was seriously pouting and being extremely rude to everyone in the room WHILE doing (failing) this procedure. The icing on the cake was that I was charged for 'extras' without being made aware. Of course when I brought this up with the Dr. Barbe he (after many grunts and pff's 'you should've figured') would reimburse me the difference - right before hanging up the phone on me (and believe it or not I truly was being courteous and respectful). Of course he did not reimburse me and in fact lied saying my check was cashed and it was too late (It wasn't and I wanted to just stop pay it and send a new one - the same day as op). I then called his secretary 'M' the next day and confirmed he had not cashed the check - as he had forcefully said before hanging up on me the previous day. I kindly asked her to dispose of the check so I could issue a new one for the correct amount. After this was done I received countless phone calls (all of which I took or timely returned that same day) about how the new check wouldn't cash. Bare in mind I had spoken with Chase Bank and they had reiterated time and time again that no one had even attempted to cash the check. They suspected that the reason the teller was refusing to cash my check for the doctor and not giving a reason as to why they wouldn't cash it (according to 'M') was that Dr. Barbe must've been trying to cash it in a personal account. I finally 'stop paid' yet another check and mailed to them a money order. Of course I then received more calls asking where their money was (with not more than 2 days for the mail to arrive). Can you say sketchy, shady, unprofessional... This has been a terrible experience. I forgot to mention this office/Dr. Barbe were removed from my insurance provider Cigna's program - no doubt likely for unethical billing practices, nickle and diming and very well articulated and thought out schemes. Don't be fooled. Find a dentist you can trust. read more

I have been going to Dr. Michael Barbe for years and he is very attentive, explains the procedure well and takes time to make sure I am comfortable. I also feel his prices are very fair, and since I have no insurance that's important. I highly recommend Dr. Barbe as your dentist! read more