Arthur A Dugoni School of Dentistry

Oh my god are you girls serious. This place did my orthodontic work. My invisalign did not work to standards so Dr. Byrd personally fought with the invisalign people to get a second course done without extra cost AND did not charge me for the additional follow-​up visits. Who does that? The first ortho I went to wanted TWICE the price as Pacific for the exact same Invisalign course. I had 2 residents and thought they were both professional and courteous.

I’m a broke college student but luckily they accept Denti Cal on emergency walk in sessions and instead of making you feel cheap they are the nicest people I’ve ever encountered at a Dental office and they will do everything they can to take care of you. The lady at the front desk seemed to know almost everyone who walked in and treated them as her friends with small chat and efficiency. It’s a realllly nice building inside and out, and it has such an awesome learning environment, the student actually seem to WANT to be there and help. It looks like the assign you a student because while in the waiting room many student dentist would come out and greet their patient by name and as if they had met them before. They are also all very professional and extremely knowledgeable. My dentist whose name I forgot to get but it might have been Alex? was awesome and he walked me through everything with patience and warmth and made sure I was going to be taken care of. Kyle and Grace performed the extraction and were able to get authorization from their boss to perform it that day since the tooth pain was killing me and It was the most painless extraction I’ve ever had, they were comforting the whole way and thoroughly explained how to take care of the wound to let it heal as well as giving me a goodie bag with gauze and other things. They really went above and beyond my expectations. If you don’t have an appointment though be prepared to wait, it is definitely a slow process but it is worth it!

I would give 2.5 stars if I could, 5 stars for last year’s treatment and zero stars this time around for not returning any of my 4 messages-​FOUR! I’ve been there before and understand the routine and time commitment and pay upfront, so what’s the problem? At least phone to say No so I can look elsewhere. I hope you’re reading this. Maybe schedule me for my upcoming birthday? Seriously…, Do.

I brought my mother here for an implant consultation. These guys were very professional. They have good students and faculty was very knowledgeable and informative. Facility is top notch. After meeting these people today, I really think that my mother will get good care here. And their fees are much lower than in a private dental office, probably by a half. The only downside is that everything takes a long time in this school. but my mother is retired, she has all the time in the world on her hands. I think it will worth it.

I have countless horror stories from dental experiences. I was terrified of any work to get done in my mouth, but one day my tooth broke and I couldn’t take the pain. I was certain the only way to get my tooth extracted was to put me to sleep. The dental students that helped me proved me wrong. I was so terrified my BP was ¹⁶¹⁄₁₁₁. They were able to calm me down by talking to me. They took their time. Let me be in control of when they could take the next step. I know I acted like the biggest baby in the world, but they didn’t judge me (and if they did they were great actors). They were able to extract my tooth and send me home happy and honestly feeling accomplished. I didn’t think I could do it but I did. And most importantly, they did. They were confident and knew what they were doing. They were awesome. Thanks guys.

I came in pain and was admitted to their emergency care right away. From the first time I arrived, I was greeted professionally by the receptionist who handed me paperwork for all first timers. This African American lady was very friendly and super nice, I saw her helping out several patients who were having trouble checking in and never once lost her smile. Next was the Latino lady who handled my paper work professionally and direct me of how to check in the computer. I was treated by student doctor, Mat. Mat checked my teeth thoroughly and patiently, he then sent me to oral surgery department. Over there I was treated by two students who once again just like Mat, checked my teeth thoroughly. They also very friendly and treat me with utmost respect. They explained the procedure that I need, how long it’s going to take and walked me out to make appointment for next visit. Yes the whole process took a long… time, but I understand. They are still students everything has to be double check by their instructors, but I don’t mind at all. All in all I totally recommend this place, for their easy to reach location, professionalism, courteous, friendliness.

Every bit of work the students did on me at the school had to be redone later at a much higher price by a real dentist for example $ 800 each to fix 3 botched root canals. The students are nice but the faculty is awful they specialize in making patients feel invisible while they talk over you to the students (like you’re not there) or at you very patronizingly.
The prices are really high (there is no real savings) and you have to agree to 4 hour appointments. One thing this school teaches its students to do well is to money grub. They constantly want to know how you’re going to pay for procedures. If you are a Costco member you can buy Delta Dental insurance for $ 85 per year for an individual and the prices you pay for a real dentist are almost always less that what UOP dental school charges. Once again the faculty is awful; very snooty and entitled they always act as if they are doing you a big favor and you just whizzed on their shoes. Zero stars!

Surprised to be the first to review. University of Pacific might be in Stockton, but their Dental school is in San Francisco. One of the oldest Universities on the West Coast. Started back in 1851 in Santa Clara/​San Jose.

I just started going to U of P Dental School earlier this year.
Our Delta Dental insurance expired and we have no other dental insurance… not many options led for us.
Besides the general exam and x-​rays I have also had a tooth extraction with future work TBD.
You must have lots of patience because each step will take several steps.
The student dentists that work on you are closely supervised by their teacher dentists.
What I appreciate is the great deal of respect shown the student dentists. The teacher dentists are also friendly and respectful to you.
The costs are 30−40% lower than a regular dentist.
The Dugoni Bldg is less than two years old and everything is state of the art spanking new.
When I first went there I felt as if I were in a sci-​fi futurists bldg. It is very easy to get to from BART (Powell Station) or you can drive and park at the 5^th and Mission garage. (That can get a little pricey).
See Jane Q’s update and the other reviewers for more info.

Time to update this because we’ve been here twice and there’s a disgruntled Unilocaler who reached out to me, trying to do some harm to this much needed institution.
So tell me. Would you go to a Beauty Collage if you could afford to go to a seasoned hair dresser? Would you go to a massage therapy school if you could afford the price of someone who’s been in the business for a year or more? Would you EVER if you didn’t HAVE to? Probably not. Yet, there are those who may want to save a buck. Good for you. But don’t complain if you don’t like what your money bought you.
MediCal has made things tough for the majority of the population who have no other option for dental health care. Thankfully, they do allow secondary insurance as long as they pay first. But, the whole «payment» issue or lack there of, may be if not all to blame for the closing of two other dental facilities in Northern California in the last 5 years. Lack of funding from the State of California should be noted. UCSF is one that has closed it’s doors to MediCal patients, leaving the Arthur A Dugoni School of Dentistry the ONLY facility in all of Northern California to handle the ENTIRE MediCal population that can’t (or won’t) go to private practice dentists.
We wouldn’t be here except that hospitalization is necessary for routine dental cleanings. Where the wait was 2 years, it’s now 4.
We’ve been seen at this dental school 2 times now and one time at their old building. This last visit was fantastic. The dental student/​doctor was Direct. Confident. Approachable. Professional. She has so much to her credit that the dental school has asked her to stay on to do her residency. The visit before this one (visit #2) was less in every way. We believe even the Director wasn’t too thrilled with our student/​doctor as well, even though he didn’t say… which is very professional.
So there you go. Grab bag is what’s going to happen. You’re presence there is affirmation that you’re willing to let novices work on you. You have to be your own best advocate and speak up immediately if you feel like something isn’t right, or you’re being hurt, or feel like you’d be better off somewhere else.
The hospitalization was fine. Nerve racking for me. The patient slept through the whole thing. The school Director was there with about 3 students. Our loved one has a pretty healthy mouth since I’m the one taking care of it, and the diet as well. I’m sure this attributes to less work in the mouth in the long run. The Director came out when all was done to let us (me and my Carl) know that all went well, better than expected and that loved one was sleeping. We were allowed to be with loved one and moved to a hospital room for the rest of the waking up time.
Care at the hospital was top notch. Easy to get nurses attention and help was offered every step of the way.
No, we wouldn’t be going here if we didn’t have to. We can’t afford hospitalization for teeth cleanings. Our situation is so extreme and rare that it would be hard for anyone to compare themselves to us or us to them. Still, over all we’ve been treated very well and I believe have received very good care. Over all. Not every time. Now, there are some truths that ring out loud for everyone.
Be your own best advocate.
Remember you get what you pay for.
Seasoned professionals are usually better than students.
If you have insurance, use it.

Greetings to all who read this and r a client or patient of the respectable institution. Respectable in that the professor/​Dentist/​Faculty and all the staff are very well respected because they share the same mutual feelings of respect with and among the patients and that includes me. They are 10stars in my book, what I categorized as a 1star here is this isolated incident I have with this security officer with the rank of sergeant who works the afternoon shift. This African American security officer told me to move from the white zone as I can’t stay there and I admit he is correct. Since my daughter was in the campus meeting her student dentist, and she said it wouldn’t take more than half an hourI decided not to take the paid parking. It took more than an hour. I parked in the yellow zone, when he went around he told me to leave again. Be it white zone or yellow zone he told me to leave, all this time other vehicles are there. He saw me get inside the Dugoni bldg. asked him for the restroom n with an attitude like I’m a transient he told me n my girlfriend that it’s not open to the public. This security officer gives me an impression of some one who is holding his rudeness n impoliteness inside himself only to show when he speaks to you by the tone of his voice. He worked the afternoon shift when this happened and by all means if they want to ask me about it they are more than welcome to ask me or talk to me. HE IS NOT WORTH AN OUNCE OF MY RESPECT. I didn’t get his name but he is African American about 6’3″ solid built n a security Sargeant. I WONDER WHY HE DESERVES TO BE ONE. This happened today, nov 5 around 2 n 3 pm. May not be a big deal to you guys but it is to me.

Best thing to happen to my teeth in years. When your dentist works on your teeth, are there other dentists and periodontists who check their work? There are here. Moreover, I have gotten just about $ 1,000 worth of free dentistry just by letting them use me for State Board Examinations, etc. Very, very happy.

Hello,
I took my 94 year old mother in law on medi-​cal to this office yesterday. They took one look at her dentures and said there was nothing they could do, she has to much bone deteriation and sent her home. She also had an infection and pain. When I asked for help with that, they gave her an antibiotic she was allergic to. They referred Us to the UOP University School of Dentistry in San Francisco. I took her there this morning and when I said she had Medi-​Cal they refused service and put her on a waiting list of over a thousand people. The receptionist was quite rude and unhelpful. This is shameful, to treat us like this.
Tony Cava — a spokesperson for the California Department of Health Care Services, which oversees Denti-​Cal — said, «The department is very concerned about the potential impacts to Medi-​Cal beneficiaries resulting from service reductions by Western Dental.»

My dental surgery appointment was yesterday, 08/​27/​2015. I am so glad I INSISTED to go to the Pacific School of Dentistry, even if this meant the CA Department of Rehabilitation was NOT going to pay for services Denti-​Cal didn’t cover. No pun intended, but they were $ 200.00 cheaper than the DOR’s vendor, Western Dental, was — and that’s not even considering that the WD location were I was supposed to have the surgery, was shut down by the government.
Their process is almost foolproof for people like me who needed MAJOR dental surgery: They hook you up with an advanced student (ask for Kevin I HIGHLY recommend him), you have two visits then you decide how you feel about.
It was a no-​brainer for me, in addition:
1. Their new facilities are immaculate — yes, like the immaculate conception, but not like a stable, here you can even eat of the floor, if that flips your switch.
2. In addition to Kevin there were 2 additional students assigned to me, and believe me, they stayed busy until the project was accomplished.
3. The supervising dentist popped in every couple of minutes, though he probably wasn’t even needed. He’s for you guys, the doubters. Is this a great dental school or what?
If you would like to know more about the odyssey before I landed at the school:

We came here for my sons first dental visit, and I was not happy. I called to schedule the appointment in May and they told me that their booked until October 19^th at 8:30 am. So I took this slot. We got an email confirmation a few days before. On October 19^th we came there at 8:15 am because I knew I would have to fill out a package of papers since it’s his first visit. At 8:15 the pediatrics room was open and there was another family already waiting. There was no one at the receptionist desk. The doctors and dental students were walking in and out and completely ignoring us. At 8:30 there was no receptionist… Finally at 9am the receptionist walks in. Sits down and ignores us. I walked up to her and told her my sons appointment was at 8:30, she looked at me with a nasty look and said «well get to you when we get to you» I was really pissed off after this. Then she called me up and gave me a pack of papers and said «fill this out and answer each question or I won’t accept it» I filled it out and gave it back to her. Then she starts reading though it and tells me to «wait» FINALLY at 9:35 (1 HOUR after his appointment was supposed to be) the dental student comes out and calls us back. We go to the room and there’s the hygienist and dental student. Who both start asking me questions again, the exact same
Questions that I just answered on the papers. Then the hygienist (an older woman) starts asking me about our living situation and all these personal questions about how we take care of him at home, and I got annoyed because this has nothing to do with my sons dental visit. So I told her this isn’t relevant to my sons teeth and I’m not going to answer it, she looked annoyed. I didn’t care, who changes my sons diapers has nothing to do with his teeth. The dental student attempted to do an exam but failed she didn’t know what she was doing at all: the hygienist wasn’t helping her, she was just
Sitting at the computer. Then finally the dentist came and was annoyed at both of them for basically doing nothing, not even brushing his teeth. The dentist brushed his teeth and did the full exam.
The dentist was very nice and very good. But everyone else was awful.
They even had the nerve to offer me to schedule an appointment in 6 months for another check up.
Definitely not coming back here. There’s plenty of other pediatric dentists in the Bay Area.
Don’t come here!!! Don’t waste your time!!!

really clean facility and friendly staff. Took off stars because of how long they take to do stuff and they never answer their phones.

–5 stars? This place became so Hollywood. Like seriously security like an airport at a dental clinic. The old location wasn’t as fancy but they were much nicer and honest there. I went for an emergency dental procedure. I know I need my tooth extracted… Duh!!! So they wanted $ 65 to tell me and it wasn’t guaranteed I would get it taken out that day. The broken English dental student kept telling me «I should have came in sooner.»
«It’s going to get worse» but wanted on top of stating the obvious about $ 150 to actually extract the infected tooth. Which didn’t add up. They extracted 2 teeth the same day for under $ 200 one year prior (examine and X-​ray included) I guess they have gotten stingy. This place basically sucks. I rather spend more money at an actual dental office with better staff. Don’t go here!

I came in to this Clinic with an assignment as a Secret Shopper to inquire about this Institution & what it has to offer.
The Building is lovely, a bit Industrial, a bit Contemporary, feels a bit like an airport too, complete with Security Measures. This is a school with a Clinic & Dentistry.
The reason that I am giving them two stars, or perhaps taking off three; is because I was slightly rejected for having MediCal Insurance Benefits.
After having a lovely chat with a Receptionist, I inquired about their Practice and she informed me that they were no longer taking MediCal insurance but they would welcome other insurance plans.
To say the least, I felt slightly discriminated against since my insurance does cover many procedures.
When i asked for a referal I was handed a list with the worst & least reputable dental clinics in SF.
I am already a Client at UCSF, which I love but they had no info about UCSF, surprisingly. Is it because UCSF is competition.
Anyway, after my experience here I would NOT recommend MediCal Clients for insurance reasons, cos chances are you might not have the same experience & opportunities for dental procedures as others.

OK, this time it was my turn. I had a really bad tooth that should have been taken care of years ago. I went to the beautiful new facility for an emergency walk in on a Friday at 8AM, was seen at 9AM, tooth pulled by 11AM. Walk in emergency service with Xrays and extraction for $ 153.00.
But the reason I will be coming back is the wonderful staff and students. The soon to be Dr. Mitchell was beyond incredible. She was patient and understanding and the young guy with her put up with my apprehensions and tears. I can not say enough about this place, I have «Fear of San Francisco due to parking» issues, and the lot next door was perfect. This will be the only place I ever have any dental work done.

My dream of a perfect smile has finally been realized. I went to the dental school because I couldn’t afford dental care otherwise. After neglecting oral care for 3 years I made an appointment. The service I received was outstanding. I was so impressed that I decided to embark on cosmetic dentistry. I’m able to pay in installments with no interest charged. Now, I can’t stop smiling.

This place reminds me of the DMV. Or purgatory. If you’re into waiting, you’ll love it.
I had an appointment at 2:00pm and was instructed to arrive no later than 1:30pm, due to their punctuality policy. I arrived at 1:30pm. I checked in and was told to go to the waiting room. Then I waited. And waited. A few times I asked various people walking by if I was in the right place. Yes, they said, just wait.
I was finally called for at 3:00pm. When I asked why I had to show up 30 minutes early for an appointment that starts 90 minutes later, they explained, «this is a teaching school, so things take longer.»
Really, Dugoni? I have to arrive 30 minutes early just to sit in your waiting room for an hour and a half?
I get that it’s a teaching school and procedures themselves might take longer, from start to finish, because of all the teaching that happens during the actual procedure. But if you schedule an appointment with someone, don’t make them wait for an hour and a half just to be seen. Especially when you explicitly state that clients need to arrive 30 minutes early or the appointment will be cancelled. Being a «teaching school» doesn’t excuse treating people as if their time is worthless.
Oh, and then when they finally did see me, I found out it wasn’t going to work out because they wouldn’t have enough available appointment times between now and when I would be leaving the city in a couple of months. Incidentally, when I made the appointment, I was told there would be plenty of time.
Plenty of time… to wait. In the waiting room. 90 minutes, to be exact. And you don’t get your teeth cleaned, either.
You’ve got a lot to learn for a teaching school, Dugoni.

First off, I am an alum of the University in Stockton and I have had friends who graduated from this specific dental school.
I would never imagine that the school would hire such people who acted unprofessional, rude, discriminating, and racist receptionist.
My mother drove in the pouring rain, through 4 hour traffic to come for an hour of screening, NO WORK done, screening. That is not the issue here, the issue is the way the receptionist handled the issue.
Not only does my mother can barely comprehend english, she can not speak it well, as english is not her first language.
She wasn’t greeted, she goes up to the receptionist, and hands over the paper work to the black girl. Not only did she tell her to not give those paper to her, she shoved it back to my mother.
There was a question that wasn’t filed out on the form that asked about payment details. Meaning, who is going to pay the bills and in what format. It was left blank. Not only did this girl say the same question over and over, but started to raise her voice over and over. Seriously? Have you not have training? Can you not dumb it down for someone to understand your question? Are you that rude that you can’t get your thought across, but the only way to do it is by yelling?
Three girls working, black, chinese, white, and the chinese girl was helping someone else, and later translated what the black girl wants.
Ok, now we passed the paper work, now onto the computer. You need to enter your name and DOB to get a print out to scan through the gates. The clinic is upstairs.
Not everyone knows how to use the computer, and my mother is one. She asked the black girl to help, NOPE. She tells her to try. My mom is trying, she doesn’t get it. So the white girl was busy as well, no help. Black girl goes and up two couples. TWO!
My mom goes and ask again, and said I’ll be right there. She then goes and tells my mom to enter it. HELLO?! Can’t you enter it for her? Ask her the damn question and enter it for her. NOPE. She tells her she needs to learn how to use the computer and she must LEARN on her own. WTF!
After that bullshit, the chinese girl was free and able to help my mom. Not only did the chinese girl said they CAN input information into the computer, it’s their job to help customers through the paperwork and computer to go upstairs.
Obviously the other two girls missed that training, should be terminated for their lack of on the job duties.
My mother comes home crying to me and telling me her whole experience. Seriously?
The staff upstairs were nice, but the receptionist area is a joke.
Hire better people, make use of the money that gets donated. I donate myself.

I want this to be clear some Dr’s at this school are nice people, Yet I ask Dr Gallagher why is felt it necessary insure people cannot speak with him in a medical emergency
This School currently has 21^st century technology and a new building, as well.
If you are poor, you are not going to find a better deal, out there.
The staff for the most part, is friendly and people oriented. Some of the Dr’s there are pretty cool. And some are not nor are some of the students, that is life… but you are the patient here: you must self advocate. Any form of disagreement and you are single person against the apparatus of the school.
— — — –seek options, seek to understand them, not much out there for dental care and they can treat you. But remember there is UCSF and you can pay extra there to have the faculty do the work: Faster, professionally, and socially with ease — far better way to get your needs met.
— — — — –Remember Institutional Discrimination is common for poor people and people on Public Pensions or Disability.
— — — -1) Call Medical if you think they have errored and well not respond to you.
— — — 2) Call the medical board and make a report
— — — -3) Demand, state, document and Self Advocate: you have to: bullying is not
solely a one person game: Whole Corporations and Institutions can do
this.
Drawbacks/​Recommendations for this Service:
1) This is a private University, so you will not have a voice, in most matters. The Patient Services is More like Human Resources: You come last in that — no matter what. No voice, so watch out for that!!!
2) Young Staff who are not experienced with socioeconomics of the people they serve, in fact they have no clue about the reality of people they serve in my view, they come from worlds not touched by strife.
3) System is organized around a military style educational system, effective but not responsive to clients nor is it intended to be or should I say will be used in that manner by those lacking acumen.
Yet, you will find in every system very good people and they are here! At the UOP: Come to be apart of the world in a helpful way.
4) You need to watch the young dentists, and ask for a Dr if the young dentist seems confused.
5) You need to insure the Young dentist and you get along or have some way to communicate. Believe me, they are nice and they are young — easily perturbed by people and or ideas outside their range, which is all most everything -
7) Unilocal Censors…
8) Do ask for the number of Visits it will take to complete the issue or you will be there for months.
9) Again remember you are just, clay to many of them, a peasant before the cadres, try to find the human ones the ones that understand you are a human being. Make eye contact, make heart contact.
10) They have team leaders, Dr’s you need to get to that person for truths, but remember the system is military style education and you are coming to the door of the First Lieutenant for some DR’s
— — You must self advocate in this School and all like it. Self Advocate and remember that means at times not being liked. The systems are set to process you and to get the student their needed time and practice. Self Advocate, Ask, demand and… never stop that is the world here and elsewhere now.
Self Determination means you have to stand up and make your voice heard and use all known ways and legal ways to insure your position
Play a song like this one:
To the team of 2014: At UOP: Learn to think and learn to understand:
«Some third person decides your fate: this is the whole essence of bureaucracy.»
― Kollontai Alexandra, La Oposición Obrera Thus the oath
—-First Do No Harm: A must read
—- Whatsoever house I may enter, my visit shall be for the convenience and advantage of the patient; and I will willingly refrain from doing any injury or wrong.

Came here for a dental emergency.
I’d chipped a molar a while ago (months?) and was worried that maybe my filling had fallen apart, new cavity, ugh. I’d been phoning and phoning this place to get an appointment and could never get through. Left messages and messages and nothing happened. Turns out things were a little chaotic during the move to their new — much more convenient — location.
After the move it was no problem getting through but there were no openings until October (!!). They suggested if I wanted to get seen immediately to show up in the morning for an emergency appointment. Doors open at 8am, appointments start at 8:30am.
Showed up 8:30am on Monday and it turns out that’s the correct time only during certain days of the week and on Monday they don’t start until 10am. Oh well. So I register and wait. At 9am they allow me to check in at the kiosk downstairs and then head upstairs to the 3^rd floor to wait some more.
Right after 10am I’m called into the back where I’m looked at by a 3^rd year student and 2^nd year student. Yes, I’m being looked at by students in their early 20’s. But boy are they conscientious. Covering everything including general health, chatty and friendly. Don’t worry, after they come up with a plan they get the Teacher Dentist to come over to evaluate and he’s very practical.
Turns out the chip is fine but I probably need to get the filling replaced. Rather than have a temp filling put in, which would require drilling, anesthesia, etc. He suggested I just live with the weirdness of having a gap in my back teeth, get sensitive toothbrush to deal with the sensitivity, and come back in Oct to get the permanent filling done. Saves me time and money. Only $ 25 for peace of mind and of course a few hours of my time. I can’t imagine what that would cost at a normal dentist just to get that evaluation.