NOHO Dental Group

Went to Noho Dental Group with my husband a week ago. All in all, it was a very disheartening and disappointing experience. Gave me a laundry list of things to do and used high pressure sales tactics. Copayment for 4 – 5 fillings and something else trivial and unnecessary came out to almost $ 900! They tried really hard (including offering small discounts) to get us to come and see their root canal specialist even though that person was not in our insurance network. This would have costed us thousands of dollars. After refusing, they promised us they would refer me to an in network root canal specialist in 1 – 2 business days and haven’t heard from them in a week. It’s all about the $$$ here and I am looking for another dentist.

My appointment was for 10AM. I arrived five minutes early to fill out new patient paperwork. Around 10:20 I was taken back to the patient area where a technician took x-​rays. She did not seem very confident in what she was doing. Then I waited another 20 minutes before a dentist came and looked at my teeth and recommended that I get some fillings to prevent future cavities. I asked them to get a quote from my insurance to see if it was covered. 15 minutes later they came by and gave me a quote saying that my cleaning was covered 100% but the fillings would not be fully covered. I declined having the fillings done because I am currently unemployed so I only wanted the cleaning done. They kept saying that it was only $ 42, but I re-​iterated again that I only wanted my cleaning done because I currently cannot cover any out of pocket expenses. By now it is 11AM. I am made to wait and finally around 11:25, I go to the receptionist and tell her that my appointment was at 10AM and it is nearly 11:30AM now and they have not started my cleaning yet. She then gets a hygienist to do the polishing and flossing (which at all other dental places is done last). I say something about this and she replies that the polish can be done either before or after the scaling. The hygienist finishes polishing my teeth and did it so roughly that my gums feel raw. Ten minutes later the dentist comes to scale my teeth. Then another hygienist comes and asks if I am doing the fluoride treatment. Thinking that this is part of the cleaning, I say yes and get fluoride applied to my teeth. By the time I leave the office it is 12:00PM. And just now at 5:19PM I get a call from the office saying they forgot to charge me for the fluoride treatment and ask if I can give them a credit card number over the phone. I tell them no. I was not told that the fluoride treatment was an extra charge. I explain that during the visit I told them that I was unemployed and not able to pay for any extra services and that it is their fault for not telling me before hand that the fluoride treatment is an extra cost. Based on this experience, I doubt I will be returning to Noho Dental Group. I hope I get a different dental insurance soon so I can return to my preferred dentist, Dr. Manny Macias in Burbank. Ugh. What a terrible experience.

First of all, let me preface this review by saying that I’m a Doctor and I have learned my fair share about insurance companies, billing, copayments etc over the years. My wife and I went here for the first time last week. We moved from the east coast and had a fantastic dentist there who was honest, ethical and just an amazing guy overall. We have deltacare USA HMO here and I picked Noho Dental Group since it was right next to where we live. The office is nice and modern and I think each treatment room had its own cable TV as well. A friendly receptionist signed us in and after all the obligatory paperwork we were escorted to the treatment rooms. Our dentist was Dr. Danielle Farzam and as far as her friendliness and demeanor she definitely was a ¹⁰⁄₁₀. As far as practicing cost effective dental care and transparency in treatment options ¹⁄₁₀ (see below)…
Now to the meat of the matter, the care and the costs; Those are the two most important factors for judging any healthcare visit in my books — How much value did I gain in health with the price that I had to pay. Everything else is secondary. So I’ll start with myself, the cleaning which was supposed to be free turned out to be $ 20, I am guessing they must have put sealant somewhere for the extra cost. No big deal. My teeth were thankfully healthy and the only thing they had to do was one filling. Now let me state that I have studied and memorized my HMO copayment document since the visit, so I know exactly what happened. They did not even offer me the option of using a copayment free ($ 0!) composite based filling. Instead they say the filling will require a copay of $ 195 and asked me to sign if I wanted it done, no discussion regarding different filling options, differences in copays etc. Being oblivious at that moment in time, and thinking I have no choice, I signed on the dotted line and they proceeded with the filling. Now from the insurance document, I realize it must have been a porcelain/​ceramic inlay filling with a huge copay. I have read the dental literature over the last week and believe me composite filling materials have become so good that the difference in quality between them and a porcelain inlay is no longer worth the difference in price.
To top it all off, my wife had 4 – 5 fillings which came out to $ 1000 in copays alone! Then they «kindly» offered a 10% discount to reduce her copay cost to $ 900! From the insurance documents, there is no way her copay could have been that high even with ceramic/​porcelain. My gut tells me that there is definitely some unscrupulous/​questionable billing, unnecessary over-​treatment, and predatory pricing practices going on here. But no one can prove it without auditing them from head to toe, a scenario which I hope happens in the near future.
According to them my wife’s teeth needs a lot more work including root canals, crowns, bridges etc. and they painted this doom and gloom picture about how we need to do everything ASAP or else it will be a disaster for her! Same high pressure sales tactics for potentially unnecessary procedures that a few others have mentioned in the previous reviews.
As you can surmise, I have already switched dentists since that initial visit and will be taking my wife elsewhere for a second opinion and the rest of her work. It’s partly my fault, for not being educated on the insurance fine prints and not asking about the various options and prices. But in my opinion, any dentist/​organization with integrity should be presenting options and acting transparently. It’s not the consumer’s burden to bear to know how to not get ripped off. When I graduated from medical school, I took the Hippocratic oath and vowed to put my patients’ health and interests (including financial interests) ahead of my personal interests and financial gains. Unfortunately American dentistry is in such a dismal ethical and moral state now that it is so hard to find people who honor that oath. This practice has let me down and I am truly and utterly disappointed. As a physician it infuriates me that there are places like this that continue to operate and thrive; places that prey on average Americans and put their financial bottom line and profits ahead of value for the patient. I’m sure there will be a comment from the ownership in the near future denying everything and reiterating how wonderful and caring they are, but I will not buy it for an instant! You have lost my trust and business forever. And as for my search for an honest dentist in LA, well that still continues.

Dr. Afar is very personable, competent, and patient. The hygienists are all the same as well. The office is like going to a home in the woods. Very relaxing and up to date with technology.

Two stars are for the dentists, but the office management bullying and harassment are what make this a negative review. I called Noho dental for a regular cleaning as a new customer. During my first appointment, the dentist told me that I needed a «deep cleaning,» then left the room and sent the office manager in, who used high pressure sales tactics to persuade me that my teeth were going to fall out if I didn’t do the expensive cleaning procedure immediately (I go to the dentist regularly and do not have any significant issues with my teeth). When I asked if they could just go ahead with a regular cleaning, the office manager said no, and that they would only do a deep cleaning, refusing other services. I also needed 2 minor fillings (this was a legitimate need) and the office manager quoted my COPAY for the entire procedure at around $ 1400. I refused and suddenly the office manager brought the copay down several hundred dollars. I reluctantly agreed to the procedure.
During the 2^nd appointment, they demanded the copay in full and immediately prior to my scheduled appointment, which was a lump sum of several hundred dollars. During my procedure, the dentist came in and out many times and was clearly seeing several other clients at the same time, which left me waiting for awhile. They ended up doing the deep clean + only one filling, telling me I needed to come back for a 3^rd appointment just to get the last filling! The office manager again used pressure tactics when I hesitated because I felt like I was being scammed yet again. The office manager insisted I schedule right away as I was leaving, and since I had already prepaid for it, I went ahead and scheduled the final appointment, grudgingly. My suspicions were that they split the appointment to charge my insurance for each visit, since they had to numb my mouth a second time to perform it. After my final tooth was filled, again, office staff pressured me to schedule a follow up cleaning a few months out. I essentially refused and had to walk out while they were still trying to persuade me to set an appointment, after I stated multiple times that I was moving out of the area and changing insurances with a new job.
Fairly soon after my last appointment, they started calling and leaving several messages asking me to schedule my cleaning. I called their office and left messages at least twice, staring that I had moved and was no longer in the same city and to please stop calling me. They continued calling and even left a message stating that I had an appointment scheduled for a specific date/​time and that I needed to call back to confirm, which was a blatant lie. This after I already made it clear that I would not be returning to Noho Dental Group! I started ignoring their calls until they finally stopped eventually, after many months.
The dentists seemed nice enough, but seemed like they were right out of school and desperately needing to pay off loans, which might explain the high pressure bullying that the office manager engaged in and the continued calls to secure future appointments. Whether or not I actually needed a deep cleaning is still debatable, and I would strongly advise that you seek a 2^nd opinion if told this by any dentist. Either way, I would not trust this establishment due to their salesmanship mentality for health care.

I go to Dr. Afar at least two times a year. He is always very caring and takes the time to explain things to the point where I have an excellent grasp on what the situation I’m dealing with is. His staff is super friendly and efficient. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a dentist.

After not having an oral surgeon or root canal specialist available when I came in with an emergency, they quickly scheduled me an appointment at another office the next day, and my infected root canal was taken care of thanks to Dr. Afar as well as Dr Kaloki. Michelle the assistant is a super sweet heart (they all are) and I just got a voicemail from Marcela, just to see how I felt or if I needed anything. Great collaborative effort made between 3 different offices to take care of my very serious and painful situation. After hardly eating for 4 days, I can say that just one day after surgery (done at Wilshire Dental Care) I’m gaining weight again and sleeping well.

So I was a patient at their other office out in Los Angeles a long time ago but eventually left because the parking was getting expensive and driving on Wilshire blvd became way to hectic with all the construction going on not to mention traffic.
Recently, I had an infected back tooth and after doing some research I came to find out they had an office in North Hollywood which is actually so much closer to me.
So I made my appointment and finally went in on a Saturday. I was in so much pain I literally thought I was going to die:(.
The staff was amazing. They treated me like I was a celebrity. Dr Afar
Took my tooth out and I ended up needing to implant bone because of a big infection. It was more than I expected to pay but anything to get me out of pain. I was so pleased with my whole experience. Thank you, THANK YOU!!!
You’ve won me over

I love Noho Dental Group! They were extremely accommodating, even though I missed my first appointment they really went out of their way to get me back on the schedule the following day. Everyone here is down to earth and seems to love what they do.

I had some concerns about the change to my bite after I was no longer numb. I called and was immediately scheduled to come right in to make any adjustments. Overall the Dr & whole staff is friendly, the quality is incredible, and the results are amazing!

My husband and I had to change dentist because of our insurance coverage. So far we absolutely love coming to Noho Dental. Scheduling has been easy, we never have to wait long after signing in. Couldn’t be more happy with the change.

Noho Dental was great to work with and was able to accommodate me and my crazy schedule. The crown replacement was quick, professionally done & looks great! Marcella at the front desk was super nice and extremely helpful. Would definitely recommend Noho Dental for your dental needs!

Great staff and a chill atmosphere :)
Easy to make an appointment and you feel welcome and relaxed walking in.

I’ve been holding off going to the dentist for a little too long but I’m glad I finally went & to Noho Dental. I had such a great experience! I got a cleaning & a couple fillings refilled. The staff was very friendly and made me feel so comfortable. I’d definitely recommend this place!

Noho Dental Group is great! After my move to Los angeles, I needed to find a new dentist with an office that I felt comfortable in. Everyone was very friendly, helpful and made me feel welcomed. The office was clean and professional. I highly recommend Noho Dental Group to anyone who recently moved here or people who have lived here there whole lives!

My family and I just relocated to the area and were looking for an office we could all go together. We are so happy that we found Noho Dental, everyone is so caring. I am so fortunate to have found a great dental office in the area, where the whole family can go. We know everyone and it is so convenient.

The whole team at Noho Dental Group is absolutely amazing! Like many people, I’m deathly afraid of the dentist, but they do everything they can to put me at ease. And I’ve seen several dentists and hygienists at Noho Dental Group for treatment ranging from cleanings, fillings to root canals. My root canal specialist, Dr. Kakoli, was very gentle, great at giving shots, and I didn’t even need vicodin the day after my procedure, it was amazing.
Everyone at the front desk is really helpful, too. They always make sure that I’m aware of the costs of everything, including what insurance will cover and what my portion will be. I know it’s a silly thing to say, but it also makes me feel good that they always remember my name whenever I come in!
It’s also great that they’ll send you text messages to remind you of your upcoming appointment, and you can just text back that you confirm without having to get a phone call. I would definitely recommend Noho Dental Group!

I recently moved back to Los Angeles, and being an actress, my teeth are of course very important to my career! I totally freaked out when I noticed that I had chipped my front tooth, and I was worried it would have to be pulled out or something. However, I called Noho Dental and they were able to fit me into their schedule the very next day. I walked into the practice and noticed right away that it is a step above the typical dental office.
The dentist I saw, Dr. Kokoli, was very professional and easy to talk to. He helped calm me down about my tooth and fixed it right then.
I highly recommend this clinic to, well, anybody who has teeth. Even if you don’t…then you should really come here! If you’re also in the «biz» and considering a new dentist, you should also know that they have these awesome promotions for free teeth whitening. Highly recommended!

AMERICA’S MEDICAL INDUSTRY IS CRUMBLING.
What do I mean by this is the fact that 9 out of 10 dentist offices are incompetent and greedy. No care or concern for people or patients, just about the money and excess profit.
I walk in (first time patient) in early morning, was greeted by a lovely young lady at the front desk. I felt so good at first because of her charm and people skills. SHE’S A TOTAL KEEPER. :)
After I fill out the form I move on the the operation room, Was escorted by another young lady who was also nice and friendly. She then left to see other patients and was replaced by another young and lovely lady who did do my xrays. ALL OF THESE GIRLS WERE PROFESSIONAL.
Here comes the downfall and it gets worse from there. Comes in the Dentist who I don’t recall her name (does not matter), Shes in her 30’s, introduces her self. makes small talk with me, «you look familiar, I Think I’ve seen you somewhere». Maybe its cuz Im sitting in front of you in your office, Cuz I dont know you.
Long story short, My gut feeling did not like where this was going cuz its a way to small talk your way into big money, I did not think she was experienced enough to work on my teeth and clearly showed that she was not, Since I had to detail to her what I need done. She looked TIRED and LAZY to move a finger if she did not get her way.
After she leaves things take a horrible turn from there. In comes the office manager by the Name of Marcella who was very RUDE and AGGRESSIVE, Practically BULLIES her way into the room and Suggests that to get a single crown my co-​pay is a $ 1000 dollars, GEE how long did that take you to round that number. I then show her my insurance benefits papers which has all the co-​pay listed from A-​Z.
She backtracks and cant really explain how shes at a $ 1000 dollars and backs off into the dentist office {lazy lady who should be the one talking prices with me not the office manager) shes in there taking a nap or has her head put down, I only took a glacé cuz i was sitting backwards on the operating chair. The answer I got was «lets schedule you for next week while i fax the xrays to insurance» I guess she can’t explain why shes trying to extort money out of me.
Comes Next week and two days before due date. I get a call From Marcella Who says «Were going to drop your plan because the insurance wont pay our cost for the crown» I call insurance and they said She has no business discussing this type of conversation with me, AND I’M FULLY COVERED. I then call back the dentist and let Marcella know You are waaaaaay over your head, She says «but I am suppose to tell you your co-​pay» My co-​pay is on paper and does not exceed a 100 dollars for a crown.
Long story short she calls me back on the day before my appointment and says that they have submitted the papers to drop my plan. (which includes any other patients who have HMO) Shameful act by an office manager to take it upon her self to make authoritarian decisions. I call insurance and file for grievances, And find out no paper work has been submitted to drop any plans, (SHES BEEN LYING THIS WHOLE TIME AND GETTING OFF ON MESSING WITH PEOPLE) I guess those papers were only good to wipe a pigs rear end.
Here is an ugly mugshot of her from their website I’ve obtained.

It is not an understatement when I say that Noho Dental/​Mid-​Wilshire Dental Care SAVED me last Monday. The day following my holiday party, I awoke to a pretty bad toothache. By the following day (Monday), I was experience about a «7» on the 1-​to-​10 scale of pain. After calling a handful of dental clinics that told me they would have to call me back (or weren’t picking up), I called Noho Dental. The girl who answered immediately referred me to their Mid-​Wilshire clinic for a same-​day appointment.
At 3pm that day, I met with Dr. Afar. He was extremely kind and sympathetic and after evaluating my x-​ray, gently told me that I needed an emergency root canal. I explained that I wasn’t in a financial position to pay for anything that day, other than a portion through Care Credit. He said that if I didn’t have the money or credit to cover it, that they would be happy to work out a payment arrangement — «what is important is that you get relief from this pain.» He referred me back to NoHo Dental, where Dr. Kakoli and the staff were waiting. Mind you, at this point the time was 5:45pm. Dr. Kakoli performed the root canal; he was very gentle and considerate and very good (apparently my problem was pretty extreme, way up into the root, but he was able to do the procedure in one go). I believe most, if not all of the staff, stayed late to accommodate my treatment.
And just eight days later, I’m going in for the first appointment for my crown. My first experience with Noho Dental definitely warrants a glowing review.