I have been coming to this dentist for many years, even before Dr. Shepard took it over. He is very good, as is Dr. Baer. I have had trauma with dentists (children weren't given novocaine in the 60s!) and this group has always been kind, efficient, gentle, and quick. I highly recommend them. read more

It was not easy for me to find a new dentist I liked, but I have been very happy with this office the last couple years. They are easy to work with and have accommodated me when they didn't have to on multiple occasions. Their office is the cleanest dental or doctor office I've ever seen, and the staff are highly professional. Thank you read more

We have been going to Montecito Dental for years and always had a great experience. But more importantly, two very detailed dental hygienists noted a small mass in the back of my son's mouth during a routine cleaning. The dentist evaluated it and referred us to an oral surgeon (Jesse Lanzon, also wonderful) and he biopsied it. It showed an incredibly rare tumor (particularly in the jaw of a 10 year old) and my son underwent a big surgery at CHLA to remove it. Unfortunately, the part the hygienists saw was only the tip of the iceberg and the tumor had grown through his mandible (jaw bone) in the other direction. I owe those hygienists my life. Though the tumor was fortunately benign (non-cancerous), it grew very quickly. I can only imagine how much bigger of a surgery he would have undergone had the hygienists not picked it up. (I can't say I regularly look in my kid's mouth and he wasn't complaining of anything ... just makes me shudder thinking about how much worse this could have been). read more

I just got one of the best teeth cleanings ever. Dr Shepard and his staff are the best.

Great care, quality and kindness : I leave very few yelps but did want to take the time to give Montecito Dental Group a glowing review. Everyone I dealt with there, from the receptionists, dental hygienists, assistants and doctors were so professional and helpful, I am so glad I stuck with it and found the right dentist for me (I interviewed 4.) Dr Kelly Kidon and her team were the best and I will definitely be referring her when and where I can. No one likes going to the dentist, and I went through the process of having them remove and replace all my old amalgam fillings, which was a lot of work, but she really made it as pleasant and easy as possible. My teeth feel like they have been given a new life so I definitely recommend them very highly. read more

If you're looking for exceptional dental care in a professional and caring office, I highly recommend the Montecito Dental Group. My dental experiences, facilitated by their highly proficient staff, have been excellent every single visit. In addition to the excellent results these professionals provide, doing business with the front desk staff is also very rewarding. They truly go out of their way to accommodate their patients needs. My latest example of this fact occurred on a day that the freeway was at a standstill. I dropped into the office several hours before my scheduled appointment just hoping for a long shot accommodation to take me in early. They generously provided that accommodation, saving me hours of time, and an immense amount of frustration on the road. Truly this is the best dental office I have ever worked with and I am deeply grateful to have found it! read more

Dr. Shapiro was a huge disappointment. He replaced a broken crown with one that had a jagged interior, where the margin was low to the gum line. The worst part was that he didn't want to fix it and said I would get used to it. As well, he does virtually none of the work!! Pretty strange - he numbs your gum and leaves. Then an assistant comes in and does all the measuring and fitting and when you return the assistant does the placement. Shapiro just comes in to say he's happy with the work even though you let him know its not right. He really doesn't care. I've never experienced this before with a dentist. So I'm out $2,400, have a crappy crown in my mouth, and now I have to have his work replaced. Ugh. read more

I've been a patient of Dr Scarcello for many years. I had been to a number of prior SB dentists and changed due to being unhappy with outcomes. I have been consistently very happy with Dr Scarcello. His work is always professional and I'm always happy with the results. He is straightforward and thorough about why he is doing something and what I need to do for a good outcome. Basically I really trust him to be effective and efficient. The past number of years my hygienist there has coached me about how to care for my teeth. I've been very happy with the outcome. Bottom line is when he suggests dental work I feel like it is needed work not to make money for him but for my health, read more

Dr. Shepard and the staff who took care of me (Cindy, Carrie, Hope, Julie and Mona) were great! Everyone was kind and patient, and clinical staff explained what they were going to do before they did it. I was very lucky to squeeze in a last-minute appointment and even though I was quite literally using my last day of health insurance everyone was very understanding and helpful. read more

Was seen today for an initial new patient visit. Only area of improvement would be around scheduling. There was an issue verifying my insurance over the phone. I completed my paperwork online. A way to upload my insurance card would have assisted them likely. Today I texted a copy of my card to Cindy, the insurance verification specialist in the office. That could have been an option earlier also. Confirming my appointment felt a little harassing. Not their intention to be clear. I received a voicemail from Tracy the day prior reminding me of my appointment and stated unless I was unable to make it, my appointment was confirmed and they would see me tomorrow. Later that day I received a text from Cindy asking me to call the office and confirm my appointment ASAP. I assumed it was an automated text and ignored it because the voicemail directed me only to call if unable to make it and I was slammed at work. The morning of my appointment I received another text from Cindy asking if I was going to be able to make my appointment that day. I texted back to see if it was an actual cell phone and not an automated computer based text stating "yes, I was coming and the voicemail I received stated no need to call unless I was unable to make it." Cindy apologized and told me they would see me later that day. So again, just a suggestion for improvement but everyone was nice with good intentions. My recommendation is to allow for text reply to confirm an appointment or clarify if texting that we can respond via text. I would even prefer ability to email my appointment confirmation response. Sorry no pictures of the office. I had a migraine and wasn't on my typical A Game documenting a review. Also, patient and staff privacy. Facility was clean and organized. Equipment was in good working order and looked modern. My hygienist was Rosario. She was FABULOUS!!!!! They are lucky to have her. She moved to the area during the pandemic and brings with her ?30 years experience. She has been an instructor and worked with non-profits and FQHCs. She's friendly, upbeat, personable, professional, works quickly and efficiently. I would/will ask for her again. I hate going to the dentist and dental tools are awkward but she manages them gently and efficiently. If you're mouth is fairly healthy like mine always has been, you spend more time with your hygienist than your dentist. That was my case with Dr Shepherd as well. He was friendly, personable, professional, competent, and efficient. He was thorough with my exam and took time to check on any concerns. I didn't feel rushed but I also felt respected with my time. Location was easy to find. There are parking spaces conveniently in the back of the building. They lock up for lunch so if you show up early, know they will open the doors again just before 1pm. Thank you for the wonderful first visit everyone! read more

Absolutely love this office! I am terrified of dentists because of prior bad experiences. Not anymore though. Dr Shepard and his staff put you at ease. Shawn was my hygienist and she's absolutely the sweetest soul. She put me right at ease and I actually look forward to going to the dentist now. Dr Shepard filled a cavity with zero pain and the office staff is professional and friendly. I'm so happy I found this office. read more

Spoiler alert, this is a long winded rant. I was a long time patient if Dr. Downen who is now retired. I left because the dentist that took over, after three attempts did a fair job on my bridge, and still charged me for an excellent job. So I paid my bill and left in search of a new dentist. This was years ago. Today I recieved a bill from Montecito Dental Group and called them first thing this morning to ask. Shana answered, and I explained to her that it had been years since I had been a patient, however I had recieved a bill.... she cut me off and explained that she needed my name to look it up. So i gave her my name. She said I show that you are inactive and the last payement you made was in 2016. I agreed with that assesment and asked why they sent me a bill. To which she said "I didnt send you a bill." To which I said "I am looking at a bill from your office." She explained "we have recently switched from digital envoicing to paper" To which i said "Maybe thats why i have a paper bill in front of me." She protested. "I didnt send you the bill. It must have automatically gone out." So those of you reading this it was at this point I really got upset. Customers are not always right. But when you have an upset customer on the line the job is to remain calm and reassure them. I was already upset when I called partly because I was reminded of the mediocre bridge in my mouth. So take some responsibility and move on with your life. So, I said with a rather cold tone, "perhaps you should go back to digital." She retorted. You have been rude and it is too early in the morning." To which I added. Machines to not make mistakes. People running the machines make mistakes." She hung up. Now perhaps she was having a bad morning. Perhaps I should have just sent in a check like an automaton. Just go through the motions and do what society expects. Or perhaps a long time reputable entity like Montecito Dental Group should have a discussion with their staff about stying calm under pressure. Taking responsibility, apologizing, and reassuring the "nobody" on the other end of the line. Just because my account is inactive doesnt mean we disregard what a person is dealing with on the other end of the line. Maybe they are reliving the anger and frustration from feeling taken advantage of. As a customer service director, advisor, and trainer of office staff in the "dental industry" I know a thing or two about how the dymanics of a dental office works. Am I supposed to say, sorry that I upset Shana with being upset too early in her day. Because she seems to think so. Well I think someone who cares about Shana should explian that billing is a shat job and not everyone is cut out for it. I also think they switched from digital because someone does not understand how it works. Switching back to the archaic paper bills is a step backward. Also it ironically produces "Paper Bills" which automatically goes out to customers. I would gamble that every customer in thier data base active or otherwise recieved a bill this month. I was going to give one star for Shana because she hung up on me. But its too early in the morning for her to recieve less than two stars. read more

The staff is super kind and willing to do what they can to make your experience one of a kind. Highly recommend.

I've been meaning to write this well deserved review for awhile now. Dr. Scarcello and team did a GREAT job! I was just preparing to depart from AZ for my vacation to beautiful Santa Barbara when an inlay let go on me. I managed to retrieve it and brought it with me, on the off chance I could get it addressed. I found Montecito Dental Group from driving past on Sunday. I showed up first thing on Monday morning, walked in without an appointment, and explained my situation. Dr. Scarcello agreed to take care of me and fit me in his schedule THAT VERY MORNING. I observed during the time that I was in the office that his patients adore him and I can see why. What a nice guy! The entire team did a very careful and great job with reseating the inlay. While not a big job, it still involved finesse and technique which were really well applied. The bite was fine-tuned and the result was top notch. Dr. Scarcello even included some complementary exam and assessment. The front-desk team double-checked my insurance (which was already maxed-out for the year). Pricing was extremely reasonable for what was done. I'm thankful to have found Dr. Scarcello and team. If I was fortunate enough to reside in Santa Barbara, they would definitely be top choice for my provider. read more

Dr. Shepherd and his team are great. I am very anxious when it comes to going to the dentist and they do a really excellent job making me feel as comfortable as possible. His work has always been excellent, and I respect his opinion. I don't feel that he's ever recommended work or procedure that isn't imperative to be done, which I have suspected of other dentists in the past. They are gentle and caring. They might be a little pricier than other places in town, but the quality of their work and care are worth it. I can't say that I "love" coming here, because going to the dentist is a true phobia of mine, but I certainly wouldn't want to go anywhere else. Montecito Dental Group will always be my dental care provider. read more

From the start I already got bad vibes from this place I tried contacting them to schedule an appointment no answer I contacted them on their website no answer, I don't even know why my employer is even contracted with them, there's plenty of more options out there then this so called fancy place why because it's in Montecito BOO HOO..! read more

I recently went here to see Dr. Scarcello. This was hands down the friendliest dental office I have experienced in QUITE some time. They were five star all the way from the greetings to the care. They have all of latest equipment. I was very impressed by their professionalism and graciousness. Dr. Scarcello was so kind and I didn't feel the pain from the shots of anesthesia at all. Anyone who is looking for a new dentist should come here! I highly recommend him and will continue to be a patient. read more

We recently moved into the area and had to wait for months to get our first appointment. I assumed that meant good things. Unfortunately, I was wrong. They cancelled my appointment without informing me and then were unwilling to accommodate me as I had the day off for the appointment. Then they had the audacity to blame me for cancelling the appointment. My family and I will not be going back. read more

I was recommended to Montecito Dental Group by my previous Dentist when I moved to Santa Barbara. I saw Dr. Scarcello, and he was great. I had a good deal of work to do, but the staff was very nice and efficient, and I didn't dread going to the dentist as many often do. Dr. Scarcello is also an interesting guy to speak to, in the way you would expect from a bartender, all the while being very professional. I had 2 crowns done, whitening, and normal checkup appointments, all with no problems. Nice office, and good practice. read more

Mona's my hygienist and she's the best, always available for appointments, on time, quick and gentle. They bill insurance promptly so there's never anything to worry about no muss no fuss read more

Been a patient here for a few years - I neglected to pay a bill that I thought I was current on. 2 years later they sent it to collections (understably!). The office did their best to contact me but that was a time in my life that I didn't check voicemails or even carry my phone with me regularly. When I contacted the office and billing manager it was painless to apologize and let them know that the collections had been paid (even though they weren't getting paid their full amount from the credit bureau) and schedule an exam. Dr. Scarcello is a highly intelligent and sensitive doctor and I would recommend him to anyone that can afford his services (the only caveat you will experience at this office - a high price for good work). read more

Montecito Dental is the best dental group on the planet! They are honest and do a great job cleaning my teeth. My husband and I used to go to this group but we had to relocate three hours away. We want to move back just to have our dentists back! read more

I highly recommend Montecito Dental Group! All the hygienists that have cleaned my teeth have been very professional and accommodating. Dr. Shephard is great at doing fillings, I didn't feel any pain whatsoever! read more