Gentle Dental Carlsbad

So for starters, let me just premise this with I was an outside patient from the VA dental clinic, which I should've just stayed part of. To start with when the appointment was originally scheduled they called a couple days later to cancel and reschedule because they said the doctor unfortunately was out of town. Of course I totally understand it. It was rescheduled just to have them call me a couple days later and tell me she they weren't able to be here for that one either And schedule me for a different time. So annoyingly I agreed to that appointment which I then showed up 15 minutes prior on said day. Going to check in was easy except for the fact of them letting me know in fact there was no appointment actually scheduled for me, and they can't even find me in the system. Eventually, someone who apparently knows what's going on there which seems far and few was able to find me in the system and show her that in fact it was scheduled. However, at this point because of the other woman's lack of ability of doing the job ended up, calling somebody else in front of me to cancel their appointment to squeeze me in. So, after about an hour, they finally took me back to sit in the chair which the technician, and doctor kept walking in and out of having conversation conversations arguing about something, not only in front of me, but outside the cubicle, which was so highly unprofessional, I don't even know what to say. They had no clue what I was even there for which I had let them know multiple times. During the examination they were pointing out stuff totally get it cavities, blah blah blah. I was there for a simple cleaning which is not rocket science. During the two hour cleaning again kept leaving the room doing who only knows what. All they did was the bare minimum and that's it. Meanwhile, I heard the doctor go next-door to the next cubicle having an argument with the patient over there because he was upset because he had been there for two hours and they had no clue why he was there as he was trying to explain it multiple times. This by far has to be one of the most unprofessional and disorganized offices I have ever been to. So now I am in good conscience cannot recommend this even in the slightest. I did let the VA know and apparently one of the techs that worked there a while ago said that's exactly the reason why she had left. If you were looking for a new dentist or even a current patient of theirs, I cannot preach enough to find somewhere else you deserve better. Also, I attached a couple photos of their nasty light inches from my face which obviously isn't cleaned routinely.

I Received several notices of a change in the date and time for this first appointment—one for 12/16/25, 12/17/25, 12/18/25, and today. The front desk was very friendly, and I appreciate that. This is my third outside dental clinic authorized by the VA. The first one lasted five or six years. The dentist was retiring; it was an excellent clinic. My next one lasted three or four years, but they dropped the VA for doing their dental appointments; it was also an excellent clinic. I like the way my teeth were cleaned with the electric tool rather than just with the pick. I hope we can have a good run moving forward. I will express that to the VA to continue. Dr. Jimmie Allen

I have the worst dental phobia. It started as a military child with insensitive dentist to adult dentists I have to prepare at home just to arrive at an appointment. The drill becomes the next obstacle. With a lot of convincing, and decades later, I gave Gentle Dental a chance. Though my anxiety and panic was visible, my earplugs coupled with earphones made my experience tolerable. The first serviceI left me with no pain after cavities filled. Today there were extractions and a partial dental inserted. I’m numb and achy, but I’m confident Gentle Dental was the perfect choice for my dental needs. My Dental Phobia still exist, but the Gentle Dental staff is understanding, treats me with ease and patience and slows down to give me time to catch my breath when my anxiety becomes overwhelming. Dr Merchant, Tech Dennis and Office Manager Aileen are the best!

My husband was anxious and did not see the dentist for 20 years. Gentle dental provided excellent service, great customer service and made him feel comfortable. Dr. Alosachie and the hygienist were very gentle. The manager and staff were very friendly and professional. We finally found our Dental home office. Highly recommended.

Disappointing to say the least. Over the past month or so I have had 4 appointments (first appointment was 11/14). Each time I had to wait 15-30 minutes after my appointment time to be seen, and then sit in the chair an additional 30-60 minutes before seeing a dentist. The dentists were dismissive of my complaints after cavity fillings (too high) so I was in pain for 2 weeks until my follow up appointment at which time they told me that I probably didn’t know the fillings were too high when they did them because of the numbing (but I did tell her that day, and she told me it probably felt odd because of the numbing). Same story for the crown, different dentist; he dismissed me too. Then I had to go back for revisions and listen to them blame me again. Additionally, I tried calling several times when I was experiencing pain and was left on hold for 10-20 minutes, and told to call back or that they would call back and they never did. I told them I didn’t want them to do any more of the scheduled work and requested a refund and updated bill Dec 6th, and they kept saying they would email me or call me to review and they never did, so I went in 12/18 to review and noticed they triple charged for each tooth (new system). This is by far the worst dental experience I have ever had. They seem more focused on throughput than patient care; and it’s evident in the way they over schedule (causing insane wait times and dentists always seem to be in a rush) and the way they dismiss my concerns. The dentist also seemed irritated at having to explain the work they were doing (Dr. Merchant). The Dental Techs were not this way at all, they were excellent! Especially Denis! All in all, a terrible experience. I’ll be going elsewhere to have their work checked by other dentists.

I have been using GD for over 7 years. The technicians are excellent. Given it is a clinic, there has always been a choice of dentists and the care is therefore expert and convivial. I do check my copay each time. My insurer has been helpful advising ways to be healthy but budget conscious. GD .managers have assisted in that a great deal also.

I was there for the first time today. I liked the attitude of the staff and the doctor. I thank assistant Denis for his professionalism and my doctor who examined me. They offered me treatment options and explained the best course of action. Thank you also to everyone else Aileen.