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Padre Dental Group
Category: Health and Medical Dentists General Dentistry General Dentistry [Edit]
501 Washington StSte 735
(between Brant St & 5th Ave)
San Diego, CA 92103
Neighborhood: Hillcrest
(619) 688-1001
- Hours:
Mon 8 am - 4:30 pm
Tue, Thu 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wed 7:30 am - 5 pm
Fri 7:30 am - 3 pm
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
New Patient special Free Dental exam with the Dr. Donnelly and Digital x-rays. ( Non Insured Patients only)
33 reviews for Padre Dental Group
33 reviews in English
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Review from Eva H.
11/2/2011
I love getting my teeth cleaned. Thankfully, I have fairly good teeth and require little dental work. But, it had been awhile, so I was a bit anxious about my visit.
No need. From making an appointment to coming into the office, everything was a breeze.
Bobbii, the receptionist, was a total doll and spent major time making sure my insurance was figured out. Dr. Valerie did my cleaning herself, and boy did she--an hour later she emerged, laughing, that I made her really work for that cleaning.
But she removed my stains, checked me out thoroughly (and painlessly), gave me a nice polish, and even ground out a couple of chips on my tooth.
Thumbs way, way up. -
Review from Justin R.
San Diego, CA
9/1/2011
What is it about the way a dentist's office's smell that invokes fear? Any tension I had was released after consulting with the Dr. who explained everything that was going to happen and kept me in the loop. Hmm. Maybe if they had some bacon cooking in the back, people would have something different to sniff!
I've had nothing but positive experiences with Padre Dental. I saw Dr. Val, had a filling that cracked with a large cavity. Ideally, she told me, they would do a crown, but because I don't have dental insurance... she opted to attempt to make a new filling.
I did have to wait a month before I could get back in, but when I did, there was no rush. They explained what they were doing. Everyone was nice. She explained the risk of needing further work done, which I appreciated. No one likes surprises like, Holy Shit! I need a root canal!
And their fish tank is nice. :) -
Review from Kirt W.
8/16/2011
This place makes going to dentist like a dental spa day. Very thorough and comfortable.
Nice to talk with the dentist without feeling like they want to rush to the next patient. -
Review from Britni C.
San Diego, CA
1/29/2012
I haven't had an appointment here. I've left two messages in the last three weeks, neither of which have been returned. Like another reviewer, I was excited to find a dentist covered by my insurance with such good reviews, but am disappointed to not receive at least a courtesy return call. I'd understand if they weren't taking new patients, but again, a courtesy call would have been appreciated.
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Review from Ryan C.
San Diego, CA
6/6/2011
I decided to go to Padre Dental based on a Yelp search. They were the highest rated dental group and now I can validate that!
They are so friendly and nice, Bobbi up front is awesome, she remembered my name and where I worked.
The dental assistants and Dr. Preston were very knowledgeable and willing to help me and do what's best for my situation.
The only thing keeping this from being a 5 star is the same reason why I went to them...THEY ARE SO POPULAR! I have to schedule out at least a month in advance for simple procedures, and they don't validate parking. -
Review from Brent W.
San Diego, CA
7/26/2011
I was pretty concerned about finding a new dentist - as my last dental experience pitted me in an office with white-coated crooked teeth salesmen.nnBut I felt so GREAT after going to Padre Dental!
Padre dental was hand's down the best customer experience I've ever had. I was greeted by Bobbii, oh yeah - that's the right spelling. She was hilarious. Seriously the coolest woman I've ever meet. I bet you couldn't guess her age! Try next time you're in.
I told Preston the dds about some tooth pain I was having. He spent at least 15 minutes breaking down the potential causes. He actually sat down, looked me in the eye and talked to me. Most doctors/dds stand and busying themselves with things around the room while they pretend to care - Preston sat down and calmly walked me through my concerns
Best experience in a quite some time. Go Padres! -
Review from Dana F.
San Diego, CA
10/31/2011
I haven't actually had the chance to visit Padre Dental Group's office because I didn't receive a return call to my two calls last week to schedule an appointment. I'm really disappointed because I was really excited to find a dentist in my area, covered by my insurance that got such great reviews. It seems a previous reviewer had the same issue so maybe they're no longer accepting new patients, but a return call would have been appreciated.
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Review from Michael R.
Louisville, KY
4/11/2011
For years I didn't have dental insurance and consequently I haven't had a regular dentist in some time. I tried one other dentist in San Diego and didn't like my experience there, so I turned to Yelp and found Padre Dental Group.
Unlike some of the other reviewers, I actually don't hate dentists. I'm less concerned about gentleness than about the quality of the work. I don't want fillings (or other work) to look bad, fall out, or generally suck more than they do inherently.
Well, it's been a little more than a year since I had work done by Dr. Preston and so far so good. Additionally, I've been back twice for cleanings and every single person I've interacted with there has been very nice and professional (this includes both Dr. Kaenels, receptionist Bobbii, and Emi for teeth cleanings). Nobody ever seems too busy to deal with you, which is a sharp contrast to my other recent experience. They also happily answer any questions which is nice because I tend to be curious about every procedure or piece of equipment.
During each visit, I was advised (by different individuals) that I could be a candidate for Invisalign, but as other reviewers mentioned they are not pushy.
This place probably doesn't need more reviews that say the same thing, but they are really good. If only I could commute 2,000 miles to go to the dentist! -
Review from Sharalynne N.
San Diego, CA
12/13/2011
I would not go anywhere else, Dr. Preston & Dr. Val are the best. They're a husband and wife team and they are amazing. The dental hygenist are excellent as well, everyone is very professional, they are on time for their appointments.
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Review from Gina B.
San Diego, CA
11/18/2011
This place failed to tell me that they were not covered under my insurance, they were "out of network" not only was I paying thousands of dollars... Is this right?? Some of the fillings I had done here crumbled out less than a year later. There were some air pockets left in the fillings and some of the decay was not properly removed. As for the $ payments I was making, I should have researched a little further when that did not seem right. I could afford it just fine & I just figured, oh well this is how much it costs! The worst part for me was that this work I payed for was shotty. The office is clean, nice, and new, the dentist was nice, just not good. I went back to my childhood dentist, and the most I have payed with him was about 98 bucks.. Also everything he does in my mouth is solid. It's worth the drive to the Rolondo area..
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Review from Stephanie L.
San Diego, CA
5/23/2011
What an AMAZING experience! I know many people would never say this about a dentists office, but my goodness, everyone here from Bobbi up front to the dental assistants to Dr. Val herself are all friendly, smiling and make going to the dentist, easy, pain free and well, FUN!
Not to mention the view from the exam room is breath-taking!
I'm actually looking forward to going back and continuing to make my smile better.
THANK YOU PADRE DENTAL!!!! -
Review from Kristen J.
San Diego, CA
7/8/2010
I was referred here by a friend who hates dentists, so I knew it had to be good. I had some cavities I could see and feel and major sensitivity to cold/sweet in those areas of my mouth since having my daughter. Apparently, pregnancy and breastfeeding make the bacteria in your mouth more prone to making cavities because of the hormonal changes. +1 to things to expect ruined when you have a kid ;)
Dr. Preston Kaenel is amazing. On my first visit/cleaning, he actually did the cleaning which I am not used to at all. All other dentists I have been to, a hygienist does the cleaning and I see the dentist for 1 minute. I don't know if this is customary or just the luck I had, but I was impressed and also got the feeling he really had the time to observe what was going on in my yapper.
On my visit to fill my cavities/be fitted for a nightguard, I was even more impressed. It took much less time and was less uncomfortable than I recall being at other dentists. Also, the sensitivity I had is GONE. I feel like I can finally let things hit my mouth again and not just quickly slurp anything cold to my throat as fast as possible because it hurts so damn bad. It's like having a new mouth!
He also took extra time explaining the difference between the nightguard I was getting and the ones you can buy on the cheap at Target. He also took time to show me different shades of teeth, assess my color and go over the whitening options he had at the office and how they rated on ease-of-use, effectiveness and sensitivity. WITHOUT pushing anything on me at all! I feel like most dentists are always in a rush and kind of treat you like you don't know anything and are always trying to upsell you to a electric toothbrush or something like that. Dr. Preston really takes time to make sure you understand your treatment and treatment options and strikes me as very honest. He is effective and gentle and amazing. I can't say enough about how great this dentist is.
Bobbii at the front desk is also a doll. She is really nice and seems to really love her job. -
Review from Mara F.
San Diego, CA
9/2/2011
Dr. Val worked on new fillings, tooth-bonding and filing, and WOW--is she talented! She not only did a superb job matching color, shape, and size, but she took her time, was open to my suggestions; she collaborated with me and I couldn't find anything amiss with my results. Her bedside manner is not to be believed: patient and personable. It's not often you find total competency AND service. In fact, the entire staff (including lovely Bobbi) anticipates your needs. I can't say enough good things about this practice--its impeccable rating is well-earned and well-deserved.
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Review from Lannice M.
San Diego, CA
12/8/2010
I hate dentists. I actually have never had major issues with my teeth, so my hate is a little different. I hate being sold dental work i DO NOT NEED.
5 stars for my first exam - got to meet a real dentist and he looked over my xrays and told me my teeth were pretty "boring." He didn't try to sell me a "deep cleaning," or "Zoom Whitening." He didn't try to convince me I needed my wisdom teeth out. He just let me know I needed more floss in my life, then cleaned up my teeth and sent me on my way! AMAZING!
Also - the staff is SUPER friendly. The front desk gal, Bobbii, is a sweetie, and the hygenists are awesome.
No fuss, no muss, no sales pitch - just family dentists that care about your teeth - not stealing your money.
GO HERE! -
Review from Peter H.
San Diego, CA
6/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have always been an anti-dentist. But Padre dental makes it easy, and you can't say enough positive things about the two doctors and staff. They are friendly and kind, don't make you feel like a child, and get you in and out in a timely manner. Overall I can only recommend this place.
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Review from Holly A.
San Diego, CA
5/29/2010
I really, really hate going to the dentist. But Dr. Preston and Dr. Val are absolutely, hands down, the gentlest dentists I've ever visited. Dr. Preston has done my restorative work, and I don't even feel the needle or drilling -- the man is that good. His wife, Dr. Val, is doing my Invisalign and I just ADORE her -- she has such a fantastic bedside manner and really knows her stuff. (They were apparently #1 and #2 in their dental school class at USC...something about having uber-smart dental professionals is comforting to me.) I've been coming here for several years now and have recommended family members to the practice as well. (And Bobbii, the front-desk lady, is adorable! Love her.)
The only downside is that parking can be a pain and the office doesn't validate. You should allow yourself an extra 5-10 minutes to get parked, get acclimated in the garage, and get upstairs. Still, two VERY enthusiastic thumbs up! -
Review from Benjamin F.
San Diego, CA
6/14/2010
I just moved to SD from SF and was in search of a new dentist. Obviously, I relied on yelp for some advice and came across Padre Dental Group. It is extremely close to my house so I figured I would give it a shot based on their already wonderful reviews, and boy, was that a good idea.
Having a run of really bad dentists the past few years made me a bit suspect about getting an exam, etc. for the fear of having 30 cavities but, Dr. Val was as calming as a dentist should be and assured me that it probably wasn't as bad as I thought. Sure enough, she was correct.
I literally just got back to my office after getting two fillings (yes, I am still numb) and was very pleased with the quality of work Dr. Val preformed on me, and will be sure to recommend her to anyone I know. Lets just say I don't mind going to the dentist anymore :) -
Review from Ricardo S.
San Diego, CA
10/24/2011
good dentists, good location, if have money and live or work in the area go there.
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Review from Lynne K.
San Diego, CA
8/31/2009
5 Stars! Love, love LOVE them! They are the friendliest group of people and have the most adorable receptionist. Within minutes, Dr. Kaenel (female) decided I needed a mouth guard to prevent grinding my teeth and it has been like a dream!
I simply don't have enough good things to say about them. Go there! Wonderful staff makes a trip to the dentist so much less painful! -
Review from Yoko G.
Union City, CA
3/24/2010
I haven't been to the dentist in over 5 years. I lost dental coverage when I went to college, and then had to wait until I found a job with benefits. That being said, there is a lot of dental work that needs to be done.
Upon entering the office, I was pleasantly greeted by the very friendly receptionist. Filled out my paperwork, and dreaded the moment the dentist came in the room. However, Dr. Val was so nice and welcoming! I know, not what you expect from a dentist at all. I was expecting her to give me a hard time about the current condition of my teeth, but she was very understanding, that sometimes life gets in the way.
She was very thorough when going over my xrays with me. I don't know if other dentists now show you, your xrays on a computer screen (since it's been so long since I've been to one), but she showed me mine. I was very surprised at how little work actually needed to be performed on my teeth, since I previously went to Delta Dental and they told me I needed 4 ROOT CANALS! After talking with Dr. Val, I may not even need one!
To wrap it up...friendly dentist and staff. Nice, comprehensive, and understanding dentist!
Only negative...they don't validate parking. -
Review from big b.
San Diego, CA
8/4/2011
NICEST DENTISTS EVER. i've never had someone tell me so nicely that i need to floss more. most painless, guilt-free dental cleaning experience i've ever had.
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Review from Lauren E.
Hillcrest, San Diego, CA
8/9/2009
I had a good experience here. I was looking for a dental office that accepted Delta Dental coverage and was in the Hillcrest area... this one fit the bill. The receptionist was friendly and helpful, especially when I had to call them because I am a spaz and got lost trying to find their office. Everything is clean and organized and modern. They have a nifty machine they used to detect decay on my teeth. It was a painless laser that would beep if decay was present. I found this to be extremely helpful since many dentists will just look at my teeth to check for decay. The laser method is much more precise. So I ended up having cavities (barf!) but this office did a great job at fixing them. They even gave me an ipod to listen to while they drilled away.
The dentist was very strict with me about my brushing/flossing habits, but I think I needed it. I use my fluoride rinse every night now! I don't want to be scolded again. -
Review from Mary S.
San Diego, CA
4/22/2011
I contacted them to make an appointment 2 weeks ago, but they never called me back. Maybe it's a busy office and not accepting new patients? It still would have been nice to get a courtesy call from them if that was the case.
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Review from Kira S.
San Diego, CA
3/8/2009
Padre Dental is fantastic. I am a bit of a dentaphobe and used to avoid going to the dentist... yet I don't dread going to see Dr. Preston Kaenel. He does a great job practicing the very fine art of gentle dentistry. The location is very central and easy to get to in Hillcrest - and the staff is friendly and helpful. If you are looking for a new dentist, I highly recommend them!
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Review from Christine F.
San Diego, CA
11/13/2009
After a horrendous experience at Smilecare Denistry, the worst medical experience I've ever had in terms of being scammed, I searched ravenously for a better dentist. Padre Dental Group was the perfect fit. They are located in a very nice building with a very friendly receptionist. I barely waited ten minutes before I was seen, and Dr. Preston Kaenel was friendly, gentle, and thorough (my teeth had never felt cleaner!). Also, after being told I needed over $1000 of dental work at Smilecare (after I had almost $1500 of work less than 6 months ago when I lived in New Jersey), Dr. Kaenel reported I needed nothing done! Thank gosh for Dr. Kaenel and their lovely practice. I actually don't dread going back for my checkup in six months. Overall, the Padre Dental Group was a sigh of relief.
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Review from Linda S.
Carlsbad, CA
6/9/2011
I've been going to Padre Dental for 6 years now, and although we recently moved an hour away, I'll still drive down twice year because I feel so comfortable and confident in them. Kelli the hygienist has been the most thorough I've ever had, and she really tells it like it is without making me feel like a dental slacker. Gives me suggestions of how to floss and brush more accurately to get to my "problem" areas. I really thought I knew how to brush my teeth but I was wrong! Dr. Preston is warm, but to the point, and he really doesn't push you into any unnecessary procedures. Both fillings he's done have been a piece of cake. Bobbi the receptionist is friendly and has helped me figure out a payment plan for the period when I did not have insurance. 5 stars for Padre; they make going to the dentist actually somewhat enjoyable!
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Review from Diana A.
San Diego, CA
1/28/2011
I love Padre Dental. Emi does a great job cleaning my teeth and Dr. Preston and Dr. Valerie are both very friendly and great dentists.
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Review from Lisa D.
San Diego, CA
4/2/2010
We've had a rough time finding a dentist who was patient, kind and thorough -- SEARCH OVER! From the first phone call with Bobbii the receptionist (who was extremely friendly and helpful in sorting through our awkward insurance) to Dr. Val (who was extremely warm, friendly and carefully explained my x-rays) we have finally found someone to call our family dentist. An hour with Dr. Val felt like time with an old friend. HOORAY!
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Review from Erika K.
San Diego, CA
1/20/2010
Padre Dental Group is simply the best dental office I have ever visited!
I have had the worst experiences with dentists...terrible work that needs to be replaced in a year, lies about the extent of work needed, terrible pain, being overcharged, half-assed exams, etc. You will NOT get that at Padre. Dr. Preston is honest, caring and will do everything he can to accommodate your finances and schedule.
I just had extensive work done here (three crowns) and couldn't be happier. All was painless (at least during the procedures), crowns only required a single visit (they have the latest technology), and the work looks great. They even saw me on Christmas eve to make sure I could reach my annual maximum before I went on vacation a few days later. Dr. Preston was also kind enough to call me from home the evening I had some work done to see how I was doing and remind me to rinse with salt water.
Seriously if I ever move from San Diego, I will FLY BACK to San Diego just to keep going to Padre. No joke. Will recommend them to everyone I know. -
Review from Keith W.
San Diego, CA
3/25/2010
Padre Dental is great. I searched long and hard for a good dentist after a few bad dental experiences when I first moved to SD. Bobbi, the receptionist was very helpful and answered all my questions about their practice AND gave me very helpful advice about dental insurance. I've seen both Dr. Val and Dr. Preston and both took extra time and care to answer all my questions (I always have a lot) and put me at ease - even about getting my wisdom teeth extracted, a procedure that I was getting somewhere else.
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Review from Apple W.
Berkeley, CA
10/20/2008
FABULOUS! My father in law is literally falling apart. The Saturday night before our trip to San Diego, he busts a tooth and can't talk. I send out 15 emails to the dentists in SD that take Delta insurance. Sunday morning Dr. Kaenel calls me and can get him in early Monday am. Like I said: FABULOUS! We are out of towners, they are never going to see us again; yet, they went out of their way to take great care of us. Can you imagine the kind of care they must take of their regular patients? Kudos for great service and excellent customer care!
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Review from Cory P.
San Diego, CA
8/30/2010
I have had bad experiences at dentists in the past mainly by trying to sell you everything they can think of. So I always hate when I have to find a new dentist. I moved to San Diego over a year ago and put off finding a new dentist longer than I should have. I finally broke down and found this group and thought I would try it out due to the good reviews. It was one of the best experiences at the dentist I have ever had. Everyone is very friendly and knowledgeable and I like how they explain everything they are doing clearly. The hygienist that I had was only a temp because one was out sick and the other on vacation, but she was awesome. I only hope the 2 permanent ones are as good as her. I just joined Yelp so that I could post a review here about them. I found them by Yelp, so I wanted to do my part to help others. Must say something that every one of their reviews is 5 stars except for 1 (probably a fluke incident). But anyway, I highly recommend them especially if you have ever had a bad experience at the dentist before.
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Review from Catharine F.
San Diego, CA
5/1/2009
I just got back from my first appt at Padre Dental Group and I couldn't be happier! In my 37 years I have always hated to go to the cold, archaic, and less than friendly dentists in San Diego. After not having seen a dentist in 3 years I decided I had to get a check-up and found Padre online. They are nice, knowledgeable and MODERN. The staff all knows what they're doing from front desk booking, to dealing with my insurance, to cleanings, x-rays, and on. Everyone that I dealt with was on top of their game and nice to boot! The best part was Dr Valerie... one could not ask for more in a dentist. Young, nice, modern, smart and gentle. She looked me in the eyes, talked to me like I was a human, and was very gentle with my sensitive teeth. I was more than impressed with their nice office and modern technology. I give them 5 HUGE stars and will make this my dentist for life. Try them as well, and you'll be glad you did!
