Pediatric Dentist Recommendations

We just switched from the pediatric dentist to the family dentist that my husband's family has been going to for ages (the current dentist took the practice over from his father, who was my husband's dentist since childhood): Dr. Les Hata on College Ave near Broadway in Oakland. My kids (6YO twins) did fine at their checkup - he's a very calm person and doesn't mind answering kids' questions (didn't even mind one of my kids sittign at the end of the dentist chair during my cleaning) and my kids enjoyed their visit even though the office doesn't have all the cool stickers and gizmos that the pediatric dentist's office has. We also have to pay out of pocket for dental visits and Dr. Hata's prices are much easier on our budget than the pediatric dentist's office.

info:
Dr. Les Hata
5277 College Avenue
Suite 106-107
Oakland, CA 94618
###-###-####

My dentist sees my kids and many other kids from the area. He's wonderful, the staff is calm and kind. His name is Eric Citron and he's in Berkeley right by Alta Bates Hospital and Whole Foods. The phone number is ###-###-####. He has worked with us during times of insurance and no insurance, and I guarantee you and your kids will love him. Tell him J. Schwartz sent you.

Hi N., I only got to read your request now and I'm not sure if you're still looking for recommendations. Just the same, here goes. The pediatric dentist I bring my daughter to is Dr. Abuchon located at 3320 Webster St Oakland. I'm not all familiar with the Oakland area so I'm not entirely sure if this location works for you. Anyway, we're covered by Medi-Cal so I don't really know how it works for those who aren't under Medi-Cal. I was thinking though, since it's the only government-funded (?!) pediatric dentist in the county of Alameda, they might be cheaper than private dentists. You can call their office at ###-###-#### and inquire about rates. :) As far as service, I've only been there once as my daughter is only 17months old and should have her second visit this June. So far it was not a bad experience. However a ton of people go there, scheduling might be quite a problem. Then again, as I said, I've only been there once. :) Just try calling them up. :)
Regarding your other question as to whether or not to still bring your children to a pediatric dentist, my mom used to bring my brother and I to a regular dentist at 5 or 6 years old.
I hope this helps. :)

Hi N., I dont live in your area as I'm in Pleasant Hill but just last week for the first time I took my son (age 8) to the dentist my husband and I go to opposed to his pediatric dentist and all was well. He recommended to me we do the sealant on the molars as well. I never got around to it but I was going to post a question on here wondering if this was a normal recommendation...it sounds like it is. If nothing else you could at least start your son at your dentist; tell him it's time to go to the big boy dentist as this would be less money out of pocket.

I don't think you need a pediatric dentist. I went to one over thirty years ago and was turned off by the experience and the cost. I asked my regular dentist, Dr. Steeb on Pill Hill, if he treated children. He did. My children are still going there - to his son - and bringing their own children.
Bomma S.

You should contact Kaiser they have a individual children plan and do not go by your income cost is about 15-30 a month per child, the other option is to contact Healthy Families they also have a children program, cost is 9 a month per child, they do go off of your income!