Cathrine Steinborn, DDS

Dr. Steinborn and her staff are very thorough and conscientious. They give excellent advice about improving dental hygiene without being pushy about it. Very no-​nonsense and reliable.

Dr. Steinborn is an extremely helpful dentist who focuses on prevention and being proactive. She has been my dentist for over ten years and I have always found her willing to take the time to help me understand what dental issues I am facing, what my options are, and how I can guard against the problems in the future. I am particularly anxious about invasive procedures and she has helped me create a plan to deal with my gum problems only using surgery as a last result.
Recently there was a break in at her office and the servers on which client files were stored were stolen. She reached out and explained what happened and also paid for me, as well as any other patients who were interested, to have credit protection to avoid incidences of fraud.

When I moved to Santa Clara I needed a new dentist, so I asked around at work, and it turns out most of my department goes to Dr. Steinborn and has for the past 20 years! After my first visit, I could see why. Her office runs on time, it’s super clean and friendly, I was offered numbing gel for my sensitive gums during my cleaning, I had my gums rated for the first time ever (so now I can easily track my progress from visit to visit), she clearly broke down the costs for what she recommended (what I’d pay vs. what my insurance covers), and she and her staff are just genuinely caring!
As for the reviews about the data theft. It was ironic, because Anthem had its data breached about a week after I got the letter from Dr. Steinborn, so I was already going to have to put extra protections on my data anyways. I think the physical theft of a server from an office is a pretty rare event, and at least it wasn’t hacked into via the internet. Could it have been encrypted? Probably. But in this day and age with so much of our info out there, it was bound to happen at some point. And for me, it happened twice in the span of a week! I’m sure in the future their office will take extra precautions to protect our data. In the mean time, I will absolutely remain a patient. I don’t think I’d find a dentist that I like this much anywhere else!

Dr. S. has utter diffidence towards her patients, with a lot of arrogance to boot. And this after you have been kept waiting to see her for at least one hour, at least every time I, my partner, or her children went.
My records, and those of my partner and her children, were stolen; I have been stunned to see how long it has taken Dr.S. to «address» the problem. In response to Ash T., she regrets «the inconvenience this unfortunate event has caused you.» Note that Dr. S. doesn’t assume responsibility (and of course it IS her fault), and dismisses it as an «inconvenience».
It is — for me — sadly lame for her to suggest we «Check [AllClear’s] Facebook page». Facebook itself is a security problem for some of us. For her to go on and pose as a vanguard of new security measures within local dental practices is comical. She clearly does not know squat about securing patient privacy, nor has demonstrated any genuine, substantive inclination to do so. Oh — she claims the title of DDS; no mention in her response to Ash of talking to medical doctors re security. So what is this? — lowest common denominator?
Steinborn also writes «Many large health care organizations do not encrypt patient data». Really??? None I have worked with professionally. I would love to see her list. So would the federal government.
As for her hands-​on dentistry: average. Yet I could never trust this person again. If she is so unaware of probabilities of patient-​record theft, just how good will her judgement calls be in dentistry? Clearly lousy.
Stay away, or abandon her if you are already there!

Went for a crown, having taken the day off work. Dentist got cross with me for not having my tooth pulled by a specialist when she hadn’t instructed me to. Ending up pulling tooth herself. Gave me no instructions for care when I left. (I was too out of it to ask.) When I called, the receptionist told me should would talk to the Dentist and call me back. When I didn’t hear back, I called and asked if the receptionist had consulted the dentist. She said, «About What?‘
Also a lot of trouble about billing. Told me procedure was covered by insurance when it wasn’t.

Dr Steinborn is amazing.
After my family’s dentist in Burlingame retired I made it my mission to find the best possible dentist. She exceeded my expectations. She’s extremely thorough and thoughtful. She’s done more to improve my family’s dentistry than I could have imagined. She’s also a great teacher. Any bad habits I picked up along the way she’s retrained my family to clean and care for our teeth the right way.
5 stars is NOT enough for this wonderful person.

The best dentist on the planet.
I had a difficult problem with a front tooth. Dr. Steinborn thought through the problems and explain the options available. The procedure was painless and the results spectacular. Dr. Steinborn is just a terrific dentist.

Dr. Steinborn took over my father-in-law’s dental practice in the 80’s. He was known worldwide for his work and he hand-​selected Dr. Steinborn after interviewing literally dozens of the most qualified young dentists graduating from the best dental schools in the country.
Dr. Steinborn lived up to every expectation he ever had of her. She is an amazing dentist with a passion for her profession. What’s more, every member of her staff equally talented. She has been my dentist since she took over the practice and my mouth has never been in better condition.
I couldn’t recommend her more highly.

Just yesterday. I went to Dr. Steinborn and had two crowns put on, Two! I was very apprehensive about this procedure as I, like most other people, do not take well to novocaine injections and drilling.
None the less, Dr. Steinborn and her staff put me at ease. First of all, Melanie, at her front desk helped me get wi fi on my ipad so that I could download some Pandora stations to relax me and drown out sounds. Then, she got me a big set of headphones and made sure that I had everything ready to be able to «endure» the long appointment. Dr. Steinborn spoke with me when I shared my nervousness and let me know that my fears were normal and that she would try to make things as comfortable as possible.
While I can’t say that having my mouth worked on for hours was comfortable, I can say this– there was no undue pain and there was alot of understanding.
Dr. Steinborn told me that due to the scope of work she had to do, I might be sore for a few days, but that has not been the case. I feel fine today. She also used something new with me that I requested, an injection after the dental work to take away the numbness sooner. It worked! Within about 4o minutes after the end of the appointment, I had no numbness. It usually takes 3 – 4 hours for numbness to go away when I have had novocaine before.
So thank you Dr. Steinborn. I still don’t like novocaine and drilling, but I do like you!

One of the most frustrating things in life is to find a great dentist or doctor. Dr. Steinborn is absolutely amazing. Her staff are extremely competent and Dr Steinborn is one of a kind. She’s very caring, very attentive, very skilled. She’s done lots of work for my daughters and wife and they all love her and her office, Melanie, Faye, Susan, Shayesta, they’re all wonderful. I had the same conservative dentist since early 90’s and before that only one other dentist who was also highly skilled and conservative. I would say Dr Steinborn is a notch above my previous two dentists. If I could give them 10 stars, they would more than deserve it for their warmth and customer service.

I called Dr. Steinborn’s office after leaving my previous dentist of 18 years. I was having the first major work done on my teeth and couldn’t get an explanation on what a crown was or why I needed one.
Melanie in the office helped me get in quickly, got all my records transferred over and then helped me make sure all the paperwork was done for a crown. I get emails reminding me of my appointment, everyone says good morning when I come in and asks how I’m doing.
Dr. Steinborn is a total Geek in a great way! She explained how to relax muscles for jaw clenching, she has digital xray equipment which is way cool. Laser imaging tools for tooth models instead of the goop that you choke on.
Faye the dental hygenist is a sweetie. I’ve been in for two cleanings and two appointments to get my crown.
This is a great office and would recommend to everyone!

I have been seeing Dr. Steinborn from 1999 – 2006 I left to find someone closer to my home. I saw 3 other dentists before running back. No other dentist came close to the professional, personal, highest quality service I received with Dr. Steinborn. She has a clean older office, but she has the latest and best dental equipment, the best materials. The office staff is always helpful and pleasant to deal with. She takes the time to make sure you understand every aspect of the dental service she suggests. She gives you options, and explains each one; she is painless, and carrying. You will not find a better dentist anywhere. If Unilocal had 10 stars that would not be enough.

Our whole family has seen Dr. Steinborn since 1992. She is very conscientious and scrupulously honest about what does and does not need to be done which is very important to us. Another thing I really like is that she and her dental hygienists are very careful and precise in their work so there is little or no pain – even with injections of novocaine. All the staff are calm and reassuring so our kids felt comfortable right from the beginning. She has provided great care to us, our young adult children, and my elderly mother-​in-​law. Highly recommended.

By far, Dr. Steinborn and her staff are the BEST!
(My children’s dentist Dr. Mednick and his staff are SO good, I asked them to refer me to an adult dentist. They referred Dr. Steinborn.)
Why do I LOVE Dr. Steinborn and her staff?
— Everyone is very professional and friendly. As soon as I come in, receptionist says hello and knows me by name.
— I have been there 5 times now and every appointment has started on time.
— Office, patient rooms and all equipment are IMMACULATE.
— Over the past 10 years, I’ve had 3 other dentists in the Bay Area and 1 in San Diego. Dr. Steinborn was the only one who noticed that I had decay underneath two old silver fillings. It probably helped that she had more technologically advanced equipment and was able to view the teeth from a microscopic-​type camera.
— Cleaning is THOROUGH and I was introduced to alternative methods of flossing because I had a busy lifestyle (mom of 3 and 4 year old). I was asked to bring in my electric toothbrushes and was given a demonstration of how to use them for maximum benefit. The health of my gums were measured on the first visit (never done before by any other dentist) and my gums have greatly improved over the year because of the brushing/​flossing/​rinsing methods they suggested.
— Dr. Steinborn went over my insurance benefits and discussed how to go about doing the dental procedures so that I can minimize out-​of-​pocket expenses, while at the same time providing input as to what’s best for my teeth health-​wise.
So happy we were referred to Dr. Steinborn!

I would avoid this dentist and staff. Why the others on here gave them 5 stars, not sure why? I got perio scaling and root planing for teeth and charged $ 488 for very poor job. I have have had better regular cleaning at normal cleaning rate. Do not get the peio scaling at this office. It’s a rip off. My sister works at dental office and she said it wasn’t real perio since they didn’t even numb me and I felt not a tingle of discomfort afterward. I tried getting them to lower price but Dr said it was a real perio cleaning and lack of feeling any pain or discomfort doesn’t mean not good job done. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I am use to feeling a little something after getting a regular cleaning. Total rip off. Take your business elsewhere and don’t trust what Dr tells you needs to be done. I also see posting here that she only take referrals. This is not true. I found her on Unilocal and went to her since other people gave her 5 stars. These other people must be fake. I feel sorry for young girl that «needed» a bunch of work done. Dentist lie people!!!

Dr. Catherine Steinborn and her staff take the yuck out of going to the dentist. The dental work I have had done in the last ten years at Dr. Steinborn’s office has been exceptional. From teeth cleaning to crowns I have always been given professional state of the art dental care. The newest technology I experienced in her office was digital photography, no more gummy molds for tooth impressions. One of my favorite parts of having Dr. Steinborn and her staff take care of my dental needs is that they are very particular about every aspect of the care I receive and patient comfort is a top priority. Both my husband and son see Dr. Steinborn and they get the same attention, so it is not just me.

We’re not as lucky as sharks that grows a new set of teeth every two week. With that said — it’s important to keep your teeth nice and clean.
This is where Dr. Catherine Steinborn and staff comes into the picture. Dentistry is not a day job for these folks — they are really passionate about their clients and the want them to have the healthiest teeth possible. They are not about giving the quick fix but providing information to their clients about what they can do to have a healthy lifestyle for healthy teeth.
In addition — this office is very well technologically equipped. With each check-​in, I sign off in their computer any health issues that has come up between visits. In addition, they’ve invested in their x-​ray machines. Being a paperless office, I get all my appointments sent to my email which is a bonus for me as I tend to lose scraps of paper.
With the thoroughness and care provided by Dr. Steinborn, I can feel good about going to the dentist knowing that I am doing something great for my teeth and health.

I have been going to Dr. Steinborn and her hygienest Faye for years. I trust them completely, they take great care of my teeth and have taught me tips for self-​care that have made my dental health the best it’s ever been. They are kind, gentle, and friendly. And I love the cool nature videos.

Unlike most people out there, i’m one of those crazy people who completely don’t mind the dentist. So I’ve never had a problem getting needles in my mouth, fillings, extractions (even a root canal was pretty good). So maybe I’m a bad person to grade a dentist, or maybe I’ve just always had good dentists. Regardless, I have to say my favorite dentist I’ve ever been to is Dr. Steinborn.
So first things first, Dr. Steinborn’s office only takes new clients by referral. So if you are looking for a dentist and want to make this fabulous dentist yours, you’re going to need to know someone who is fortunate enough to have her as their dentist.
The office itself is pretty small, but it makes it feel very comfortable and inviting, rather than cold and impersonal. The staff always knows your name and I’ve never had to wait in the waiting room for more than 5 minutes (even when I get there early). Dr. Steinborn is a wonderfully personal woman who is easy to talk to and is fantastic at explaining everything to you. As the other reviewer said, her office is very understanding of financial issues and has worked with me for 2 years to right years of neglect (Something I’ll never do again). She’s helped to maximize my dental insurance coverage and minimize my out of pocket expenses.
So if you are lucky enough to get a referral to Dr. Steinborn, please go for it. Her and her staff are amazing.

Dr. Steinborn and her staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Located in a small office in Santa Clara, they all greet you by name when you first walk in (which surprised me when they did it, because it had been months since I had been there last) and make you feel comfortable right away.
Dr. Steinborn is also very understanding when it comes to financial issues. I have a lot of work to be done (the result of going four years in college without going to a dentist. .. oops, my bad), but I’m a broke law student whose insurance doesn’t pay for a whole lot. Dr. Steinborn was willing to work with me on what work was urgent and payment options. Unlike some other dentists I’ve gone to, she wasn’t interested in just selling me on cosmetic procedures (braces that I don’t really need? teeth whitening? caps?) to make money. She honestly cared about the health of my teeth and acted more like a friendly, concerned relative in determining what needed to be done, which I really appreciated.
I would highly recommend Dr. Steinborn to anyone in Santa Clara who’s looking for a good, professional, and caring dentist.