Gateway Oaks Family Dentistry

To be honest, I’m certain you can find a better and more affordable dentist. I know that I have.
I got 4 root canals completed here for about $ 8,000. On the first occasion/​appointment, the doctor didn’t even provide me a prescription for pain medication after the procedure, and I, in my haste left the office without asking only to suffer tremendously later that day (even though I took Advil).
Not only that, after my initial checkup, I later got billed about $ 98 because of some sort of inaccurate insurance estimate. What?
The staff and Doctor there are perfectly fine and nice, but it sure felt more like a business than anything else to me. I will not be going back, which I diplomatically told the lady who has kept calling to try to schedule me for another checkup.
My recommendation? Do thorough research and ask your personal family or friends for referrals before you decide to come here.

Confession time: For the last 10 years, I’ve been that girl who waits until something goes terribly wrong with her teeth before she sees a dentist. I know it’s awful, but the crazy amounts of money that dental work costs drove me to the ludicrous idea that if I just took good enough care of my teeth on my own, I could get away with skipping the dental chair. So I’d brusha brusha brusha like a fiend and floss after every bite of food. Even used a shower waterpik, which causes a whole different kind of pain to waste buckets of water in this drought-​ridden state. Alas, dental woes still haunted me.
Twice in the past three years I’ve had the same tooth chip and break. It had an ancient silver filling which makes the tooth more vulnerable to breakage. The first time, I went to a different dentist that was willing to replace the filling only. They didn’t do any other repairs or X-​rays. I paid the $ 400 and left feeling like if I just became the world’s best tooth owner ever, I would be off the hook. Three days ago, part of the same tooth pops off while I’m flossing.
When the previous office couldn’t get me in, I decided to call Gateway Oaks. Much to my relief, they were able to fit me in that morning. I was assured that a $ 79 exam and X-​ray deal they were offering would be honored.
This was easily the friendliest reception I have ever gotten in not only a dental office, but any medical office. The receptionist immediately greeted me and, after my paperwork was done, escorted me back for a guided tour of the small office, introducing me along the way to every member of the staff. Very impressive and welcoming.
The dental assistant was waiting for me when I got back to the chair. She took a full set of X-​rays, asked a few questions, and gave me an idea of what to expect during the visit. The only uncomfortable part of my visit came when she asked me to hold the metal prongs they use to pul your lips back while they take the «before» shots of your teeth. It was a little off-​putting to have to hold my cheeks back in this maniacal grin so she could take digital shots of my mouth, but then I realized it would definitely be more unnerving to have someone else do it.
I came to realize they take a lot of pictures here. By the end of the visit, I was cool with that. The staff explained the reasons for it along the way and the idea of having before and after shots grew on me after some of the work was done.
I really liked that they explained everything as we went. Any pressure, tingle, or temperature change came with a warning beforehand. It was mentioned several times that their goal was to keep me comfortable the whole time and if ever that wasn’t happening, to be sure and let them know.
Dr. Truong did an exceptional job on my filling. I loved that she spent plenty of time making sure my bite was correct. In the past, I’d left a dentist’s office thinking there was just an uncomfortable adjustment period after new work. So very thankful to find out today that if the work is done correctly, that should not be the case. My bite feels exactly the same as it did when I went in.
When an in-​house dental plan was mentioned, the skeptic in me immediately started to wonder if I was about to be bamboozled. As the doctor explained it, I gradually warmed to the idea of being able to get a lot of the preventative care done that I’ve been postponing. The plan isn’t cheap, but when I’ve had dental insurance in the past, neither was that. By this time, the office had impressed me so much that I was willing to make the investment. As I sit here a few hours later with my freshly cleaned and pain-​free mouth, I am so happy to have found my new dentist.

I haven’t been to a dentist in 7 years due to now having any insurance. Gateway Oaks was the first office I tried… As soon as I walked in for my first appointment, I was greeted and felt welcome. All of the staff here are very friendly and the facility is very clean and modern.
Today was my scariest appointment yet. I had 2 wisdom teeth extracted and 4 fillings replaced. I was very nervous, but the staff reassured me that Dr. Troang does a great job. During the procedure, Dr. Troang coached me through each new step and even informed me what it would feel like. I had an axing experience today and each time I have gone in here.
The staff are very easy to reach by phone, they always do follow-​up calls, appointment reminders and they have great promotions to encourage you to keep up on your oral hygiene.
I want to say thank you to Gofu for your persistence and excellent customer service. Thank you to Dr. Troang who did an outstanding job, and the assistant helping Dr. Troang today. I wouldn’t have been as brave as I was without your professionalism and kind words!
–Cassandra

I am so grateful to have found this dentist. From the moment I booked an appointment over the phone I felt like I mattered. I’ve never experienced a dentist office so personable and customer service oriented.
I thought I cracked a tooth so I needed to be seen asap. I had called my regular dentist but they could not fit me in till Monday so I thought I should try someplace else. I remember I had received a coupon in the mail several times so I decided to call. Luckily for me they were able to fit me in within the hour.
After my service today I am never going anywhere else. I highly recommend them.

No STARS!!! I’ve been shopping around for a dentist in Sacramento since my dentist is in the city of Stockton. I haven’t seen a dentist in approximately 3 years and I decided to go to Gateway Oaks Dentistry because of location and they are within network. Dr. Troung see very nice until she started assessing my teeth. Her recommendations was approximately $ 72,000. I was in complete shock! She asked me what was more important the money or my health. Of course everyone will agree your health is more important right. I told her that I am college student and I cannot afford that so she dropped it down to $ 38,000. I spent 1:15 minutes with her and she said that she needed payment upfront before performing any procedures. I asked her if I needed to pay something upfront now without any procedures performed, all she did was an assessment. She asked me to look around the office and she said that you are paying for my time. When did the dentist office become an auto shop where you had to pay for hourly labor charges. I didn’t like the way this dentist office made me feel. On top of that they charged my insurance $ 260 for an X-​ray and an assessment. Stay away from this place! All they care about is money.

I found this dentist just driving by. Very professional and the ladies at the front desk are very friendly and helpful!

ZERO STARS!!!
Worst Dentistry Staff EVER !!!
Completely rude to me on multiple occasions. Stay clear of this place. Would defiantly NEVER recommend to anyone. I accidentally Skipped their Appointment I had scheduled due to work. Tried charging me 50 $ ! Crazy! Told them that I feel like it’s wrong of them to charge me. And then they say that it’s rude of me for not showing up. Quit taking stuff like this to heart. I’m sorry I have work that I have to attend! Have called me multiple times to try and get me to pay my outstanding «bill». I’m a college student. Sorry I don’t have money to waste on stupid things like a dentist bill for not showing up. Things like this will make people not want to go to your dentist. Sorry if your hurting or whatever, that’s what it seems like but it’s not my problem. I’ve even told them to quit calling, they treat me like I’m just money, not personal or nice at all. Never go here. Sure the dentist herself is nice, but this staff is terrible not worth going.
Edit: keep calling my parents as well, so unprofessional

I had previously written an excellent review and still feel that Dr. Truong is a good dentist, however, the billing staff is extremely poor. I have had my insurance for a few years now and never have had any issue with estimates. However, the billing staff estimated me at $ 250 under what was estimated I would owe. My insurance regularly gives accurate estimates and I had already paid close to $ 400 for the previous visits. Now I unexpectedly over 2 months later received a bill for $ 250 more. Additionally, it was explained to me that the x-​rays would be free as a courtesy for the first visit as I was not due for them and I asked to transfer the x-​rays from my old dentist. Although I recognize that the insurance was billed for the six that would be covered and I am paying a percentage and fresh x-​rays are best it still is extremely disappointing to see any billing for them when I asked several times about the x-​rays and they were supposed to be free (hence none should be charged). Nothing was said of the six they billed – only that it was a free courtesy. I will be finding a new dentist and this is disappointing as I did like Dr. Truong but I simply cannot go somewhere that I cannot rely on to give accurate information and poor estimates. I realize they said that they are quoting the insurance but this is the first time I’ve ever seen any dentist office bill so far off. A bill for $ 250 unexpectedly arriving is distressing and the misinformation and blame placed on me for misunderstanding very clear statements of «free x-​rays» breaks my trust and respect for the establishment.

Staff are pleasant and willing to listen to concerns and answer questions. They are also very gentle and work with you and your idiosyncrasies. The office atmosphere is relaxing.

Very friendly, and very helpful. The staff answers questions very thoroughly. Never once had a problem with any visit I have had. They explain everything in a way you can understand. I recommend!

I called Gateway on a Friday because my tooth cracked. I was scheduled to see the dentist Monday afternoon. I have to say it was a super easy process from beginning to end. The staff was very friendly. I ended up needing a crown and Dr. Truong was very patient with me. She explained in great detail what was going to need to be done and used her iPad to illustrate and I thought that was fabulous. During the procedure she reminded me to breathe through my knows and kept telling me I was doing great. (I had more anxiety and nervousness than pain.) I appreciated that she stayed until after 6pm (office closed at 4) to make sure I got what I needed done.
I have a line of credit and the financial receptionist contacted them and was able to explain to me how it works and I did not have to worry about that and I really appreciated her calling and taking care of that so I could focus on what I needed to get done.
Overall my experience here was great. The office is clean and everyone is super friendly. And I can’t thank Dr. Truong and Gilbert for going the extra mile and working late for me.

Love it. The people there are nice and they know their stuff! When I get my appointment set and I know it’s the dentist and there’s usually a LONG waiting time, but NOT HERE, they know you have an appointment at 9, they will get you in at 9! Love that! Very busy scheduling appointments too and I don’t blame them! They’re awesome at what they do!

I have, personally, never had an issue with billing by Gateway Dental so I cannot attest to this issue that people seem to have.
What I do know is that – being the daughter of a retired dentist – I know when I am being seen by a dentist who is exceptionally competent, conscientiously economical and conservative for her patients (as opposed to most dentists, who are gang ho about drilling into your teeth at the first sign of wear so that they can get a bigger paycheck). Regardless of billing issues, which can be resolved (albiet aggravating), Dr. Truoung truly looks out for her patients’ dental welfare and financial wellbeing (rather than her own bottom line). I am fortunate enough to be able to take my Xrays to my dad and have him look at my teeth for a second opinion, not many others are as fortunate and so most people don’t know if they are being swindled into a greedy dentist.
Dr. Truoung is probably the best dentist I have been to outside of direct family and I could not recommend her more to patients – especially with the way insurance companies have failed to update their coverage for dental care since the 1950s.
The staff is very patient focused as well – I started nursing school and received a phone call a month after my cleaning from one of the hygienists asking me if I would be willing to talk to another patient of theirs who was interested in finding out about nursing school.
Pros: friendly staff, great dental care/​service, honest & economical
Cons: hygienists don’t seem to get that much time with the teeth cleaning so you might experience a less than thorough cleaning.

Best dental place ive been to the staff is great and friendly they do such great work reccomend everyone and anyone to go ull b pleased with the job they do

I have had nothing but pleasant visits with the staff and doctor. I’ve been a patient for almost two years and they always make me feel comfortable and well taken care of.

I am so upset with Gateway Dental, they called my mom and said it was time for her cleaning, My Mom is 81 years old and has stage 4 cancer, and has no concept of money… I was unable to take my mom in for her appointment so I arranged to have my Girlfriend take her for me, my mom is on a fixed income and has health net insurance. I figured they would charge her a 15.00 copayment, well when I got home from work I asked how her appointment went and I find that her debit card had been charged $ 310.00 .I spoke to the dentist the next day and she was completely un caring that my terminally I’ll mother couldn’t afford this money taken from her account. and she was very condescending to me .I examined the charge slip that they gave my mom and they billed her card before ever being in the chair, In my opinion this dentist is aCROOK and I will tell as many people about her as I can…

The ladies here at gateway dental are very nice and sweet. The service here is steller, soo good that i brought my son here here to get worked on. Thank you Ladies, you are the best! –Abram

Update: My son had his first dentist appointment with Dr. Truong recently. My wife went with him and from what she tells me they couldn’t have treated him any better. I’m very protective of my little boy, and I think that Gateway Dental is the only office in town I’d trust with my son.
Also, I had a dental emergency last week and they took care of me really well. Gateway Dental for the win!!!

I found the entire staff to be polite and caring as well as experienced and proficient. Dr. Truong went over exactly what my insurance would cover of any future procedures herself. I found her to be very upfront about what is going on with my teeth and she didn’t try to up sell every filling that could be done.
Being 6 months pregnant I had a blood pressure problem when my cleaning was started and almost passed out. The hygienist and doctor both took great care of me.
Don’t be scared away by the other two reviewers, this is not a shady business — just be responsible and check your insurance before you go to the dentist, or any doctor for that matter. I am guessing the previous reviewers weren’t very familiar with their insurance policies — it is easy (and your responsibility) to see if a dentist is in your network.

Fail. Fail. Fail.
The only reason why I went to Gateway Dental (which btw, used to be Borge/​Higgins Dentistry) was because I was a previous patient of Dr. HIggins and was lazy to find a new dentist. I had gone to Dr. Higgins in the past and never had any issues with his service or office. Then again, I don’t ever need any dental work beyond a cleaning. As Dr. Higgins said, «Damn, I can’t make any money off of you.» I will have to agree with CrapulentMoose who had first reviewed Borge Higgins before, Dr. Higgins came on pretty strong with the upsells.
Back to the new doctor, Dr. Truong and the rest of the crew at GD. So, I go to Dr. Truong to get my teeth cleaned. I had said that I had changed insurance carriers and employers so that information needed to be updated. Staff was friendly, teeth cleaning was great (although I kind of miss the old fashion way. The water pressure application was interesting.) got a pat on the back and went on my way.
Post teeth cleaning, I learned that my best friend had had a very strange experience at GD and that they kept on billing her directly for her exam even though it was all covered by her insurance. She called to straighten out the problem and they said, «Oh, our mistake, disregard it.» She thought that was the end of the problem. Months later, she is still being billed and was even sent a letter from collections! I’m sorry, but your billing needs to be on point. Here comes my problem…
I got a call from the office saying that there was a problem with my insurance. I responded with «Hmm, that’s strange. Re-​bill them.» Later on, I receive a bill from the dentist again. I called my insurance to find out what was going on and their response was that the dentist was «out of network». HAD I KNOWN THAT, I WOULDN’T HAVE BOTHERED TO GO. One would think that the office would tell you if they accept your current insurance right? I just feel that’s shady customer service. If I have dental insurance, why would I want to willingly pay you? Please! Unfortunately, I am not the kind of person who can just belligerently yell on the phone with customer service. I WISH I was like that. I mostly sound off like a pissed off parent right before they START to yell.
To sum up: Dental hygienists are fine and nice, office is clean and bright, but figure out your billing. Also, it would be nice if you would list what insurance you DO take on your website. Thanks.