Paradise Gentle Dentistry

BOK BA-​GOCK!
I’m a dentist chicken. A number of really bad experiences occurred with dentists when I was growing up, and any time I have to get a new dentist it’s an ordeal. Eventually, the dentist I clung to in another town (would drive 2 hours to see) retired and I ended up at Paradise Gentle Dentistry. Over time, I think I’ve been worked on by all the dentists, but more often than not end up with Dr. Chatfield. Dr. Chatfield has a manner about him that helps you stop trying to rip the chair-​handles right off with nervousness.
Dare I say, almost relaxed. As close as folks like me get at a dentists office.
I’ve never felt pain while these dentists work on me. If you are a dental chicken, you know what a big deal this is.
Even the hygienists are careful. I have one location that I’ve always struggled with in terms of it bleeding during cleanings or even at home flossing.
Their fantastic hygienist I usually work with (whose name escapes me at the moment, I feel terrible!) has always been careful to help keep that comfortable, she’s used a topical numbing gel while working that spot and after seeing her for a few years and following her advice– it stopped. I don’t have any areas that bleed during the in depth cleaning. My gums were straight up healthy! This has really never been the case for me.
And of course this involves a fair deal of home care (daily flossing– and not just saying that in the chair but actually doing it)
I did home care before going to PGD including daily flossing– but apparently I wasn’t doing it correctly. The hygienist talked me through my problem spots, things to try– even angles for flossing certain spots. That is why my gums are healthier. She’s not just a hygienist, she’s an educator! I absolutely adore her! I think my gums are the healthiest they’ve ever been in my life, and I credit a great deal of that to her support.
So if like me, you are a dental chicken suck it up and go see the good folks at PGD. Make sure you tell them you are a chicken, make sure to tell them what makes you uncomfortable. They’ll do the best they can to accommodate and get you’re teeth and gums healthy!
PS– they have signs regarding free second opinions, so if your dentist tells you that you need 3 crowns and 2 root canals and a partridge in a pear tree for a healthy mouth– check in w/​PGD!

I first went to this clinic on recommendation from my fiancé. It had been at least three years since I had seen a dentist. Before that, I always went every six months. I was a little anxious going to a new dental office because I was worried I would get lecture after lecture, which is how my experiences had been with my previous dentist and hygienist.
First of all… the front office ladies are awesome, so friendly and fun! I really enjoy going into that office. I made an appoinment for a cleaning followed by an exam. I gave my hygienist, Melissa, the info about my long hiatus from dental care. She was extremely kind and understanding. I never got one single lecture, just a lot of good information and I could tell she really cared about my dental health. She was so gentle and attentive to how I was feeling and my comfort or discomfort level, if any. She was incredibly meticulous and my teeth felt amazing afterward! I then saw Dr. Chattfield. He was gentle, friendly and spent his time with me. Other dentists I’ve seen in the past have come in for my exam and spent such little time with me, that I never even really got a chance to speak. Dr. Chattfield took his time and made sure I was well informed and that I was able to ask any questions I had. They really take time to get to know you in this office.
Melissa (hygienist) had recommended that I come back for another cleaning to just help with some residual crud and sensitivity I had from not taking the best care of my teeth for the past three years. I went back again yesterday and was able to see Melissa again. Just like before, I was so thrilled with my experience. I will tell EVERYONE about this office and how fantastic they are. Thank you for making me feel so comfortable, taken care of, and welcome!

I recently lost/​broke a filling on one of my molars. I called and was able to get an appointment (non-​emergency) to diagnose the tooth and then another to repair it.
Dr. McDermott did the new filling and without extra cost corrected the bite on the molar above it.
Needless to say, I highly recommend them to anyone!

I had a new temporary crown pop off while visiting family in Paradise. They had an opening, took excellent care of me and extended a «professional courtesy» by NOT charging for the work. Each person, from the reception, to the assistant who actually performed the replacement, to the technician who checked me out, was professional, compassionate and kind. Couldn’t have made my experience any better. Many thanks to all at Paradise Gentle Dentistry!
Joanne, SF, CA

I started coming here about a year ago. I was nervous finding a new dentist because I hated my last dentist (in the East Bay area). He gave me the creeps. I didn’t appreciate the way he spoke to me (a sickly sweet almost flirty interaction where he’d call me dumb little girl pet names as if I were 5 and leave his hand on my arm or touch my face just a little too long– so gross), and somehow managed to hurt me (like accidently cutting my tongue with the drill while fixing a cavity) whenever I had to see him. I had an old filling fall out that was bothering me, and Dr. Chatfield came recommended so I called for an appointment and was fit in fairly quickly. Dr. Chatfield fixed my teeth. No pain. No additional wounds. No creepiness. I was thrilled I could floss again without the snag my last dentist left and that I had found a dentist office I felt completely comfortable going to. Skilled, friendly and professional. You’ll find the same with the rest of the staff. Friendly and professional. Competent and helpful. I always left feeling better than when I went in, which is more than I can say for my last dentist and it was a huge relief. I hope my next dentist’s office is as nice as this one is.