Looking for a new dentist near Berkeley

My husband and I are looking for a new dentist, ideally someone located not too far from Berkeley. We don't need the latest equipment, fancy office, etc, but we do want the following:

1. Someone who is not too old (because we doesn't want to have to switch all the time when an older dentist retires) Someone whose office has IMPECCABLE sanitary standards, disposable implements used or items proven to be autoclaved and sterilized between uses, staff with good hygiene, etc.

2. An office that doesn't set a rigid time limit for appointments. The last time I had a cleaning scheduled, the hygienist had very little to do (I have excellent dental habits, multiple dentists have complimented me on my flossing prowess), but she kept insisting there was more to clean because she can't just me go after 10 minutes, and I, still working on advocating for myself, just sat there and let her scrape and polish layers and layers of enamel off my teeth for the next 35 minutes... Meanwhile, my husband's teeth are terrible, and he would be asked to leave when his time is up and told to come back later.

3. An office that is mostly dentist run, not one that is one dentist who hires 10 hygienists, and that dentist swings by to say hi then moves on to the next chair while the hygienist cleans your teeth and that's it. My old dentist actually did my cleaning herself, imagine that...

If you know of such a dentist, please let me know. Thank you!

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Susan Caliri, DDS

851 Dwight Way

(510) 845-2864

I highly recommend my dentist, Dr. Amirali Rahmatian.  I've been seeing him since he took over my retiring dentist's practice in 2005.  I think he and his staff will fulfill all of your specific expectations, and in addition, they are all just lovely people.  The office is in the medical building at 2999 Regent Street (across from Alta Bates) and the phone number is (510) 848-7239.

Hello Judy - we have been going to Dr. Eric Citron in Berkeley.  He has one hygienist but generally is the one to do most of the work.  My experience is he does what needs to be done - not by the clock - but is very efficient.  Check him out and see if it fits the bill!  Good luck!

Dr. Marchelle King fits your requirements. (510) 549-0644 Both my husband and I see her. Highly recommended. 

We got to Dr. Kenneth Mizono who is an absolute pro. He's in Albany on Kains Ave, one block east of San Pablo. Tel 510 525 2899. 

I think that I go to the same dentist that you do (close to Whole Foods?) and have the same issues. I'm looking forward to the responses!

I have been delighted with Simarjit Singh, DDS (510) 843-1192 2140 Shattuck Ave Suite 701 Berkeley.  Small office; close by; easy to get appointments.  I'm a physician and I am impressed that she is knowledgeable, thorough, up-to-date, and responsive to my preferences (frequency of xrays, type of fillings).  She does the cleanings herself.  

Well, Dr. Barry Kami on University Ave in Berkeley definitely meets the first two requirements on your list. His practice doesn't meet your third requirement (i.e., for a cleaning, you will get a hygienist and see Dr. Kami for a very brief time), but I have been impressed with how available Dr. Kami makes himself for things outside of cleanings. Calls from his cell phone to check on you the evening after he did your filling, makes space for dental emergencies, etc. I have a family of four, and we all see him, have been going to him for over 10 years for a variety of needs and are very happy.