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Dr. Bergen James & Dr. Dorris Lin-Song
Category: Health and Medical Dentists Pediatric Dentists Pediatric Dentists [Edit]
1 Parker Ave(between California St & Euclid Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94118
Neighborhood: Laurel Heights
(415) 668-3500
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
About This Business:
We offer single visit CEREC crowns in-office and take home teeth whitening, implant restoration, and tooth colored fillings. We have aided many fearful… read more »
30 reviews for Dr. Bergen James & Dr. Dorris Lin-Song
30 reviews in English
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Review from Nettie A.
San Francisco, CA
12/23/2011
My kids love going to the dentist because they love this place. Really nice and helpful staff, great doctors and lots of little dogs running around to the delight of my three children. We have been very happy.
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Review from Chubby W.
San Francisco, CA
7/8/2011
Our kids have been going here for about 6 years and we have only positive things to say about this place. Sure you have to "pin" the little ones down if they are squirmy - but what's the big deal. I had to pin them down at home to brush too.
My 4 year old broke her tooth on a Sunday and Dr. Lin-Song agreed to see her right away that day to inspect it. They extracted it soon thereafter. Her advice was very practical and to the point. -
Review from Chantilly L.
San Francisco, CA
6/23/2011
I took my son in for his first-ever dental check-up with Dr. Lin-Song. It was a disaster. I found her attitude toward my preschool aged son to be arrogant and insensitive ("Are we going to do this the baby way or the big kid way?") -- keep in mind, this was his first ever dental visit! After the appointment, which involved having her hygienists pin him down, she said to me: "Don't worry about the behavior." My son's behavior or hers, I wondered? Needless to say, we haven't been back, and my son learned to fear the dentist that day.
We have, however, done better at KidSmiles. -
Review from E S.
San Francisco, CA
11/10/2011
I have been taking my kids here for years. They primarily see Drs Lin-Song and Yu, and that is fine with me. Dr James is fine counting teeth, but if she has to deal with a kid on a more serious note concerning pain or discomfort - she is seriously lacking in compassion.
When my son was 6 he developed a cavity and was given the sealant. That involves securing the tooth in a vice-like device. My son, who never cried getting shots, blood drawn or even stitches in his chin, was in so much pain from the vice that he began to cry a little. Dr James chastised him for acting like a baby. I spoke up in his defense and said that he does not cry or make a fuss about these types of things so he must really be in pain. Sure enough when she was through, he was bleeding profusely from this wound in his gum. No word from Dr James. I'll never have her do work on my kids again. Dr Yu, on the other hand, was great with them. Lin-Song was fine but last time I was there I waited for her for over an hour. We went through an entire Disney movie. And there was only one other patient in the office. I really wanted to give them 3 1/2 stars for the brutality and long wait. -
Review from Barbara P.
San Francisco, CA
8/27/2009
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). -
Review from Keeva L.
San Francisco, CA
7/5/2008
when my son cracked his front tooth with a baseball bat on a Saturday afternoon, Dr. Lin met us at the office in ten minutes. she calmed him down and put some stuff in his mouth that made his tooth look just fine.
enough said! -
Review from matthew r.
San Francisco, CA
9/13/2011
We took our son out of the practice years ago because we thought they were doing too many x-rays. Recently we had a friend who had to take their son to the emergency room for an abscess and sepsis due to a misdiagnosis at the office. There are plenty of good dentists in the neighborhood. I would not take my kids to this practice.
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Review from Korina D.
San Francisco, CA
3/24/2009
The Staff here is soo nice and welcoming.
I come here to get my teeth cleaned and
have a check up sometime. And the dog there
is soo cute! -
Review from Tracie P.
San Bruno, CA
10/2/2007
We travel from San Bruno to get our teeth taken care of here. All 3 kids love it. I have never been pushed to buy floride gel.....but then again we had not had too many cavities. We drink tap water. Did you know kids that don't drink tap water get more cavities. I think there is flouride in Tap water. So if you don't drink tap water, you may here a recommendation to supplement.
She is a great dentist and I hear her new partner is too. UCSF educated = top notch. Your kids will love taking care of their teeth here. -
Review from annie s.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2010
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.
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Review from Cindy H.
San Francisco, CA
5/2/2011
Overall I'm very happy with this practice - I've brought both my 5 year old and 3 year old sons here. I've had a really great experience with my 5 year old. He had 2 cavities, and the dentists and hygienists were really expert at handling it (quickly zipping away the needle under his chin so that he couldn't see it, using the right terms to explain things so that it didn't sound scary, while still actually EXPLAINING things and not treating him like he didn't exist). On the other hand, my then-2 year old screamed the whole time and I'm not sure there was anything the staff could have done to calm him down.
Two gripes: one is that the dentists never introduce themselves. And two: I'm sure I'm in the minority, but I feel as if a dog in the dentists' office is kind of un-hygienic. Would rather keep him far away from the dental equipment. -
Review from Margarita B.
Menlo Park, CA
4/11/2011
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! -
Review from t l a.
Oakland, CA
7/29/2011
We used to live in SF, but now travel from Oakland to see Dr. James. She's practical, informative, and careful about not taking drastic actions when a "wait and see" attitude could be helpful. One of our kids has an extra set of perfmanent front teeth (yes, really. it's genetic.) Dr. James could have sent us to an oral surgeon right away, but by waiting, we found that one of the extra teeth could be taken out in her office, without more drastic surgery.
We do NOT like the insurance policy, which requires upfront payment, and a wait for our insuror to reimburse us (and they are not on our PPO list, so we only get 80 percent, but that's our decision.) We understand it, though. They managed to make the experience of dentistry pleasant for our kids, with diversionary video, games, and a toy after the visit, and they try to give kids some control over the experience with choice of tooth polish and flouride flavors. -
Review from Phanna M.
Pleasanton, CA
11/28/2011
I don't understand all the bad reviews here, because my children and I absolutely love this place. My son is 3 years old and has been coming here for over a year, and I've never experienced another doctor put so much patience and care with her patients as Dr. Doris Lin-Song has. She made my son feel so comfortable, that he never cries at his appointments and always cooperates with Dr. Lin-Song without hesitation. They have cute and friendly dogs that the kids can take photos with, and play childrens movies on screens that are on the walls and on the ceiling (your kids can actually watch movies while being reclined and worked on!!!). The staff are professional and friendly, the facility is clean, and there is a large selection of toys to keep the kids busy in the waiting room. Its the patient care that keeps me coming back all the way across the bay, because you won't find another first class practice like this one.
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Review from Carole M.
San Francisco, CA
10/22/2009
My kids have had 100% positive experiences with Dr. James and Dr. Lin-Song. Yes, they are expensive, and you have to pay out of pocket, but they take care of the insurance paperwork for reimbursement.
My daughter has been going to Dr. James for over five years. She's had fillings for a couple of cavities. Dr. James is gentle and very patient with her. I credit Dr. James with getting her to finally give up her pacifier. Now she loves going to the dentist. My son's first ever check-up with Dr. Lin-Song went so smoothly, I couldn't believe it. Dr. Lin-Song is especially good with littler kids.
The office is totally tricked out with video monitors, toys, and two dogs-in-residence. The staff is kind and great with kids. -
Review from Agnieszka T.
Brooklyn, NY
9/12/2010
The stars are for really nice staff that does wonderful job cleaning the teeth.
What I don't like is that Dr. James did notice the cavity that my daughter had. I noticed it right after her check up, went to another doctor and he saw it as well (without me mentioning it). Another thing I did not like is the approach to wait out cavities. I cannot believe I was persuaded to do nothing about my daughter's cavities between top front teeth. A month after check up we had to extract them and she will be teeth less for 2-3 years.
I also don't like that they don't take insurance and you have to pay up front. They help submit all the forms for the reimbursement, but who remembers to check if they got the money from the insurance company back.
Overall, I think there are better options in San Francisco. -
Review from Nicholas P.
San Francisco, CA
9/9/2008
She is absolutely horrible and she charges ridiculous fees. I went there several times and it is torture. She also charges hundreds for check ups. I don't see why these other people like her. I guess she just attracts the snooty pacific heights crowd. Ughhh
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Review from fred a.
San Francisco, CA
11/9/2009
Took our 3 year old there a couple of times - both where hell. Both dentist and hygienist were in a hurry, rude, and obnoxious. Both tried to bully my daughter into doing stuff ("do you want to do this the baby way or the big girl way?") and didn't seem to have the slightest clue of basic child psychology. I would personally stay away from these guys, especially if your child gets scared easily.
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Review from stephany m.
San Francisco, CA
10/6/2008
Love the staff and Dr. James. She is upfront and no-nonsense, but is very nice with the kids. Everyone from the front desk to the teeth cleaning assistants are fantastic. I also love that it is dog friendly! My boys love it here!
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Review from S.B.N.S. I.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2009 1 photo
Everyone was fantastic! I already had a great feeling about this office when I made the initial appointment. The receptionist was so friendly when I called, at the end she even ask if there is anything else I would like the staff to know about my child! Our appointment was with Dr. James, and I can highly recommend her.
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Review from DC D.
Brisbane, CA
9/9/2007
This pediatric dental office is one of the better ones in SF. They occupy the kids with DVDs, video games, flavored floss and toothpaste etc...(the usual stuff)
My only complaint is Bergen James (a lady) continuously try to sell us the fluoride gel. I told her I'm not getting the fluoride gel for my kids. She turned around and starting using scare tactics like "do you want your kids to get cavitities..."
You can only get the fluoride gel at their office and they sell it for $15 a bottle (expensive for a 4.3oz bottle!!). According to Bergen James, the fluoride gel helps to prevent cavities. The kids brushes on this gel at night and let it stay on the teeth for the entire night. Kids are not suppose to swallow it. However, we're talking kids here. I'm sure they'll swallow some of it during the night....or what if they drink some water in the middle of the night and swallow the whole dosage!!
I did some research on fluoride gel on the internet. Their's a a website called http://www.checnet.org. Fluoride in low does help to protect the enamel. However in high does, fluoride is toxic. Excessive ingestion of fluoride can cause bone fragility and tenderness. Long term exposure can lead to bone disease. The EPA said that kids under 9 years old should not ingest more than 2mg/L of fluoride.
I find Bergen James irresponsible to push the fluoride gel to unsuspecting parents by using scare tactics (e.g. to prevent cavities). I bet the $15 goes straight to their bottom line.
FYI. I'm a 30 something year old mother. I've never used fluoride gel in my life and I have no cavities at all!! I rinse my mouth after each meal and brush twice daily and floss at night. That's it!! Simple enough!!
Parents, don't let Bergen James push you into buying the fluoride gel. I think kids get enough fluoride from drinking water. There's no need to put more chemicals into our kids' body. -
Review from Kim S.
San Francisco, CA
11/13/2008
We seriously LOVE Dr. Bergen James and her wonderful staff. We have been coming to Dr. James since my daughter was 1 1/2 years old and she is now almost three. Every time we go, she actually has a GREAT time. The staff is so nice, fun, friendly and makes the experience enjoyable for both the kids and the parents. They also have all the goodies like stickers, toys, etc to reward kids for "good behavior". My daughter was given a special teddy bear when they heard she gave up her binky! You can feel great about bringing your children here!
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Review from H M.
San Francisco, CA
4/8/2011
Yes, the place has video games, trinkets from the $1 store to make kids feel special, a big chalk board, and even a great front desk. That's why they get two stars. BUT for the fees that they are charging their patients....it is SOOOO not worth it at all! My new pediatrician knows my kids name without having to look at a chart. They offer the same frills that this practice offer, my kids love them, and there is parking! Unless your ins plan pays 100% for everything and with no copays, don't see why you would go to this practice really???
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Review from Megan L.
Mill Valley, CA
6/3/2010
We have been going to Dr. James since my first son was 2 years old (he is now 11). We love her and all of the kind and friendly staff. It is hard to get an appointment because she is so popular, but definitely worth the wait. She has done fillings, extractions, and basic maintenance for all three of our children. Now that we are moving to the East Coast, I hope we can find someone we trust as much as we trust Dr. James!
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Review from Keri V.
San Francisco, CA
8/25/2008
My kids are 11 and 12 and have been going to Dr. James since they were 2 years old. They love her and look forward to getting their teeth cleaned. She is fun and energetic and knows her stuff. The office is efficient and designed with making kids feel good about going to the dentist. I recommend her to anyone looking for a great dentist who loves kids.
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Review from Renee R.
San Francisco, CA
11/25/2008
I can't imagine a better dentist for my little guys. Nice people.
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Review from Jim K.
San Francisco, CA
2/18/2010
12-year old daughter needed 4 baby teeth removed to make room for adult teeth and let her braces work as they should. She was hugely nervous about this (and who wouldn't be). Dr. Lin-Song and her staff did a remarkable job throughout the visit. She started by explaining to my daughter in clear, simple, and non-scary terms what was going to happen, and she reassured her at every step along the way. The entire procedure was quick, painless, and relatively stress free for my daughter. It is clear that Dr. Lin-Song is highly experienced in working with kids. I was particularly impressed with her use of language to make things that might be scary to kids sound harmless. "Laughing gas" is "happy air" and "pulling your tooth" is "wiggle your tooth out." I couldn't be more pleased with the entire experience.
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Review from neil a.
San Francisco, CA
10/20/2009
these people were high in price & window dressing...low in service and attention to detail. Poor follow through on requests for files & past xrays. Mostly the price was crazy high & they did nothing to deserve that. I was hoping the very kid friendly environment would help get my kids off to a good start, but I got better service at the UOP dental cloinic in pac hts...they have a pediatric dept.
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Review from Jiga M.
San Francisco, CA
11/2/2009
I can't believe people actually like this place. I was lured by the idea of the dog, thinking it would help my daughter. I brought my then 1.5 year old daughter there and they basically tortured her, pinning her down to check her and clean her teeth. I thought maybe that was the only way, but then I started to go to Dr. David Rothman. My daughter loves it. And so does my son. He is 1.5 now, and the difference is amazing. He cried for about 30 seconds from the fear of a stranger, and then after that, he was engaged and enthralled. No tears. 2 happy kids.
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Review from Karen P.
San Francisco, CA
12/16/2009
I'm just about to leave this practice. Both my kids have been going there for the past 5 years or so. Each time my kids hate this place. I don't feel I've gotten enough feedback from them regarding their dental care. My daughter, who is 7, has only had xrays done one time, nearly 2 years ago. I think this is more of a machine rather than a personal dental office. Hopefully, the next office we go to will be a better experience for the kids and us.
