Category: | Dentist |
Address: | 100 S 1st St, Alhambra, CA 91801, USA |
Phone: | +1 626-308-9104 |
Site: | alhambradental.com |
Rating: | 4.8 |
Working: | 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM Closed Closed |
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A Private User
Dr. Chao and his assistants are certainly warm and friendly, but they use this amicable warmth to pressure you into high-dollar procedures that 1) may not be necessary and 2) could certainly be procured at a lower price elsewhere. For example, Dr. Chao charges $3000 for a crown, an absurdly high rate which simply cant be justified by his "I do it all myself" boasts. When I went to see Dr. Chao the first time, he generated a laundry list of dental problems including 24 cavities (a finding my current dentist later described as absurd), teeth grinding, gum recession, etc. Some of these findings were accurate, but his proposed cures--like laser gum treatment--exceeded my needs and in combination with other remedies, totaled to over $9000 in work. A lifelong hypochondriac and sufferer of anxiety and panic disorders, I summoned what little confidence I had in the moment--which wasnt much, considering I was in a dentists chair, bib on, newly appraised of my dental apocalypse--to talk the proposed procedures down to $5300. Dr. Chaos handy administrator then set up a health credit account for me (through GECareCredit) with 18 months of no-interest payments. My Delta Dental plan kicked in its $2000 maximum (Dr. Chaos a genius at squeezing every penny out of dental insurance plans that dont even begin to cover his astronomically high prices), and within 6 months I had paid off the entire amount. I take partial blame for what happened to me (after all, I could have said "no"), but I also fault Dr. Chao for preying on patients in fragile states of mind and under unusual duress. And now were learning that dentists get kickbacks from these credit card companies, companies which are now under investigation (including the one Dr. Chao touts) in New York and elsewhere for possible fraud and manipulation. Dr. Chao may come off sweet and caring, and he may host a radio show (in which, by the way, he criticizes dental plans as insufficient--seemingly unaware that theyre perfectly sufficient for dentists less profit-hungry than he), but hes ultimately a polished and polite scam artist who sees dollars signs in the scared faces of patients lured in by his promises of gentleness. If you have Delta Dental, go to a Delta Dental dentist--dont waste your money on superficial displays of kindness. Im still kicking myself nearly a year later.
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A Private User
Dr. John Chao has been the most caring and qualified dentist that has ever treated me. I had been suffering from a chronic T.M.J. (temporal mandibular joint dysfunction) problem for many many years. The previous treatments I had received from other dentists were not successful and did not relieve me of the terrible jaw and face pain. Dr. Chao was able to relieve me of all jaw/face pain as a result of his procedures. I have become a regular patient of Dr. Chaos ever since and no longer have a fear of the dentist. Dr. Chao and his staff are always caring, kind, sweet and professional. I will always be grateful to Dr. Chao for my new life free of the jaw/face pain, the beautiful smile I now have as a result of other dental procedures he has performed. I will forever be a patient of Dr. John Chao.. p.s. An extra plus for Dr. Chao........I no longer have a fear of going to the dentist. Contrary to that, I look forward to my visits and the education I receive from Dr. Chao regarding my dental health.
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Veny Zorrilla
Ive had gum disease since the age of 13 due to the oldschool wrap-around metal braces and had to have my gums scraped at age 14 to get rid of the infected gum tissue and ever since that horrible experience Ive never wanted to go through any attempt to fully treat my gum disease and severe gum recession. So it took 30 years and 3000 miles (being from Miami Beach) later to find Dr. Chao and I have to say he totally lived up to his reputation with the pinhole technique which he created and the pain-free procedure to repair my gums. I had the pinhole procedure done to the entire top gums which Dr. Chao completed in under an hour and it truly is an unbelievable outcome to see the recession completely eliminated and my gums back to where they should have been all along. The entire staff at this office are really great, friendly and extremely helpful through every step of the process. Dr. Chao is the "Real Deal".
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Buttons Pettie
From my most recent experience (2 days ago) back to many years ago with my first appointment with Dr. Chao, both he and his staff have always made me feel like I am the most important patient there. If his staff sees me nervous they will talk with me and try to get my mind off of whatever procedure is coming. If Dr. Chao sees me nervous he is very calming and explains everything he is going to do so there are no surprises. He does everything possible to make every procedure as painless as possible! Dr. Chao has a special technique for giving shots which are virtually painless (you feel a tiny poke, thats it!), which makes a BIG impact on not being as afraid as I was growing up with dental procedures. I wish I had him as a dentist when I was growing up. My teeth and health have improved since Ive been going to him for all my dental care. Thank you Dr. Chao and staff!
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SJ Ogi
Where have you been all my life? I have spent more than what I can afford for my mouth PRIOR to coming to this doctor because of my issues and now I am finding out for the 1st time in my life, I had choices that no other dentist dare to disclose it!! UGH. Yes, financial part is very important but time is also very important to me. I have wasted so much time because insurance will pay for certain procedure which was not the best for my case and I was lead to believe there was no other option until now. I really wish I had known about Dr. Chao, much earlier. For those of you who is reading this review, at the end of the day its your health and your choice. If you have insurance who will cover cost,great. But dont let that fool you if you are not given the options, you have no choice. Insurance will make the choice for you.
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Dino Perugino
Ive been a patient of Dr Chaos for several years now. He takes great pride in caring for my teeth as if they were his own. One time I had a tooth ache, it was at the end of the week, however I didnt want to call & bother him so I waited till Monday. Needless to say by waiting my tooth was infected & painful. When he seen me, he literally scolded me for not calling & instructed me if this should ever occur again I should call him NO MATTER what time or day it is....at this point I realized & really felt how compassionate & dedicated Dr Chao is not only to his profession but to his patients. ALL my experiences with Dr Chao have always been & I know will always be positive. I highly recommend him for your dental needs. A BIG THANK YOU....Dr Chao...you have given me my smile back !!!
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Kristopher Flowers
I had the pinhole surgery for my receding gums, very pleased with the results. Especially after talking to my brother who had the "old fashion" version surgery which sounded like a nightmare. I continued to see Dr Chao for regular checkups and cleanings, despite his office being quite some drive from my place. He and his staff are great. Maybe if youre looking for a basic economy style dentist he is not ideal. Im not saying he is HIGH priced; he worked with me on pricing a few times in the past; and he really does not try to oversell procedures like some other dentists. But overall hes great