My children and I had our first visit today and everything from the office staff to the dental care we received was great! Everyone is professional and nice. We have been looking for a good dentist for some time and hope to continue to be a patient for years to come. read more

Excellent across the board, from front desk, assistant to Mr. Peguda. Explained ALL, and very informative on how to prepare proceed, to the finish. ***** read more

Just got my yearly exam and cleaning and I feel great. The staff and doctor made sure I was comfortable and addressed my issues. I have crooked teeth and I always get food around the front, but they removed those things well. Thanks and I look forward for my next visit. read more

Both my children have been going to this office for over 5 years now and I am thankful for the service that we have received. Fillings and cleanings are done in a timely manner and the doctors and staff always ask if my kids doing well throughout the procedure. Special thanks to the receptionist as she always have a uplifting attitude and smile when we check in and check out. My kids are treated well and I am grateful we found a kind caring place. read more

Greatful for the great service I received from this office. I broke a tooth a few days ago and it was starting to bother me. Fortunately, I was able to get an appointment and fix my tooth. I felt they treated me well and I look forward to my follow up appointment. Thank you guys. read more

I have been a patient here for a couple of years now and I am 100% satisfied. I love Dr. James and his wife. The lady who takes my x-rays is amazing and so are the ladies at the front at the reception desk. I am sure most people do not really like going to the dentist. This is not the case for me with visiting Dr. James and Dr. Pugeda. After experiencing my biannual check ups with Dr. James, I feel confident in taking care of my oral health as well as trust my dentist to make sure I am in the best care. I highly recommend checking out these professionals if you want great care for your teeth. read more

I went once months ago due to a mixup in my insurance. I can sum up my experience with one word: awful. I've never had a bad dental experience until I visited this place. The hygienist wasn't thorough, didn't do any small talk and used the wrong sized X-ray paddle, which was painful. The dentist gave me a lecture about proper tooth care - and I've always had good teeth except when the pandemic hit. (He also said I might need a deep cleaning, which my new dentist disagrees,) and overall, I just felt like I was being rushed out the door. They do get points for the nice receptionist, but I'm not going back. read more

*Warning - Do not go to this dentist* My wife has been going to Serena Pugeda's practice for seven years. We recently had to move away and she had her first dentist appointment with another dental office. The new dentist said she has new cavities and also Periodontisis. Pugeda is a horrible dentist who did not catch any of this. Avoid her practice and go with someone who actually makes an effort and cares for their patients. read more

I'm so happy that I found this dentist. I have had a big portion of my tooth broken for so long that I was afraid I would have to lose it, but dentist told me that I should try to save it with a root canal and crown. Although the process was long, I'm glad I got a second chance with my tooth. The doctor and staff made me feel comfortable throughout the process. Will recommend you guys to all my friends and family. read more

horrible is the only thing that can describe this office . 0 stars . Dental customer service over the phone HORRIBLE literally don't know what there doing . read more

Lifesaver. Unfortunately my old dentures broke and Dr. Pugeda and staff helped fix them while my new ones were being made. I really appreciate the kindness they showed me as going without teeth is something I hate to do. read more

Thank you Dr. Pugeda and staff. I just brought my two kids for check ups and they treated them with patience and care. My youngest is usually very scared of doctors, but they made the experience painless and efficient. Look forward to seeing you guys next time. read more

Great experience. I usually hate going to dentist but I'm thankful I found this clinic. I have a lot of cavities and they did a good job making me feel comfortable throughout the process. A big thank you for Dr. Pugeda and staff. read more

Just had my regular check up recently and I wanted to express my appreciation to this office. Staff friendly. Doctor helped me feel comfortable during my appointment. read more

Watch out for this place. Staff is nice, the male dentist is strange & condescending. So I came here twice. This guy talks to me like I'm stupid each time. The first time I thought I was mistaken, the second time I realized he must not care about people who don't have top notch insurance. I just turned 26 and got on covered California to get emergency care for a previous cap that was done under my parents insurance. ** When I express my concerns he never gives a solution and then he only talks about money and extra ways he can charge you for things that are apart of procedures on most insurance ( I know because I called my providers and had them send me clarification). He favors delta dental and now I'm on delta I would never go back to him. Until this experience, I didn't realize how different people treat others based on their insurance (and maybe race/prejudices played a role, idk). read more

I have been coming to this dental office since high school (2014) and they continually display the best services! I typically see Dr. James and he is amazing when working on my teeth. Always explaining what he's doing and ensuring there's no discomfort. The staff here is also spectacular with the highest level of politeness and welcoming qualities. 10/10 services here! Although the office moved from midtown, quality still remains outstanding! read more

I just wanted to say show my apprecitation for the doctor and staff for taking care of my dad a few weeks ago. He ended having two teeth taken out and he was really worried about dental care but you guys did a great job. read more

Through my Medi-Cal insurance, I was going to this office for two years. I reccently moved out of the city and went to a new dentist who requested my x-Rays while going to this office. Come to find out the X-Rays that were taken over a year ago show multiple cavities, yet the Dr never said anything to me during our appointments. The appointments were short and the Dr did not communicate anything. Now I am having to pay the price because of this Dr's negligence. I would not recommend ANYONE go to this office to get care. Shame on this doctor for not caring about the patients!! read more

I have been going to Dr Serena's since I was a child and am now in my mid 30s I could not even image going to another office. There office staff is always a pleasure to work with as well as the doctors. I have had all of them preform work. And am always pleased. There office is always warm and welcoming whenever I come in. I have never been turned away. They are very professional. Whenever I get a chance i recommend them that's how much I believe in them. read more

Dr. Pugeda is an excellent dentist. The front desk staff is great, especially Lily. Definitely recommend

We had an appointment scheduled today for my wife and I. Due to some unforeseen circumstances we didn't have childcare and due to how long it takes to get an appointment we didn't reschedule. We arrive 40 mins early in the hopes that they could accommodate us. Explaining the situation and how even tho we both are scheduled for an appointment around the same time, we asked if they could just stagger it so one of us could watch the kids in the car. Alas the office staff here was completely rude and refused to accommodate anything. Even stating that they were completely booked up and they couldn't do it, since first appointments was 45-60mins. Our appointment was for 130, she was taken in at 115 and done at 140. Using their math, if my wife and I's appointment was blocked out for a hour, there's still 30 mins to squeeze me in but the reality is My appointment was canceled and rescheduled for December. The cleaning and the check up was done well though and it's unfortunate that this experience has left me searching for another dentist. read more

They moved from downtown Sac to Elk Grove. Nice, clean, spacious office. Dr. James and his staff made my appointment smooth, painless, and fuss free. He is also a good communicator and what he said to me regarding my dental health was informative/educational. In this world full of stress, something as small as a pleasant trip to the dentist office could make a difference. read more

Courteous and professional staff all over - from front to back office. Could not have been more pleased with the service I recently received from Dr. Pugeda's dental clinic. Would not hesitate recommending them for all your dental needs. read more

Terrible place. Total disregard for the apparent infection in my mouth. Barely cleaned my teeth. I needed to see a specialist and they did not send over a referral when it came time for operation. They refuse to send it to the specialist appropriately. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE THEY DO NOT CARE ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE NOT OF THEIR ETHNICITY. read more

Street parking I get a reminder call for appointments but if you don't answer, they want you to call them to confirm your appointment. The waiting room is small. The TV is usually on HGTV or something like that and magazines are available. This practice fills the routine and basic dental needs. I haven't had anything other than a check-up/cleaning. The staff is perfectly fine. I get in and out not feeling better or worse than when I came in. read more

Very disappointed with the long term services provided by this facility. Long story short: My mother needed to replace her long lasting bridge and decided to go back to the same dentist who gave her the first one. Problem#1- she was called back over three times to get her impressions redone. I understand it's the lab who need these impressions but the persons doing the impressions should very familiar with what the lab expects and therefore shouldn't have made her come multiple times for this. Problem#2 - the initial price that was given was not accurate when it came time to the final payment. I understand there could have been other procedure that were needed, but communication regarding these extra expenses should of been explained at that moment and not at the final stage. Lastly #3- (months later) My mother finally got her bridge but now in less than a year a tooth fell off the bridge and needed to get fixed. So they have to charge her because they had to make a new tooth! First they said the insurance wouldn't cover it, but after asking several questions - they said the insurance would cover 50%? So which is it? However, the bridge is under warranty, but because there's no tooth warranty doesn't cover it! So what exactly is warranty?? Needless to say, I will have to find a new dentist for my mother, this is by far the worse experience ever. It sounds like this Dr is more after what she can get $$$ wise, whether it's from the patient or insurance company. I advice you, take your dental needs somewhere else. read more

I think it's unfair that Dr. Serena Pugeda's good yelps are all filtered out! I've read them and seems legit! The office is not fancy but the staff has alway been kind and patient (even when my kiddos gets a little loud). She is a very sweet and caring dentist. Both my boys like her. She had to referred my 8 year old autistic son to another dentist but before doing so took the time and attempt to help him first before referring him out to a specialist. read more

i have visit this place several times , once i got a 4 minutes late , i apologized several times for being a few minutes late but they did not accept my apologies they ask me to reschedule i just ask to see the doctor they said we are not gonna see you again and ask to change my doctor very rude manager , because we are different race they did not respect us at all they do racism read more

A receptionist at this location is terrible! Not sure why they have a person like this as a receptionist because they make their name look bad. She is extremely rude when asked a question and makes you feel like you are unwanted there. On the other hand, Dr. Pugeda was very respectful and took good care of us. read more

Waiting room is very very small. Far too small to be comfortable. Other than that, they're okay I guess. The first visit I was 20 mins early and had to wait an additional 30 minutes past my appointment. My last visit they got me in on time. read more

Sadly this place seems like all of the other Medical scam places. They refused to treat my daughters cavity unless I payed for a so called deep cleaning which her insurance would not cover and I could not afford. Their solution was to just keep giving her antibiotics and Ibuprofen. Which is very unhealthy for a young girl. I would seriously recommend you choose another dentist that might actually care about your child and their dental health. This process took about 5 months and ended up resulting in my daughter loosing 2 of her teeth. Please please go somewhere else read more

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME AT THIS OFFICE!!! I had originally had a 10am appt with Serena Pugeda whoever the day before the office gal Marissa I think she said her name is tells me the the doctor will have a 10am emergency appt coming in and if I could come in at a 8:30am. Well I need to check because I do work and I'm just saying I made this appt a month in advance and so I call the office back and say 8:30am is fine not even 30 mins later the same gal for the offices calls back and ask could I come in at 1pm at this point I'm like what the what?!!! Look I agreed with 8:30 I'm not changing the time anymore. Now back today I show up a few mins early to fill out paperwork then a family that was sick as hell walks in coughing, sneezing keep in mind not covering they're faces. I'm waiting to be seen and they call the sick family first at that point I'm like you know what??! I'm out if here. I ask why family that is sick gets called before me the front desk lady tells me because they're sick and the want to get them out first. Now I'm mad! I ask for my papers and leave at this point it was 9:15am. I will not be returning and this front office staff is unprofessional! I'm calling my insurance company immediately to switch dentist hopefully one that has got it together. read more

Best to be avoided. I was a patient there when I had crappy insurance. It feels like you're in the 3rd world country, and they are not "gental dental." Sorry, Serena. read more

Overall, my experience with this office has not been good. Last time I was there (pre-pandemic) the two young women at the front desk were very rude, both when I arrived and when I left. I have always thought of Dr. Pugeda as a fairly competent dentist although not a good communicator. At that visit she told me I needed a crown replaced because a piece of porcelain had chipped off of the side. I asked her if she could patch it. She ignored my question, repeated that I needed a new crown, and told me to make the appointment for that procedure before I left. I did make an appointment for my next exam/cleaning but told the front desk staff that I would make the crown appointment later. As I walked out of the office, one of the rude young women yelled at me, "Make your appointment for the crown replacement!" I decided at that point that I would not be returning. Today I had my first appointment with my new dentist. I told her about my chipped crown. She took a look at it, smoothed it out to decrease the likelihood of plaque build up, and took an x-ray to make sure the metal under the porcelain was intact. It was intact and she said I did not need a crown replacement. If I had stayed with Dr. Pugeda, I would have paid for a crown that I didn't need. I'm glad that I walked away when I did. read more

My 10yr old son likes Dr. James Pugeda, he said he was "gentle" on his teeth. Wait time is 5 minutes, 10 minutes max. I never had a problem with appointments: they call two days before to remind you and they follow-up with insurance. There was one time where it was hard to get a hold of them, that was when they were renovating. This office is not for babies though: my 12-mo old baby had been referred out, and they were great at follow-up with the insurance and the new dentist. Sure, not the fanciest, and I even considered changing at first, but the wait time and personalized attention by the good dentist sealed the deal. Why do you need all that fancy TV and ipads when you are out in less than 30 minutes? read more

They do not take HMO but will accept medical. They do not waste your time, in an out within a great time frame depending on type of visit. read more

Serena G. Pugeda, DMD - Waiting room - General Dentistry Near Me - Elk Grove, California

I go here by choice. Although I'm assigned to this office by my insurance company I have never been treated poorly by any of their employees. I have an HMO dental Insurance, (the cheap one offered by my employer) and only the basic basic dental treatment is covered....but hey that's all I can afford right now. The dentist always explained my options, but because I can't afford much right now I only go with the basic eventhough I know its not always the best. I'm not looking for a fancy office, i just want to be treated by people who care! I get that here! read more

Very friendly. Professional. I feel so comfortable. She makes me look forward to the dentist

Although the dentist is never what I would call "a pleasurable experience", I have always felt comfortable and pain-free at this wonderful dentist office! They are fast and thorough and make sure that the process whatever it may be, is always a comfortable one. read more

I seen all three dentist and they all are great. The building inside and out is decent not dirty,very clean and maintained. They always try to work with you if you are not able to pay for the service up front. When you get your work done they always make sure you are doing ok and comfortable. Sometimes they call the next day to make sure you are okay. The receptionist is very nice and polite. I would really recommend anyone here. I dont know where the negative reviewers on here come up with this stuff but its opposite what they say. The atmosphere there is very engergetic postive and peaceful. If you really want to know what its like go for yourself don't go beacause you seen bad reviews. Really do your research. This is the best customer service I got in a dental office read more