Excellent team doing admin coordination, great hygienists, and a easy to talk to & skilled dentist. perfect trifecta!

Kobayashi Dentistry is simply on another level. Everyone is friendly and kind, and the dental work is nothing short of exquisite. Dr. McGuire's fillings are impeccable, and I trust her completely with the inside of my mouth. I actually look forward to going in for dental work. People feel sorry for me when they hear I have the dentist; and I get to be like "well, actually." There's these guys, the best; and then there's all the rest. read more

Steven T. Kobayashi, DDS - The team at Kobayashi gives great customer service, and are sporting some impressive smiles themselves - General Dentistry Near Me - Albany, California

Hi I'd like to renew my post for Dr Stephen Kobayashi .. I've had my dentures now for a few years and I thought I would give an update. .. These were so well fit. I don't even know that I'm wearing them. I can eat everything including steak. I shouldn't say I chew on ice, but I can do that too. !! I haven't had to call the office in quite some time so I'm sure they're thinking no news is good news and correct this all good news. Thank you so much. ! read more

I've been going to this practice for 10 years now. The care you get is always 100%. - Jessica at the front desk is always very caring and works with you. The hygienists are also very caring and talk you through your procedure. I've referred my whole family here and extended family and friend 10/10 experience. read more

I cannot speak highly enough of this dentist practice. Everyone is so nice and welcoming at the front desk, hygienists are extremely kind and professional (Malia-thank you!!); and Dr. McGuire is caring, ensures you aren't experiencing any pain during any procedures, and is one of the best dentists I've seen. Thank you and will recommend to friends and family :-) read more

After about twenty years of loyalty to Dr. Kobayashi's dental practice, I am leaving this office for the following reasons: 1) several years of deteriorating quality of service, and 2) price increases. I have witnessed a decline in the quality of dental services during the past few years, and after approximately twenty years of loyalty to this dentist I have learned that his loyalty to patients is as deep as your wallet. All for-profit medical and dental services in the USA are criminal operations concerned solely with cash flow into the pockets of the service provider, not the well-being of the patient. If you have no insurance, or if the dentist tells you that your insurance is not good enough, even after decades of loyalty to the dentist, he doesn't manifest any loyalty to the patient. You are a number and a bank account or insurance account. It's all about cash flow. Keep that in mind. They don't care about you. The corporate medical and dental insurance mafia enslaves patients and service providers alike. We are confronted with a systemic abuse of power that can only be fixed by ending capitalist control of everything. It is noteworthy here to document that Dr. Kobayashi has chosen to hide in his office rather than to acknowledge the problem by doing something to end the tyranny of the for-profit medical-dental corporate insurance mafia that operates to generate private profits for investors with disregard for the health of the people. One of the purposes for posting this review is to break through the silence, the denials, of the educated professional class that comprises medical and dental professionals. Silence and inaction is not socially responsible. Everyone is a member of this society, including dentists. What Dr. Kobayashi is doing is legal, but immoral. The American people do not have national health care because Congress is controlled by the same for-profit insurance corporations that put money into Dr. Kobayashi's pocket. He is not in a position to comment because he has a conflict of interest in this matter. Due to the deterioration in the quality of services and the lack of social justice exhibited by this office, I am now reluctantly, sadly, leaving this practice after many years of patronage. ----------------- https://www.dissentmagazine.org/article/class-politics-teeth-oral-health-dentistry-inequality ------------------ Legal, but immoral. Medical and dental services for profit are immoral. Medical and dental technicians are pressured to devote primary attention to maximizing personal profits and to do so, supporting the criminal corporate medical-dental insurance racket. Rather than focussing attention on the care of patients, medical and dental professionals are distracted by the hunt for business profits. Dr. Kobayashi's office is focussed on billing insurance corporations, not on client services. If you have the wrong kind of insurance, or none, then you are driven out. Medical-dental professionals have responsibility for the corrupted payment system. They maintain the system by participating in the Mafia insurance corporations which exist to maximize shareholder profits, not to provide medical or dental care. Medical and dent4al professionals are in the business of making profits for billionaires, and for themselves, not for providing dental services. Medical and dental professionals can change this system any time they decide to accept their responsibility to the society outside their clinic doors. It's not acceptable to hide in the clinic counting their money while providing services only to those people who are deemed worthy to survive. In summary, after decades of patronizing this service, I have observed a decline in both the quality of the dental services and a decline in acceptance of their social responsibility. I am now looking for other services. My dilemma is a national health care crisis, not limited to my own personal experience. Dr. Kobayashi is a member of American society. He has a social responsibility that extends beyond counting the daily billing receipts. read more

I had a Horrible experience. I made an appointment at 4pm, I had a gum pain, I asked is there anything I can do for the pain until my appointment time, she said she'll call me after talking with dentist. She didn't call. Also I haven't received any confirmation from her about my appointment. I showed up at 3:30 prior to my appointment. Same Lady on the desk said, my appointment was at 2pm, I remembered wrong. I DID NOT remember it wrong. You don't make a mistake when you have a GUM Pain. I had to finish my work earlier because of this appointment. She probably squeezed someone else in instead of me. I don't recommend this place. They can have whatever stars they have. This is my personal experience. Good luck. Btw her smiling was very fake, when she said she was sorry. That tells you a lot about the place. She clearly feels No accountability. I finished my master degree in second language, it just annoys you when low IQ people try to smart with you. Especially when you're in pain it's just amazing. Thank you for the experience. Answer to your sorry; Again you're addressing the issue wrong. It's not about due to a time misunderstanding. That's a very surface, limited, one sided explanation. Here's the list; 1. You said you were gonna call after talking with dentist. NO you didn't. 2. You should send me a confirmation about my appointment. NO You didn't send me any confirmation email about my appointment, no text, no nothing. 3. You should contact with me a day before as a reminder. NO You didn't do any attempt to remind me my appointment, a day before. 4. When I was there for my appointment, you said sorry with your smiling face. And CLAIMED I don't remember correctly. And now you mentioned, there's a misunderstanding. Well yea yea, Your sorry is wishy washy. read more

I've been looking for a good dentist the last 5 years and I think I found one. This is my first visit with Dr Kobayashi and I find myself wanting to go back. Service from beginning to end is wonderful. Staff is friendly yet very professional and also very efficient. Each one I dealt with was really good at their job - from Jessica to Lisa to Dr Kobayashi. The last person I saw was the dental hygienist and she was a gentle while cleaning my teeth. They all made me feel at ease and was always asking me if I'm okay and not hurting. I'm so happy with my first visit and I'm hoping this will continue. I may have found the dentist for me. read more

Excellent dentist, wonderful and efficient hygienists and a super organized and helpful office team. My daughter and I have been seeing Dr. Kobayashi for about 5 years now. Dr. K is personable, extremely knowledgeable as well as a warm and caring person - I feel like he and his team are always on top of my dental care needs. The office is clean and stylish - with a spa like feel. Appointments are a breeze - I've never had to wait more than a few minutes. Highly recommend. read more

New location is nice! If you are going to be tortured, it may as well be with a gentle hand and a friendly smile. Ellen is the best hygenist I've ever had. Super awesome with kids, too! This is where my pearly whites will be seen every 6 months. read more

Sooooooo friendly and kind. I love their staff and Dr. K is wonderful. They are gentle and quick, perfect for a dentist!

Love this place. My husband, my mom and I have been going here since they opened. The facility is beautiful, the staff are warm and good at what they do. The hygienists have all been great and they make it very convenient to get in when needed. I used to be extremely afraid of getting cavities filled to the point that I would sometimes forego anesthesia, but Dr. Kobayashi has a gentle touch and has never hurt. Good Covid safety protocols. Highly recommend! read more

I chose Dr. Kobayashi because of excellent reviews and COVID precautions I saw on his website, including the fact that patients are in closed rooms. It seemed Kobayashi Dentistry has better sanitising and precautionary measures than other dental offices I've had to endure since the beginning of 2020. So I scheduled a teeth cleaning and then met Dr. Kobayashi for an exam. He found areas of decay and explained what he wanted to do. I was set up for a new crown (willing to pay extra, because he is a PREMIER dentist, so out of network for my Delta Dental plan) a month after my first appointment. Note: he is booked out for weeks to over a month. He had also sold me a $15 tooth gel (Enamelon), which supposedly arrests tooth decay but in the fine print mentions that it shouldn't be used over a long period because it stains the teeth. I had been instructed to use it daily from now on.... After that first appointment there was none of the promised follow-up regarding the rest of my treatments. I got no treatment plan nor cost estimate for anything beyond the crown, despite several calls requesting this. Uncomfortable with the lack of clarity on how to proceed and wanting to know what I was getting myself into, I asked for Kobayashi to call me. He did and impatiently listened as I told him my concerns. Then he revealed to me that he planned a procedure which (I had to ask) involved removing an entire bridge. When I mentioned the tooth gel I didn't want to use, he became defensive: suddenly he switched his tone and told me to go see another dentist because I had been "hurting his staff"; when I asked what he meant, he claimed I had "yelled at them". I was shocked, since that was a lie I did not expect from a professional. Initially, a longtime Kobayashi patient had told me: "It's a factory farm" - I now understand what she meant and would add "expensive" to that label. read more

Big focus on new technologies and methods for making treatments easier, faster, and more comfortable. Never been up-sold on treatments I don't need. Just a good, trusted relationship with them for years. read more

Because of the great review of the dentist, I made an appointment approximately 5 month ago. I couldn't make it earlier because of the popularity of this dentist. I actually called the office two weeks ago to see if I can come earlier day, because of my job situation. I didn't receive any reply from them. I figured they were too busy to return my call. I went the office 20 minutes prior my appointment time. The woman, her name is Jessica asked me why I am here. I said I have appointment at 3 pm today. I gave my name. She looked up the computer and told me that your name is blocked??? I asked "what do you mean that my appointment is blocked?, she replied "I can't answer". I said I made this appointment more that 5 month ago because of Yelp review. I even called two weeks ago. I never received any response. She said we always make a return call. I said " I didn't get any return call since then. regardless I need to see Dr. Kabayashi today". She said " the doctor is busy with a patient till 5 pm but you can see other doctor. I said you got to be kidding? I came her to see Dr. Kobayashi. if you can't see him, you need to give me appointment next Friday, or Monday Those days are only choice due to my work schedule. She said let me ask Dr. Kobayashi what we can do for you. I said "Ok i wait." She said " you can wait, but the Dr is busy with a patient till 5 pm. and I am leaving soon as I have a kid to pick up. There is no sincere apology. She said sorry, but it is not really come from her heart. I took the time off today just for the appointment. And it turned out this. Dr. Kobayashi is probably a good dentist, but I will never go back the office where I don't feel welcomed. Those staff don't have any customer service and accountability. Dr. Kobayashi, please read all negative yelp reviews, and may be you can do something about your staff's customer service. read more

I am a new patient, but I just had the best experience ever. I was told by another dentist that I needed a crown and he used scare tactics to suggest that if I didn't do it in the next 48 hours, I would probably end up needing a root canal. I came to Dr. Kobayashi on a recommendation from my boyfriend and his family who love this dentist. I was fit in for a second opinion right away. I was told it was $100 for a consult, but they ended up waiving that fee as a thank you for being a recommendation and because it was a very short visit. I scheduled to have my crown at the first available appointment, which was about six weeks later (the only downside of this place is that people know they are amazing and so you need to schedule further in advance; few immediate openings). He told me I would probably be fine in between, but to take good care to keep it extra clean and to make sure that if the cavity fell out (that needed replacing) to keep extra extra good care (but that I'd probably be okay if it did). I came in for the crown, for which I was quoted $1000 (no dental insurance, only health insurance as I am self employed). Jessica at the front and Lisa as the assistant were both fabulous, very friendly and put me at ease. The office is nice, has tons of light, and there is easy 90 minute parking in front. They kept track of the time and let me have a break to go and move my car after 90 minutes, which was super easy and really nice of them. Everybody is very professional and friendly. You feel put at ease coming here. From there, he went in and did a thorough look at it and informed me that he miiiiight be able to fill it as a cavity instead and I might not need a crown after all. He said he would try and if he could do it, he would and if we went in and he couldn't, he'd let me know and he would go ahead with the crown. He took photos, told me what was happening the whole time, and was just very up front about the whole process. Dentist appointments aren't fun, but this sure was one of the best experiences I've ever had. In the end, he was able to do the cavity refilling instead. I was charged $155 instead of the $1000 I was quoted for the whole crown, which is amazing to me. He saved me money and effectively cost himself money all in honor of doing better dental work and giving me conservative, good care. Dr Kobayashi and his whole staff have earned a customer for life. Wow. read more

Most pleasant and knowledgable staff. Really care about the health of my teeth, etc. I recently switched due to changes in dental insurance and after no longer working near my prior dentist so I was on the hunt for more local to my house. I am very happy with this practice and the personable staff. read more

To say that I'm a high maintenance dental patient is like saying that water is wet. I didn't see a dentist for more than five years because I'd have a panic attack any time I even thought about making an appointment. So the first time I called Dr. Kobayashi's office to *try* to schedule an appointment, I had a panic attack and started crying. The receptionist was very gracious and encouraging. Even though I wasn't able to make an appointment, she was friendly and helpful. I finally got a prescription for valium, and was able to make an appointment. I didn't take any valium for my first teeth cleaning, because they wouldn't be doing anything hurtful. Big mistake. I had a panic attack as soon as I walked in. But everyone was very patient and encouraging while I took some valium and waited for it to kick in. Since then I've had Dr. Kobayashi do two crowns. He's very patient, knowledgeable, and skilled. He gives extremely gentle injections. His crowns feel like my real teeth, but better (I have a crown from another dentist that feels like a fake tooth). The hygenists, office staff, and Dr. Kobayashi all make me feel as though I belong there, and they want me to keep coming back. Given that they know my tendency toward hysterical crying, I'm amazed and pleased and wouldn't go anywhere else. read more

I've been seeing Dr. Kobayashi for years now! I was referred by a friend, and even though I now live and work in SF, I still make the trek across the Bay Bridge for my dental appointments. So far, I've been extremely lucky to have never had a cavity, so I've never had to have any major dental work done. My visits to Dr. Kobayashi's office are so I can get my teeth pearly white! I usually see Ellen for my cleanings, and she's super sweet and very gentle. My friends ask me why I don't find a new dentist closer to home, and the answer is easy....the staff is awesome, and they're great at what they do!!! read more

Their office is very clean, beautiful and privacy respected setting up. I really like it! And also, the best part I enjoyed the visit was, they do not ask you many personal questions, like some other dental office. I like quiet, and like them to taking a good care of me, instead of me entertain the dentist or answering their non-stop questions. Beside, who will be able to talk while you are being treated. Dr. Kobayashi explained about my condition very well, and he was very friendly. I am glad that I changed my dentist! read more

I just moved to Albany and was scared to change dentists because I loved mine - just wasn't willing to drive to Vacaville anymore. Dr. Kobayashi's office was awesome! I'm super picky and everything was great. Julie, my dental hygienist, was the best! She explained everything she did prior and even put a special gel on a few sensitive gum areas so the cleaning didn't hurt. I usually experience a sharp "Zing" every now and then during cleaning, but none today. The only nuisance was finding a time for an initial visit with my work schedule and end-of-the year rush, but my future cleaning was scheduled without any problem at all. The staff were also very considerate about getting me in/out on time. I'm excited to have found an excellent dentist with a state-of-the art office in walking distance! read more

I just went in to the office recently for check up and hadn't been to a dentist for years so was a little nervous and knew I was going to need so stuff done. Everyone was so friendly. Julie cleaned my teeth and did my X-rays and she was nice and gentle. I had to come back in for a crown and it was so fast and painless. The dr. Really cares about his patients and he is a funny guy to easy to talk to. He worked threw his lunch to get me in for this appointment.He educates you on what he is going to do so you are aware of the whole process. They have all of the best technology, the girls up front are so sweet. His assistant is also sweet and gentle. This place is awesome! read more

I've visited many dental facilities in the past and this place rates as my most pleasant dental experience ever. I'd left a voicemail over the weekend and a staff got back to me Monday morning. My appointment was scheduled on the same day and they made the process simple and easy. Staff were welcoming on first visit and the service was first-class! The facility was very clean and the outstanding interior design makes all the difference. I also like the background music, very relaxing and spa-like. Lastly, this office is updated and equipped with the latest dental technology! This makes me assured I'm taken care of. Aside from the outside looking like a ramen shop, Kobayashi Dentistry was easy to find. As other Yelpers have shared, the experience have lead me to look forward to visiting the dentist. read more

I've been going to Dr. Kobayashi since he was recommended to me by a friend. He and his staff have all the best qualities you would want in a dentist. Dr. Kobayashi is experienced, professional and friendly. He explains clearly and doesn't order any unnecessary procedures. His staff is friendly, efficient and go out of their way to make the patient comfortable. My kids and husband also are patients. When my son had a cavity filled and experienced some minor swelling. Dr. Kobayashi called the next day to check up on him. They run on-time for appointments (AWESOME!). We've never had a problem scheduling or canceling appointments either. We've also used Dr. Kobayashi to get second opinions on orthodontics. He is honest and respects his patient's choices. We've been to other dentists in the area and hands down Dr. Kobayashi is THE DENTIST you'd want to visit. read more

My favorite dentist in the Bay Area! I love how friendly the front desk staff is. I've worked with Dr. Wu and Dr. Kobayashi and have nothing but positive things to say about them. If my friends are looking for a new dentist I always send them over to this place! read more

Great office, staff, and doctor. Would recommend to anyone. I've been seeing Dr. Kobayashi for over ten years. His new office is great. The amazing staff came over with him as well. Keep up the great work guys! Anyone looking for a great dentistry need not look further. read more

I have been receiving dental care from Dr. Steven Kobayashi for the past few years. He is extremely GOOD at what he does. He's everything a dentist should be: super smart, honest, well-educated, practical, highly skilled, patient (with the dental work and explaining things), detail-oriented, and gentle. He's done a really good job taking of my teeth. He seems like a very kind person too. There is an amazing woman there named Ayako. If you didn't know that she was a dental hygenist talking to her, you'd wonder if she was a professor at a dental school. If you are open-minded and very conscientious about taking care of your teeth, you would appreciate her very much! She knows SO SOOOO MUCH about everything teeth-gums-cleaning techniques-flouride chemistry and everything else in a dental encyclopedia! Her knowledge is baffling but highly useful. She is a great resource and has given great suggestions for some tooth issues I've had. She explains things to you in a very respectful way WITHOUT ever coming off as bossy or arrogant. She's also very nice and lively. She's always very much in the present and focused. read more

Almost always a great experience. Latest tech and practice guidelines, friendly and knowledgeable dental assistants and dentists, and super clean: I highly recommend. read more

I have always been nervous in the dentist's chair due to some very traumatic dentistry experiences in my childhood and young adult life. But ever since I started going to Dr. Kobayashi's office, I look forward to my dentist visits! Dr. Kobayashi has created such a wonderful, relaxing, anxiety free environment. His staff is always courteous, professional and knowledgeable. They even worked with me over the years to to turn me from a non-flosser to flossing everyday AND sometimes 2x a day! My teeth have never looked or felt better in my life. I recommend Dr. Kobayashi and his dental team to everyone I know! I drive from across the Bay area (San Jose and San Francisco) to see him. Dr. Kobayashi and team are simply and expertly the best. read more

I was new to area and did my research to find who was the best dentist in the area. Through word of mouth and a review search i found Dr Kobayashi. I was not disappointed. He is as wonderful in both personality and skills as people mentioned. He takes his time to educate and explain procedures. His office is clean, and his staff is warm and accomodating. It has been a great experience! i highly recommend him!!! read more

Dr. Kobayashi and staff are fantastic. I hadn't been to a dentist in over 6 years because..........I don't like going to the dentist! :) Many fillings later I'm smiling happily and go every 6 months now. read more

I would give 10 stars. I am a newish patient after having a dentist who retired after 40 years and a few terrible dental experiences. Dr. Kobayashi and Carolyn came in on a Sunday to check on a dental problem that would have prevented me from having a surgery scheduled for first thing Monday. The office is efficient and the staff is kind. And they clearly go the extra mile to take care of their patients. read more

I have been to MANY dentists, including dental surgeons, and by far, my experience with Dr. Kobayashi and his associates outstrips them all. Shots for local anesthesia are not painful, work is efficient, the environment is crystal clean and relaxing, the folks at the front desk are welcoming... his office makes "the worst" kind of routine health-visit bearable and even relaxing. For anyone with dental anxiety or who just doesn't love going to the dentist or who just wants and excellent dentist - Dr. Kobayashi is your guy. read more

I just arrived home from my twice-annual teeth cleaning & checkup with Dr. Kobayashi and my regular--and favorite!--hygienist, Ayako. As usual, Ayako expertly restored my smile to its shiny best ... while somehow at the same managing to engage me in an enjoyable conversation(!) When I reported recent pain in an ambiguous area on the lower-right-side of my mouth, Dr. Kobayashi performed first a visual examination; and, when that proved inconclusive, directed a full "3-D scan of mouth. (Performed by an amazing device that I imagine must be on loan from Industrial Light and Magic!) Through these means, Dr. Kobayashi was able to narrow the source of my complaint --and recommend a follow-up visit to my endotontist in Berkeley (which will, I guess, require a separate Yelp review!). Thank you, Dr. Kobayashi and Crew, for keeping my 63-yr-old mouth in as good condition as possible. read more

Finding a dentist is always difficult and time consuming so how happy was I when my friend recommended Dr. K and he turned out to be just as awesome as my friend promised. BEST dentist I've had since my childhood dentist, which happened to be my uncle. Anyhow...he's great. Office is clean, everyone is so friendly. The staff makes you feel so comfortable and they're so nice...almost unreal kinda nice. Dr. K is super cool and knowledgeable and the only reason why I'm not still going to him even though I live in San Mateo, is that he doesn't take my insurance...but if he did, I would totally make the trek to the east bay just to have my teeth cleaned. read more

I hadn't yet found a dentist in the Berkeley area (even after having been a student for 4 years). I had always gone home to Southern California and my old dentist. Heck I had never even been to a dentist by myself before! (Sad, I know, but I'm growing up right?) So I called many dentists in the area, and they were all sort of booked solid, except Kobayashi. Berkeley Parents Network (the infamous Google result) said good things about him, so why not? His office is in a house in Albany, near Solano and San Pablo. It is a beautiful place, perfectly decorated in Martha Stewart's finest modern style and clean as a whistle, but very comfortable. The receptionist was perky and nice, the dental hygenist was professional and skilled, and the dentist himself was every bit as good as my old one (incidentally, also Japanese, a Dr. Yamashiro in Ventura, CA). A very nice guy, young but good at his job, UCLA grad, and fun to talk to. The technology is also way new -- he used some kind of laser enamel measurement tool to test a stain's depth, and determined it was actually deep enough to need a filling. I went back for the filling two weeks later and it was one of the best dental experiences I've ever had (and I had 2-3 fillings as a teenager... never was the best at remembering to brush). Everything went smoothly and professionally, and I could tell they knew what they were doing. It made me feel better about the whole experience. All in all, I like my new dentist and will gladly return in the future. read more

Dr. K was recommended for people with dental phobia. OMG! I think he has restored my faith that there are GOOD, CARING dentists out there. He didn't use any instrument wen doing an emergency triage and showed me the pictures of my bad teeth that need work . He also didn't "push" implants given my previous dental traumas and was so calm and compassionate. He is SPECIAL!! If you r skiddish with dentistry he's the one. read more

My favorite dentist of all time, Dr. Kobayashi's is upbeat, and honest. Kobayashi has a keen eye for detail (as a dentist should), a steady and gentle hand, and very good bedside manner. And a friend I referred says he actually falls asleep during treatments there! Now I couldn't do that, but it's telling. The dental hygienists that I've met have likewise been consistently friendly and gentle. The offices are clean, even chic. It's in a Victorian house, and is nicely decorated and painted. Having been to dentists that sent me off with a cold sweat, I really appreciate visiting Kobayashi. So much, I really mean it when I say to him, "It's good to see you." read more

Dr Kobayashi is a professional and good communicator. His team is top notch and seem like they truly know their stuff. I have sensitive gums and they have always been nice to me and my mouth. : ) read more

Dr. Steven has been my dentist for the past twelve years. Steven and the team he has assembled do excellent work and I would highly recommend him! read more