Leo Arellano, DDS PC

MEH. OK everyone here is nice enough. Surely they are professional and doing their jobs. However when I first came there I told them I hadn’t had health insurance so hadn’t been to the dentist in awhile. So I had to have THREE cleanings instead of one which cost me an extra $ 700. The whole time I’m getting my cleaning I’m being lectured and asked questions by the hygienist (my mouth is open, you’re using tools in it, why are you asking me to speak?!). How many lectures to floss do I need? At least once every single time I visit. And a demonstration on it every other time. I found another dentist and they let me know they charge a fee to send copies of records but they’ll waive it «this time.» They want your money and they want to be right. The dentist chair sucks, but at least can I close my eyes and relax? NOPE I have to hear about WHAT A BAD TOOTH-​OWNER I AM.

Dr. Arellano, May and the rest of his staff have all been consummate professionals! I have been very impressed with him taking time to explain everything regarding my new oral appliance, as well as emailing and calling me to make sure everything is going as planned. Very unusual level of service!
Highly recommended!

I went to Dr. Leo Arellano for an oral evaluation and a teeth cleaning. Dr. Arellano informed me that I had multiple cavities that needed to be filled. Because I was starting a new job, I decided to wait because I wanted to go to a dentist that was located near my new job. A couple months later I went to see a dentist near my job because I wanted to get my cavities filled and to my surprise, my new dentist (who happens to be a Professor at Stanford University) informed me that I did NOT have any cavities at all. This allows me to believe that Dr. Leo Arellano falsely diagnosed me to receive additional compensation.
It’s easy to forget the harsh reality that some dentists are not trustworthy and are not dentists because they care about their patients and their oral health. Some dentists, like Dr. Arellano, do not mind running scams that may harm patients physically and monetarily.

Going to Dr. Arellano made me realize that I’ve gotten half-​assed dental care until now. He is so careful, thorough, professional and thoughtful with his patients. Truly a reparative experience!

This morning I had an appointment at 10a or so I thought. At 9:15 I got a call from Mai asking me if I was on my way and I said I had not left yet as I thought my appointment was at 10a. She reminded me that it had actually been at 9a. I apologized and she asked me if I remembered that a missed appointment charge was $ 150 — $ 300 depending on what the appointment was for. No, I did not remember that. I don’t recall signing anything to that affect either.
I have been a patient at this office for about 14 years since before Dr. Arellano owned it. It used to belong to a Dr. Hordner (I am not sure if that is the correct spelling). I have never missed an appointment during this time. I drive here from Daly City as this office was recommended to me when my family moved here.
I am a Nurse Practitioner at a county clinic and we do not charge money for missed appointments. Maybe we should. Pay if you go, pay if you don’t…it would probably decrease our no-​show rate. Too bad that you were too sick to come or had car trouble. Those excuses should not exempt you as you could just lie about them.
I will say on their behalf that recently I purchased a night guard from them and it did not work out and they refunded my money.
My family will be looking for a new dentist who does not charge such an exorbitant amount for a missed appointment.
Scott Cuyjet

I so wish that I’d had a dentist like Dr. Leo when I was a kid — I guarantee you I wouldn’t have so many teeth problems now. He is a gentle, patient perfectionist — with an artistic aesthetic. I couldn’t be more pleased and refer others to his office every chance I get. Mai and the others on staff are genuine, warm, helpful and professional. I avoided the dentist 4ever until I found Dr. Leo… bless him!

I’ve been coming here for about three years and they are fantastic! Very thorough and holistic intake that they update every visit. Everyone who works there is really nice and helpful and scheduling is always easy. They also offer complimentary teeth cleaning to regular clients on occasion. I’m not a huge fan of going to the dentist but this is about as painless as going to the dentist can be. Highly recommended.

I’ve been a patient of Dr. Arellano for about eight years, he’s the fourth dentist I’ve had in SF and I went through the first three in less than three years. So I’m particular to say the leat. I’ve had Dr. Arellano work on several crowns, a few fillings and even a tooth whitening job. Always as pleasant an experience as a visit to the dentist can be. He’s been ultra professional, quick, painless (!) and he’s an all around nice guy. Not too chatty, but very personable — just the right mix. The rest of the staff is awesome as well — from May (sp?) at the front desk always calling me with a reminder 24 hours before my appointment, to the highly competent staff of hygienists — they’re all total professionals at what they do. Would recommend Dr. Arellano and the staff to anyone looking for a new dentist.

I have been a patient of Dr. Arellano for many years, and I know that I am getting the best possible care. Not only is Dr. Arellano highly skilled, but he is a delightful person. I also appreciate the excellent care I get from the hygienist, and the beautiful surroundings in the office.

Several years ago I had my teeth whitened. I do drink coffee, tea and red wine so shortly after the color seemed to go back to my original color. Recently Dr. Arellano did what he called «deep bleaching». I can’t believe how great my teeth look and they have stayed white even though I continue to drink coffee, tea and red wine.
His assistant, Alicia, did most of the procedure and she was great. Made me feel very comfortable. I would recommend this office to anyone!!!

I have been a patient at this office since 1986. Recently, I had an emergency on a Sunday, and Dr. Arellano called me back immediately, and met me in his office to attach a loose front tooth cap. The staff is exceedingly helpful and supportive. They are very proactive about preventative tooth care, and are aware of the latest innovations in all aspects of dental cosmetic procedures. I recommend them enthusiastically and without reservation!

Dr. Arellano is amazing. I am the BIGGEST baby when it comes to pain and he is just so gentle and quick and his work is amazing. I’ve had horrible teeth my entire life and am alwayd in need for something to be done. I’ve lived in San Jose for 3 years and I can not ever picture going to another office. Way worth the drive! Everyone in the office is fantastic and professional!

When I went to dr Arellano I had been told by a periodontist that I needed to lose three teeth due to gum disease. I was also in constant pain. Dr Arellano acknowledged my panic and grief and suggested laser surgery. Now, two years later, I still have all my teeth and I even have bone regrowth on some of them! Debbie is my hygienist and she is fast, gentle and lovely to chat with. She also recommends home care specifics. I have gotten over my terror of dentists thanks to the amazing and caring staff at this office. This also includes Mae, the incredibly friendly and personable receptionist.
I cannot recommend them enough…

Dr. Arellano and his staff are consummate professionals. I’ve been a patient there for many years and found that the quality and attentiveness of the work they perform is exemplary. I drive from Marin to see Dr. Arellano.
I agree with all of the above reviews except the one negative one.

I’ve been seeing Leo for over 11 years and he’s done all kinds of good work for me. He’s easy to talk to, explains all the options, and seems to keep up with the literature: always a good sign in a doctor! I recommend him to anyone.
Minor pluses:
— Cute assistants
Minor negatives:
— Cute assistants aren’t available
— No nitrous oxide
— Closed on Fridays
Oh, and as someone else mentioned on here, Debbie the periodontist is cool beans.

I just moved here from Seattle and this was my first visit in 10 years to a different dentist and I have to say, hands down, the best dental experience I have had!
Great staff and Dr. Arellano took his time and did a thorough examination and answered all my questions.
If you are looking for a new dentist, this is your person!!!

I’ve been seeing Dr. Hahn and Dr. Arellano (same office) for over four years, and they are both fantastic. Very patient, gentle, and careful to explain everything to you as they go along so you understand what’s being done and why, and you know how to take care of your teeth to keep from having any problems in the future. Seriously I know all dentists kind of tell you what’s going on, but Dr. Hahn and Dr. Arellano are more in depth than any other dentist I’ve been to, and I never feel like I’m inconveniencing them by asking lots of questions. They’re careful to work with my insurance so that I get as much coverage as possible, and I never feel rushed at their office. Also, parking is easy, and the receptionist is very friendly too. All the way around, a good experience. I just wish I lived closer so the drive across town didn’t take forever.

Hands down the best dentist I’ve ever had. Thanks to a former co-worker’s recommendation, I’ve been in great care for the past 2 years. Like most, I am not a fan of dentists & the pain they seem to inflict on me, but Dr. Arellano is soooo goood. I usually brace myself everytime I have to get a shot in the mouth, but just yesterday, he gave me the BEST SHOT EVER! He was elated that I told him too. It was super gentle. I asked if he changed his technique (not that the other shots were ever horrible… just not this good), but he just stated that different parts of the mouth require different levels of care due to sensitivity. In all other respects he is also awesome. And, his staff is amazingly nice & on point… Mei especially & I forget the dental assistant’s name that usually helps Dr. A (a young & very sweet Latina/​White? chicadee). I also have Debbie as my hygenist, and she is cool beans. She tells me how it is and what I need to do to make it better.

Dr. Arellano is the most careful, caring and professional dentist I have ever visited. His office is clean and modern and his staff are courteous and attentive.
His prices are fair although I’m of the «i don’t care just hurry up and don’t hurt me school».
There are no faux niceties (a received a birthday email from a previous butcher/​dentist – wtf?!?) but if you are in to chatting while at the dentist (I have heard others) it seem that the staff is down.
I think I have found my «forever» dentist!
And this review is based on over 8 visits during a 15 month period.

I went to Dr. Arellano from 1999 through 2007. I was pleased with his work and his staff. Unfortunately, in the beginning of 2007 he put in a crown for me (not the first) that had everything go wrong that could — much pain and many visits. I was puzzled and surprised at how the quality of care went from very good to lousy.
I filed a greivance with my insurance company Delta Dental. Delta sent me to one of their dentist examiners who reported that the work was unsatisfactory. Delta reversed the $ 700 they paid Dr. Arellano.