Gentle Care Family Dentistry's Online Review Report Card

Does not take MediCal / DentiCal.

Visiting and being treated at Gentle Care family dentistry was such a great experience. Dr. Elvie and her staff are so warm and professional. It’s obvious that they care for their patients, and they go above and beyond simple customer service. I enthusiastically recommend Gentle Care Dentistry to anyone, including my close family and friends. Thank you for a truly great experience!

After years of not being able to see a dentist, I went to see Dr Nathanson. The entire staff made me feel comfortable and explained everything in detail and prepared me for what I needed to do & pay. I’m very satisfied with the care and will continue going as well as referring family & friends.

There were concerning issues with cleanliness. The office didn't appear to be as sanitary as I would expect from a healthcare setting, and I noticed that instruments were not properly sanitized before use. This made me uncomfortable and raised serious concerns about the safety standards at the practice. What bothered me most, however, was the way the Dr. interacted with her employees. I overheard her speaking to staff in a condescending and disrespectful tone, which created an incredibly tense atmosphere. It was clear that the staff was under significant stress, and it seemed like a hostile work environment. Empathy and respect are just as important as technical expertise. I won't be returning to this practice, and I would caution others to carefully consider where they choose to receive care.

Amazing staff, super friendly and informative. Had questions and they answered.

Gave it a shot as per a DOD referral, and cannot be more impressed by Dr. Elvie Nathanson and her entire staff. As active duty, I’ve had far too many nightmare clinics. But Dr. Nathanson, Adriana, and the two at the front desk MORE than proved they live up to their name of “Gentle Care.” And I will absolutely be bringing my daughter back for their care. Everyone I met was friendly and extremely helpful, resulting in one of the best experiences I’ve had in a dental clinic. Absolutely 0 issues with the military referral, and handled everything professionally. Hardly waited, efficient, and truly caring about the exam completed, the cleaning done, and my response to the treatment. Certainly will not be going to any other clinic from now on, this is by far one of the best clinics I’ve ever been to and they need recognition for that.

I'd give another star if possible. As active duty, I've had far too many nightmare clinics. But Dr. Elvie Nathanson, Adriana, and the two at the front desk proved they live up to their name of "Gentle Care." By far one of the best clinics I've ever been to. Absolutely 0 issues with the military referral, and handled everything professionally. Hardly waited, efficient, and truly caring about the exam completed, the cleaning done, and my response to the treatment. Certainly will not be going to any other clinic from now on.

Terrible experience. Firstly the receptionists were very nice and greeting. Only good thing. Went in for a filling. Dentist came in to numb me and got mad that I didn’t have a cleaning first. Then came back after a few minutes of waiting to be numb and asked if I was numb. I said no but I can kind of feel it in my tongue. She said that’s good and started working. I was in pain the whole time she was drilling on my tooth. I know I need to have my mouth open for this but she just kept getting mad at me and said I need you to open. Then she kept pulling my head toward and was like sir look at me. Like sorry you didn’t say that. She tried using a tool on my tooth and pinched my lip. When I complained she just got mad that she had to do it again. Terrible experience. Would not recommend.

I came to repair a broken filling. Id like to note that I was pregnant during my visit and they took great care to that. Dr. Nathanson was amazing and I appreciate her and the front desk staff. However, I'm only assuming the person that was the assistant (she had purple hair) came in and didn't even say hi. I had no idea what she was doing or who she was. She just started reaching her hands in my mouth. And she was extremely rough at that. My tooth was numbed but I could still feel the amount of pressure she was using, pulling my cheeks outward until my lips split and I couldn't breathe right. I also felt pain from how hard she was pressing her little mirror into my lower jaw. Besides her, everyone made a dentist visit as good experience as it could be.

My experience at this dental office was uncomfortable and disappointing from start to finish. I originally had a 9:30 AM appointment, but about 30–40 minutes beforehand, I received a call asking to reschedule it to 10:30 AM. I had no problem with the change and arrived four minutes early. I had already completed all the required paperwork electronically ahead of time, yet I still waited about 20 minutes before anyone at the front desk acknowledged or assisted me. When I was finally brought back for x-rays, everything felt rushed. The dentist came in immediately afterward and began working without asking about any concerns I might have had. I tried to bring up a question regarding how a filling might affect my retainer, but it felt like my concern was brushed off—as if it wasn’t their problem to consider. Most concerning was the lack of communication during the procedure. The dentist numbed my tooth and immediately started working, without ever checking if I could actually feel the numbing agent taking effect. This was the first time I’ve ever experienced a dentist not waiting or asking if I felt numb before starting the procedure. Throughout the visit, I felt more like an obligation than a patient. I’ve never had issues going to the dentist, but this was the first time I felt truly uncomfortable and I didn’t want to be there. At the end, I was briefly allowed to check my retainer fit, but the appointment ended abruptly after that, and I was rushed out of the room. Overall, this was the worst dental experience I’ve ever had, and I left feeling unheard and undervalued.