Great Dr!! Cares, understands and takes time. Office is clean staff is friendly. Recommend this place

My recent experience was similar to some of the other recent reviews. It seems the office staff has developed a rather poor attitude towards patients and is engaging in questionable insurance practices. Dr. Ambus, I hope you see this and the other reviews because your staff is doing a real disservice to your dental practice. My experience: Earlier this year, I enrolled in a new dental insurance plan. The insurance website listed Dr. Ambus as an in-network dentist that accepted new patients, so I called in February to schedule an appointment. The office staff checked my insurance, verified that it was accepted, and scheduled my appointment for May 31, 2021. In late March, I called to check if an earlier appointment date was available. The office staff checked my info again and informed me May 31 was still the earliest available, so I agreed to keep that date. In mid-May, my wife also decided to make an appointment for herself. Upon calling the office, the staff informed her that her insurance plan was not accepted. My wife was confused and explained that her husband (me) had the same insurance with an appointment set for May 31. The staff then looked up my name and stated that I was not on the "patient roster" and my appointment was already cancelled. This was very surprising because no one from this office had notified me about any cancellations or insurance issues. I then got on the phone to ask for clarification, to which I received a rude response that my insurance was not accepted and it was "not their responsibility to check a patient's insurance". This explanation appears to be a blatant lie because this office staff did in fact check my insurance back in February before scheduling my May 31 appointment! They also just checked my wife's insurance on the phone before declining her. When I asked her to clarify this again, she hung up on me. I then called my insurance and discovered that this office had recently changed its insurance policy to accept only higher premium plans and reject lower plans like mine. Now, I understand that the pandemic affected every business financially last year including dental providers, and dental offices are free to change their insurance policy at any time. However, it's very poor business practice to change insurance policy and cancel a patient AFTER the dental provider has already accepted that patient's insurance AND confirmed the appointment. Moreover, I am even more disappointed by the poor communication including the lies and appointment cancellation without bothering to call me to inform me. Had my wife not called them, I would have never known about the cancellation and just showed up for my May 31 appointment, only to be told no appointment existed. Although Dr. Ambus seems to be a capable dentist, her office staff treats people poorly with disregard for truthful communication. My incident is similar to what others have experienced lately, and I would recommend staying away to avoid dealing with the terrible office staff and questionable insurance practices. read more

I have been going to Dr. Peggy Ambus for years, and love her. She is always gentle and caring, and twice recently got me in after the weekend to take care of unexpected happenings on my teeth. She has always done an excellent job with what was needed. I have never had problems with appointments made to see Dr. Ambus. Her office is closed on Fridays, and some people may not realize that. read more

Dr. Ambus is amazing! She helped me with an issue I had at another dentist and she was super helpful, patient, thorough, transparent and actually cared. She is honest and did great work. I couldn't be more happier with her. Brandi is super nice and helpful too. I highly recommend this office for your dental needs. read more

Do not waste your time unless you are willing involuntarily to be rescheduled several times. They will call you after end of the day, the day before your next day appointment. Get in line to wait for another month or longer as if your time is worthless and unimportant. I showed up for my appointment and was told I did not have an appointment. Then told me I had four appointments instead of two that I have on my calendar. I keep an accurate appointment. An estimate went up $500 in price without informing me until I asked specifically how much would the increase be. Due to various delays, I decided to get one of my dental work done at my previous dentist. Receptionist told me they did not like that and cancelled all of my appointments. What a joke! I would give them a zero star if that option is available. read more

I have gone to Dr. Ambus for a year now and this office has always been so awesome! I was experiencing some pain and they were able to see me quickly and help me out. Thank you!! read more

I have never met this dentist as she has cancelled my initial appointment three times. They seem to call a few days before and cancel. She has also cancelled on my husband three times and my son twice. The reason for the cancelled appointments her staff gave was that when she schedules her personal appointments and they conflict then she cancels her patients. I should also say that the appointments we make are made months in advance. Please don't even attempt to see this dentist because if this is the way she treats people this is no what you want in health care. Deeply disappointed as I work in health care as well. read more

I did not have a good experience. I waited almost a year for an appointment. Almost every appointment made was cancelled by the office because she was on vacation, to busy, and several other excuses. Additionally, when I needed something critical from the office they were not responsive causing me significant extra money and waste of time read more

If you want a dentist that will actually see you and attend to your dental needs look elsewhere. The worst service ever. I called in March as a new patient. My first appointment was scheduled for May 5. Fine. I waited. Then I got a call asking me to rescedule to June 22. Fine. I waited. The Friday night before my appointment I get a voicemail left at 6pm saying they had to cancel. Don't go here. Terrible practice! read more

The past previous yelp reviews before the 2021 reviews on this page are not an updated reflection of what is going on in the office today As Dave said in his February review, the business practice is incredibly unethical. This means your treatment will be delayed or cancelled. The receptionist is as Mustafa described fairly negligent. read more

I really enjoyed my experience with Peggy Ambus but this review is about the lack of COVID concerns. I had an appt to see the dentist at 3:30p and the receptionist told me that they were behind 10-15 minutes. I was ok with that until I was sitting in the very small waiting room and someone came in without a mask. I expected the receptionist to tell them to put a mask on but nothing was done. When I asked why they didn't direct the other person to wear a mask - she said she was unaware when she has talked to the mask less patient (for approx 10 minutes). It made me feel like they don't take COVID seriously because they don't enforce a mask policy. When I asked to reschedule because I didn't want to wait with the other patient in the waiting room - she stated they could reschedule me a month later. For the safely of myself and my family I am having to look for a dentist who will keep us safe and follow COVID to policies they have listed. read more

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I have been going to Dr Ambus for nearly 20 years. She's gentle, patient, and very knowledgeable. It makes going to the dentist and driving 25 miles not so bad!!! Thanks to Dr Ambus for keeping my pearly whites beautiful!! read more

Dr. Ambus was recommended to me by a friend who has been going to her for over 20 years! Dr. Ambus is incredibly patient, and always makes me feel comfortable. Her receptionist Brandi is always so welcoming whenever I come in, and goes over any insurance questions I may have. They are the best! read more

Dr Peggy Ambus has been my dentist for a number of years and I truly trust her. She and her staff are knowledgeable, kind, friendly and most importantly SHE really knows her stuff. I trust her and my three grown kids go to her for their dental needs. Her dental hygienists are very thorough and do a great job. There's always lots of parking. By the way - I HATE needles and shots - she has a way with them that they really don't hurt that badly. If you dislike dentist offices try Dr. Ambus. A loyal customer. Teresa read more

I am really afraid of dentists, and Dr. Peggy Ambus made me feel so safe and comfortable! I have been seeing her for years now, and could not recommend her enough. read more

Loyalty is a funny thing...even if the trip to the dentist isn't on the top of my list (hello inexplainable anxieties!), I never miss my semi-annual check ups and always follow up with any necessary procedure. Over the last 25 years Dr. Ambus has become a trusted member of my small health team. Her knowledge, demeanor, and gentle guidance has kept my teeth healthy. I trust her and know that my health (and the health of my teeth) are important to her. You can't say that about many dentists. This isn't a clinic-type place where people are flowing in and out and staff are upselling services. Dr. Ambus takes as much time as she needs to make patients feel comfortable and understand necessary procedures. I don't want to think about ever needing to find another dentist. She is a gem. read more

I love Peggy and Michelle! They have always worked with me and my schedule. I was worried about visiting the dentist because of previous history. Not only is their service great, but their work redefines professionalism. My teeth feel and look great. Now I receive compliments on my teeth all the time. I recommend her office for all ages. Thank you Peggy and Michelle. read more

Do not use this dental office if you care at all about good business practice. I showed up for my appointment which I had to take the day off of work for (the only opening was 10am). I was told I would get a call the day before to confirm. At about 4pm the day before I decided to call since I had not heard from them. No answer as I have found out happens more often than not with this office. I show up for my appointment the next day met with a confused face. I explained I had an appointment and show the receptionist the card given to me showing the date and time of the appointment. After a few minutes of clicking on the computer I am told the machine for fillings was broken and I'd have to reschedule. I called about 10 times during business hours this day and finally got an answer. After explaining that the filling needed to be done soon to avoid a root canal I was met with attitude from the receptionist explaining that if I took better care of my teeth this wouldn't happen. She then says she's gonna put a transfer in to move me to a different office, says thank you and hangs up before I can get a word in! It seems pretty obvious to me the receptionist either forgot to write in the appointment or double booked then lied about a machine being broken to cover herself. The dentist seemed ok for the one visit I had but with business practice like this do not put yourself through it and find a different office. read more

High marks for the Dentists. Dr Davis sees our sons and Dr Spitz is a neighbor. Great individuals. Very low marks for the billing / receptionist (Brandy) who is not helpful, unresponsive, rude, and belittling. Specific incident involves her calling a day in advance of a post COVID appointment to deny dental care to a regular patient (a child I might add who have been seeing the dentists for years) because of clerical mistakes and insurance errors made somewhere on the Dentist-insurance side. Unbelievable. Had to have HR from my company call to sort out what should have been obvious coverage questions. Too much work to deal with for a routine visit. read more

I had a very similar (bad) experience with this dentist too. Much like Telly from San Mateo posted 6/10/2021. Earlier this year I had an appointment for my third visit to Dr Ambus, the night before it was cancelled by the receptionist by phone. OK, no problem. Rescheduled a couple months later and included my wife for an appointment the same day. She has a different insurance carrier than mine, I have a Medicare dental plan. Guess what? The night before we get a phone call and both were cancelled. A month later we try again with a new appointment. Yes, they did it again and cancelled the appointment the evening before by phone. 3 cancellations in 1 year, and no reasons were given for their unprofessional treatment, no apologies. Dr Ambus went so far as to contact Kaiser's Medicare dental department to remove me from the "assigned dental facility." They have assigned me to a different dentist. Please look elsewhere for a responsible and considerate dentist office. read more

This was my first time visiting Dr. Ambus, and my first dentist appointment in almost 10 years (yikes!). So imagine my slight anxiety about my teeth cleaning appointment. However, the appointment went smoothly. From the front desk experience with Michelle to the actual teeth cleaning with Dr. Ambus, I felt comfortable and at ease. I didn't feel judged for the lack of dental appointments I've missed, and I honestly am glad I was referred here! read more

I've been coming to see Peggy for 8 years now and she is the best dentist I've ever seen. I used to dread going to the dentist but it's so much fun to catch up with the gang that works here. Even when I moved further away from her practice I continued to drive 30 minutes so that I could keep her as my dentist. So a huge thumbs up for my favorite dentist Peggy. read more

Great dentist, great chair-side manner, friendly kind staff. Really great place to go, especially for those of us w/ anxiety about dentists. I've had a specific dental problem since I was 7. Needless to say, I've seen a LOT of dentists. So far, Dr Ambus is my fav. And her team is great too. Really personable and they really work w/ me re: scheduling, etc. read more

Very nice dentist! Saw her for the first time and she was knowledgable, kind, and gentle when doing a procedure. The office staff is really nice too. read more

Dr. Ambus has been my dentist since 1995 and she does a fantastic job. I would recommend her any day.

Peggy Ambus has been my Dentist for close to 30 years. My family and I won't go to anyone else. She is simply "The Best". The 5 of us have Beautiful Smiles because of Dr. Ambus. Over the years she has taken great care of my family, especially one of our sons getting punched in the mouth with severe damage to his teeth, she immediately made room in her busy schedule and took care of him. He's smiling again because of her. I highly recommend Dr. Ambus for all ages. She is a wonderful person and a great dentist. She is smart, nice and always explains everything and makes sure you are comfortable. You will be very happy with her. read more

I've been going here for the last 10 years and I've been very well taken care of every time. The staff is great and always upbeat and friendly. Dr. Ambus is extremely knowledgeable and always explains things in ways that I can easily understand. I would highly recommend this dentist office if you are looking for s new dentist in the Burlingame area! read more

Dr. Ambus has been my dentist since 1994. She is a fantastic dentist who has helped me take care of my teeth over the years. The office is very clean and relaxed and all who work there are friendly. I know that one day she will decide to retire and I will need to find another dentist. But until that day comes, I'm happy. read more

I've been with Peggy for many years and couldn't be happier with her: she's very diligent at what she's doing. She also doesn't talk me into doing procedures I don't need like my previous dentist used to try. I trust her completely. read more

In my twenties I avoided dentists like the plague. It was always something... no money, no time, no dental issues.... But, really, those were all excuses for just the bad feeling I had about drill bits vs. my teeth. A few bad experiences as a young person can really color your outlook on dentists. Anyway, enter my early thirties and there's this intermittent throbbing pain in the back of my mouth. And after ignoring it for... weeks? months? I decided I needed to see a dentist, fast. I picked Dr. Ambus out of a hat, really. She was close to my office and given the year she started her practice, I figured she'd have modern sensibilities regarding pain treatments. Sever years later, and I can't imagine seeing another dentist. Dr. Ambus is great. She's patient, and happily works with any pain anxiety one might have. And she's a talker. She quickly picks up conversations that were left off 6 months ago with your last visit. Her staff is all very nice and professional. My teeth are healthy and happy. And I actually enjoy my twice yearly visits with my dentist. How many people can say that? read more

My family and I have been under the care of Dr. Peggy Ambus for 21 years. She is extremely knowledgeable and very gentle. Before she performs a procedure, she always takes the time to explain what is to be expected and has a calming chair-side manner. We see her for all our dental needs, including cosmetic dentistry, and wouldn't consider going any where else. Her office is warm and friendly and we always make sure to get one of our appointments in October in order to see Dr. Ambus' latest additions to her Halloween collection. read more

Dr. Ambus is amazing! I chipped my tooth on a Sunday and she was able to schedule me in short notice on Monday. She even came in earlier than normal so I could be at work on time. The procedure only took about 20 minutes and it looks great! read more

Great dentist very kind she takes her time to talk with you and to address any concern I will be telling all my family and friends to go to Peggy Ambus read more