Kawata Dental Inc

I’ve been going to Dr Ben for 16 years now! He always makes sure I don’t feel a thing when working on my teeth, he’s efficient with his time, and his associates are super friendly! Even though I moved to Torrance, I still make my way up to the Westside to see him!

Dr. Ben Kawata and staff are the best dental professionals and we are lucky to be seen by them. Their care is top notch and Dr. Kawata is very knowledgeable and helpful. I took my children to another dentist in Santa Monica whose prices were ridiculously expensive. I brought my kids to see Dr. Kawata and we have been so happy. He is affordable and now he takes care of my entire family! I personally see Shirley for my cleanings and she is both thorough and gentle (a good thing for me because getting my teeth cleaned isn’t too fun!). Shirley makes my visits so enjoyable and the time just flies! I was disappointed to read the review by Jeff A. but I noticed that his other review was just as negative so I think he is just someone who likes to complain. By the way, Dr. Kawata and staff have volunteered their time to the Culver City school district every year, providing free dental checks. My daughter was so surprised to see her dentist at school. What a truly giving dentist. If you are in need of a good dentist on the Westside, look no further!

My family and I have been coming to see Dr Ben Kawata for years! He is always so patient especially with my horrible gag reflux. He’s so smart and super talented! All west siders I highly recommend Dr Kawata and his amazing staff! Emiko San at the front desk is so sweet also!!!

I absolutely LOVE Dr. Kawata and his staff. They are patient, thorough and honest. I highly recommend.

When Dr. Ben Kawata assumed the practice, the focus of quality was slowly changed to sales & quantity– at one point, you could not get basic cleaning without a Dr. pushing cosmetic services. Most disturbing, is the lapse of the Dr.‘s attention to the medical needs of each patient.
For 40 years I retained my wisdom teeth & deep cleaning has always been part of my routine care. Prior to the holidays of 2013, I had a routine checkup/​cleaning– 24 hrs later I had an infection. I called, Dr. Ben Kawata provided a Rx of anti-​biotics. At 5 days (7 day Rx) it was not effective & a follow-​up exam, Dr. Ben provided a 2^nd Rx (10 days total) the infection was abated. During follow-​up, Dr. Ben advised the infection was likely initiated @ the wisdom teeth & removal required soon. I say «likely» is it was an assumption because the new x-​ray equip. purchased 2 years prior could not be positioned in the back of my adult mouth– expecting this design impairment would be seen with other patients (children), the Dr. would remediate the issue– it was never addressed.
During the 1^st part of 2014, the infection returned– just as we had scheduled for surgical removal of the wisdom teeth– with a 1 month lead, we were confident the infection could be abated. Dr. Kawata was contacted, a Rx was provided/​administered per directions again– & again the medication failed to abate the infection within the 7 day administration. Dr. was advised, provided an addition 7 days & when that failed an exam occurred & with a «Lecture type atmosphere» I was warned I should have had these wisdom teeth removed prior & this would be the last Rx issued no matter what… even if in prep for surgery– & when I advised (again) that I had found a surgeon, there was distain by Dr. Kawata since it was not of his referral. I was also advised that a root canal might be required because of the damage.
Given the severity of the situation, I did research, specifically in current pharmacology books & determined the following:
1. The specific medication was appropriate/​best recommendation for the type of infection I had
2. The prescribed dosage (mg/​kg) was 80% of the minimum pharmaceutical manufacturers dosage recommendations for this specific type of infection
3. The prescribed dosage duration was 3 days shy of the minimum
I increased the dosage to the minimum (mg/​kg) & in 72 hours the infection was completely «killed” — verified by the oral surgeon 1 week later.
In summary, the initial post-​surgical procedure & follow-​up assessment indicated with all probability that a root canal would not be necessary. We were also advised that my upcoming 6-​month check-​up with Dr. Kawata could certainly occur, there should be no deep/​invasive cleaning as internal healing would take 3 – 4 months. All records were transferred electronically to Dr. Ben Kawata & receipt verified (twice).
One month later I arrived for the regularly scheduled appointment but, 2 weeks prior I called & advising I had completed the oral surgery & specifically requested an extended appointment because I suspected a loose filling & desired to have that examined/​repaired during the same appointment.
Seated in the exam room, I was asked the reason for the visit, which I responded. Dr. Ben entered, briefed by his staff, found no loose/​absent fillings & the stated «you need a cleaning» and had no idea I was post oral surgical– stating «I hadn’t even noticed». Dr. Kawata did provide the minimalist review of any medical records prior to conducting the examination… a standard of practice that every medical professional is required to perform. Perhaps what was most disconcerting is the fact that he failed to review the confirmed received e-​files sent by the oral surgeon & identify/​validate post-​surgical treatment/​examination restrictions. As such, he failed to advise the remaining support staff who if not for my wife (who had a parallel appointment) realized he had not briefed the staff (I assumed he had) & as I lay on my back with the cleaning tools entering my mouth, my wife advised the hygienist who was surprised, appreciative & inquired of exactly what surgical procedure had been performed.
48 hours later, I started another infection, called Kawata to advise & to make a long story short, Dr. Ben Kawata had little interests in addressing (again) potential serialization issues within his office. In summary, Dr. Ben Kawata Failed To:
1. Address known diagnostic equipment use deficiencies in identifying/​diagnosing potential/​known medical conditions conducted during the course of routine, common examinations.
2. Prescribe medications in accordance with publish, recognized standards, specific to the patient’s condition, physiological status & medically determined needs
3. Address suspected/​potential existence of facility contamination, & prevention, mitigation, response, staff training related to this multiple reported potential.

I broke my front lower vernier. I saved the piece and brought it with me. Dr. Ben was great he repaired my tooth and I can’t even tell where it was broke! Great friendly staff too. Thanks Dr. Ben I can smile now!!!

My dentist was Noriko Satake, and she was simply brilliant. The most painless and relaxing trip to the dentist I have ever had. She really spent alot of time going over everything, and I didn‘t feel at all like they were trying to rush me out. Also very helpful staff and assistants, and a very reasonable price.

The best cosmetic tooth repair-​ever! Also, fixed my cavity. No pain at all, in fact, I didn’t even feel the needle. Very calming. I’d recommend Dr. Ben Kawata to everybody.

He is very nice.
I got filled. Very reasonable price and very kind staff.