Carlo William V, DMD

This place SUCKS! The front desk team is horrible — miserable people who need to be fired before they sink this business.
I will NEVER go back or recommend this place. The facility is dated and depressing. Needs a renovation and quick.
I went in for a cleaning with Dr. O’brien. He was actually very informative and social. I feel bad about giving such a horrible review but hopefully they will wake up and get their sh! t together.

I have been going to Dr. Carlo for about 10 years. I would go every 6 months and found the office staff not that pleasant but put up with them because I liked the dental hygienist and Dr. Carlo. I even put up with the fact it would take months to schedule an appointment. But while I thought I was getting good treatment, I wasn’t. Dr. Carlo referred me to a gum specialist because of a problem. The gum specialist said that my gum disease was at such an advanced stage that I would be required to have oral surgery. The outcome of my oral surgery has now required me to get four new crowns. All of this could have been prevented if Dr. Carlo knew what he was doing and referred me to a specialist years ago. His ignorance or inability to do his job properly has cost me thousands of dollars, time away from work and a lot of pain.

I was worried about coming here, and was not proven wrong upon leaving my first appointment. A typical US dentist– inefficient and unhelpful. They had to redo my x-​rays because the first were blurry, and I spent a maximum of 3 minutes with the actual dentist who referred me to an oral surgeon. He told me to schedule a cleaning for the next available appointment… in 6 months!!! Drove straight to Washington Dental in Tijuana and had an AMAZING experience. Dont waste your time here.

Just another vote to go somewhere else — I just got the «Kelly treatment» — AKA, the snotty scheduler on the phone. My husband had a temporary crown put on, they told him to call back for a follow up appointment. I called back today, they claimed he had an appointment this morning that he didn’t show for, and insisted they gave him a reminder card. Hubby ALWAYS gives me any reminder cards to put on the calendar. Also, there was no reminder call, email, or text. The bee-​ach did not seem to want to re-​schedule, she just wanted to insist that we were wrong. Then scheduled at an inconvenient time b/​c «he’ll be out of town after that».
The dental work is also fairly lame. I changed dentists rather than have some cosmetic work done on my front teeth here, as a crown I got for a molar looked like a 4 year old had shaped it.
And has anyone mentioned the tiny, terrible parking lot? Very little parking and badly designed. I’m guessing there is at least one fender bender there a month.
Once we get this crown in for my hubby, I plan to tell Carlo why we WON’T be back.
I go to Park Dental Arts now. They are 5 minutes away on 6^th. My new front teeth look AMAZING … no one guesses they are crowns! Super nice staff and dentists, incredibly professional staff, more parking (they give you a free tag to park next door), and much better quality work. You don’t have to wait a decade for a cleaning, either. They even have televisions in the ceiling to distract you.

I agree with Kendall. I was trying to set up my first appointment as a new patient and Kelly had a pretty bad attitude. She wanted me to come in for an exam and x rays but wait until August for a cleaning. Sorry. That’s just crazy.

I was worried about coming here after seeing some not-​so-​great reviews, but if you read closely, you see that they are almost all about the front desk reception!
I was nervous they were going to bite my head off when I arrived, but they were FINE! The woman at the front was pleasant and totally as would be expected. Phew!
I got a crown. I was anxious but Dr. Carlo and especially his nice, young assistant were just fine. Getting a crown is probably never a fun experience, but it wasn’t THAT bad. (Oddly, though, I got a severely sore throat for the next 4 days… kind of a coincidence after dental work, eh?)
The office isn’t high-​tech, super shiny and new. It’s a little worn in. The x-​rays are old-​fashioned (not digital) and honestly don’t look very clear to me. The equipment looks like it’s been around a few years. I looked over at the drills and stuff while I was sitting in the chair and I have to say I was a little turned off… they were either dirty or scratched and tarnished (Hopefully just tarnished.) But if you are like me and don’t have dental insurance, you can’t afford the top of the line.
After the crown work was complete, they set me up with an exam and x-​rays, but couldn’t schedule a cleaning until SIX months out! That would be unacceptable to a lot of people.

Kelly at the front desk has a major attitude. As a new patient, trying to make and appointment, this is a very bad first impression. Also, they won’t make appointments for cleanings until July! It is barely February now.

WORST FRONT DESK STAFF EVER! Both women May and Kelly are extremely rude and have zero customer services skills. I had an appointment for a crown that I made two weeks prior, they said they would get back to me with an estimate once they spoke to my insurance company. I received a phone call less than 24 hours prior to my appointment. Within the hour, I called them back, spoke to them, asked to cancel my appointment, and they confirmed my cancellation (had to cancel since it was going to be over $ 300 out of pocket). Fast forward two weeks later, I received a bill in the mail for $ 20 fee for «not showing up to my appointment». I called in to let them know I did call to cancel and received confirmation over the phone that the appointment was cancelled — they proceeded to tell me I was a liar. I even offered phone records to prove I had called that morning — but they proceeded to tell me that they have been doing this for 20+ years and would never forget to cancel an appointment. People make mistakes, but to call your customer a liar and proceed to argue with them for 5 minutes that they never called is completely unprofessional. It’s only a $ 20 fee — at this point it is the fact that they would rather argue with a client and tell them they are a liar than just waive the fee that is so aggravating. It is a shame because we liked Dr. Carlo. However, customer service like this is uncalled for and no one deserves to be called a liar when they are telling the truth. We will be going to a new dentist from now on.

This place is one of the most unprofessional dentists I have ever been. I will preface with Im not a huge fan of the dentist anyways but, this place takes the cake and not in a good way!
Heres my cliff notes version of my experience:
I changed insurance carriers from a PPO to DMO and Dr. Carlo was one of the few dentist in the Hillcrest area to accept my insurance. Went in, asked what the appointment would be like, procedures, time frame, general billing questions etc. Appointments were only offered during work hours (so plan ahead), my first visit was scheduled for 130pm so I had to plan ahead with work and then I arrived at the office where there were tandem parking spaces for the office, parked no issue and proceeded to go in.
Had one set of X-​rays done for a filling that had fallen out. Saw Dr. Carlo for about 5 minutes and immediately referred me to a specialist (Who I wont mention because she was the most amazing Dentist I have ever seen and I would hate to associate her with this Dr’s office) and then I was dismissed. I prepaid for services so i wouldn’t have to worry about anything after I returned from the referring dr,
After I had finished with my procedure with the referred dentist I made my appointment to see Dr. Carlo which turned out to be 2 more appointments in the middle of the day. So then I showed up for the 1^st (today) to find that my appointment was cancelled «Due to a meeting». Kelly the receptionist claimed she had called and left a message and then I had returned her message asking to reschedule, FALSE.
Needless to say that this place is a hole, the receptionist Kelly and their support staff are prime examples of mediocrity and what not to hire when running a dentist office.
I am thankful that I was able to get my 530.00 dollars back, and I am pretty sure I dodged a bullet by not having work done here. The only reason this place is getting 1 star is because Unilocal won’t let me go any lower and the referred dentist I saw was amazing!

A mixed bag — I went to Dr. Carlo for about 4 – 5 years. Dr. Carlo himself was fine, and consistent. The dental hygienist was the best at any dentist I’ve had (he keeps it from being a 1 star!)
But yes, front desk is not friendly. My biggest issue is how outdated the equipment is. Most dentists have moved to digital x-​ray machines that have much less exposure (and are faster and better for the environment). They’re still on an ancient machine.
Also when I finally moved away, wouldn’t send x-​ray copies to my own dentist and were generally unhelpful (again, probably mostly the front desk women).

Had a good first visit with Dr. Carlo. Seems to be pleasant, efficient and experienced. My advice is to get on their cleaning schedule as soon as you are assigned to Dr. Carlo. (They do have a long wait for your first cleaning.) I’ll write a revision after I have my first cleaning with this office.

Dr. Carlo is thorough and and competent. I have not needed any advanced dental services in the 5 years I have being seeing him. I appreciate that he does not try to up-​sell me with teeth whitening or other unnecessary services. Dr. Carlo is not very chatty, so the visits are short and sweet.
I also like the dental hygienist. He does a nice job without any fuss. I do agree with other reviewers that they should hire another hygienist, as it took about 4 months before I could get in to see him the first time. However, once you are in the cycle and are able to book 6 months ahead of time, it is not a problem.
The redhead at the front desk is not warm, but she does her job just fine. She has helped me many times with referrals to a pediatric dentist for my kids. The other receptionist (May?) is nice.

I was a patient of Dr. Carlow for over a year before I finally switched dentists due to lack of dental cleaning consistent scheduling and plain bad customer service from his front desk.

There is no point to calling this dentist to get any work done. They don’t care about your experience and don’t deserve your business. In all sincerity, they have no interest in taking care of their customers and you would be a lot better off going elsewhere. If you try to call to set up a appt for a cleaning, they only have available dates 6 – 8 months out. If you live in San Diego, you’re so much better off going south of the border, get a better level of dental care for half the price.

I never actually got any work done by Dr. Carlo. I had previously had the standard first appointment where they take your x-​rays and schedule you for a cleaning. But then this happened so I switched dentists.
I came in for an emergency appointment because of sudden tooth pain that had me up all night. He referred me to someone for a possible root canal (which I did need).
But then I asked him about getting something for my tooth pain. I said that I had literally been up all night and that aspirin hadn’t helped at all, which he agreed that that would not help. Then he just shook his head and shrugged my request away.
I was trying so hard not to but I started crying because I was scared of the pain I was feeling and desperate to make it stop.
What did he do? He ignored me and started moving twice as fast to finish up and get away from me.
He said we were done and sent me out to the receptionist sobbing in front of a waiting room of people. The receptionist and dental assistant both took their cue from Dr. Carlo and pretended they couldn’t see I was crying hysterically. They let me pay and walk out the door like that.
So if that is how you would like to be treated, I recommend you go here.

I can’t believe all the haters on Unilocal,or as I call them «arm chair critics». I have been going to Dr. Carlo for over 10 years and all I can say is the team is a great team. The reason they schedule cleanings 6 month in advanced is that they are busy. Don’t wait till your teeth are ready to falling out to get them cleaned. Schedule an appointment and then you are in the que. I broke a tooth a couple years ago and called them and they got me in the next day. Had to do the crown deal which was done quickly. The front desk girls have been nothing but helpful with my insurance questions, and never rude to me. I have missed a couple of appointments and was hit with a $ 20 fee both times, but it was my fault and they do not get paid for the cleanings they were supposed to do form my insurance if I don’t show.
As far as insurance prices being different than what they quote you paying out of your pocket. The charging of different prices is common buy not just dentist, but medical Doctors, hospitals etc. So those of you that got your panties in a wad over that need to grow up! It is the way it is.
I would have given them 4 and a half stars, but you can’t do halves. If you want a good dentist, Dr. Carlo and his staff are the ones. I have never had a problem with them.
And no, I do not work there or am not friends with any one that woks there, just a satisfied client.

I called this doctor because a friend referred me. I only got as far as the receptionist. She was so rude to me, I didn’t even end up scheduling an appointment. I didn’t even mind the 6 month wait … I wanted to schedule an appointment anyway. The receptionist was demanding, impatient — all I was trying to do was become a new patient and get a cleaning!
I came on Unilocal and read the reviews about this dentist. Everyone seems frustrated by the front desk people here! I read a review saying go to Dr. Sean Stephens — right down the road. I called there and made an appointment. The people answering the phones there are normal and nice. Imagine that! (plus… you get right in … no 6 month wait …)

I’ve been going to Dr. Carlo’s office for about three years and was really surprised when I saw the poor reviews since I’ve had only very positive experiences here.
They will get you in immediately for an exam so that if you have immediate needs they can be addressed.
Your cleanings are booked six months out to ensure that you actually come back in six months. Once you get in the routine of thier system, it actually makes sense. Best advice is to book your first cleaning ASAP to get the process moving.
I find Dr. Carlo to be very pleasant, gentle with my teeth (which I appreciate!) and speedy.
The ladies at the front desk are always efficient by having the appropriate documentation (insurance forms, etc) ready to go.
I’m usually in and out in under 45 minutes.

I have been putting off going to the dentist for years, but when I was having trouble with my teeth I knew that I had to bite the bullet and do it. My insurance made it hard to find a dentist with reviews anywhere to be found. I finally found a dentist on Unilocal that was actually in my network and the reviews weren’t horrible so I figured I would take a shot at it and called to make an appointment.
I was amazed that it would be 6 months before I could come in for a cleaning, but pleased that I was able to come in within a week for my first exam in years.
The receptionists weren’t the least bit friendly, but not totally rude either. They were organized and pretty efficient and I was getting my x-​rays started within a few minutes of completing my new patient paperwork.
The hygienist was very friendly and patient with the challenges of getting the x-​rays done with my abnormally small mouth (who knew). She brought me back to the exam area to get me all set up for my exam.
The exam room is one large room with floor to ceiling windows that go the entire width of the room looking into a lush garden area. There are 5 or 6 chairs somewhat blocked off from one another for a little bit of privacy, but not total privacy. It’s a nice set up for a dentist office but I would never want a late afternoon appointment with the sun shining in and blinding me.
Dr. Carlo came in and was friendly enough. He was quick and efficient with the exam and was gentle enough to not scare me away from the dentist for another few years.
I just had my first filling in almost 20 years and it was painless and fast. I was in and out in less than 30 minutes. He’s been great with assisting me with referrals and working with my insurance for my wisdom teeth extractions.
I’m glad to have finally found a dentist that I can be sure is going to be honest, helpful and efficient. The office staff could use an attitude adjustment, but I’m willing to overlook that.

IF I COULD I WOULD CHOOSE 0 STARS.
Terrible experience.
I won’t be the first to mention this fact but:
The receptionist is horrible. I don’t care for a fake smile, but i care about friendly attitude, fast assistance, some personal approach (I am at the doctor’s office after all!), which you can never expect at Dr Carlo William office. Dear receptionist, If you don’t know how to be friendly, at least learn to be professionally positive.
Doctor’s assistance (a young girl with dark hair) apparently thinks she is the Goddess of the Dental World:)her «can’t you see how smart and successfull i am??? i work at the dentis ofice!!» attitude was pretty annoying. She definitely lacks professionalism.
I was charged for the copy of my x-​ray, which is covered by my insurrance. Nobody cared to check when I mentioned that. I needed the copy — I had to pay. I stopped by the next day to show them my insurance docs and I had insurance agent call the office a couple times and fax them another copy of the insurance details. I had to wait 4 months, call the office 5 times, trying to speak to the person responsible for financial issues, who was on vacation, then on some other trip, then she left the office earlier… before the money was finally credited back to my account. 4 months later. certainly no apology.
Where else on earth you have to get an appointment for cleaning 6 months in advance??? It’s 2010, we’re in San Diego.
Apparently Doctor likes the retro atmosphere of the office. I bet at least 95% of dental offices in US big cities are much more comfortable, then this one.
And I should certainly mention the main part.
The only thing I had done was my crown. 2 months after I had it done, I started experiencing problems with food getting stuck between the tooth and the crown. The only way to fix it is to redo it!!! It’s been only 2 months!
Very disappointing.
I think people who are satisfied with Dr Carlo William’s services, never saw anything better… TRY A DIFFERENT OFFICE! just try and you will see that there are a lot of good and great dentists!!!