On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Dr. Rahbar is an amazing dentist. She makes you feel at home, has a clear love for her work, and explains everything along the way. You feel a part of the process. (Plus, she told me I have no cavities. That makes me happy. 20 years and running cavity free.)
Her staff is also wonderful. The folks at the front of the office are very helpful. And her hygienist is enthusiastic, fun, and will answer any question you throw at her. Want to talk floss? Mouthwash? She's your gal. (Ask her about overseas travel too.)
What else... you get appointment reminders by e-mail. Oh! And the dentist chair is a massage chair! How amazingly chichi is that?
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I had a great visit with Dr. Rahbar the first time I went to her for a check up and cleaning.
However, on my second visit, she was nowhere to be seen and I had a painful cleaning with the dental hygienist (can't remember her name). I have sensitive receding gums and so asked for the topical anesthetic. I then had to double check with the hygienist to make sure she put some on my upper front gums, the most sensitive of all (she hadn't). The pain continued and she finally had to stop using the ultrasound cleaning device and scrape away at my teeth manually.
I left the office feeling exhausted and in pain. Hence 4 stars instead of 5. Here's hoping Dr. Rahbar will be present at my next appointment and she'll do the cleaning herself.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
A good dentist is probably one of the most important things to find in your area. No one likes going to the dentist, ever. It's never going to be a fully pleasant experience, but Dr. Rahbar's office does a fantastic job of making it as comfortable and relaxing as possible.
Dr. Rahbar and all of her staff that I've encountered all seem like they legitimately care about my teeth, and my health, taking extra time to do all that they can. I've gotten a very motherly, comforting feel from both Dr. Rahbar and the woman who has been handling my teeth cleanings and predontal exams.
They take all the time to walk you through everything, every step of the way, and keep you fully aware of what's going on with your teeth, what they are doing, and what you need to do to rectify any future problems.
Can't recommend them enough.
Since leaving Colorado, and later graduating from college, I've lived in fear of dentists. (See my review of Dr. Diane Murakami for the full story.)
So when a friend recommended Dr. Rahbar, I was skeptical. I went for an exam a few weeks ago, and presented all my questions and fears, and highlighted some recent traumatic experiences. Both Dr. Rahbar and her hygienists/assistants were all shocked and appalled by what I'd experienced, and their reaction confirmed they were good people. Dr. Rahbar then took the time to explain to me that dentistry on the East Coast is different than on the West Coast, in that East Coast schools tend to train their dentists to be more cautious, whereas West Coast schools (Dr. Rahbar attended UCLA) tend to train their dentists to be more proactive and progressive, and to act early should they see a potential cavity. I really appreciated hearing this comparison, especially considering one of the reviews on Yelp below where someone went to see their dentist back East, who had a different opinion than Dr. Rahbar on her potential cavities... I think the thing to keep in mind is that when to act on cavities is subjective, and it's where the art comes in.
In fact, just yesterday, Dr. Rahbar explained to me that the reason she had to drill on 2 cavities yesterday and do the 2 fillings was b/c my cavities had progressed to the second layer on my teeth. (Seems logical to me, given my dentist in DC had given me a watch on these areas a year ago, and Dr. Murakami had mentioned it in January '08.) Then, instead of drilling on additional teeth, Dr. Rahbar put a watch on 4 potential cavities, since they are only in the first layer; and given my new extreme flossing/gargling/flouride routine, they have a hope of repairing themselves. I appreciate that Dr. Rahbar explained all this to me, and she doesn't jump the gun on drilling and filling. I also appreciate her genuine concern and pleas for me to floss every, single day. (I'm now flossing twice a day - every time I brush my teeth - just to be sure.)
So, back to the West Coast vs. East Coast. Dr. Rahbar said she was in the middle of the 2 coastal schools of thought - she would rather not drill into my beautiful teeth (loved the compliment :) ), but if she had to, she would, and she would rather act earlier than later. I appreciate Dr. Rahbar explaining her approach and technique, and for answering all my questions.
As to performing the fillings, given I've now had experience with 3 dentists doing them, I thought Dr. Rahbar's fillings were by far the best. To start, she applied lip balm, and I totally appreciated this since your lips always get so dry whenever dental work is performed. Then, she gave me a bite block to keep my mouth open at the right angle (smart invention), and a cheek guard so my cheek wouldn't get poked (genius! why do no other dentists use these?). Dr. Rahbar also used these wooden wedges to ensure the outer tooth structure stayed in-tact, and that only the middle was filled. Again, this was a new concept, as the DC dentist did not use this device, and therefore I had a hard time flossing around the rough cavity, and the floss would get stuck. Plus, unlike the DC dentist, Dr. Rahbar made a very smooth filling after buffing and polishing, and it was smooth when I left (I didn't have to return to have this done, like I did in DC). And if I do have any problems - for any reason - Dr. Rahbar said to come back and she'd polish, or do whatever necessary, to make the filling better. Dr. Rahbar also answered some other questions I had about the filling - and I appreciated that she took the time to explain things to me so I would get it. I really like to know what's going on with anything medical/dental, and since I have no background in it, I like doctors/dentists who explain things.
To top it off, Dr. Rahbar has a very sweet, friendly personality, as do all of her staff.
My experience with Dr. Rahbar has been mixed so far, but in spite of it all, there are enough positive elements to keep me coming back, and I still recommend her practice to my friends.
The staff definitely tries their best, and I trust that they mean well, although I've had the misfortune of being charged significantly more at the end of every visit versus what I was told to expect before I went in, largely due to miscommunications about insurance.
The dental hygenist, Denise, couldn't be a sweeter lady, and she's very considerate and attentive and sooo pleasant to chat with. I don't think her cleanings are necessarily more painful than anyone else's like Vanessa S. said, but then again, I've never received a cleaning from Dr. Rahbar, so I can't compare.
In fact, I've only spoken with Dr Rahbar for about 2 minutes in spite of a total of four visits, so I can't even remember what she looked like (although I recall being suprised at how pretty she was!). What I do remember about her was her kindness and intense commitment to ensuring all visits are as pleasant as possible.
However, outside of that one short conversation at the end of my first visit, I never saw or spoke with Dr. Rahbar again. I guess that's one area where I'd like to see improvement. Perhaps she's gotten so popular that she doesn't have time to see every patient (and that's a good sign, right?)--and I certainly have no complaints about receiving cleanings from Denise--but it'd be nice to get some one-on-one time with the resident dentist every once in a while so I can shake the suspicion of my being a second-tier patient. I came on Yelp to see if there were others who had this experience, but so far, it seems like I'm in the minority, which only makes me feel worse! =/
A few other notes: they only charged me $10 (which was to cover their own cost) for prescription toothpaste that normally retails for $40! And I never leave the office without bagful of sample floss/toothpaste/toothbrush, which is nice. They're also extremely prompt with their appointments; I rarely sit for a minute or two before getting called in. And everything about the office screams ultra modern and sophisticated. =)
Dr. Rahbar and her staff are absolutely amazing! The reviews on YELP did not lie! I immediately made an appointment and received the best care ever. (beats dr. armini= dont go to him at citident!)
Dr. Rahbar is an honest, caring and helpful dentist. I feel very confident in the care I am receiving and she always works with her patients to figure out finances. She is absolutely amazing. Not only that, but after each visit she will sit with you and go through your insurance plan and let you know how much you have left over.
Also- her deep cleaning hygenist is awesome!!! I left the office with a nice polished grill and a new attitude!
Very supporting staff.
This place makes you want to have a cavity just so you can go back.
The best place for your teeth and your buck.
Have fun!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
What is it with this town? I keep running into money hungry, dishonest dentists. Dr. Rahbar is NOT one of these dentists. After being told that I needed 4 cavities filled, as well as periodontal work from my old dentist, I decided to seek a second opinion. I turned to Yelp, and found Dr. Rahbar. She informed me that I didn't need any of the suggested work done. In short, she is FABULOUS! Sweet, honest, and best of all, she really loves what she does. You can tell...it just shines through.
Her staff was extremely nice, and the office is great, and in a convenient location. I'm so happy that I finally found a great dentist. It's been rough going.
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Going to a dentist is not fun, but I had a very positive experience at Dr. Rahbar's. She is very caring and takes time to talk to you, explain what kind of treatment and options you have.The office is very organized, bright and has massage chairs! The staff were nice and friendly. You also get appointment reminders by email.
I found her on Yelp and went because of good reviews. No cavities! Yay! and she was nice enough to compliment on my good brushing and flossing practice. This was very nice because I've been intimidated and threatened by some dentists in the past.
She recommended me that I replace my front crowns... which are old and looking ugly. I still need to get my teeth color measured at the lab, and I will soon!
She didn't pressure me into anything and was very helpful with giving me a treatment plan, which gave me a good idea of how much I need to pay out of pocket.
I've already recommended her to my coworkers and boyfriend!
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
I've had a hard time with dentists since I moved to San Francisco. I really enjoyed my first appointment with Dr. Rahbar, and felt like I finally got it down. This last time, though, Dr. Rahbar didn't even acknowledge me, which is weird (but then again, I'm a small town girl, spoiled with amazing service), and the cleaning done by the tech was pretty painful. We'll see how it goes next time, though - no plans on trying to change it up just yet.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
I absolutely love this entire office--everyone was absolutely nice, friendly and best of all--extremely good at what they do. The xray technician did several xrays and didn't finish until she thought the xrays were perfect! The cleaning technician actually gave me some sunglasses to make sure I didn't get sprayed while she was cleaning! A first, ever for me. And then Dr. Rahbar was super nice and really easy to talk to. I'm actually talking her up to all of my friends and I've never done that for a dentist before. Change your dentist to Dr. Rahbar now!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
I've been a patient of Dr Rahbar's for over 4 years now and it just dawned on me that I hadn't written a Yelp review.
I first started going to Dr. R when she was with Dr. Shariat (whom I never met). I instantly fell in love with Dr. R's bedside manner. She was gentle, friendly and most importantly an amazing dentist! And she never laughed at me when I'd cry. I'm officially the biggest baby when it comes to anything dental.
When she left Dr Shariat's office they told me that she had moved out of the BLEEPIN' country! I was very disappointed and began seeing a different dentist. That is until I happened upon her info on my company's health webpage. I was SOO excited. Not only had she not moved to some foreign land (those lying swines) but she had also started her own awesome practice!!!
Her office is amazing, her staff rox and Dr. R...well...she is truly a dental angel all composite NO amalgam!!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Great dentist and staff. My wife loves the freebies. and I do too. They care alot about their patients. Dr. Rahbar explained everything and provided a good plan to ensure good dental health
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Like Pablo D., I've been meaning to review Dr. Rahbar for a while now--I've been her patient for about a year--but just haven't gotten around to it. When I heard from my sister (who I referred to Dr. Rahbar, and who has since referred everyone at her office) about this horrible review she got, I had to register and write.
I cannot stress enough how kind, helpful, and professional Dr. Rahbar and all of her staff have been on every visit I've had there. (And I'm getting Invisalign work done, so I'm there a lot!) I hesitate to write this, bcs I don't want people to take advantage of her generosity, but I am a grad student (read: very far from well-off), and she has made accommodations for my financial situation, and has NEVER bugged me about carryover balances that my insurance has taken a while to pay off. (No, she does not charge interest.) Which is to say, I cannot IMAGINE this woman being a cold manipulative mercenary.
I also cannot believe she called someone in a state of "fury." I can see her shocked, yes, and hurt, and bewildered, and passionate even about wanting to know what happened so that such a review could have gotten written. But infuriated? Perhaps one woman's passion is another woman's fury. Fine, I can see that. But I don't believe she'd ever be rude or disrespectful to someone (not that I'm saying that's what Lisa A. is saying, but I want to be clear about any connotations "infuriated" might carry).
Anyway, I don't want to be solely reactionary here. I have never been to a health services professional, much less a dentist, that I trust and like so much. She is so amazingly nice, is very very informative (she always explains what she's doing or planning to do and why), and always checks in with me about my comfort during procedures. The first time I went, I was sheepish--as always--about the fact that I hadn't seen a dentist in YEARS and hardly ever floss, and blah blah blah. And she was so sweet about it that when she urged me to floss it seemed like she was telling me bcs she cared about me so much and wanted me to have a healthy mouth! :D (Usually I brace myself for the punitive scare tactics that make me feel all embarrassed and filthy.) Paola, the former office manager, was always so welcoming, and Nicolas, the current OM, is also very nice and professional (in addition to being excellent eye candy!).
in the past year, Dr. Rahbar's practice has exploded, so I'm not sure she need the promotion--I'm finding it harder to get an appt whenever I want it--but she certainly deserves it!!!
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
I have been a patient of Dr Rahbar's for the last 9 months. I have always wanted to write a review here but for some reason I just kept postponing it.
When I saw Lisa A's review this morning, I just COULD NOT BELIEVE what I was reading!!!!!!!
When I first came to this office I was experiencing a little discomfort, which was a little weird since I had seen my regular dentist 3 months before and apparently everything was good.
Dr Rahbar did and exam and told me that I had 5 cavities. Not only she told me about them, she also showed me the x-rays so that I could actually see for myself. And I DID SEE them for myself.
At that time I did not have dental insurance and my treatment would cost over $1700. Her office manager offered me a 6 months payment plan which I didn't finish yet due to my financial situation. They have always been very understanding and patient about this and I never received any kind of late payment notice or late payment fee or ANYTHING. So, it's really annoying to hear this woman talking about someone "looking to make money". How ignorant can someone be to write something like that??????????
I referred all of my friends to this office and they were all thrilled with the professionalism and kindness of Dr Rahbar.
Just look at the rest of the reviews...
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
I'm actually just returning from an appointment there. I have now found a dentist I will go to with a smile on my face! Every one there was super sweet, super informative and awesomely nice. Also, I know this sounds bad but I've never really been taught the *right* way to floss. I always just thought you just flossed in between your teeth. NAY! You're actually supposed to go down in to your gums. Her hygienist showed me how to floss without making me feel like a dunce and I'm eternally grateful for it!
This sounds so weird but that stuff they put on your teeth to polish them actually tastes like Andes Candies. I actually had to stop myself from swallowing it. Weird, I know but I appreciate the little things!
People thought this was:
Funny (2)
Dr. Rahbar is amazing. She is the epitome of grace and professionalism, and her staff (most especially Paula and Nick) reflect her dedication, warmth and intelligence with lots more of the same. Competent people who are also gracious? Awesome. Getting dental work without crying? Double awesome.
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I like to be thrifty, and moreover, my income more or less demands it. When it comes to meals, I like 'em under $5. When it comes to clothes--well, I don't really buy clothes until my old duds start to look like Akaky Akakievich's old overcoat. That's why I struggled with the decision to go to the dentist. I would wake up in the middle of the night, startled awake by nightmares in which money-hungry dentists, bedecked in white lab coats and robber baron top hats, pulled out my teeth while their assistants pulled out bills from my wallet. To comfort my psyche, I would carefully polish my millions of unspent pennies. Later, feeling better, I would fall asleep clutching fistfuls of my hard-earned cash, fancying myself something of a Charlton Heston for underpaid working students everywhere: "from my cold, dead hands."
After a while, however, I got to thinking. I had visible cavities. My gums weren't doing so well. My teeth hadn't been cleaned since I was seven. I made up my mind; I would go to the dentist. So I purchased a discount dental plan for $80 (a great deal for those of you who, like me, can't afford real insurance), saw that Dr. Rahbar not only accepted my cheap-o dental plan, but also had a good reputation, and booked an appointment.
And I must admit, dental work is expensive--even with a dental discount plan--but Dr. Rahbar makes it worth every penny. She's super nice, she tells you what she's doing while she's poking around in your mouth (she even let me watch with a mirror as she drilled out a beast of a cavity in my tooth), she seems genuinely excited about her job (her actual words: "Oh, I'm so happy! We're getting so many pieces out today." Pieces of what? Tartar, I think. Gross, I know. Perhaps she's gagging underneath her surgical mask, but her eyes don't reveal any qualms with her patients' nasty mouths; what a pro!), she numbs your mouth to high heaven, she cares about the flavor of her numbing gel, and she even went over the prices of everything with me before we agreed on a plan of action for my long-neglected teeth (which soothed my penny-pinching soul, somewhat).
As for the office, it's very clean, tastefully decorated, pleasantly warm, and staffed with very friendly people. And, yes, it's true: Dr. Rahbar's office has massage chairs. After years of sliding-scale clinics, private practice comes as something of a shock to my system--albeit a pleasant shock. That said, if you're in need of dental care after a long hiatus, but you're hesitant because of the price, consider Dr. Rahbar. She'll make it worth your while.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
Dr. Rahbar is the best dentist I have ever been to hands down.
I read the reviews before I went to her and thought this should be nice. I never expected someone so kind, patient, and considerate as Dr. Rahbar.
She always keep my comfort a high priority during the entire visit. Any questions that I asked she fully explained the answer and even brought me to the computer to see what the price would be. She asked me to please floss but didn't make me feel like I was a bad person for not doing it like other dentist have.
It was the X-ray's girl first day and she couldn't get it right. So I spent 30 minutes doing X-rays and still need to get them over. Yet like the rest of the staff she was very nice and apologetic.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
yes! they are super-cool! In all my life I have alwayz lived in dental offices coz of my teeth but this place is far the best!!!
Actually my thought are super-clear only by sitting in that chair!!! Believe me! Everything is claer about life..until i leave the office! Maybe I should go back every day!!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I've been with Dr. Rahbar for a few years now, and I originally came in with a HUGE fear of dentists due to some nasty nasty work that had happened to me. It took awhile, but she restored my faith in having a dentist and the staff always was upbeat and worked with me in whatever my needs were.
I LOVE MY DENTIST.
How many people can say that?
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
I found Dr. Rahbar through yelp. I have had a few unpleasant experiences with dentists who seemed to overcharge or try to get me to fill cavities I didnt have, etc. I have really bad teeth and although I have seen many dentists over the last 8 years I had not had any dental work done due to poor dental insurance and sketchy dishonest dentists all telling me conflicting information.
As you can imagine my fears were at a height and all I really wanted was an honest and compassionate dentist. Seems simple enough but hard to find.
We recently moved to SF and after reading the reviews I decided to check out Dr Rahbar. Thank you so much Yelpers! She is truly amazing and compassionate. Not only did she not make me feel like a complete jerk for having terrible teeth, she was very caring. It is almost like she recognized that I didnt want bad teeth.
Her office is nice, conveniently located and I felt her prices were amazingly reasonable. I have seen quite a few dentists (without getting work done) over the past 8 years and the prices have been scandalous. She gave me all the information up front about pricing and what to expect and how she could work with me with things that might not be covered by insurance. I felt she was extremely honest - gave me options. I also felt she was very encouraging.
I have gone in for three appointments so far. The first was really great it was just exam and review with Dr Rahbar.
The second was a deep periodontal cleaning with Belinda, she is truly amazing. I don't do pain well and i am jumpy, and my teeth are really bad. She did a great job helping me through everything didnt go too fast and really paid attention to detail. I could see a change in my gums immediately.
The third appointment was a little disappointing, I went with Destiny who was also very nice and trying hard just like the rest of the amazing people there, and probably she would have been okay for someone whose teeth are not as bad as mine. She is the reason for the deduction of 1 star. I felt the cleaning was not as good as Bellinda's, my teeth didn't look or feel as smooth, and my gums didnt look happier so to speak - it was great compared to my experiences with other offices, but compared to Bellinda (who is really really good) it wasn't as good. Also, she didnt allow me time to breathe in between so a few times I was choking on the water. Other than that she was very caring, and a nice lady. Also she numbed my mouth before putting the Novicaine in, and I think she may have waited too long because I could really feel the needle and it hurt so bad I was crying.
Needless to say, I requested Bellinda for my next cleaning.
Dr. Rahbar does not even deserve one star. On the surface my visit to her office was "perfect" - immaculate, modern, friendly staff. She is professional and sounds knowledgeable. After my exam she pronounced that I had 16 cavities, all due to chronic dry mouth, and that they would need to be filled. I asked how long they could wait and if I could schedule them later. (I didn't tell her that my dental insurance was expiring the next day.) She explained that she would divide them over 4 appointments. Within a week, I received an invoice for $0, which means that my insurance had paid every penny she wanted - great insurance. About a month later when I went back East, I visited my family dentist whom we've been going to for over 30 years and whom we trust. He did an exam, said I did not have a single cavity and that she was a dishonest dentist and just looking to make money on my good insurance. I trust this guy more than most people - because he has no reason to cheat us.
Truth be told, if I didn't have another dentist, I would have gone ahead with Rahbar's plan - I would then have 16 fillings and she would have thousands of dollars in her pocket.
Dishonest, deceptive, and person who takes advantage of others. ALWAYS get a second opinion!
UPDATE: 2/27/08
A few days ago I received a yelp message from this dentist. She is infuriated that I would write a poor review and accuse her of being dishonest. I wish I could take away the one star for lack of professionalism.
There a few more things I want to say - when I read a yelp page and see one very critical review among other very positive ones, I question if the "one star" person is bitter or has a personal grudge against the restaurant/bar/medical practice/etc.
We all have a specialty in life. When it comes to receiving service for something we don't know much about (dentistry for instance) its easy to be comforted by a clean, nice office and kind staff. One time I was told by a doctor that I needed relatively major surgery - he urged me to get not just a second opinion, but a third, before I made my decision. I think this showed his professionalism and confidence in his own diagnosis. Feel welcome to go to this dentist, but if she tells you you need to have a significant amount of dental work done, do yourself a favor and get a second opinion - if only for your peace of mind.
As soon as my insurance will pay for it, I intend to go seek a third opinion and give Rahbar the benefit of the doubt. For now, however, I doubt.
Pablo, I appreciate what you are saying. Rahbar showed me my "cavities" as well but I never spent a day in dentistry school (and I doubt you did either) and I wouldn't be able to tell the right side of my mouth from the left.
The thing I love about Yelp is that we can agree to disagree and make our decisions based on the collective reviews. I'm not criticizing anyone else's reviews, so can we keep it from getting personal? Thanks in advance.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (1)
I agree with the other yelpers. Dr. Rahbar is the best dentist ever. I went there because she was close to work and got a good yelp review. It's the first time I've gone to a place thinking "okay, evaluate this place for yelp."
The Staff-friendly, knowledgeable and quick. The receptionist was responsive and made sure I knew they'd be right with me. The dental assistant (Sean I believe) was great. He always explained things before he did it and let me know that he'd be right back or that he was getting Dr. Rahbar.
And then there is Dr. Rahbar...she's soo awesome. She shows you pictures so you know what she's talking about. She's always asking how you're doing while she's rooting around in your mouth. She's honest when you ask her if the flouride paste she wants you to use is gross :) She isn't condescending like other dentists when you tell her you rarely floss. She just laughs a bit and says "I know..but you need to more. Please try." :)
Cleanliness - I felt like I could eat off the floor. Everything was soo clean and shiny. They hid the x-ray machine in this little cabinet too. I liked how it looked so clean and things organized.
I'd let her poke around my mouth anyday!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
NARRATIVE
For the first time in over a decade I have an employer that offers dental insurance. The staff highly praised Dr. Rahbar when I asked for a recommendation, "She has a massage chair."
A massage chair? This I had to see.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Gelareh Rahbar, D.D.S
Rahbar Dentistry PC
133 Kearny St
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 986-7100
Phone: (415) 648-1047
URL: http://www.rahbardenti...
HOURS:
6 Days a week.
Mon-Fri 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sat 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
PRICE RANGE
Dr. Rahbar is extremely clear with supporting you in getting the best dental care and helping you receive it within the boundaries of your insurance and budget. She offers interest-free installments for those procedures that perhaps require a little budgeting.
SUMMARY
Three months ago I came into employment with a visionary organization that offers dental insurance to its employees. I took the revolutionary step to make an appointment last week and at 8:30 pm spoke with Dr. Rahbar who was amazingly gracious and soothed any fears and shame I had about not having been to a dentist in so long.
She took my insurance information and asked me a few questions about my general dental health. We agreed upon and appointment time for Boxing Day, finished our pleasantries and ended our conversation.
I let go of the anxiety about visiting a dentist and began looking forward to my visit.
Yesterday I headed to my 1 pm appointment on the MUNI line, got off at the Montgomery stop and walked to Dr. Rahbar's Kearny Street office.
It's nestled among along a busy street housing the Gap and restaurants busy with a lunch time, financial district crowd. I found the building and suite easily.
In I walked to a lovely neat waiting room and I was greeted with joy, as if I was a friend who's visit was anticipated.
Dr. Rahbar's assistant and office manager were on vacation so she played the role of both. She offered me a clipboard for me to fill out my information and apologized to be short-staffed. She is a gracious hostess. Absolutely amazing and wonderful.
A few moments later she "switched roles" and invited me in to the examination room where she introduced me to her associate: Dr. Z.
I was led to a chair, laid down and nubs began to slowly massage my upper back. I squealed with delight...this was the famous massage chair my coworkers had raved about. It was a lovely touch.
On to the xrays (which are taken digitally). Sure, that is always awkward biting and drooling uncontrollably. My brain wandered to think about the world's most beautiful people receiving dental work and then wandered back when it was done.
A few minutes later we were reviewing my teeth and gums' health (rather well, I must say!), the state of my wisdom teeth, next steps for dental care, and cosmetic concerns.
Next was as thorough a cleaning I've had in years. The only difference to previous experiences was the application of a gum-numbing gel which allowed for the rotating, squealing tools to come close to my gum line without my needing to slide out of the chair. I closed my eyes and felt pressure on my teeth, but staved off any anticipatory pain.
My teeth were polished in no time at all. A little hole was filled in my front top incisor. My appointment was done, I received a fabulous goodie bag and left absolutely giddy, running my tongue along my newly polished teeth!
SERVICE
EXCELLENT. Dr. Rahbar and associates are the most gracious dental professionals I have ever experienced. My experience was joyful and empowering!
REST ROOMS
Men's room is on the same floor as the office. Women's room is one flight of stairs above. Beautiful marble.
SUGGESTION?
All dentists should receive training in the graciousness and gentleness of Dr. Rahbar and Associates!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
Dr. Rahbar has a very pleasant and convenient office. She comes across as very knowledgeable and passionate about dentistry (yeah, I know, but she honestly seems to love teeth!), yet also very sweet. She takes a lot of time to explain what she's seeing and what she's doing and why.
Her receptionist is really nice, too. But her x-ray guy about killed me with a gazillion digital x-rays. My eyes were watering uncontrollably from the pain of that digital x-ray film housing jammed into all those awkward positions in my mouth. But if you can get past the new patient x-rays, it's smooth sailing with a great doctor.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Dr. Rahbar is the best dentist I've ever had. I was so afraid of dentists before her that I had a xanex prescription and needed to be sedated just to show up for my appointments (sad but true). I've been with her for years now and she's so calm and soothing. She takes her time explaining every procedure so that you understand it and aren't frightened. She genuinly wants you to be comfortable. Her new office is very state of the art as well; she's got all kinds of little things (like massaging chairs) that will make you feel right at home. Both her and her staff are friendly and welcoming... I can't say enough good things.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
i generally don't like to give an opinion on a doctor or dentist until i have been there a few times.
i feel i have been to Dr. Rahbar enough times now to say she is wonderful! i think she does a great job of explaining everything and almost makes you excited about your dental work. she is very gentle (i am wimpy) and tells you how happy you will be with the results~~and she is right.
everyone who works there is friendly and welcoming.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
I am a Yelp addict, and when I saw this review I was in shock!!! I used to work for Dr. Rahbar and know all her patients. I handled most of their accounts and appointments. One thing I can TRULY say about Dr. Rahbar is that she is NOT money-hungry at all!!! All the opposite; I have witness so many times Dr. Rahbar loose so much money per patient, it bacame a concern for me; but she insisted on her ethical values and always put patient's care above all. She has done so much treatment on people who had no financial means for FREE!!! She is very honest and tells you what you need and why you needed. She's been called the"angel of dentistry". She works for the patients benefits and on the hours that work best for them, even if it means staying until 9pm. I am truly saddened by "Lisa's" view and consider it unacceptable. All I can say, is for anyone that has doubts, all it takes is one visit to meet to Dr. Rahbar.....you'll than see what I mean.
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
Dr. Gelareh Rahbar is the best! I have had many dentists, and many different experiences ranging from okay to horrible... this was the first time that I have ever had a wonderful dentist. Her office is state of the art with the latest x-ray technology (no more yucky film to bite down on) and she is both honest and realistic in presenting your options. As I have serious dental problems, I really appreciated it. Her office is new, so they are much better about seeing me quickly than other offices I have been to. Her staff are also very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
So you haven't been to the dentist in nearly 5-10 years? Perhaps because your last visit consisted of blood-curdling pain? A heartless male dentist who insisted 'this won't hurt a bit' with a devilish, hairy-nostrilled grimace? Maybe your feet were sweating from anxiety as the drill closed in nearer and nearer to that back molar you had ignored for 4 years prior??? FEAR NOT GOOD FRIENDS!!! For I too, suffered from the same dental phobia UNTIL i met with Dr. Gelareh Rahbar!!!! She is the savior of all dentists! She is a gentle, nurturing soul who explains everything that's going on as she works with a seriously velvet touch. There is NO PAIN! She asks you time and again if you might prefer some MORE NUMBING CREAM!! Ah, still feeling a little sensation? Well let's get that area all numbed down before we begin. I can't say enough about Dr. Rahbar except for the fact that once you visit her pleasant dowtown office, you will never want to experience any other dentist in all the land! Await no longer...GO NOW! You can thank me later...Cheers, M.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
I am kind of in love with this woman. I've always been really afraid of dentists, and have a history of vomiting on them because I get so tense and uncomfortable (Im not kidding), but a friend recommended Dr Rahbar to me, and wherever I am in the world from this day forward Im coming back to her to take care of my teeth.
She is a very sweet caring woman, who is so gentle, and explains everything, including what she is doing, why she is doing it, how to do it at home so things hurt less in the future, etc. etc. Her office is wonderful: clean, comfortable, and kind of fun because of all the gadgets. Definitely check her out.
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
unfortunately, i got a tooth ache but fortunately i finally had dental insurance and just had to find a dentist. so i was begrudgingly looking for a dentist and searched by location and then looked for reviews of those i found. the stars (all five of them) must of been aligned because i stumbled upon dr. rahbar's name, looked up her site (one of the more appealing ones i checked out) and made the call. i just gotta say... she's not only my favorite dentist ever, but has the qualities and persona that make up a total professional delight. now, i never thought i would use the words delight and dentist together. ;) thank you dr. rahbar! finally, for those of you that have not made "the call" to the dentist in a long while... don't be afraid, she treats you with the utmost consideration, professionalism, and niceties. she works with you on a treatment and payment plan and you are happy that you, in fact, did finally make the call. i am!!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
1148 reviews
9 reviews
394 reviews