Julian Gershfeld, DDS

If you want to go to an office with a staff that is arrogant (Victoria in particular), then go here. In the past, they would always call a day before the appt to remind you. Since it had been 3 months since the last appt, I had forgotten about this one they had scheduled. Well, no phone nor a postcard (I had filled one out) to remind me. What someone there did instead, was to call my friends number to tell him to tell me that I had missed my appt. Who does that? My number has to be in their records.
So, I call back. The first person who answers asks what she can do for me. I explain that I missed my appt. and would have appreciated a call (like before). She says, wait a moment and then Victoria comes on the line. In a heavily accented voice (no problem, just means that English is a second language) she asks me what is going on. I explain that I missed my appt. and that I needed to re-​schedule and have another item taken care of. When I finish with my explanation, she asks what I need. I told her that I just explained what I needed and was she having some difficulty understanding my English. That set her off… like I was dis-​respecting her… blah, blah, blah. Great person to have on your front desk… so great, that I am in the process of changing dentists… after 8 years. The dentist in this office is quite good and I will miss her but the front office staff. eek, me thinks not! Bye-​Bye.

My experience at this office was fast & painless. The office staff definitely put my mind at ease. I was seen by Dr. Christina who was very friendly and knowledgeable. They took X-​rays did a great cleaning and filled a cavity for me. I highly recommend this office. Very happy with my results.

I had no idea that a visit to the dentist could be this easy, fast and painless. The staff at this office is very friendly and competent. I was seen on time, the ladies at the office were sweet and helpful. Dr Christina was able to diagnose a problem that has been bothering me for years. The facility is clean, spacious with lots of parking available. I recommend this office for great and painless dental care.

Called to schedule an appointment and they made me an appointment the same week which was great! I wanted to get in before school started. The day of my appointment came in filled out the paper work and was taken in quickly. They took x-​rays and was seen by Dr. Christina. The doctor was very polite and knowledgeable, answered all my question. Told me I needed a good cleaning with the hygienist and a fill. They did the filling the same day and I had no problems after! After I was done I made a second appointment to see the hygienist Karina. She was GREAT! My teeth felt so clean I loved it, she also gave me some instructions to do at home, showed me a better way to floss and brush. I will definitely be going back here for my 6 month follow up.

Let me just start by saying that i have NEVER in my life written a bad review… however, I felt compelled to do it in this case. It was by far the WORST experience with any sort of doctor in my life. I was treated rudely, given the run around and basically told to go see someone else if I had any issues cuz they have PLENTY of other costumers. Avoid this place like the plague. Trust me.

DO NOT GO HERE. EVER. FOR ANYTHING.
The first time I went here was for a cleaning. They told me my teeth were pretty bad (I had never been told this before, dentist generally tell me my teeth are good if not great) and I needed an extensive cleaning. I had never had one and thought okay why not. I asked if my insurance covered it and they said yes it covers cleanings. They also said I had 2 cavities. (I had a few growing up so thought okay that’s possible) So I go in for my cleaning, but they left out the word extensive when discussing my insurance so of course when it got it done I had to pay out of pocket. It wasn’t too much so I just paid and left and scheduled another visit for my fillings. Two fillings later and they tell me I have SIX more cavities. I’ve had a few cavities growing up but now I’m at 8 within 3 years. I was mortified. Not only did I feel like I have bad hygiene habits but I’m about to have to drop around $ 800 AFTER insurance to cover 6 more fillings.
On top of all this the dentist (with hands in my mouth) decided to talk in English (I’ve heard them speak Spanish many times but as I do not speak it just assumed it was normal work related talks) about how annoying «white people and their insurance» are. And proceeded to say that the cost without insurance is about the same anyways. So later I asked how much it would be without my insurance (THEY DON’T ACCEPT INSURANCE ON THE WEEKENDS APPARENTLY) so I could come in and not use work time. She said oh it’s way to expensive don’t even think about it. Okay…
DO NOT TALK ABOUT YOUR CLIENTS IN FRONT OF THEM!
Needless to say I was not excited about my 6 cavities that I would have to come back for, but they are the dentist, they know what they are talking about right? WRONG.
I was lucky enough to get a new job and insurance recently. This horrible dentist was not in my dental plan so I got to go to a new one. I booked my appointment and told them right from the beginning that I had some cavities and to be prepared.
Not only did my new dentist report that I had ZERO cavities but that I had the best teeth he had seen in a LONG time and that he didn’t even need to do anything except polish them since I was already there and it was covered.
I wish I had gotten on Unilocal before going here, but I couldn’t find them because they don’t come up when you search dentists in NOHO area.

Dental cleaning I received lasted about 10 to 15 minutes of discomfort. I had to stop the «hygienist» so I can spit because the build up in my throat was never vacuumed out the entire time. It was not thorough at all. I did not get the usual refresehed feeling after getting a cleaning. Military dental cleanings are comfortable compared to this place. They will talk you into getting a root canal if you feel any pain in your tooth. Get a second opinion or switch dental clinics. This place needs to be investigated for quality assurance and scams.

I agree with almost all the reviews! Please avoid this place at all costs. They are shady! Not only do I have 3 cavities because they told me to use a soft tooth brush for the last 4 years. I found out they billed my insurance for 2 upper teeth cavities (which none of the 3 cavities are not on those teeth) but got paid $ 180 for what? My current dentist is sending my insurance X-​rays to show there are no cavities on these teeth. They are nice at the front but the actual male dentist who is listed on the insurance I never met it’s some female dentist but who knows who she is. It’s worth researching there are much better and honest dentist.

it was the worse experience I even had with dentist. The place was dead when i arrived. The whole office was empty. When I was called in, and took the X-​ray I saw the dentist just put her white coat on! I couldn’t understand her English and after that, the nurse did tooth cleaning, she was so rough and i felt like it was done so unprofessionally. After that the dentist also checked my child’s tooth and her response was you should take her to the children hospital. She is too little. And that was it. I told myself I would never come back. It just gave me a really bad feeling. And it was bad enough to encourage me to create an Unilocal account and write this review.

After going here yesterday, I was suspicious enough when stuff didn’t add up THERE. Then I get on HERE and only confirmed my suspicions. Can ANYONE HERE recommend a health net /​Medi-​cal dentist in the valley I can trust?

AVOID THIS PLACE.
As you’ve probably realized by the average review on this dentist, avoid this place at all costs. They will lie to you, overcharge you, and waste your time without an ounce of shame. Here’s my story:
I booked a dentist appointment 2 months in advance because they had nothing free sooner. The day finally arrives for my much needed cleaning. They take some x-​rays because it’s my first time there. The dentist comes and looks at my teeth, tells me I have a cavity and need a good cleaning, which I already knew. Then she says she’s done with me for the day, because my insurance didn’t fax my plan rates to them yet and they can’t do the work because they don’t know the price. What? I’m not sure how insurance works exactly, but this has never happened to me before. I go to the dentist regularly and I’ve NEVER been sent home because they weren’t faxed my insurance plan.
So I had taken time off of work for absolutely no reason at that point, which is hard for me to do — I was furious with them.
They called me 24 hours later saying they got the fax with the plan rates. (Wow, that was convenient…) I say, «Great! When can I come in to get it all done?» She stops me in my tracks, saying it’ll be $ 429 out of pocket, because I need a deep cleaning not covered by my plan. Suddenly I understood the mysterious fax situation…
I told her there’s no way I needed such an intense, expensive cleaning as a regular dentist visitor. I requested just a regular 6 month cleaning. She straight out REFUSED, saying she wouldn’t do it because it would be pointless and my teeth were in such bad shape that I needed a deep cleaning and «irrigation.» Interesting (and rude) observation, because the dentist just looked into my mouth and didn’t touch a tooth. I know I’m overdue for a cleaning, but as a regular visitor to the dentist I knew she was lying. My suspicion was confirmed after I looked up my rates myself — right away I saw she was charging me the price for FOUR cavity filings instead of one.
I made a dentist appointment SAME DAY (a day I was off of work, thank goodness) for a second opinion at a place I’ve been before with positive experience, Bright Now! Dental in Burbank. I walked out with $ 0 out of my pocket, perfectly clean and healthy teeth, and no cavity filling necessary.
AVOID this place to save your money, please. I’m still shocked that they think they can run a business this way. I saw many elderly patients in there when I went, they take advantage of everyone they can. Horrible business practices. On top of that, they have a severely outdated facility with old-​fashioned x-​rays, and the receptionist is also your dental assistant. Hmm…

Horrible experience!
Took my child for first dentist experience. Never met the Dentist. The «assistant» tells my son to open his mouth. Looks at his teeth, not inside his mouth, says ok no cavities, your done. Come back in 6 months. I told her about a problem he’s having, she made up some crazy story told me it was normal and got me out of there. Appointment was no more than 3 minutes.
If this office doesn’t want to take the time to cater to children. The need to not call it a family dentist.
Didn’t even want to give it 1 star

I called to make an appointment and said I wanted a CLEANING. When I arrive for my appointment, the first thing they did was take a bazillion x-​rays. Most dental offices now have x-​rays on the computer but not this place. It’s old-​fashion x-​rays. Then the «cleaning» consisted of a 10 minute «polishing.» Polishing has very little therapeutic value. I asked the girl when she was finished if she was a dental hygienist and she said no, she was a dental assistant. So I go to the front desk and ask if they have a dental hygienist and I was told yes, but she is a subcontractor and does not accept my HMO. They couldn’t have told me that BEFORE I showed up?

I want to make it clear that I am not a habitual writer of bad reviews! This is the first «bad» review I have ever written. These are the facts as i experienced them:
1. Made an appointment, showed up, they were running an hour behind. Had to cancel and reschedule (not a big deal, right?).
2. Dentist office called me to cancel the rescheduled appointment. So, now I’m on the third appointment.
3. Arrived for the 3^rd appointment, waited 30 minutes. Overheard the secretary telling a client that she could have «any appointment time» (get this) on the VERY SAME morning they cancelled my second appointment. Would you have walked out? Maybe I should have.
4. I sit down in the chair, a woman jams x-​ray film practically down my throat causing me to gag. She says, «oops.» The dentist walks in. I say, trying to be a gentleman, «Good afternoon, how are you today?» Her reply = «I’m tired and I’m ready to go home.» I almost laugh.
5. She looks in my mouth and at my ex-​rays for 1 minute and says: «Four fillings, root-​canal, a crown and a deep-​cleaning.» = $ 3000.00. YIKES!!!
6. I ask, «what does my insurance cover?» The assistants reply: «Your insurance doesn’t pay anything, just gives you discounted rates!»
7. This time I laugh. «I’ll get a second opinion,» I say. Meanwhile, the other receptionist is scheduling another appointment on the morning my second appointment was cancelled.
I hope this was as hilarious to read as it was to experience!
By the way, got a second opinion. No root-​canal or crown necessary. Four fillings. Cost? $ 800.00.
All I can say is, «YIKES!!»
Here’s the best part, they called me recently to see if I wanted to come in for an appointment. I told them to go fly a kite.

I have been going to this dental office in North Hollywood for over 5 years now and I have had a completely different experience than some others on here. I have always been treated with respect and fully informed about my treatment plan, etc. Yes, English is a second language for most employees including my dentist but everyone is fluent and cogent and I trust them completely. This is LA folks, English is the second language. I have never been spoken to in anything but my native language — English. I don’t care if the staff chatters in another language while working but I“m completely confident that any necessary clinical information is passed to me in clear and concise English.
Dr. Christina isn’t a touchy feely kind of doctor but she is precise, confident and pleasant and fully explains the how and why of the treatment I’m getting. Her knowledge and technique are first rate and the prices are reasonable. Go to Beverly Hills, or the West side and see how much a crown cost.
To the lady who wanted to pay $ 160 for crowns — what world are you living in???
All in all, a very good place to receive dental care.
James

I went here a long time ago when I was first starting out, no insurance, no money, first dental check-​up after moving to Los Angeles.
They didn’t do a cleaning.
They told me I needed 2 root canals and 2 crowns for over $ 3000. Good thing I didn’t believe them and didn’t have any of it done, because now that I have insurance and have been to 3 different dentists since (at least 7 years have passed since I’ve been here) none of them said that I needed any root canals or crowns.
THEY’RE JUST OUT TO MAKE MONEY.

Should have trusted my gut and these Unilocal reviews before seeing these con artists.
Went there three times because unfortunately my HMO was none too flexible in switching out dentists mid-​procedure despite the horrible experiences I reported. The first time wasn’t too bad, but I knew something was fishy when they told me that I «needed» to do an extra dental irrigation in addition to my teeth cleaning that was covered. The cost me about $ 85 but, hey, if the lady in the white lab coat says I need it who I am to argue? Silly me.
After the X-​Rays they were pretty pushy with their treatment suggestions — filling here, filling there — 8 total at $ 85 each + a potential root canal. Thankfully I went to Dr. Tamaddon of Hollywood Smile (AMAZING dentist – highly recommend her) for a second opinion. Though she is NOT covered by my HMO, she graciously examined me, did X-​Rays and offered an out-​of-​pocket fee that rivaled the «coverage» from Dr. Gershfeld’s office. She said the treatments suggested were very aggressive and that realistically I would only need ²⁄₉ suggested. Interesting! Also reviewing the pricing, they stated that it would be $ 85 per cavity HOWEVER my coverage states that is the max price for 4 sided, anterior fillings. That is was not the case for my cavities. And the fillings they do? «Porcelain.» No almagan, no composite. Fishy, fishy.
The second time I went in, I had some massive pain in my back tooth that needed to be tacken care of immediately – broken filling jammed into my gum + deep cavity. I wanted to suggest options but before I had a chance to protest, they immediately went with the most expensive option that was NOT covered by my insurance — a porcelain inlay. I brought in a copy of my insurance coverage and went through all the possible options — Crown? No, you guys don’t do that? Ok, what about a metallic inlay? Oh you guys don’t do that either…
Oh and that waiver they have you sign? It’s so you can’t sue them when you find out that you’ve been had later on.
Caution Unilocalers: These guys are out there to make money!!! They aren’t even that sly about it either. If you catch on, they get super defensive and tell you to see another doctor even in the middle of your treatment. What type of establishment is this? They have been reported to my insurance carrier and the BBB. These guys are NO GOOD.

Like an amateur, I didn’t check the Unilocal reviews before picking a dentist with my HMO. I just called this place to schedule a cleaning and they couldn’t have been more ridiculously rude.
The lady first asks me what kind of insurance I have, then says «okay hold on a second». She then spends 20 — 30 seconds conversing with another person about how all I want is a cleaning and how somehow that’s a bad thing. Then she comes back on the phone and looks me up by my name. She says okay «When you want come in?» (take note of the constantly broken English). I say tomorrow and ask what the cost will be. She says «I can’t look up the cost because it will depend on what kind of cleaning you get». I say «Okay, well I just want a standard cleaning and I’d like to know the cost before I come in» and this is where she starts getting rude. Verbatim, she says «It’s not up to you. It depends on what kind of cleaning the doctor diagnoses you with. Its not up to you. Its up to doctor.» At this point, I hung up.
Judging by the other Unilocal!reviews and this experience on the phone, I would NOT suggest going to this dentist. When it comes to your health, its all about bedside manner and apparently this place is extremely lacking in said department.

I am 23 and had my first wisdom tooth removed 6÷11÷10. A really bad experience.
I am not phobic of the dentist but was very anxious because of what they were going to have to do to get the tooth out. This dentist does not do any form of sedation apart from giving you valium. Not even laughing gas. I took the valium and it did not affect me, so my anxiety was extreme. After my husband calmed me down a little bit, into the chair I went.
No introductions as to who was working on my teeth, no handshaking or anything. I was also told to calm down, as I was making it worse for the dentist. Pretty hard to calm down when your anxiety is through the roof and the dentist has no bedside manner.
Staff are brusque and do not seem interested in your well being, just getting your money. Also, what I think is extremely rude, is that the hygenists and dentists speak English when they are addressing you, but if they are talking about you to each other, they will speak Spanish. I would like to know what you are saying about my mouth!
Can’t wait for my work insurance comes through so I can change dentists.

Rather sketch. The interior has not changed since 1981 — pastel mint and baby pinks from ceiling to floor, OLD OLD chairs, and even older equipment. I don’t want to judge a book by it’s cover, but…
Furthermore, I was SERIOUSLY the only person in the joint who speaks English as their first language. I wouldn’t mind this if I was getting my nails done or something, but when it comes to my teeth and health — I not only dislike repeating myself, but also need to understand what the doctor is saying!
And did I mention that, though my appointment was scheduled for 9am and I arrived early PER THEIR REQUEST to complete paperwork, NO ONE was at the office at 9! The staff gradually strolled in from 9:15 — 9:45. WTF?! No big deal, I will just continue missing work and it’s subsequential pay and wait for you to get YOUR ass to work.
So after getting X-​rays, the dentist came in, no introductions or hello’s (there were no hello’s or welcome’s from anyone in the office, as a matter of fact). I told her about my dental history and current concerns I have, and all she cared about was that I didn’t have any new cavities. «Shouldn’t I get my teeth cleaned before you do your inspection?» Guess not. When I asked again about my other dental concerns, all she said was «But you don’t have any cavities!» And then she left.
Next the receptionist (not a hygienist, mind you!) walks in and says, «You still have cleaning. Then we need to do an internal so no stuffs get in your vital organs. It will cost $ 75.»
Huh? I asked if the «internal» was necessary for my survival, and when she said no, I declined. I later asked a dental hygienist friend what an «internal» could be, and all she said was «never go to that place again.»
No problem.