Rotunda Dental Care

Dr. Sean and his team are the best. The facility is clean and professional. Christy is a great hygienist. Today, I was there with my infant daughter and the staff (including Dr. Sean) took turns holding her so she wasn’t stuck in the stroller while I had my cleaning. Five thumbs up!

Going to the dentist gives me alot of anxiety and walking into a comforting, welcoming and quiet office somewhat sets my mind at ease.

Unlike most, I’ve had the same dentist since I was baby until around the age of 30 (I’m 45 now). So, my experiences have ALWAYS been pleasant and not filled with despair. Said dentist stopped taking my health insurance and that is when the decline of my oral health began.
Last year I had the grave misfortune of having to go to La Clinica in Oakland for an extraction and to say it was a nightmare, would be a gross misuse of the word. I’m not going to go into it but I will say, that for someone my age, who has always looked forward to going to the dentist, that experience left me traumatized.
Fast forward… some of the issues I had last year got worse because I was so afraid to sit in ANY dentist chair but I knew I had to boss up and go to try and preserve what was left of my teeth. Rotunda Dental was in network for me, so here we go!
Right from the first initial interaction: swanky, clean office with nice décor… an über fast «wait time» …new employee Kelly, was great, super compassionate and followed through with information (phone calls, scheduling of appointments, explanation of treatment plans, ect). Same goes for Gina & Evelyn. After getting the bad news of how horribly my teeth had gone to hell, Dr. Sean Bullard (affectionately called Dr. S) stated the positive in his very witty way and I left feeling comfortable about the office choice I made and moving forward with what was to happen in phase one of getting my grill fixed.
Yesterday, Jan. 22^nd, I went in to have two extractions. I wanted to have several shots of something before going but I didn’t…and it showed. I was shaking, sweating and obviously very nervous. Gigi, Kelly and Dr. S all exercised calm professionalism, reassurance and allowed time for me to «compose» myself with no pressure. Dr. S is charming, hilarious and projects a strong sense of caring for his patients and their teeth. They even offered me «bacon» while I waited for the doctor to finish with a patient. I declined. Now had they offered some tequila… different story!!! Dr. S constantly asked if I felt anything… and kept giving me whatever was in that needle until I didn’t. While I had some discomfort toward the end of the extractions, it was a relatively painless procedure. He didn’t just SNATCH & CRACK out my teeth… it was nice and slow, which I think makes all the difference. I was sent home with after care instructions and a follow up appointment next Friday Jan. 29^th. Also, there is an after hours phone number to call should you run into any issues. I guess prescriptions for pain/​potential infections are at the doctors digression.
So…I didn’t have any pain until late last night and have a lot today. Throbbing/​dull ache & headache, which I know will pass soon. No bleeding though. That pretty much stopped yesterday. You know, what do you expect? I just got two teeth pulled! We can’t think that this will be all pain free. Thankfully, I have Motrin 800 at home and have people with Vicodin that are a text or a few car exits away if things get to hectic. So far though, the Motrin 800 and the salt mouth washes are getting the job done. Hmmm, the after care instructions says that I can eat normally the day after the procedure. I wonder if I can have a tequila shot with this Motrin to help ease the pain? Hmmm. Let’s google, smoogle that. Google says no… dam!
I can not attest to the other reviews made regarding service and inflating prices/​ect. I read everything YOU did prior to going and my experience was not reflective of ANYTHING negative that was posted. By in large, I am overly satisfied with the experience at Rotunda Dental from beginning to end and look forward to getting the rest of the work I need done to restore my teeth back to greatness. I even sent them an Edible Arrangement (just now) that they should get on Monday Jan. 25^th as my token of «many thanks.»
Be encouraged about this office e-​friends.
Bea

The root canal that I had done here in the earlier review was done wrong. The tooth never felt right and I went to another dentist yesterday and was told that the way the root canal was done was inappropriate and the screw that was put inside my tooth was huge and caused an infection. I ended up having to have the entire tooth extracted. They basically charged me $ 800 to mess up my tooth and end up having to have it pulled in the long run. I’m furious!

My first impressions were good. I called and they answered promptly, the gentleman that answered the phone was polite and answered all of my questions. I was able to schedule an appointment and be seen within a couple of days. I got there, the lobby was nice and clean. The front desk guy was just as nice in person as he was on the phone.
I went in due to a molar I had chipped while eating and they did my X-​rays (which took forever, strangely. I’m not sure but I felt like the girl may have been new because she kept taking shots of the same area and it just took forever) and the doctor came in and started writing this huge list of all of the work I needed done. I am aware of a few cavities that I hadn’t filled, so this wasn’t totally surprising to me. However, he sat with me and started trying to show me all of these issues in my X-rays…using terms I didn’t understand. I was never sure which teeth we were looking at, he kept saying «I want to replace that filling because it just doesn’t look right to me»…what does that even mean? Is it okay and just not cosmetically nice? I don’t care about that. Anyway, afterwards, he kind of rushed me out and I never heard once, «you have so many cavities or your chipped tooth needs blah blah…».
I went to the front desk and they had a lady sit with me to go over the costs etc. I told her I wanted to start with the chipped tooth before it got worse and she frowned saying I had a different tooth that needed a crown and I should really focus on that first… what?! I need a crown? I was just so confused. She told me how much it would cost — which was HIGH even with my dental insurance. I was told I could not schedule my appointment until I paid the costs THEY estimate your insurance won’t cover… which is an overestimation. So, I was about to walk out, knowing I was going to go elsewhere for a second opinion, not SO much on the work that needs to be done, but kind of… since I thought his «doesn’t look right» explanation was a little shakey. BUT I thought the cost could be better and I would prefer a bill AFTER the insurance pays… you know, the standard procedure most dental practices do. I don’t mind paying a co-​pay up front and maybe even a % of the estimated total… but all of it and some? Then I have to follow up to make sure I didn’t overpay and how long will a refund take? Sounds like a hassle to me.
Well, then it didn’t end there. As I was checking out, the front desk guy told me someone had cancelled and they could go ahead and do a cleaning for me right now, if I was interested. SURE — I’m here, let’s do that. The lady took me back and was nice but the entire time she was cleaning my teeth she was going on and on about how dirty my teeth were and how I needed a «deep cleaning» and they would need to see me for cleanings every 4 months, not 6 months like insurance covers, but paying extra out of pocket for deep cleaning is really necessary for me. It just started sending red flags up even more. To make things worse, she was really rough and my mouth was sore for DAYS after my cleaning and that has never been the case at any other dentist I have been to.
Maybe I’m over thinking it, but I just left with a bad taste in my mouth from the other reviews here, as well as my own experience. Now I have to make the dreaded call to have my records sent to me so I can take my business elsewhere.

Rotunda Dental has an odd policy of requiring you to pay for the expected out of pocket amount (whatever your insurance won’t cover) at the time you make an appointment for that work. Typically a dentist’s office bills you for the out of pocket amount once they’ve received reimbursement from your insurance company, and I think the distinction is an important one.
At Rotunda, if your insurance company reimburses the dentist’s office for more than the office originally estimated and expected, you would expect a refund from Rotunda. Unfortunately, it’s up to the patient to pursue this. It often takes many months for insurance claims to settle out between the insurance company and the office, so I would imagine many patients in this situation fail to follow up, which would end up netting Rotunda extra cash. More unsettling is that I was told by a Rotunda employee, «We always get estimates for the worst case scenario,» (that’s a direct quote). For example, if they estimated and billed you up front for crown work, and it only required a filling in the end, you would have been overbilled hundreds of dollars. You’d have to request a refund for this amount months later, but only if you knew that responsibility was yours. When I discussed this policy with my insurance company, a rep there told me,“That’s crazy!” (also a direct quote).
I’m sure Rotunda is totally fine for routine procedures that insurance typically covers at 100%, like basic cleanings, and I don’t doubt people have had good experiences there — for the most part the staff were friendly. My advice is simply to be *very* careful about their billing policy and to be in touch with your insurance company before and after.

I love this place. It is always clean, the office is beautifully decorated and I must admit that the staff are exceptionally good looking (don’t know if it is a prerequisite to working there but…) Most importantly they take good care of me. I have high anxiety when it comes to any dental work and frankly hate going to the dentist in general. However, at Rotunda they make me feel relaxed and welcome like they genuinely care. They are patient and really break things down for me. I feel like every time I go I am educated on the various procedures and the particulars of dental health, hygiene and how it relates to the heath of our whole selves. I enjoy gaining more knowledge and feel more empowered about how to take care of myself. No question is dumb. They are never condescending and make what for many years was a horrible experience for me, actually pleasant and informative. My personal experience has been consistently positive. Dr. Sean is great!

Everyone is incredibly professional and personable. Sean was wonderful, the front desk staff greets and takes care of everyone in a timely manner, and hygienists are thoughtful and thorough. The location is very convenient in downtown Oakland close to a Bart Station.

I have found that these doctors are bullies. I was treated as a child when I refused to explain where I received the antibiotics I had used. Also, I had a tooth that need to be removed. The removal was discussed and agreed upon. After explaining that I could not take time off from my job for an additional consultation about removing that tooth, I was told my appointment was to remove the tooth. When I arrived, it was the consultation that the doctor insisted upon. I expect any doctor that attends to me to be ethical. If you have those same requirements, I suggest you continue to look for a dentist and pass by this group.

They are great! Dr. Sean is the best dentist I’ve been too in my life. After years of orthodontist visits, and various dentists, I finally felt comfortable with discussing and really understanding my TMJ issues. Dr. Sean took the time to sit down and really go over my condition and how to deal with in a variety of ways. This led me to discover other alternative therapies to help my jaw. First time ever a dentist cared enough to direct me in a way that felt hopeful. Thanks and I’ll be going back!

Same experience as the other reviewers. This place is a scam. $ 400 copayment for periodontal disease and would not schedule a routine cleaning without «doctor approval.»

Been here for regular cleanings and some cavity fixings. I’m on an HMO, so my options are limited. This place has been very accommodating as far as scheduling goes and the staff is friendly. Cleanings and cavities are covered with my insurance, but anything more serious seems to get exponentially more expensive.

BEWARE OF THE SCAM!
First, they will scam you to make you pay two co-​pays. Normally when you go to a dentist you get your X-​rays and cleaning in one visit. NOT WITH THESE GUYS! They make you come to two appointments. The first is to get your X-​rays done and to do an «evaluation» (one co-​pay), and the second is to get the cleaning done (another co-​pay).
Second, during the evaluation the dental tools were left on the tray — I did not see new ones brought out just for me. GROSS! (and scary).
Although Ron at the from desk was friendly, the overall operations of this clinic are not acceptable. Not a fan.

The receptionist is extremely rude and, in my opinion, dishonest. This is unfortunate as I find the dentist and the hygienists to be excellent. Unfortunately, trying to deal with her is simply not worth the hassle. Luckily there are plenty if excellent dentists all right around there so in the big scheme of things it’s not that big a deal.

UMM SEAN… SIR… YOU TRIED IT!!!
So I go in today to get an exam done .you know the regular stuff. I hadn’t been in a while so i expected them to tell me i had a whole bunch of cavities and gum disease! I went through the x-​ray. that was fine. then they send me to the front to «discuss» my next appointment. WAIT HOLD UP! they didn’t do a thing. So the scheduling coordinator or sales rep whoever she was told me that the doctor recommended a deep clean as well as a mouth guard. COOOL BEANS!!! Until I saw the price. I have full coverage and this woman ends up telling me i have to pay $ 700 out of 1,600 for those services. Now to you that may not be a lot but for me I was expecting just to pay for the guard. The woman proceeded to ask me did I want to be on a payment plan… um NO Ma’am!(and i was pissed that she even asked with her smug ass) I don’t, i just want my fucking teeth cleaned!!! I asked her can i get a regular cleaning and she told me no she couldn’t go against what the doctor recommended. I didn’t even mention that he said i had NO CAVITIES OR ANY OTHER PROBLEMS!
I left. I agree this is an insurance trap. I would be better off going to another dentist without the insurance as a new patient to get my teeth cleaned. Im livid! A major waste of my time since I had to leave work early.
Summary:
Staff: Nice (Hey Debbie!!!) besides the overzealous smug sales coordinator
Sam: Kudos to you sir and your precious family business for getting rich off these insurance companies. Im sure those pretty children you have displayed in your lobby eat VERY well!
Pricing: 2 BIG FUCK YOU and GO TO HELL :)

Evelyn has cleaned my teeth twice (once was a deep cleaning) and she was amazing! She kept asking if I could feel anything, if I needed more numbness, etc. She was gentle but did a thorough job and took her time. She also has a great sense of humor.
I’ve also had great experiences with Dr. Sean and the administrative staff, especially Ron. He’s always been friendly, helpful, and professional when scheduling my appointments and handling payments, referrals, etc.

I’d love to give them a try, but I can’t get them to return my phone calls!
I can only wonder how this bodes with regards to their level of treatment!

Good dentist (Dr. Sean Bullard), dental assistant and receptionist. However, their new policy is to charge 100% of the crown/​dental work just for making the appointment. They want to charge first, then make an appointment.
Bad policy, so be prepared to pay up front… Except for what your plan pays for. Be sure to know what your plan pays up front cause you may have to advocate to ensure you are not overcharged.

Great experience with Dr. Bullard and the entire staff.
After chipping my teeth, I had X-​rays, a cleaning, and fillings all within a matter of days. I had been a long time since my last dentist visit, and Dr. Ron did a great job explaining the X-​rays and procedures. I left with my teeth in much better condition than before, and a much better understanding of caring for them.
Haven’t left a dentist with such a big smile before!

This review is solely based on an appointment with Dr Ron Bullard, at this office back in October. I work in Oakland for a company, that at the time, didn’t offer me medical insurance. I bought a Living Social coupon that included a cleaning, exam, xrays and take-​home teeth whitening.
I got to the appointment, filled out the forms, and sat down in the chair. Dr. Bullard comes in, asks me about my dental history, and when he finds out its been about a year since I’ve been to the dentist, and that I DONT have insurance, goes on to start his exam. I tell him that I’m aware of a cavity starting on the right side, but otherwise, I’ve never had a cavity or problem with my teeth.
Within 20 mins, he tells me that I have 4 cavities and that I need a deep cleaning before I can even start with the regular cleaning. He sends his receptionist/​front desk lady in and she hands me a bill for almost $ 1400! I tell him, that I cant afford this, that I cant even make payments for this kind of procedure; I’d like him to just do a basic cleaning and then I’ll look into private dental insurance later to cover the additional expense. He says, sorry, he cant do that, it wouldn’t be solving anything and that he must do the deep cleaning first.
We go back and forth like this for about 10 minutes. By now, I am thoroughly embarrassed about my ability to afford his services, embarrassed that I feel like I’m getting hosed on dental procedures that might not be necessary, embarrassed that he will not quit it and just do the damn cleaning.
I said, «with all due respect, I cant believe you are putting me in such an awkward position», then I got up, took off the bib, and left the office. And then I wrote an email for living social for a refund.
I will never go back to Dr Bullard. I purchased private medical insurance, went to another dentist that was recommend by my insurance, and had one cavity filled. The one I was expecting.