Doris Lin-Song, DDS, Inc

My entire extended family have been seeing Dr. Lin-​Song and associates for many years. My niece and nephew was at this practice until they aged out.
We were seeing another practice because our dental insurance did not cover this office. However, once we got a different insurance, we switched over to Dr. Lin-Song’s office.
My kids love coming to Dr. Lin-Song’s office. It is a friendly environment and pro kid. We’ve seen every dentist in the practice and we can vouch that every one is competent and good with children. If you want to schedule an appointment sooner rather than later, my advice is for you to be open about who the attending dds is. However, if you’re fixated on a certain dds on staff, then that decreases your scheduling options.
Front office staff is nice and they’ve gone out of their way to fix whatever insurance billing issues that cropped up.
Big plus: they open on certain Saturday’s. I don’t like my kids missing school or leaving early so the option of a Saturday appointment is great!

Have you ever been fired by your dentist? This happened to my family of three children. When it happened my husband suggested I send photos of the three girls to Doris Ling Song so she could alert her front desk to not appoint them in case they tried to sneak in under an assumed name. My husband and I are the Guardians of Wards of the Court. Not to give away my age I am on Medicare, my husband close to Social Security. We often refuse X-​rays, my children are 16, 14, 12 and the 16 yr. old just had a «tiny» cavity… not even requiring a shot! On her last exam it was suggested she have sealants on her permanent molars and the «Tiny filling». We were given a treatment plan and we had to save for it. We could not get an appointment when we finally had funds and it had exceed Doris Ling Song’ s 6 month bandwidth. When I brought my daughter into the appointment that could finally meet her schedule and the dentist I was told unless I paid $ 130.00 for an exam she would not receive treatment. I agreed to the «muscle» and I paid the bill. I felt threatened by her and I have experience in the Dental Industry. I don’t know of another dentist who would do sealants and not run an explorer over the tooth before performing the procedure and free of charge. Also, what I found off putting while waiting in the waiting room, the dentist’s of the practice, are lauding their «contribution» to dentistry in a foreign country while asking their patients to contribute. No mention of the contributors!

Do not go to this dental office! I took my youngest child 4 times before his fourth birthday and they sent me away with a perfect teeth cleaning. One day after noticing a dark spot on one of his lower teeth, I stopped in and had Dr. James look at his teeth. Nothing! Everything looks fine! No problem I was told. After leaving, I actually walked back inside to make sure that we were looking at the same thing, and was told AGAIN, it was totally fine. When I brought him in again because I could see shadows while brushing his teeth, they decided to finally take xrays and then I was told that he had 10 CAVITIES. YES 10! Then they actually made me feel as if it was my fault, even though he had been brought to them for regular check up 4 times. He ended up at UCSF, under general anesthesia having to deal with 5 root canals, crowns and fillings. They never called to follow up on him or find out how he was doing. This practice was horribly incompetent and I would never bring another child to them for dental care. I am not a person that often goes out of my way to write a negative review but this was so beyond what is considered the basic medical/​dental standard that I find it appalling that this was allowed to happen to my child.

All I can say is my kids love going to the dentist. That is huge!

Yesterday I experienced another amazing experience with your office. My son was complaining of a toothache. I called your office to come in and after explaining the symptoms, was able to get in within a few hours. Turns out that he had a small infection and Dr. Lin-​Song, treated him immediately. The whole process was impeccable– such lovely care. My nine year old was in pain and a little scared — and Dr. Lin-​Song spoke to him in a calm, caring tone. Informing him of what she was doing, in ways that he understood. His pain subsided and he is happy and painfree today. Thank you Dr. Lin –Song and Lidia for an incredible dental experience for my son. You are the best. I would refer any dear friend to your office. In addition, the entire team demonstrates this same exceptional care and attitude. It is in the office DNA to be responsive, helpful, and resolution oriented. Thank you with heartfelt gratitude!

I have been taking the 3 kids to 1 Parker since I moved to SF in 2001. My son just turned 14 and is 6 ft tall! I though for sure he had aged out of the perfect pediatric dentist… but alas… he has not! They are wonderful. They have been cleaning his teeth for the last 13 years. They always stress preventative (brush and floss versus drill & fill). Believe in keeping the tooth structure in tact (don’t drill unless absolutely necessary). Explain everything. including costs of future care so there is no surprises!
My fav is Dr. Doris Lin-​Song. She has sons herself and gets the issues around parenting your kids and getting them to brush and floss! (Especially when they are 6ft tall and you can no longer sit on them).

Going to the dentist has always been very difficult for my son and I. Our son suffers from severe sensory issues amongst other things. Annemarie was a true angel. She allowed our son to play the part of being the dentist before she ever even touched him. She knew right away that our son was facing issues that made it difficult for him to sit and have his teeth cleaned. Her approach and understanding of our sons condition was a breath of fresh air. Not only did we leave he dentist office w clean sparkly teeth we left w ith out any tears. That brief connection I had with Annemarie and her understanding of the difficulties we were about to face will always stay with me. Thank you Annemarie for your caring and understanding. You are an angel.
Rose and Grant

A couple days before Xmas my 17 month old boy got most but not all of his front tooth knocked on a Sunday night and was bleeding profusely. I called several pediatric dentists (16) at 8pm on the emergency lines and only 1 called me back (Dr McFaul) at 11:45pm. I had managed to get my question answered by my dentist who calmed me down and asked us to bring our son by before we left to the airport the next day. Dr Song’s service refused to even put me through stating they only take calls from current patients for legal reasons. This even though our Pediatrician’s office refers toddlers to them when they’re old enough unfortunately he was too young to have previously seen a dentist.
The next day our Pediatrician called to check on our son and I told them what happened. They called Dr Song’s office furious about our sons treatment and soon after we got a call back offering to set up an appointment in 10 days — for an emergency!
Luckily my dentist said he’d take a look as we were leaving o go to the airport as we were flying to see his Grandma for Xmas but were also very concerned. We were told there was part still inside and that we should see a pediatric dentist or oral surgeon he tried many but they were gone for Xmas break.
So I called Dr McFaul who tried several as well and get this — he actually asked us to come by and he’d come downstairs to our car and examine Buddy in his carseat so we could make our flight! We did stop by Dr McFaul examined him and said he thought it would be fine but followed up with several emails on pediatric dentist in Colorado where we we visiting and on his health. He even offered to facetime to look at the area if we were concerned — AND HE WASN’T even our sons dentist.
Needless to say he IS NOW!

Friendly doctors and staff, fun waiting area, very accommodating. My kids clamor to see the dentist, despite having to undergo a couple difficult procedures.

As always, the BEST! The first time we came in, 5 years ago, it was an emergency and we never looked back. From checkups to our first filling last week, these ladies are the best Dentists.

I did some research and it was between Dr. Rothman and this place. I also looked at Kidsmile (a strong recommendation from family). I wanted someone who went to a reputable dental school (e.g. UCSF) and ²⁄₃ of these dentists did. The other one went to a school in CO. Also this place has a dog or maybe two. We didn’t see them when we were there though. But if you’re allergic this might not be the best place.
We’ve been to dentists before, but I needed one closer to home as the one I took my son to was in Oakland and we live in SF. As much as I love my Oakland dentist, I needed one that was just pediatric-​focused and closer to home.
Prior to our visit, I called several times to get the run down on insurance, appt times, etc. I’m subtracting one star because they are not in network and they make you pay out of pocket and wait for the reimbursement. However they do handle the claim and you just get your check. It would have been nice if I didn’t have to deal with that though. With an active toddler and an almost 8m pregnant belly who has time to go the bank?
When you walk into the practice, it looks very clean. There’s a big chalkboard so the kids can draw, there’s a toy chest, there’s a (Paul Frank!) table so the kiddies can sit if they want. We didn’t wait too long. Maybe 15 min. But that was enough time for my son to get acclimated to this new place. Also, by the way he’s 2.5years old.
We get called in, my son is scared to walk into the little room. He stops. I have to carry him in and sit with him in the chair. But the hygienist is pretty friendly. She puts the cars movie on (my son loves cars) and there are two monitors, one in front and one installed on the ceiling. The room is very kid friendly, very colorful, there are stuffed animals around (with a full set of teeth), etc. The hygienist also starts giving my son «presents» that he can choose from. He chose dinosaur stickers, a blue timer, an Eeyore toothbrush, and maybe some other things. This made him comfortable but I still had to hold him.
Now came time for the exam… they put this purple dye (it was red in my day) to stain plaque. Of course my son is not going to let anyone put something in his mouth. The hygienist was really patient saying it won’t hurt and let him stick out a fingernail to «paint» his nail. He then let her put it in her mouth and showed me any problem areas. Lucky for my son his teeth looked great (thanks to his ultrasonic toothbrush and flossing).
The Dentist came in and of course (new stranger!) he was scared. But she answered my (long list) questions and was very patient. I did have to hold him down just a little, but I don’t mind. I held my son down, upside down, etc when I first started brushing his teeth. She sang the ABCs while she examined and counted his teeth. He relaxed a bit after she looked at my teeth and we sang the ABCs together.
We were supposed to do a flouride treatment but that wasn’t happening, maybe next time.

If you are looking for a excellent dentist for your child. This is the place to go to! My son has been going to this office since he was 6 and now he is 15 he totally loves going to the dentist to get his cleaning and checkups. The staff and dentist are just super kind and willing to help with your needs. My son fell and smashed his front teeth into the side walk. I called the office after going to the ER around 2pm and they told me not to worry and had me bring him in the same day to check his teeth for damage. We got there around 4pm and they took x-​rays and fixed they chips in his front teeth right there and then. They didn’t make him come back to get the work done. The wait time from your given appointment time is none to 15 minutes tops! Even when we walked in with his emergency we waited no longer than 10 minutes before he was called back and being attended too. These two dentists are the best you’re going to get. So stop reading my post and call them. You won’t be disappointed. They are a dynamic duel with a fantastic team!

Dr. Lin-​Song had us in today for some follow-​up work for our kids. With One Parker, the process (a cavity and some preventive work to fill in gaps in the teeth) was easy and fun. Before they did their work, they used our child’s finger nail to explain the steps and the level of pressure he would be feeling, etc. When he asked questions along the way, needed anything, they attended to him instantly, answering his questions in a child-​friendly and comforting way, etc, etc. I was so impressed to watch their technical skill mesh with their priority of making kids calm and comfortable.
I also wanted to mention that Dr. Lin-​Song went way beyond the call of duty. One of my kids had a mark on the lip (a mole) that was getting larger over time. She suggested we see a plastic surgeon who had worked on her own child. Dr. Miranda did a great job and we are relieved to have it done and have it looking so good. I feel that Dr. Lin acted like a friend/​family member, helping us think through a question that was important to us. We had been asking other professionals along the way, but didn’t get resolution. With her, we did!

I called Dr. Lin-​Song with an emergency. It was the 4^th of July weekend, and there was NO ONE who would help me. Her office was amazing and got me in. My grandson was visiting me, he lives overseas. There was no way he was, or would be a patient of Dr. Lin-​Songs. She didn’t care about that, She just wanted to help this child who was in pain, and needed to see an dentist immediately. She saw him first thing in the morning, as an emergency. She wasn’t even seeing her own patients that day. She, and her staff were terrific, friendly, and helpful, and as it turned out spent over 2 hours with us. He had to have his tooth extracted, and she was AMAZING. She had a fabulous way of comforting, and reassuring my grandson, and made it a really wonderful experience for us both.
I only wish Dr. Lin-​Song would take ME (an adult), as a patient. I have never met a woman, or a doctor with as much compassion, and professionalism as Dr. Lin-​Song. I am so thankful to her, and the entire office staff for helping us. In this day and age, it’s rare to find someone who would go to those lengths to accommodate a regular patient, yet alone a «stranger».
I can not say enough about what a great experience this was.
Gail P.
San Francisco

I wish I had had a dental experience like this when I was growing up in NYC in the 60’s. I was tipped off about this practice from a friend with 3 kids and was lucky enough to get in 10 years ago. My kids LOVE coming here. The dentists are terrific and the staff is warm and helpful. My daughter is super duper easy but my son hates to brush his teeth (still at 12) and was a very uncooperative toddler and youth in the chair. The chocolate toothpaste was critical to world peace in my house for 5 – 6 years.
When my son has a bleeding molar, they find a spot to see him right away. This practice is highly patient and family oriented, super vigilent about teaching good practices and habits to the children (and I have picked up a few tips too),
I don’t understand the negative reviews but then maybe I am more grateful than some moms… and need less attention. It is all about the kids. That their waiting room keeps the kids happy and busy while they wait is brilliant and a huge plus.

We’ve now seen Dr. James twice and Dr. Lin-​Song once, and all experiences have been just fine. The staff is friendly and nice, if a bit engaged in their own conversations behind the desk, and the dentists are professional and matter-​of-​fact, if not particularly warm & fuzzy. I guess they leave the warm & fuzzy to the practice doggies, who entertain my son and (mostly) keep out of the way otherwise.
We might leave the practice because they’re out of network, but they do do the insurance billing for us, so I suspect the older reviews may have forced the office to change its procedures on having patients’ parents pay out of pocket up front.
Best feature: the good snacks vs. bad snacks list they give you on your first visit, which we taped to our fridge and our son knows by heart now. Hurrah for guidance!

I seriously don’t understand all the negative reviews. But then again, I don’t have Pottery Barn Kids magazine ready, amazingly well behaved children who have pearly white teeth and can sit in a dentist chair without prompting and brush their teeth for 5 minutes each and every night without bribing of some sort. I must be raising some sort of Lord of the Flies type human.
I digress.
I have two very rambunctious little boys who have been going to OneParker since they had chompers. Dr Lin-​Song is awesome with them. Yeah, so what if she asks if they’re going to be good boys at their appointment or not? I tell them to be good boys all the time. Aren’t we supposed to teach them manners? She keeps them in check. We all need that every once in a while.
The practice itself is great, with lots of things to keep kids entertained. Going to the dentist is daunting. For adults and children alike. Might as well have plenty of distractions to keep them happy before their appointment.
We love the staff. So friendly and professional. They’re great with kids… although I guess you kinda have to be since it’s a pediatric dental practice… ;)
We also drive alllll the way from the east bay to this practice. Worth every dang minute in traffic.
Now off to take my kids to see Dr Lin-Song…they’re actually excited about it!
IMAGINE THAT.

Amazing staff. One of my children has sever anxiety issues and they the office always dealt with my son in the most gentle manner.
They save my son’s teeth many times over with timely treatment. My sons love going to the dentist!

This place is awful. They pinned down my 1.5 year old child to clean her teeth. she was terrorized, and i decided then and there that i was not going to bring her back. we are at kidsmiles now, and LOVE it.

Hmmm…
We have been bringing both of our kids to Dr. Lin-​Song since they were about 6 months old and I have to say, I give them mixed reviews. On the one hand, the staff really knows what kids like. The lobby is well stocked with toys and books, they have a small resident dog named Snowball who visits, kids’ movies are playing while your kids are having their teeth cleaned, etc. They are pretty good at teaching your kids the importance of brushing and showing them the proper way to do so.
On the other hand, for the service they provide, their fees are exorbitant! Every time we go in (6 months), we get hit with a $ 300-​$ 400 bill – and that is not including x-​rays! Our kids have not had any cavities, so why are they so dang expensive? Another thing is that we’ve had dental assistants who seem to talk to our kids as if they were babies «Here comes the whirly motor!» to my 7 y/​o. Rather than, «I’m going to polish your teeth now, please sit still». Of course, maybe it’s just me rolling my eye a bit.
Parking is also always a challenge (not their fault, of course).