The Dentistry Collective – San Diego, CA (Rancho Bernardo): In-Depth Review
When it comes to choosing a dental practice, finding a provider that combines skill, compassion, and transparency is key. The Dentistry Collective in San Diego’s Rancho Bernardo neighborhood aims to deliver just that, serving the community for decades. But does it live up to its impressive 4.9-star rating? As an experienced reviewer, I’ve taken a deep dive into their services, strengths, and areas for improvement to help you decide if this is the right practice for you and your loved ones.
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Business Overview
Name: The Dentistry Collective
Address: 11610 Iberia Pl #202, San Diego, CA 92128
Phone: (858) 376-4672
Website: Not currently available
Rating: 4.9 (Based on recent reviews)
Hours:
– Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
– Saturday & Sunday: Closed
*Note: The lack of a website may make information-gathering a bit challenging for prospective patients.*
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Services Provided
The Dentistry Collective offers a full spectrum of dental services, including:
– Preventive Care: Routine exams, x-rays, and professional cleanings
– Restorative Dentistry: Fillings, crowns, bridges, and dental implants
– Cosmetic Procedures: Teeth whitening, bonding, and veneers
– Emergency Dental Care: Pain relief and urgent dental repairs
Patients also report the use of modern dental technology and equipment, which can make procedures more comfortable and efficient.
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Patient Experience: What the Reviews Say
High Points
1. Skilled and Caring Staff
> “Cynthia was fabulous, caring, and patient with my cleaning… recommend treatment options catered to my needs without pressuring unnecessary add ons.”
> *— Recent Patient*
Many reviewers praise not only the dentists but also the hygienists and assistants for their compassion and professionalism. Dr. Garafolo, in particular, receives consistent accolades for his expertise and up-to-date approach. One patient even continues to fly in from Las Vegas after moving away, citing the exceptional care and customer service.
2. Pain-Free and Comfortable Visits
> “I cannot believe how comfortable and calm the people in this office made me feel… I was also impressed with the office decor and how clean it was.”
> *— First-time Visitor*
For those with dental anxiety, The Dentistry Collective seems to excel at making patients feel at ease, with gentle techniques and a welcoming environment.
3. Efficient and Transparent Communication (Usually)
> “The front office staff is very accommodating as well in making sure that you know ahead of time what needs to be done and what are the financial expectations.”
> *— Long-Term Patient*
Areas for Improvement
1. Inconsistent Customer Service
While many report excellent communication, others have described difficult experiences with the administrative team:
> “Every time I call this office with a question, I’m told ‘someone will call you back…’ They never seem to work with my schedule.”
2. Concerns Over Treatment Recommendations and Costs
A particularly concerning review comes from the family of an elderly patient, who felt pressured into expensive, possibly unnecessary treatments:
> “She was charged $7,339.00… Another dentist said she DID NOT need her crowns replaced… This place is a ripoff and do not send your elderly loved ones here!!!”
While this is only one account, it’s a serious claim and a reminder for patients to seek second opinions when costly procedures are recommended.
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What to Know Before You Go
Pros
– Highly qualified staff: Especially Dr. Garafolo, who stays current with new dental technologies.
– Comfort-focused care: Good for patients with dental anxiety.
– Clean, modern office: The ambience and hygiene standards are consistently praised.
– Comprehensive Services: One-stop-shop for most dental needs.
Cons
– No official website: Harder to access information, forms, or book appointments online.
– Mixed reviews on administrative communication: Some report delays or lack of clarity.
– Pricing transparency concerns: At least one report of unexpected high costs; always request detailed estimates.
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Tips for New Patients
– Call ahead and clarify your needs: Be specific about whether you need a consultation or a full exam.
– Ask for a written treatment plan and cost estimate: Especially for major procedures.
– Don’t hesitate to request a particular hygienist or dentist: Cynthia and Dr. Garafolo are mentioned by name for their excellent care.
– Seek second opinions for expensive treatments: This is standard practice and can help avoid unnecessary costs.
– Review insurance coverage before your visit: Ensure you understand what is and isn’t covered.
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Final Verdict
The Dentistry Collective has built a loyal patient base over the years, primarily due to its skilled practitioners, comfortable atmosphere, and breadth of services. For most, it delivers friendly, modern, and pain-free dental care. However, recent feedback highlights the importance of clear communication, particularly regarding treatment planning and costs—especially for elderly or vulnerable patients.
Is it right for you? If you value expertise, a gentle touch, and a modern office, this practice is likely a great fit. Just make sure to confirm all treatment details and costs upfront, and don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if something doesn’t feel right.
Contact:
📍 11610 Iberia Pl #202, San Diego, CA 92128
📞 (858) 376-4672
*No official website available as of June 2024.*
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Have you visited The Dentistry Collective? Share your own experience below to help others make an informed choice!
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9 Reviews on “The Dentistry Collective – San Diego, CA (Rancho Bernardo): In-Depth Review”
Cynthia was fabulous, caring, and patient with my cleaning. She made sure to recommend treatment options catered to my needs without pressuring unnecessary add ons. Will definitely be requesting her at future appts.
Great dentist
I have been with the dentistry collective for almost 20 years with Dr. Garafolo. I live now in Vegas, but I still fly down for my dental appointment. I just had a crown installed and dental exam and cleaning under two hours. Excellent customer service relationship, outstanding technician in cleaning my teeth, taking x-rays and also assisting Dr. Garafolo. Dr. Garafolois an outstanding dentist. He keeps current on dental treatment and utilizes new and efficient and effective equipment to make it pain-free for the patient as well as provide expedient and outstanding dental treatment. The front office staff is very accommodating as well in making sure that you know ahead of time what needs to be done and what are the financial expectations . Overall, the staff is outstanding. I will continue to come down from Las Vegas for all my dental treatments for another 20 years or more.
Tim G is the best. He explains it as he does the work, has a great touch and the crowns fit perfectly the first time.
Every time I call this office with a question, I’m told “someone will call you back with that information.” I have a demanding job and can’t spend the whole day waiting for a call about something simple. I try to call when I’m available, but they never seem to work with my schedule.
When I went in for a consult, the staff didn’t seem prepared. During the exam, the camera being used disconnected, and I could clearly feel the frustration from the doctor—which made me uncomfortable. I mentioned I had left my previous dental office due to a lack of empathy, and both the doctor and assistant just giggled. That really stuck with me—I didn’t feel like they cared about me as a patient. It felt more like they were in a rush to get me out. The doctor even said, “we’ll schedule you on a different day that we actually have time.”
I drove 45 minutes just to get a quote, which felt like a waste. I wish the front desk had been clearer about what to expect. I asked if I should schedule an exam instead of a consult since I wanted to become a new patient, and was told, “I can’t provide that information over the phone.” Am I supposed to waste hours of my day just to get basic guidance?
I didn’t feel any connection with the staff, and I won’t be coming back.
Absolutely wonderful dentist office. As somebody who doesn’t go to the dentist because I can’t stand being there, I cannot believe how comfortable and calm the people in this office made me feel. I was also impressed with the office decor and how clean it was. So glad I found this place.
I personally hate going to the dentist, but my technician put me at ease. Not sure what it was about her, but I wasn’t nervous, there was no pain, she wasn’t pushy or anything like that. She was very pleasant and made sure I was comfortable while working on my teeth. I won’t mind coming back now.
The place is great. Everyone is friendly and professional. The best dentist ever
My mother who is 75 years old went there because she needed to get work done after she broke one of her bridges. She thought that The Dentistry Collective could help but instead they told her she needed to get her crowns replaced and have fillings. All the work was not covered under insurance and she was charged $7,339.00!!! She even paid them about an additional $500 to do a dental plan.
She believed this insane amount of money was for more work. No one would agree to pay this. She was there for about a whole day getting this done. She even spoke with her Sharp dental plan and they were trying to work with The Dentistry Collective to have some sort of grievance with them saying she could not afford this. They would not do anything to help since she signed for it…outrageous.
My mother’s only source of income is social security and we just lost my father/her husband unexpectedly last month. Social security can barely pay her bills and from other reviews it looks like they do push unnecessary procedures at an insane amount.
She did not understand what was going on and I believe she was taken advantage of. I had her go to another dentist after finding out about this and they said she DID NOT need her crowns replaced. They are going to do bonding work for her four teeth at $190.00/tooth and if she wants to replace her bridge is $1,300/bridge both out of pocket. Much better and $7,339.00!!!
This place is a ripoff and do not send your elderly loved ones here!!!