Dr. Garden and Brenda are a dynamic duo operating a warm, friendly dental practice. I have nightmares about my teeth falling out so it means a lot to have a knowledgeable dental team that's thorough and ensures my teeth and gums are in good health. Compared to other dental practices, this one doesn't have the latest flashy technology (cushy chairs, TVs above the patient chair, and other shiny equipment). None of this is necessary, but it's an added bonus in case you're looking for that type of dental experience. One improvement I would suggest is to create an email or text notification to manage appointments and reminders. I often get a reminder phone call 1 day before my appointment and by then, I may have scheduled over the time slot (my bad). My schedule is dynamic so having an easy way to change appointments without playing phone tag with Brenda could be beneficial for everyone. read more

Dr. Garden has been my dentist for the past 5 - 6 years and my experience has been nothing short of wonderful (something I thought I'd never say about a dentist)! My visits with Dr. Garden and Brenda have always been seamless. It shows that Dr. Garden and Brenda have been working together for many many years. As a team not only are they efficient and in-sync, but their rapport makes for a light and pleasant atmosphere in the office. Both of them are extremely easy to talk to! Not to mention, Dr. Garden accepts the UC Berkeley Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). As a student, I recommend her to all of my friends and peers at the university! read more

Dr Garden has been my family dentist for around 5 years. I can't recommend here and Brenda (They are very much a team) highly enough. Going to see them is actually a pleasant experience, something to be appreciated in a dentist to be sure. My interactions with them start with a reminder phone call with Brenda. As noted by another Yelp reviewer, Brenda is doing double duty as receptionist and hygienist. Contrary to what you might read elsewhere here, Brenda is friendly, knowledgeable and caring. She couldn't be more pleasant. No additional staff lowers the costs of the practice which is good for patients as well. Once in the chair, you can really experience what I enjoy best about them, lots of playful banter. You can't participate mostly because you have a mouth full of dental tools, but their 30 plus years of working together is testament to how much they enjoy each other's company. You will as well. Additionally, Dr Garden works really well with my autistic son. I sincerely appreciate the patience and kindness that requires. So in short, this is a great dental practice. You will be in trustworthy hands and enjoy your time with them. How could you do better than that? read more

My teeth were discolored when I showed up. I thought this was just the way they were going and I might have to get them professionally whitened. Turns out I just needed a good cleaning... I also got fitted for a night guard with them and I love it! read more

Re: Dr Garden's remarks in response to my review from 2023: Dr Garden, my review contains not a single lie. To dismiss my honest and fair review of your services and my experience as "lies" is unseemly and disingenuous. Most people do not leave reviews, good, bad, or indifferent; they do not bother. For a dentist with a 30+ year practice to have only a handful of positive reviews suggests your services may have been less than ideal, and some honest feedback from other patients might have been helpful to those seeking a new dentist. Your claim that in over 30 years you have not had an issue such as I describe amounts to nothing really. If you were unhappy or bothered by my review it is not on me to change or remove it; I had a right to leave it. I know what I heard over the phone, and whether or not it was a clear "curse word" I clearly heard you shout in anger, and I stand by all I described in the difficulties I had with your office. read more

I have been going to Dr. Garden for a couple years now after not going to the dentist for a long time. I was very nervous to go to the dentist again but she and Brenda took amazing care of me, and honestly they make the experience so lovely and easy that I have made going to the dentist consistent. They are both professional, accommodating, and do great work. I highly recommend! read more

Dr. Garden and Brenda are great. They have accommodated both me and my partner for urgent needs. It's so hard finding a quality dentist who takes insurance nowadays, and Dr. Garden does. I trust her judgment and don't feel like she's upselling me (like other dentists have done). read more

I have the best Dentist in the city of Berkeley Ca. My visits are always pleasant and professional especially with conversations and laughter with Dr. Garden and Brenda thank you so much!! read more

The consistent, reliable and most genial professional service provided by Dr. Garden and Brenda have been qualities I have had the good fortune to experience over the past 20+ years. Dr. Garden's services and recommendations on dental care/needs have been most welcomed, as are Brenda's professional scheduling approach and phone call reminders of upcoming appointments. I hit the "jackpot" in dental care when I first walked into Dr. Garden's office so many years ago. Thank you! read more

I had a great experience with Dr. Garden! My two front teeth were chipped, one even looked gray as the inside surface had broken off. Dr. Garden restored my teeth with a composite material and now they look perfect, match my other teeth and feel smooth to my tongue. She is an artist! My appointment was stress free. Dr. Garden and Brenda took great care of me! Exceptional dental office! read more

Dr. Garden is the best dentist that I have ever been to. She's humble and a great dentist. I highly recommend her.The dental assistant is excellent as well.She returns calls quickly and is always so pleasant and professional. Have been her patient for 35 years and have never had a problem getting an appointment. read more

I just moved to the area and had a little scooter fall. Of all the Dentists I called (and I called a lot), only Sonja's practice was able to squeeze me in even for just x-rays. Most said, no we won't see you until January. They were super friendly and helpful. Though there are other chips/issues Sonja was most concerned with my jaw and got me an immediate referral to the oral surgery practice across the hall for full mouth x-rays. I am excited to have Dr. Garden to be my dentist while in the area. P.S. this is a one-person practice with two chairs. If you're looking for the giant practice with every single bell and whistle including the 10 front desk staff, this is not it. read more

Dr. Garden is a wonderful, caring dentist. My family of three have been her patients since 2016. Our son was 5 y.o. when he started seeing her. He loves seeing Dr. Garden and has never cried going to the dentist (as some friends have expressed can happen). She somehow has a way to calm children (and adults!) sitting in the dental chair. As for me, she has been amazing. I had an odd toothache one day, let it linger for about a month, until it was too painful and could hardly eat. She squeezed me in immediately when I called (I was on holiday so came in the first business day back in town). She x-rayed and identified the fact I needed a root canal. She called a local endodontist and urged that I be seen immediately. Luckily, the endodontist had a cancellation and was able to squeeze me in that day. All thanks to Dr. Garden and her commitment to her patients, insisting she call for me. As for Brenda, she's great as well. They're a team and Brenda takes the time to personally call everyone a day before their appointment to remind them (and to verbally confirm you can make it, just in case you can't). No bots or texts that go unread or unanswered. Highly recommend Dr. Garden ... and in fact, have recommended her to my friends and relatives. My cousins are also patients of hers now too. read more

Sonja is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. She takes UCBERKELEY students insurance SHIP! Sonja's assistant is super kind and professional. read more

I loved that Sonja Garden, DDS, has those hand-held water games. You know the ones I'm talking about? Where you press the button and bubble the balls into the seashell ferris wheel? OMG total nostalgia steeped in frustration and wonderment. 10 points for that, Sista Teeth! And then, OMG, Highlights! How much do I love you, Highlights Magazine? It is indescribable. It's like a childhood Christmas when I go there every 6 months! She's also totally like Santa Claus inasmuch as her assistant is this 4'6 dynamo who's all sensible shoes - nay, clogs - clomping around and she literally had to climb all over me like I was Gulliver just to stick the x-ray guard in my mouth. It was very magical. Dr. Garden herself is awesome. She's one of those ageless faces, like Morgan Fairchild or Joan Rivers, except you can totally distinguish between her nostrils and eyelids. And boy, she sure packs a heavy hand. My teeth were hurting like craycray after, but felt clean as a whistle that hasn't been blown on. She's really nice though, so even though I was cringing with the anticipated pain, it almost felt like she was gifting me. Trickery! It's about $141 for a regular cleaning and $183 with x-rays. read more

I visited Sonja for 6 years and was delighted by her service, and am very sad now that I've moved away. She is very thorough, her technique is firm and she definately doesn't cut you any slack.. I walked out of there feeling like my teeth were born again. All throughout, an excellent bedside manner, fun conversation between herself, her assitant, and your mumbling. I always felt she only did the work you really needed, and referred you to other specialists when necessary. I was referred to her originally, and have referred many people since, and they've all been very happy. I'm guessing most of her clientele is that way, so dont' be put off the lack of marketing.. she doesn't need it. Also, ignore that one star review down there, she probably called in the middle of an appointment and there is no dedicated phone person. Who gives a one star review when you don't actually use the dentist in question?! read more

Fabulous dentist! I should know, my teeth have given me trouble since I was a kid. Dr. Garden has all the things you want in a dentist -- exceptional education and experience, always listens, makes you feel comfortable, never rushed, and just won't quit until things are exactly right. It's obvious she cares about her patients and wants the best possible result. The thing that really impresses, though, is how she thinks about my individual case. Let's face it, if I were a dentist I'd probably think one crown was pretty much the same as another. That never, ever happens with Dr. Garden. Every time I see her, it's clear that she's thought through my case before I ever got to the office. She has a game plan that's creative and fits my specific goals and circumstances. And once I understand and am comfortable, she's always gotten it done. So like I say, I've had plenty of dentists, and by now I know what the good ones look like. Dr. Garden's as good as it gets! smm read more

Very friendly, nice, and good service. Always a pleasure to visit. The place is clean and charm with pretty little flowers near windows. Very relaxing. read more

I've never been a huge fan of going to the dentist. Actually still not my favorite place in the world...lol. However, thanks to Sonja I no longer dread my visit. She always takes care of me and never try's to sell me the newest teeth whitening gimmick of the week. Very trust worthy. Thanks Sonja!! read more

I've been going to Dr. Garden for 15 years, and can't believe I've never left a review before- shame on me! This is a great practice- just Dr. Garden and her assistant Brenda, and a person or two that help out with the office tasks. The service is very personal, high quality, and reasonably flexible if you need to change an appointment. I've always been cared for well, and feel like my dental needs are very well attended to. I've not needed anything major in the time I've been coming here- just the usual fillings and replacements, and that's testimony I believe to catching things early before they are problems. That and flossing- don't forget to floss. Anyway, I'd give the practice 6 stars if I could. You won't be disappointed. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Garden for several years and am always very pleased with her work. She is meticulous about her work, very friendly and will answer any and all questions you may have. I was referred to Dr. Garden by friends and co-workers who had been with her for several years and since becoming her patient I have referred friends, co-workers and family members, all who have had very positive experiences as well. read more

Dr. Garden has been my dentist for over 10 years, she is an impressive professional. She uses the latest equipment, and runs a very efficient practise. Incredibly nice person. I feel very confident in her care. read more

I've been going to Sonja since I was a little girl and she has always been so sweet. I drive from San Ramon to Berkeley for my appointments. She is very knowledgeable and so is her assistant Brenda. They work very well as a team! I highly recommend going to see Sonja for all of your dentistry needs. read more

Sonja and Brenda will brighten your smile all day! Sonja is a master of her profession. Makes the painful visit to the dentist as pleasant as one could ask for. I travel from Alaska just for her work, and will be back as long as she is around. Thanks ladies for great work and big smiles! read more

My husband, daughter and I have been patients of Dr. Garden for many years, and we drive from San Ramon to see her. She is honest, knowledgeable, gentle, and thorough. She and her assistant Brenda make a great team! My husband has had extensive work done, including two implants. He is very happy with his smile. We highly recommend Dr. Garden. read more

Sonja and Brenda are an amazing professional team, and a delight! I had a phobia of getting any cavity work done. I wouldn't let any dentist take care of my cavities, so great was my fear of the novacaine shot and the drill. My husband had been seeing them for years and was very happy with their work. I had to admit, they restored his gorgeous smile after post college student days neglect. I reluctantly made an appointment. They were so warm and friendly. I don't know how they talked me out of my cavity denial and through my drill terror, but they did! I discovered they could numb you before you even got the shot.YAY! They don't laugh at my anxious ways (I come with a fleece lap blanket and a tiny pillow. Also, sometimes I hum.) Shockingly, I find them so nurturing and relaxing, I often fall asleep during any procedure. I look forward to seeing them! Brenda is great about letting you know about price and co-pays if you need the scoop. I often found this information hard to get out of dental offices. I would give Sonja and Brenda 10 stars if I could! Thank you so much for your caring and expert dental work. Please don't retire for a long time! read more

Today I went to see my favorite dentist, Sonja Garden DDS, to get my teeth cleaned. Over 25 years ago I was introduced to this gem of a dentist. Before going to her I was terrified of dentists and consequently limited my visits to the dentist. It is Sonja's sensitivity and professionalism that keeps me as a happy patient. I continue to recommend Sonja to friends and family for all their dental care. Five stars indeed! read more

Best dentist I ever had and I'm sixty. Why? I have very sensitive teeth and cleaning was always a pain, but she does it herself and is extremely good: still a pain, just half as much of one as before. Also had two crowns so far, all well done. I'm used to big impersonal dentist offices, but I really like this small practice with two very pleasant and competent women, Dr Garden and her assistant. read more

I have been a loyal patient of Dr. Sonja Garden since 2001 when I first arrived in California. When I first visited her, I hadn't been to a dentist in 14 years. After getting to know Dr. Garden and her amazing assistant Brenda, I asked if she would be a strong part of my 5 year oral care plan which included an oral surgery component (Orthonathic surgery with rapid palatal expansion to correct a Class 3 malocclusion), and an orthodontic component (braces). Dr. Garden worked well with my oral surgeon (Dr. Michael Doucet, Chairman Emeritus of the California Board of Oral Surgery), and with my orthodontist, Dr. Michael Teichman to administer a complex, multi-faceted long term care plan. Many years after the commencement of this plan my smile was transformed from a look worse than Larry Bird to a true Hollywood Smile! I enthusiastically recommend Dr. Sonja Garden, and Brenda! Also, they are both super nice, and easy to talk with. read more

When my prior dentist told me I needed to get all my old fillings replaced with crown (over $10,000 out of pocket), I decided to shop around. A colleague recommended Dr. Garden, so I gave her office a call. Her estimate for the exact same procedures was more reasonable, so I went in for an evaluation. While Dr. Garden concurred that many of my 30+ year old fillings were failing, she informed me that I really only needed one crown! The rest could be restored with new fillings. On top of this huge savings, her assistant Brenda helped me schedule the work in a way that maximized my insurance benefits and minimized my out of pocket costs. My teeth look much better, and all the repair work has held up brilliantly. I have continued to see Dr. Garden for around a decade now, and my appreciation for Dr. Garden's skill has only grown. When I was young, I dreaded dental work, but Dr. Garden is so good at minimizing pain that I sometimes fall asleep in the chair (she and Brenda kindly lower their voices, to avoid waking me). My wife and several other colleagues are fans, too. read more

I hope my review will save people from the severe pain and suffering I endured as a result of choosing Sonja as my dentist. Sonja will scam you of your money. She lied to me and told me I needed a lot of dental work done and did an extremely poor job. I later consulted numerous dentists who not only told me that Sonja's work was extremely poor quality, but that I didn't need that type of work done at all. I am now having all of her work re-done because I'm suffering so much pain and discomfort. She didn't just do a terrible job, but robbed me of my money and my comfort. When I called the office numerous about my crown not fitting correctly, causing pain, and cutting my tongue, she simply brushed it off. Sonja is money driven, unprofessional, and a horrible dentist. Her response to my review is only to preserve her reputation on Yelp, but it does not reflect the true experience I had with her many years ago. She's also tried contacting Yelp to have this review removed, but to no success. read more