Ronald A Rao, DDS

The staff here is extremely helpful, patient and NICE. This was probably the best and most painless teeth cleaning I’ve ever had. I HIGHLY recommend it here.

My first visit and followup with Dr. Rao went very smoothly. His staff is very friendly and easy to get along with. The wait time wasn’t bad when I went in the morning. I had a couple cavities and they were filled without any pain on my part. My previous dentist would try and hard sell me on invisalign, but I was relieved to have more of a two way conversation with Dr. Rao about what is available.

Dr. Rao was able to see me quickly after I made my initial call to his office. His staff was completely professional and friendly. The receptionist explained all the charges up front when I asked – which were quite reasonable – for cleaning and replacing a filling.
I found Dr. Rao himself to be very warm, friendly and was happy to answer all of my questions about the procedures. He didn’t feel rushed in his work, and even gave me a local ‘swab’ anaesthetic rather than a shot when he replaced my filling. He and his staff made me feel welcome, answered all of my questions, had reasonable costs for the procedures (I used to see a much more expensive dentist, so I have a basis of comparison) and, after a pretty crappy experience with another dentist in my network, earned my trust. It’s hard to find a dentist who is honest, good at what he does and has a good bedside manner. Based on my experiences with him, Dr. Rao is that guy.

I’ve been suffering from an infected wisdom tooth for several days now. Having an irrational fear of the dentist & no dental insurance (I’m interning here, from Ireland), I was in a state of panic coming home on the L train. When I finally plucked up the courage to get off at Dekalb (the stop before my own), I noticed that the clinic was only open for another few minutes… I took a deep breath & walked inside.
I can not tell you how pleasant & empathic the receptionist was. I was in a deal of pain & she made me feel at ease. Ron had me in the chair (without an appointment) after just ten minutes (even after closing) & took a series of x-​rays, before prescribing an antibiotic & an oral surgeon (to yank that sucker out). The price was also incredibly reasonable — $ 125 for the lot (I was quoted $ 380 in Manhattan).
If you’re looking for a warm, professional & empathic practice, this place is for you. I’ve lived in small town Ireland for 28 years & have thus zero tolerance for superficiality. Ron could not have been friendlier — a genuine & sincere dentist with an aim to help.
Very happy. Oh, & now I have a dentist!

This was my first visit and I chose this dentist from Unilocal.I’m new to NY coming from CA. I didn’t have anyone I could ask for a dentist referral. The parking was a little difficult but I parked and just walked a few blocks. I was greeted with smiles, office was clean and modern. The huge test was professional and nice we actually talked through the whole exam. I didn’t get floss and a toothbrush but I guess since my teeth were in good health I didn’t need it lol I like to use the toothbrushes for travel. I would recommend this dentist and I have no issues going back in 6 months

By FAR the worst dentist experience I’ve ever had.
After carefully making confirmed arrangements for the critical dental work I needed done, I’ve been left with half a root canal and a giant pocket in my tooth that continues to threaten my health. And it took five appointments and six months even to get to that point.
The first time I showed up for my appointment, they were overbooked and hours behind schedule. Being that Dr. Rao and I had agreed on a special arrangement for payment, I was cool about it and went home, unseen.
The second appointment (a month later) I was in the chair with the anesthetic shots in my mouth, when the receptionist came in and decided that the payment arrangement I had made with Dr. Rao was not acceptable. Yes, AFTER I had the shots and was in the chair. Who’s in charge of this place?
The third appointment (another month later, soonest they could see me) finally got SOME of the work done, drilled-​out section of decayed tooth and filled with a temporary material.
Fourth appointment, (another month later) the temporary material had shrunk down to almost nothing leaving a giant hallow section in my molar. Thinking I was going to receive the full root canal (as was the original agreement) I got in the chair and was just given another round of the temporary filling. The explanation came in the form of a «keystone cops» routine with the receptionist and the Dr. playing «confused» about what was scheduled for the appointment,
«Oh, I didn’t know you were scheduled for a root canal today. Let me check with the front desk.»
— Dr.
«Dr. Rao says that there isn’t time to do the procedure today.»
— Front Desk
Fifth and final appointment (another month later) I show at the scheduled time, get in the chair, bibbed-​up and more than ready to have the work completed when Dr. Rao comes in and tells me that he’s welching on the arrangement we had agreed to five months back, and has changed his mind.
I STILL am left with half a root canal and a huge pocket in my molar. This is an established pattern of dangerous incompetence. These guys are an absolute mess, avoid at all costs. Hardest thing is, I like Dr. Rao as a guy and he seemed so straight-​up. Too bad his actions betrayed his words and all the unprofessional behavior betrayed his credibility.

With Dr Rao you are in good hands. He makes you feel comfortable and fixes all those problems
Thank you!!!

I went in a while back, the appointment to get in took about a month. I went in at the end of the day, and the receptionist said «I called you earlier to reschedule, we are running late»… I don’t answer phonecalls from numbers I don’t recognize. She handed me a clipboard and went about her business entering information on her computer screen. I waited for her to say more. she didn’t.. I said «So, is it still on then, or are we rescheduling?» «we will do the exam, but probably not the cleaning. we’ll see»
well, nice to meet you too! After an approximately 45 minute wait, I was given xrays. The guy was nice, I liked him. In between those and seeing Dr. Rao, he started covering the equipment with plastic stuff, an obvious sign that they were closing up shop and getting ready to go home.
Dr. Rao comes in, and first does a massage of my neck for cancer. I think I went to his website beforehand and noticed mention of the fact that he was all about cancer screening. fine. I have a mole on my face which is I suppose somewhat exceptional, but I’ve come to terms with it and some people love it. He zeroed in on that and filled out a medical form that he wanted a doctor to sign saying they had checked it for cancer. I appreciate the concern, but I’m here for my teeth. (and for christ sakes — it’s a mole. When I say exceptional, it’s only in the fact that it’s raised a little. It’s not like I’m growing a mushroom out of my face.) He prodded around in my mouth a little, but no mention of worries over cavities, cleaning, anything at all related to oral hygiene. Then he said to xray guy «So, she’s off for the cleaning?» the guy shook his head no. Because obviously, they were trying to close and get out of there. Dr. Rao says «okay, just set up an appointment for the cleaning, see ya!»
I go up front to schedule, and they tell me that I in fact can not make an appointment for the cleaning until I get the medical waiver for my mole signed off by a doctor. I question the ridiculousnes of this, and someone else tells me it’s because I checked a box on my sheet that says I’m borderline anemic, which was never discussed.
I kind of wanted to scream at them, but it happens that I coincidentally had a DR. appointment scheduled already and rather than argue, figured I’d get the stupid thing signed and make the appointment later rather than argue.
When I did go back and reschedule, none of this was brought up. Nor did I bring it up, despite the fact that I jumped through their hoop and got the thing signed. It was as if I didn’t have a cancerous mole and was not anemic at all. The receptionist was even friendly. I felt like an okay job was done scraping the plaque off of my teeth. The overall experience that day was as if I had gotten a brief exile from the leper colony I clearly belong to normally. I was humbled by their normalcy!
I like that they didn’t try to sell me on braces or whitening, or all of that BS, and I have worried in the past that dentists have made up concerns with my teeth to make money off of unnecessary procedures. None of that went on, and I’m a big fan of that. But overall, I can’t say I’m a big fan of this place…

I have had a bad experience with dentists in the past which prevented me from going to the dentist for 2 years! Thankfully they found only 1 cavity. Dr. Rao and staff made me feel extremely comfortable. Super nice and welcoming. They let you pick your own music to listen to while getting worked on and the prices are fair!
I am happy to call Dr. Rao my dentist!

Best dentist I’ve been to in a long time, put trying to get an appointment is a killer, they’ll give u a appointment two months from the day you call then call you back a couple day before and cancel it and reschedule you for another two month from that day. Had to change my dentist just because of that.

one of the nicest dentists and staff!

Dr Rao and his staff are outstanding! They are very friendly and kind, and it’s easy to make appointments, payments, etc. I’ve had some very bad experiences with other dentists in Brooklyn so I was very nervous going to another one, but after reading the reviews and getting a recommendation from a friend, I’m so glad I gave this office a try. I’ve had three fillings done and they were all pain free. Dr Rao and his staff even had me laughing during the procedure, which was a nice way to stay relaxed for an anxious person like myself!

Based off the backwards reception services I wouldn’t even want to give this place a try. Good luck getting an appointment and dealing with the receptionists who have an iq of that of a first grader

I love my new dentist!!! Dr. Rao & his staff are very professional & sweet.
I hadn’t see a dentist in about 8 years. Needless to say, I needed a cavity filled, also wanted to get the metal fillings from older cavities replaced with porcelain, & getting Invisalign! Super excited!
I was so scared of the procedure for the fillings, but the whole thing went by so quickly & smoothly. Dr. Rao really took the time to make me feel comfortable on the two occasions I’ve sat his chair. I’m so happy with my new white fillings :)) BIG SMILE! My daughter will now see him as well, because he’s just so great! I will be coming back to him for ALL my dental needs!!!

Was visiting Brooklyn and then Manhattan for a week and had a dental emergency that wouldn’t have made it the remaining 5 more days of the trip. 1−800− Dentist found this place for me and I took advantage of the free consultation. Within an hour and a half of first contact I was in Dr. Rao’s office. I couldn’t believe how perfectly things worked out. I had to get a bridge re-​cemented, and Dr. Rao was totally reasonable with the price despite my lack of dental insurance. He was very experienced with this procedure (which I have found isn’t a given with a Maryland Bridge), and I was in and out of his office in a half hour!
He and his staff were extremely courteous and professional, and what I thought was going to be a real damper for my NYC trip was a short subway trip (he’s literally across the street from the L station) and a piece of cake. Again want to stress the price, and friendliness and courtesy of his staff. Definitely recommend!

I found a deal on groupon for an oral exam, x-​rays, and a cleaning for like $ 100. I was a little unsure since it seemed one of those ‘too good to be true’ scenarios, but I hadn’t been to the dentist in about 6 years and read great reviews so I made an appointment. LOVE. Jennifer the receptionist was amazing with handling my appointment time, and was super sweet in person as well. my appointment was for 2, so I showed up at 130 to do paperwork and was in the seat starting X-​rays at 1:50. Dr. Rao was so nice, and so funny-​I was laughing on the inside even when I had tools and fingers poking around my mouth. He suggested a few optional treatment options for my teeth but wasn’t overly pushy and «salesperson-​y». I was given a price quote for those options so I can think about it before my next cleaning. I will definitely be making Dr. Rao and staff my go-​to for all dental work-they’re all wonderful and the office is so convenient, how could I not?!

Dr Rao is a great dentist. He’s wonderful with my daughter but I have to update my review because since I’ve written it many things have changed & gone in a negative direction.
First, don’t expect to been seen within 20 – 30 min of your actual appointment time unless you’re the first appointment of the day. The last two times I went it took 45 min to get called in to the room & the second time almost an hour.
Third, don’t expect to get an appointment if you need one sooner then 5 weeks. They’ve become increasingly busy and can’t seem to handle the volume of patients & it takes forever to get an appointment. And third, if you don’t like to be spoken to in a rude manner then you shouldn’t call to make an appointment. The person answering calls and taking appointments is extremely rude! She speaks in an unfriendly manner & if you happen to question something that you don’t understand prepared to be talked down to as if you did something wrong. The staff needs some training in customer service and they need to hire some more help to handle all their patients.

I have another appointment for 2 fillings in a few weeks so I hope my review doesn’t jinx me!
I purchased a groupon for $ 35 for the full x-​ray, examination, cleaning package which in my opinion is an excellent deal.
Walking up to the building had me sketched out and I was ready to bail on the $ 35 but figured, what the hell. It looked like it would be dirty and/​or cheap and considering the groupon was only $ 35 I had a feeling I was going to get what I paid for.
I was completely wrong. Once inside the office I did a complete 180. The receptionist was very friendly, the place was clean and professional looking. Nothing like the outside. Dr Rao was very personable and I felt like he gave me the attention a patient expects.
Six months ago I was told I had 3 cavities with little explanation nor any visuals to base it off of at another dental office. I wanted a second opinion. Dr. Rao showed me exactly what he was looking at and explained why he thought each spot needed to be filled. Only 2 appeared to be fill worthy and he said he would throw in a slight shaving off my 2 top front teeth (which are both chipped and uneven) free of charge.
$ 250 for 2 fillings and a cosmetic fix. I’m not complaining.
Def go back and refer my friends.

I came here yesterday with a LivingSocial deal. My appointment was at 5pm; however, I ended up waiting 40 extra minutes to be seen. That said, I hadn’t seen a dentist for 2 years due to lack of insurance. So it was worthwhile just for that.
The lady at the front desk was pleasant, cheerful, and fully bilingual (English and Spanish). Dr. Rao was professional and painless. Note that this was my first ultrasonic cleaning — it is a very fast process. I was DONE by 6:10!
Even better, Dr. Rao encouraged me to come in next week so he can inspect my night guard at no charge. I can definitely use support in my battle against bruxism.
The only thing that did not impress me (besides the wait time) was the pushing of whitening treatments/​veneers. I don’t think I look like I have money to burn, and obviously I don’t if I’m using a discount deal to pay for a regular exam, right? Oh well. Overall it was a positive experience.

I recently had really bad tooth pain. I didn’t have a dentist in NYC but Dr. Rao was recommended to me by my partner. I went in today for my appointment and was overwhelmed by Dr. Rao and his staff. The receptionist I dealt with, Jessica, was awesome. I had booked the appointment online as a «dental emergency», but I was also overdue for a regular cleaning, and she made that option available when I checked in, which was great and saved me an extra trip. She also let me know right away what my out-​of-​pocket expenses would be that day.
The woman who did the x-​rays was beyond friendly, as was the hygienist. I don’t know where Dr. Rao finds his employees, but he has done an amazing job finding kind, gracious people who made me feel totally at ease.
Dr. Rao himself was wonderful. He is very personable and thoughtful, answering all my stupid questions and letting me know all the time what he was doing and why he was doing it. His manner made a stressful trip to the dentist much easier.
I could not recommend Dr. Rao more highly. Well done!