James Saarman, DDS

Love this dental office very much! The staff are so loving, compassion and friendly. I am very impressed by all the work so far, very professional and attentive to details. (more later in a different review.) They may be a little expensive, but it is all worth it. Dr. Saarman and his assistant Jill always impressed me with their work. Dr. Saarman goes beyond the call of duty. He is the best and most compassionate dentist I ever had so far. I am so happy I found them, and highly recommend them to all my friends. And Valerie who runs the office is a treasure! In deep gratitude, Vivi

Dr. Saarman’s office is incredible. Really incredible. I am the worst patient: jumpy squeamish and I used to be a screamer. Not since going to Dr. Saarman. I can’t say enough about how wonderful the hygienist, Kim is. She is so patient, and so intuitive. She knows when to stop if she hits a sensitive tooth… amazing. I just had a cleaning this morning and they are so punctual and efficient. I’m so calm. FIRST for me in 10 years +
When I was unemployed with no insurance I was sure that this practice was more expensive than my old dentist in the city. I must have assumed that because it’s Marin. I did some research and it turns out I was wrong. Their price structure was matched to other dentists which I got in writing and this was at Valerie’s suggestion. I mean, seriously WHO would do that for a patient? I love that they have worked through my anxiety of going to a dentist. I was straight up with them about prices so I must say I am impressed how professionally they dealt with all that. I love being wrong in this case.
There is one thing I had a hard time with and that was seeing the super enlarged up close images of my mouth. I had never seen anything like that and it came with an explanation of all the preventative ideas Dr. Saarman had. I can see how off-​putting that might be to someone, but I’m big on preventative work as opposed to emergency repairs. JUST like my car.
As far as the rude comments by «patients» on this site, I find Unilocal kind of obnoxious when it comes to allowing just anyone to randomly post negative comments. I have seen this so many times when someone has said something negative but is either not a patient or ever visited a business. WHO knows who these people are? Friends of the competition? Just snarky in general ??
Creepy to see anything written like that about such a thorough, helpful and kind staff.
So guess what? You don’t pay extra for all the kindness extended at Dr. Saarman’s office. EVERYONE in that office ROCKS!
And lastly… My dentist in the city NEVER ever called to follow up or see how I was doing or ever ever remembered me even ONE day after I had been to see them after getting work done for hours. So the complaint from someone about the calls is just stupid. A dental practice is a business after all and it seems like if people can put off a dental appointment or get out of it they will. I see it as a positive that I get that reminder call to come in. Again, I believe in preventative so I get it.

Dr. Saarman and his staff are excellent — focused, caring, and highly skilled. They’ve managed my family’s dental care for the last 5 years and we’re all in good shape as a result. They’re also flexible on scheduling and accommodating even when it involves last-​minute changes.
This is a very friendly, family-​oriented practice and I highly recommend it.

I have gone to Dr. Saarman off and on for years when I needed something that required extra care and attention, such as removing amalgam fillings safely or making a mouth guard. There was a noticeable difference between his approach and the community dentist I went to in San Francisco.
I recently switched to him as my regular dentist because I needed several things done that required special care. Thus far I am pleased. He may be more expensive than my previous dentist but I appreciate that he questions the safety of the materials dentists routinely use and is interested in safer alternatives. few dentists think about that and the dental industry does very little testing of products. Dentistry differs from medicine in that regard.
He also put a crown on a front tooth and it looks very natural. I am pleased.

I have always had excellent, regular dental care, in San Francisco at 450 Sutter for 20 years before I moved to Marin.
Saarman’s office is an absolute joke of a practice – complete and total focus on up-​selling, anything and everything. First hint – when you have to see three people before you get your five minutes with the rock star dentist, and then another person to give you your «treatment $ plan.» I went for a cleaning, paid twice the average, and then immediately found another DDS with whom I am completely pleased. Not that hard in this affluent, educated community. Just do some research, and don’t bother with Saarman.
They even called me to ask why I wasn’t coming back – and I told them.

I recently moved to the area and a friend recommended Dr. Saarman. I had been having ongoing issues with a bulky crown done years prior at a clinic in Colorado. Not only was it hard to clean under it but apparently it caused serious gum pocketing and some bone loss. OMG! Bummer! Dr. Saarman replaced it with a beautiful, perfect fitting new crown. I can now keep the area clean and avoid further damage. Dr. Saarman is very knowledgeable, kind, caring and meticulous. His staff is awesome and well trained as well. I want my teeth to be around for as long as I am and totally appreciate the value of having high quality dental work. I learned my lesson!

This practice seems to have a huge priority on making money. They constantly recommend frequent and pricey visits, push $ 15 mouthwash, etc. They call, email and harass you to make an appt. I finally left to go to another dentist in San Anselmo and am much happier.
I have several friends who left this practice for the same reason. They are just too interested in your money.
Update: this dentist is now responding in a snotty way to negative Unilocal reviews, after trying to figure out exactly which ex-​patient left bad feedback! Wow, that is really creepy and revealing of his character. Way to use your staff — to research Unilocal reviewers. Check with your lawyer before writing libelous statements next time. Stay classy Dr.S. I don’t require a discount, just a dentist who is not lining his pockets at patient expense.

For the past 9 years Dr. Saarman has cared for my dental health, and he is the best dentist I’ve ever been to. His manner is calm and he always puts me at ease and takes the time to answer all of my questions. I used to experience moderate dental anxiety and it has completely disappeared since visiting his office.
Valerie and Marcia at the front desk are friendly and helpful, and always have a sunny attitude. :-)
The office is clean and modern with beautiful art and soothing unobtrusive music.
I’m always happy to recommend the office to friends and acquaintances.

Been with this dentist from the beginning of his practice and he is amazing, the staff is warm and office is homey but loaded with high tech equipment.
Does outstanding dental work!

Now in my 11^th year! What I like so much about Dr. Saarman, is his ‘patience with every patient’ kind of style. I never feel rushed. The work lasts. I’ve never gone back to have something fixed.
His focus is on the health of your teeth and gums for the long term. Healthy teeth and gums bring longer success for any dental issue. Think about that one. Longer Success. As I get older, I can truly appreciate that.
I would even go as far as saying that Dr. Saarman brings dental work to a higher level of consciousness. Wow! Did I just say that? Yup. I did. As I said in my last review over 3 years ago, your mouth deserves no less.

Dr. Saarman and his staff are exceptionally kind, professional, and helpful. The office is clean and inviting. The staff is friendly, knowledgable, and willing to work one on one with their patients. I especially appreciate that Dr. Saarman holds a holistic practice and has done extensive research to make sure that his patients use safe products. You won’t find a more sincere dentist office in Marin County than Dr. Saarman’s.

High tech gadgets, but they’re used to charge more, not because you need them. Though the dentistry is good, money is the top priority for this office.

Why of course they are friendly. For the huge amounts they charge for «preventative» dentistry is it any wonder they’re smiling. I went in for a routine cleaning with X rays, which cost $ 386. But the real shocker was the estimate of $ 1,200 to have a «deep cleaning» plus an additional $ 4,600 for preventative work even though I have no actual cavities or real issues. Just last year my previous dentist in Florida gave me clean bill of health. I went in for a cleaning with Dr. Saarman and almost got cleaned out. I’ll be going else where in the future.

Ok if you want to pay grip, then go here!!! The front desk people are very nice, the assistant is professional, as well as very clean! But I have never paid over $ 350 for dental work and I paid over $ 500 for fillings! WOW! I

It’s taken me a really long time, and lots of dentists in too many cities (San Francisco, San Rafael, Mill Valley, Fairfax, etc.) to find a dentist I liked as much as my childhood dentist (Dr. David Loder who is just too far away, in Walnut Creek). Finally, I have found him: Dr. Saarman is a wonderful dentist. He is nice guy, keeping my teeth looking great, his office is well-​run and pretty new, and all the hygienists I’ve met are awesome. Best of all, he is happy to bill my insurance and when things aren’t covered (seemingly inevitable with dental insurance these days), they’re at least reasonably priced. Three cheers for Dr. Saarman!