James A McDowell, DDS

Dr. Daniel Scott also sees patients at Tamal Family Dentistry. He’s charming, smart, and clearly passionate and thoughtful about his work.
The newly remodeled office at 4^th and E Street is well-​appointed, soothing and immaculate. Exams are transparent and informative, not just because they take the time to talk to you, but also because there’s new technology to illustrate what’s going on with your teeth. There’s even massage chairs when you’re getting a cleaning.
The front desk staff are also really patient and helpful. They made my insurance coverage and costs clear without having to be asked, and the cost of my filling was totally reasonable. Not once have I felt rushed or brushed aside like I am elsewhere. They worked hard to get my x-​rays from my stubborn and disorganized previous dentist, calling his office repeatedly for two weeks rather than make me get a new set (which might have been easier and more profitable for them, but would have sucked for me.)
I can’t recommend Dr. Scott and the staff at Tamal Family Dentistry highly enough. The professionalism, courtesy, and just plain down to earth realness and respect for their patients is all too rare these days, and I’m grateful for their example.

I have been a patient of Dr. McDowell’s for over 16 years now. His staff is amazing and they really care about their patients’ experiences. They go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and make sure to explain every step of their care. Taren is my favorite hygienist– she is so gentle with your mouth and gums! Their staff runs on time and are always really friendly to me. They truly make having dental work done a nice experience, which is not easy to do! I have 100% faith in Dr. McDowell. He has always been very straight-​forward with me and my husband in our dental care, and I always feel that he has gone out of his way to explain what is needed and why. Their practice is THE BEST, and I would never consider going anywhere else!

Dr. McDowell has chosen amazing employees, his dental assistants, office staff, ALL are very compassionate and listen well. It’s a really wonderful office!

Dr James McDowell is the best dentist our family has ever had. We have come here for 5 years since we came over from the UK. He is so kind and thorough and we are always welcomed by the lovely staff. It makes a huge difference that the children don’t mind coming to see the dentist the ceiling TV’s and massage chairs help greatly ! Terri our hygienist is so gentle but again thorough and caring. It’s like a spa day going to our dentist !!! I cannot recommend them highly enough — on site parking is a total bonus. We came here initially as so many people had recommended him.

I have been seeing Dr. McDowell since 2008. He was located on 5^th street, and he just moved locations.
When I met Dr. McDowell, I had to get 6 crown replaced, they were all done somewhere else and weren’t done right. He was so kind, gentle, and made sure that I understood everything along the way.
In addition to those crowns, I have also received a dental implant from Dr. McDowell. An implant is a bigger procedure, and he knew that I was nervous and scared about it. He made sure to explain every step of the procedure, made sure I understood what was going to happen. That made all of the difference in my experience.
I am a grinder, and a clencher, so I have had some cracked crowns because of this. When that happened, I was able to get into Dr. McDowell’s schedule asap, and be seen by him. That makes all the difference to know that you will be taken care of by your dentist.
This week I had to get another crown replaced, and I saw Dr. McDowell in his new fabulous office, which is very customer focused. He has huge televisions on the ceilings for your enjoyment, massage chairs, pillows for your neck, and blankets.
His whole staff makes sure you are comfortable from the moment you check in to the moment you check out.

Our mouths are classic repositories for all kinds of bacteria introduced by our gastronomical aspirations and traits. In time, naturally, our teeth become endangered artifacts, in need of constant conservation. No startling wonder, when it comes to making an archaeological analysis of our teeth, we intimately entrust that task to dentists and hygienists rather than to friends, neighbors or next of kin.
For very many years, Dr. James McDowell has been the custodian and curator of my endangered teeth aka artifacts. However, some three years ago while travelling in Argentina, an upper, decaying tooth, broke off while I was relishing an empanada. The manager of the hotel I was staying in referred me to a local dentist, highly recommended and located conveniently a block away. In examining the broken tooth, the Argentine dentist noted another decaying tooth that similarly begged for a crown. His quote for the two zirconium crowns was astoundingly tantamount to a Safeway deal: ‘Buy one, get the second one free’!
As it wasn’t a situation of emergency, I had the option of getting the work done with Dr. McDowell upon my return. However, mesmerized by the Argentine dentist’s quote, I opted to bypass Dr. McDowell and go for the economic appeal. Did I get ahead? No. Duh!
Moral: For every new dentist you experiment with, you risk sending a tooth or two to the dental morgue. Therefore, if you have found a good dentist (Dr. McDowell) and hygienist (Sheila), remain devoted to them. If their services do not broaden your smile, at least, it will spare you from mouthing off a halitotic review.

We’re a family of 5 (children ages 9, 7, and 5) and have been patients of Dr. McDowell for several years now. All three of our kids have been seeing him since they were old enough to hold their first toothbrush. We are consistently pleased with the professionalism and care he and his colleagues offer. Since they’ve moved to their new location on 4^th Street under the name Tamal Vista Family Dentistry, the quality of the experience has remained top notch with the added benefits of a beautiful, comfortable, state-​of-​the-​art facility. My kids actually look forward to coming for their dental appointments. They love their hygienists, enjoy watching kids’ shows on the screens above their examination chairs and of course can’t wait to choose a prize from the overflowing treasure chest. ;)
I’m sorry to read about the experience of the reviewer below who felt that Dr. McDowell overdiagnosed her several times. I can only speak for myself when I say that has not been our experience. Without dental insurance, we pay out of pocket for each and every procedure so we have every reason to be prudent about whom we depend on for diagnoses. We have complete trust in Dr. McDowell, Dr. Scott and his entire staff and look forward to many more years of their dental care.

Dr. McDowell has been our family dentist for almost 10 years. I remember when I first moved to Marin and someone recommended Tamal Vista Family Dentistry. It was a blessing to fall into their hands. Dr. McDowell and his staff are the most caring, attentive practitioners you will find anywhere. Not to mention, his office is completely modern, with state-​of-​the art equipment. The first time I walked in to their old office 10 years ago, I thought «Wow, this is even better than any dentist’s office in the city!» I had a more involved procedure, and he provided me with headphones and an iPod loaded with music, and the assistant kept a reassuring hand on my shoulder. I always feel confident that I am getting the best care in his expert hands. It has also been a pleasure to see his wonderful, kind and exceptional team of hygienists over the years. Their NEW office is even more modern and beautiful, and includes flat screen tv’s on the ceiling (so you can watch programs during lengthy procedures). My children have been so happy there. They have never dreaded a visit. I definitely give Dr. McDowell, Dr. Scott and the entire staff at Tamal Vista Family Dentistry my highest recommendation.