Russell J Christopher, DDS

I hate to admit it but it had been 7 years since I had dental work done. So, I was shopping around for a forever dentist. I needed a few items taken care of, but other offices seem to be exaggerating what needed to be done. I also have a special condition that others didn’t diagnose correctly.
Dr. Russell made a great diagnosis, sent me to a wonderful endodontist who saved a tooth when everyone else wanted to pull it, and finally finished up the work with a needed crown and fillings.
Dr. Russell and his staff made every effort to help me be comfortable. At no time did I ever feel that he was doing unnecessary work. In fact, he seemed to be extremely conscientious in doing no more than necessary.
I am sincerely thanking him and his staff for a job well done. He is going to be my forever dentist.

Best Dentist ever! I’ve been coming here for years. I have always been very happy with my results. I enjoy my visits with the staff. They know I have anxiety issues (about dental visits) so they always have my nitrous, ready… which really helps take the edge off…

I guess I’ve been fortunate in the last 60 years. I’ve never had to wait as long as I did for this dentist for a simple cleaning. I was on time. Waited for 20 minutes before a technician xrayed my teeth — which I did not ask for. that took six minutes.
Waited another 20 minutes for the dentist to examine my teeth, which took him one minute.
Waited another 20 minutes for the «real» person who was «going» to clean my teeth, only to be told by her that she was waiting for the dentist to check another patient and that it would be «only» another 15 – 20 minutes. I told her that was unacceptable since I had already been there an hour without the service that I reserved time for.
This is the most unmanaged dental office I have ever been to. Need I say I will never make another appointment?

Wonderful folks running a top notch practice… Dr. Christopher and his Staff are GREAT!!!

Dr. Russell has been our family dentist for some 25 years plus. All four of us would march in every six months. Today we have great dental health. Thank you Dr. R for your professionalism and your awesome team.

This practice is a perfect example of a business that just wants your insurance money!
I called this office (after seeing all the overrated Unilocal reviews) for the first time to ask if they would take my insurance as most offices will to some extent. However, what I was provided with was NOT a courtesy insurance check, but the CODES used for billing so that I could call my insurance company MYSELF and ask at what $ amount they would cover check-​up + cleaning (turned out it was more than what they told me anyway). I should have know at this point that my business was NOT important to these people. I spent about 1 hour on the phone with my insurance company and Dr. Russell’s front desk back and forth. Such a hassle.
Finally I thought to myself «Well, I didn’t get a PPO plan for nothing, let’s just go and see what happens» — and so I did. I made my first appointment at 7 AM so that I could be at work in time. First I sat in the waiting area for 10 minutes. Then they sat me in the «checkup» chair and said the dentist would be right with me. I waited here — watching Good Morning America — for 45 minutes before Dr. Russell finally showed up. At this point I had already considered walking out several times.
Happy to finally be seen I just opened my mouth and let him take a look. Only to find out 2 minutes later when he finished the check-​up that I was NOT scheduled for a cleaning (which was 50% of the purpose) and they would have to re-​schedule me. At this point I was pissed (but stayed calm) but made another 7 AM appointment for my cleaning.
Cleaning went fine a week later — but I discovered when I came home that the dental floss sticks in my «goodie-​bag» had blood on them!!! Even if they were the ones that was used for me, what kind of practice will send you home with you own bloody toothpicks?! I had had enough.
When the secretary/​receptionist called me two weeks ago to remind me of my 6-​month check-​up I told her I had forgotten my appointment (which I honestly had) and told her I would give them a call back. Her response??: «Um-​hmm.» — and hung up on me!!!
UH-​UH!!! NO! Not in this world will you get away with that kind of disrespectful behavior. I was patient and respectful during this whole circus of Dr. Russell and I am not taking this treatment from his arrogant staff.
I have never experienced anything like it and I will never even consider changing my mind about this place,

I really liked the dentist and the staff, but the billing leaves a lot to be desired. I waited over 6 months (in pain) to have a new crown put on so I could put half on insurance since I don’t work and we are on a very limited budget. The procedure went great, cured my pain, but receiving a full bill because they didn’t verify that I had had that procedure on that tooth and it was not eligible for insurance was a hard pill to swallow. Now they are stalking my husband at work for the payment. Seriously?

Just… wow.
This place is absolutely fantastic. I don’t even know where to start. But i suppose I have to, so…
First of all — the staff is amazing. They are ALL sweet and funny and most importantly, they are comforting. Never have I been to a dentist’s office in which all of the staff members actually EXPLAIN to you what they are doing and why they are doing it. A dental place that CARES about it’s patrons? WHAT A CONCEPT.
Second — for the procedures that I had done, I am certain they had no interest in cheating me out of money. In fact it was most certainly the opposite. I entered the building convinced that I needed a root canal and that my life was on the verge of ending due to dental complications (not dramatic at all) and Dr. Russell reassured me that all I needed was a filling and cleaning.
Third — this is the FIRST dentist I’ve ever been to that didn’t take me on an extensive guilt trip about how I should be more frequent about my visits or about how I’m a complete failure at life for not either brushing hard enough or brushing too hard. Btw, does ANYONE know where that line is? I always seem to brush either too hard or soft.
Finally — I’m one of those geniuses who just graduated college and who (surprise) doesn’t have dental insurance and the receptionist was so sweet about it. She told me «Please let me know before you invest in insurance. I’ll help you pick something that isn’t scammy and is affordable.» I mean, really, who does that?
Oh yea, the lovelies in Russell J Christopher’s office.
That’s who.

Dr. Russell was my dentist for about two years. If I hadn’t moved, I would have kept him for life. The desk staff is friendly and professional… they account for about 50% of your experience at the dentist, so it is important. The hygienists and doctor are friendly, quick, and respectful. Every visit was positive. He came recommended from a friend… glad I listened.

This doctor has been my dentist for many years since I first moved back to Long Beach I have sent you a many clients he has a wonderful demeanor is great with his patients his office staff is kind and considerate and it’s a pleasure for me to give him a great recommendation for everyone to see if you want someone straightforward and fair this is the doctor for you

I’ve been coming to this office for over 10 yrs. There has never been an issue with any part of thier service. From the moment you walk in and talk to Lorri to the moment you walk out.
My two boys now see Dr Russell. The hygienists are great with the kids!
Billing has been simple and reasonable.

I started seeing Dr. Russell in 2008. Now, my entire family are patients with Dr. Russell. Enough said? Probably! But, I’ll continue. The office is super friendly, a relaxed local Long Beach feel. Dr. Chris Russell is wonderful. He’s everything you’d want your dentist to be. And he’s great to talk to. Loves sports, country music and his family. We talk as much as we can with tools in your mouth, and time flies by. Lorri at the front desk is friendly, fast and efficient. «Be true to your teeth, and they won’t be false to you!». Seriously, I highly recommend Christopher Russell DDS.

Dr. Russell and the dental assistants here are the best!
I spent my whole life being cavity free. A few years ago I was in between jobs so in between insurance– went to a highly recommended dentist in Newport– was told I had 4 cavities and needed to pay extra for all this other shit, blah blah blah. Long story short I was not into doing this off insurance so waited a few months until I was back on. Took my first appointment with Dr. Russell based on location alone– was told not only that I have 0 cavities and excellent oral health, but that many dentists will take advantage and exaggerate a bit on x-​rays to get the most from patients.
4 years later I’m literally begging to have my teeth cleaned more than 2 times a year– I seriously love it! I have recommended his office to several friends and all have been more than happy in their experiences.
Also the office is really clean and pleasant. Not like most dental offices that feel like you’re in a dingy 1985 nightmare.

Let me start this off with i am scared of the dentist just like a lot of people are! I’ve lived in Long Beach for three years, and i happen to live right around the corner from Dr. Russell’s office. I always see people coming in and out of his office, which means he has a lot of happy patients! Welp! just like the review before me, i couldn’t put off the dentist any longer.
I walked in one day to ask about a consultation, the Admin was very friendly, very approachable. She gave me an appointment for the following week! Went in for my appt. Let me just say Dr. Russell is very welcoming, he made me feel at ease. He is very informative, took his time to explain the procedure he will be performing. His assistant who took my xray was very gentle and quick. I can’t believe I’m saying this since I’m scared of the dentist, but i cannot wait to see the end results! i will definitely recommend him to everyone!
Thank You Dr. Russell and Staff! :)

The best dentist in Long Beach. I love their office. And everyone is so friendly. They take care of my entire family!

I’m embarrassed to admit that I put off going to the dentist for over two years. That’s four cleanings covered by insurance that I never took advantage of. The reason is pathetic, because I’m a wuss and the dentist scares me. I couldn’t put it off any longer though, I needed to find a good dentist in the Harbor Area. I asked a buddy who has lived in the LBC for years where he goes, and that’s how I ended up here.
I have two main things I require from a dentist’s office. Don’t hurt me and don’t try to sell me things I don’t need. I left a dentist once because she kept trying to sell me veneers. I remember thirty or so years ago some dentist tried to convince my mom that braces would be a good idea. «Does he really need them?» she asked. «Well no, but his teeth will look so much better.» Mom never bought those braces, she said my teeth had character. That’s the nice way of saying you have a fucked up grill. I’m okay with that though. I would have trouble looking in the mirror if I had L.A. weatherman teeth.
So I took my grill, gold tooth and all, and put it in the hands of the people at Dr. Russell’s office. The staff here is fantastic! They only took as many x-​rays as my insurance allowed and didn’t try to get me to pay for the full mouth set. Dr. Russell is very kind and thorough with his exam. The hygienist here is also awesome, this is usually my least favorite part of visiting the dentist. She was so gentle that I wondered if my teeth were really going to be clean. Somehow they were with no pain!
I would recommend this place to anybody, great office!

Great dentist and the office staff is great. Dentist was very caring and gently. He listens to needs of his patients.

I have been going to Dr. Russell for 7 years. I feel that he and his staff are the best team I’ve run into for Dentistry ever! Dr. Russell is an excellent doctor and his team are professional and efficient. Hopefully he will never retire! :-).
I recommend Dr. Russell and his office with my highest regard!

A little about me… I stopped visiting the dentist after I lost my retainer in high school. Yipes! I will be 29 in May and have been for regular visits for the past year and a half. I am so glad I finally went to see Dr. Russ, it was really a live changing experience for me. They were very gentle and sensitive to my obvious shame. Seriously, after a deep cleaning you will feel like a brand new person. I will never live in fear of the dentist again! Oh by the way, the hours are a little funky. M W TH only.

Given the amount of work I’ve had done in my mouth over the years, I have never been too fond of dentists. But Dr. Russell is the exception.
The staff and hygienists are wonderful and Dr. Russell is the best.
Anyone looking for a dentist, should definitely pick this place!