I've been going to see Dr. Stivers for 10 years now and she still is one of the best dentists in town!! Very gentle, detailed, and super kind! The receptionist, however, is friendly at first, but seems to always rush you out, and when you call, hangs up the phone on you where you can't even finish your final words. Otherwise, totally recommend Dr. Stivers! read more

Dr Stivers is awesome! I have been going to her for about 20 years, since she took over for Dr Roarke - who I also had the pleasure of seeing. She is kind , compassionate and a wonderful dentist. My wife and 2 boys also go to see her now for their dental needs. She is very good with my children, easing the normal dental anxiety for kids. I would certainly recommend her to anyone looking for care. read more

My Dentist retired and I was referred to DDS Stivers over 14 years ago and I am still so grateful for this recommendation! I came in a bit DDS shy with enough unhappy experiences, but Michelle changed all that. She was so gentle and kind, I was able to lose the fear of getting my teeth cleaned and I will never go anywhere else!! Rita is always a delight, fitting me in and she competently handles the insurance aspect. I highly recommend Michelle Stivers DDS!! read more

In 2015 my employer changed insurance providers and I needed to find an in network dentist in Santa Barbara. I found Dr. Stivers and called to make an appointment. I was greeted over the phone by Rita, who was really nice and friendly. She worked with me to find the best appointment time to fit my busy schedule and got me in sooner than I anticipated. It was a pleasure meeting Rita On my first appointment. She was just as friendly and accommodating as she was on the phone. I waited in the lobby no more than a few minutes and was called in right away. Dr. Stivers was friendly made me feel welcome, which eased my anxiety about having my teeth cleaned. She sat me in her chair and tilted the seat back. One of my favorite things about her office are the posters above the chair. I have lived in Santa Barbara all my life and it was really nice to see an an areal view of the city I love. The exceptional quality of service and staff friendliness is the reason why i have chosen Dr. Stivers as my Family's dentist and I proudly recommend Dr. Stivers to anyone looking for a dentist who cares about their patients. read more

My husband, our two kids, and I have been seeing Dr. Stivers for over 15 years, and we all love her. She is very gentle and thorough. While the rest of the family has never needed more than an occasional filling, I have broken multiple teeth and needed crowns. My experience getting crowns with Dr. Stivers was much better than with two previous dentists. We have recommended her to friends, and they have all been happy. read more

My wife and I both had crowns installed by Dr. Michelle Stivers and we experienced a seamless, efficient, skillful procedure. Dr. Stivers is so pleasant and professional, we recommend her to the world! Great office, great practitioner. She also does our dental cleanings herself and we are grateful for her service. Kirk read more

This is the best dentist I have had ever. She not only fills my cavities and fixes my teeth, but she does the cleaning too! Great service here from her staff. I would totally recommend Michelle to anyone looking for a dentist who cares and my experience has been completely painless during any procedure I've had with her. Convenient and straightforward. Go see Michelle today! read more

Dr Stivers is a super dentist. She does her own cleanings which allows a more thorough exam. Friendly office staff and willing to help in urgent situations. read more

I have to agree with the other reviewers. Dr Stivers is the nicest dentist I have ever been too. I was referred by my wife and I am very happy. Dr Stivers carefully explained what my treatment options were (needed a crown) and the whole process went smoothly. The older I get , the less I want to go to the dentist but the easy going atmosphere of this office makes it so much easier. A review of this office wouldn't be complete without some words about Rita. This is a small office, just 2 people, and Rita is the office manager. Rita made sure that my insurance covered my procedures and helped me plan out my treatments so that I could get the maximum benefit. And she might be the nicest person I have ever met in my life. If you are looking for a dentist where they only see one patient at a time and make each one feel very comfortable, go see Dr. Stivers. You will not regret it. read more

Michelle Stivers, DDS - 1805 State Street. Best dentist ever - General Dentistry Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I found Michelle Stivers, D.D.S. to be a very professional and friendly dentist for my needs, as well as the staff in her office. I was looking for a dentist that does their own work, and not farmed out to other out-of-town dentists looking for part-time work that don't know you or your dental history. Now living in Santa Barbara. read more

Dr. Stivers deep cleaned my teeth and I did not experience discomfort. She explained everything she was going to do and made sure I was comfortable. The office staff is very pleasant and helpful. The office is well done. read more

I am providing a bullet point list of the events that do not include the emotional state and trauma I was experiencing during, after and ongoing after this office visit with Michelle Stivers DDS -Receptionist, Rita said she "Does not have time to research if my insurance works at their office" -I provided proof of my Pfizer Vaccination -Dentist brought me back to one room, put the X-ray in my mouth, couldn't get the computer to work and brought me to the next room -Performed x-rays -I mentioned I'd like to have my teeth checked for wisdom teeth due to ongoing headaches. She told me she thinks that wisdom teeth are "hoaxie" -Stivers didn't want me to "gag" from giving me the x-rays I asked for. I do not have issues "gagging" during x-rays. I insisted she please check and she continued to refuse to look for the wisdom teeth. -Stivers poked around in my gums for the wisdom teeth and said, "You may or may not have them" -When I asked what if my wisdom teeth are impacting something? Stivers responded with "....Well...thats a good question..." and then didn't actually answer it other than to say that you "Don't hear of people dying from their wisdom teeth." -Stivers was very spacey. This is VERY concerning. She had trouble completing thoughts and sentences. -There was no sink for me to rinse or spit at any point. -Stivers had me swallow everything...tartar, plaque, blood, saliva... she kept telling me to swallow. And just used cotton swabs to dab up my blood. -I have never felt a worse pain than her scraping at my teeth. I see a dentist regularly. -Stivers laughed that she didn't have any suction and that it wasn't getting fixed till Thursday and that her suction person isn't vaccinated. However, I was required to show proof that I am vaccinated for Covid-19. -Stivers  said there's also a tool to help with cleaning my teeth other than the scraping tool, but that she didn't feel like using that one. And that the mechanical tool was "fine enough" -Stivers had me rinse and spit back into a cup after she was done. I asked why I wasn't offered to rinse and spit in a cup prior to the completion of her scraping my teeth and she would not answer. -Stivers didnt brush or polish my teeth. She used what I would guess was supposed to be that tool for that purpose for a few seconds and then she was done with it and she told me to go ahead now because she was all done. -There was no paper down on either of the chairs in either office -I went home with blood in my mouth and all the blood that was stuck in between my teeth. I was ill, extremely nauseous  from swallowing the blood, tarter, plaque etc. -I still have some leftover plaque on my teeth. My teeth were not at all properly cleaned or polished as I am used to from Dr. Kelli Junker in Newport Beach. -I have residual trauma and nightmares from this horrific experience. -I am experiencing a great deal of anxiety not knowing if the office in fact, sterilizes the tools she uses. Given my experience and observations, I do not believe they are sterilizing or cleaning between patients. -I emailed Michelle Strivers asking for an explanation as to what happened and regarding her behavior during my appointment. Her receptionist, Rita, responded by saying, " Unfortunately, on Tuesday morning our suction system glitched and thus the need for spitting in the sink.  We had realized the scope of the problem just about the time you came in and should have rescheduled you. " I sent a second email to Stivers office asking for further explanation of the treatment I received. Michelle Stivers DDS called me and left a message that is alarmingly incoherent. Reflecting on my appointment, Michelle Stivers was incoherent during my appointment. I do feel there is much more going on here including the possibility  of the side effects of medication she may be on or worse. Do NOT go to this dental office. This was an absolute nightmare. I was forced to put a one star rating in order to post this. read more

I was referred to Dr. Stivers by a coworker, as I really didn't care for the first dentist I tried in Santa Barbara. I'm so glad to have received that recommendation! The dental office is small and personal--Dr. Stivers works on all patients herself from beginning to end. She is very kind and explains each procedure. She recommends work to be done when it is necessary but isn't pushy either. She is assisted by her office manager, Rita. Rita is so sweet and accommodating and works with your insurance to make sure you are taken care of. You can tell that she genuinely cares about each of the patients. I would highly recommend Dr. Stivers and Rita! read more

I have been using the Dental services of Dr Stivers for about 20 years since she first opened her dental practice and find her to be an excellent Dentist! I have referred many others to Dr Stivers and all thanked me for recommending such a fine professional. She discusses her program of care with you so you always know what she is going to do and why. And her fees are very reasonable. If you need to establish a relationship with an excellent Dental professional or just want to try someone new, I have no hesitation in recommending Dr Stivers to you any member of your family and your friends! She is that good. read more

I was so happy to made Dr Stivers my dentist. Here are a few reasons: They are able to accommodate my schedule, there is parking available, they will check with my insurance and get back with me on pricing, they have also worked with me to modify billing cost. Additionally, Dr Stivers does her own cleanings, and all the work involved. She is gentle, knowledgable, friendly and respectful. I never worry about going or needing to have work done. I just had 2 cavities filled and I couldn't feel a thing! You're one of the worlds greatest dentists!!!! Thank you SO MUCH!!!! read more

I feel so lucky to have found Dr. Stivers office since my move to Santa Barbara several years ago. Dr. Stivers takes her time with my teeth and actually does the cleaning herself which is so rare! I fully trust her knowledge and care and Rita is so kind and sweet as the office manager. They've made it very seamless for me working with my insurance as well which I really appreciate. I highly recommend Dr. Stivers office to all of my friends! I visited several dentists in Los Angeles before I moved here that tried to sell me on all kinds of extraneous work I don't really need, so finding Dr. Stivers here has been quite a relief! read more

Dr. Stivers is great! My last dentist retired so I asked my chiropractor for a recommendation. He gave me Dr. Stiver's card and said, "She's the best!" He was right and I loved her immediately. In fact, I trusted her instinctively and trust is key for me when choosing a doctor. Especially like that she does all the work herself, including cleanings, and I have actually looked forward to my regular check ups. What's more, the dread I used feel with the big jobs like crowns and fillings - is all but gone. What a Godsend! Her assistant, Rita, is just as lovely and kind so I feel cared for and safe all the way around. Last year I finally dealt with the discoloration in my bottom front teeth where my gums had receded and after she filled them in you can't tell they had ever been fixed. Thank you for your artistry Dr. Stivers! read more

Dr. Stivers is a great dentist! She is gentle, explains everything she is doing to you in detail, and makes sure you feel as comfortable as possible during your procedures. She only works on one patient at a time (unheard of) and does all her procedures/cleanings herself. I would highly recommended her. read more

Dr. Stivers is a great dentist. Her attention to detail is impeccable. She is always on-time and a simple cleaning goes by quickly. She is friendly and personable, and I really appreciate the conversation that she makes while she cleans my teeth. Her dentistry has been very thorough and painless. I would highly recommend Dr. Stivers to anyone looking for a great, reliable, trust-worthy dentist in Santa Barbara. read more

Michelle has been a great dentist for my wife and me for many years. I highly recommend her for all your dental needs. She communicates well and answers any question I have in depth. I trust her expertise and skill. I am totally satisfied with the care she has given me and my wife for many years. read more

As a specialist, I'm always seeing the work of dozens of dentists and Dr. Stivers ranks up with the best of them. It's been my privilege to know her and work with her patients. read more

Setting up an appointment to see Dr. Stivers is extremely quick and convenient. She is a very meticulous dentist and is always on-time. The entire office staff is very personable and helpful. I was particularly impressed with her effort to explain and show me the condition of my tooth decay with her real-time x-ray equipment (there was no simply no need to wait for dental x-rays to be developed). I was in and out of there in just a few minutes, and the last dental filling I had there was completely painless. read more