Neal Patel, DDS

Switched dentist recently and ended up here. Apparently after a check up by (a sweet hygienist yet who is BRUTAL on your teeth, I was in pain for several days after), they told me I needed work done, but they didn’t specify or tell me personally what the issue was. They just talked amongst themselves and after asking what the issue was, they still couldn’t tell me. After Dr. Patel was done examining me he literally cut me off when asking a question (again — asking WHAT work I needed to get done) and could hardly finish the sentence «bye, it was nice to meet you» before bolting away. I was left stunned and have yet to come back here again. Friendly front desk staff but not a fan of the Dr. himself.

Yesterday as we anticipated «Family Day» with Dr. Patel and his staff, I asked myself why do we drive so far to see a dentist. Then I started to think of our last dentist and her care/​service to me and my family. The care was rushed and the service reminded me of a meat market. My daughter dreaded the thought of going there and my older son was always discouraged about the wait. As for my husband, he had some extensive work done, that had to be repeated various times throughout the year. Ok, now I know why I drive so far to see Dr. Patel. The staff is very welcoming to my entire family. I really enjoy how Dr. Patel breaks down each process of our teeth and how the actions that we take can effect not only our teeth, but the gums as well, to my 7 yr old and 15 yr old. At the same time he cautions me and my hubby of our actionsl. Of course in a tactful way, although he may get a little tickled of my knowledge (that he gave me. lol) during follow up, or during conversations…;-) Another thing that really stands out to me is the diversity as well. Usually when we go in we treat the visit as a «family day» and enjoy the area as well. However, Dr Patel and staff tend to adapt to the different people they serve. I love this! I see elderly couples, single people, entire families, and single families as well. After finding out we weren’t the only ones feeling special, I felt even better…;-) Now my hubby, on the other hand, enjoys the coffee and conversation with all the staff.;-)

I have been going to Dr. Patel for dental work since moving to Novato a few years ago, and have been really impressed with his practice. Everyone in the office is great and very friendly. They remember me when I come in, are very helpful with booking appointments and dealing with insurance, and are just really nice people. The two dental hygienists I see regularly for cleanings are wonderful. They do a thorough job while remaining positive and upbeat. Personally, I’m not someone who is scared of going to the dentist, but I imagine that the hygienists’ calm and pleasant demeanor would soothe anyone who had fears.
Dr. Patel himself is absolutely great. He’s such a nice guy, but also really inspires confidence. I suspected that I needed to have an old crown replaced this year, and he walked me through the pros and cons of doing this, looked over the x-​rays with me carefully, and allowed me to make final choice as to whether I wanted to have this done and when I wanted to do it. I really trusted his advice and felt empowered to make a good decision about it. His office also worked with me to make sure that insurance and our benefits account would cover the bills. In the end, the procedure was easy and painless, and I felt that I was in really good hands. The crown is holding up well, just as it should, and I’ve had no problems with it whatsoever. I heartily recommend Dr. Patel’s practice for quality dental work and a team of likeable, trustworthy people.

I use to dread going to the dentist. That was until I started going to the dental office of Dr. Neal Patel. The staff is very professional and courteous. They use state of the art equipment and are very conscientious of patient care. I would highly recommend Dr. Patel. My oral health has never been better.

I am a person who HATES going to the dentist and I always wait until the very last minute to go. Well of course I did that again! I ended up having to go due to pain I having. I ended up finding out I needed a deep cleaning as well as other things. Great! I hate the scraping sound UGH! and the fact that I have to have the shots. I let the front desk person Cyndi know of my fear. She was great! She asked if I wanted the laughing gas which would help to relax me. Which they offer for free might I add. Once she explained it to me I went ahead and tried it. The hygienist Cheryl gave me step by step details on what she was doing right before giving me the shot. She was great! It really did not hurt. During the actual procedure I was able to watch TV with the headphones which helped eliminate the scraping sound and with the laughing gas I really did not care what they were doing. LOL. I must say that the staff there made my experience more pleasant than I would have ever thought. They give you personal service and make you feel as if they have known you for years. I am now not afraid to go to the dentist. Thank you Dr. Patel and staff you are wonderful!

If I could give no stars I would. This dentist told me I needed to have a cavity filled. I went for a second opinion and the new dentist did a full xray, and exam, and found NO CAVITIES in my mouth.
He also charged our insurance for composite fillings without pre-​authorizing, which our insurance denied, then sent us an $ 800 bill for 2 fillings. Awful experience. I would not trust this dentist.

Best dentist ever. Dr Patel is very gentle and knowledgeable. His staff is friendly and efficient. I would definitely recommend him — totally worth the drive into the suburbs.