North Berkeley Dental Arts

My wife and I had the pleasure of attending the services of Dr. Kaufman this Aug.
He is a good doctor who thoroughly examined us and recommended cleaning to both of us. My wife and I both like how meticulously he explained the procedures for cleaning, etc. Strangely though, he recommended me to a orthodontics for cleaning, citing that it could be a painful procedure (though my dental health was good overall, but yes, I haven’t had a cleaning for a while). But overall, he was okay.
The bad thing about this dentistry is the staff. They hide the fact that this clinic is not in MetLife
network. While booking the appointment, the lady didn’t give any hint about this. When I mentioned about my dental insurance provider, she just said, «Oh MetLife! No problem»!
It is only when we were done with checkup, and I saw the bill, she mentioned that MetLife is not in-​network. That was a surprise. When I mentioned that why they didn’t inform me about this when I was scheduling the checkup, they just said «Sorry!». And rather, she started explaining me that I’d have to pay only 15% of the bill, etc! That was disgusting. They hide the information just to earn some pennies.
I mentioned that before giving them a call, I had called another dental clinic (Dr. Honda on University Avenue, Berkeley), and the lady was honest enough to tell upfront that MetLife is not in-​network.
For what it is worth, I went to another dental clinic for cleaning, and they just did the cleaning. I didn’t have to go to a orthodontist.
I will never recommend this clinic to anyone.

Our family has been PLEASED with NBDA since opening day!
Great Staff!
Pro Dentists!
Master Shot Givers!
Atmosphere Heaven!
Sad = our plan only allows 2 cleanings a year = 6 months of separation anxiety.
Love, Nancy n Bill.

I went to this place for several years and was happy but in the last 5 – 6 years its really gone downhill in my opinion. The last straw was when they put a filling in that fell out twice in a row and then charged me to fix it. When I finally went to another dentist he told me I’m a grinder and thats why my fillings kept cracking. I got a mouth guard and problem solved. Seems like any decent dentist would mention this right away rather than let you keep cracking fillings so they can keep charging to fix them. Also, they have very high prices compared to where I go now. Not a fan.

My whole family has been coming here for 8 years! We love Vince and his staff. From the moment you walk in, everyone is so professional but warm. The receptionists are friendly, and always make sure we book out next appointments. I personally see Karen for cleanings and she is awesome. She takes great pride in her job, always so thorough, and takes the time to really get to know you. Each time I sit in the chair it’s like catching up with an old friend, picking up where we left off like it was just the other day.
Although this isn’t necessarily a kids dental office, my kids love it. Everyone has always accepted my children coming along, from when I was pregnant, to toting infant carriers, to toddlers coloring in the rooms while I had a cleaning. I’ve never had a bad dentist experience, and my kids are 2, 5, and 6. Vince takes the time to tell kids exactly what’s going on in a matter of fact way that kids just totally understand.
I’m happy to come here and will recommend this place to anyone looking for a dental office.

Absolutely a dream to come here! They have coffee and oatmeal in their waiting room. When I had cavities filled they gave me sunglasses (for the light), chapstick (drying during procedure), a bite block (so my jaw wasn’t tired) and a lemon scented hot towel at the end! Amazing!
They explain everything so well – going over x rays, past work, future options.
The reception staff is friendly and helpful, also. Love this place.

My favorite dental place ever. So flexible, great service, no pushiness, great for people who hate the dentist. Just the best.

A friend recommended North Berkeley Dental Arts and I’m so glad she did! Best dentists I’ve ever had.
In the last several months I’ve had routine cleanings and a cavity filled and every part of the experience has been great. The staff is super friendly, knowledgeable, and great about reminders. The work was fast and thorough and painless. Dr. Lim and Dr. Sio are both really great about answering questions, explaining options, and just generally making a patient feel relaxed and like they are in good hands.
The office is in a nice old house in a residential neighborhood, which makes sense. Visiting them feels like dropping by a friend’s place who happens to do awesome work on your teeth.

Ive been coming here for 6 years, but today I was blown away with the quality of care provided to me by Dr. Kim. I had an extraction and he was so quick and gentle, I felt NO pain.
The office staff is so friendly and sweet, and Dr. Kim and his assistant were so fantastic. They had me smiling right after the procedure. I definitely recommend.

Extremely competent and caring dentists and staff. My husband has a very difficult time with dentists, and they treated him very gently. Cannot recommend them enough! We were patients for many years before we moved away.

Everyone there, including all The dental hygienists are awesome. My dentist, Dr. Sio rocks! Besides everything being pain free, the best part is that they treat you like they’ve known you forever.

Walking into North Berkeley Dental Arts, you get a really comfortable, homey feeling. It is actually a converted house, so it is warm and pleasant, rather than being a stale office building. Although going to the dentist isn’t usually a pleasant experience, Dr. Sio and his staff excel in what they do, and make me feel at ease. Allison in the front office always greets me, and I never have to wait more than a few minutes for my appointment. I have seen several different hygienists due to a changing work schedule, and each has been equally good. Dr. Sio and Dr. Kim (the periodontist) are very good communicators, and let you know exactly what is going on. I have always felt very well cared for under their supervision. They will even call me at home to check in if I have had some sort of procedure done. Not many dentists will do that! These guys are exceptional. Norma, the business manager, is also great, helping me sort out insurance. EVERYONE at NB Dental Arts puts the patient first, and they are great people! I highly recommend Dr. Sio, Dr. Kim, and the rest of the staff at NB Dental Arts.

They charge for an HOUR with the doctor TO GO OVER YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY. Hell, my HMO primary care doc doesn’t even spend 6 minutes with me! This is a sure sign of a clinic trying to push un-​necessary dental work onto you. I know. My husband and I ran a very successful business in New Orleans, La. for 40 years. When I asked the gal if they could just simply get my chart from my doctor in New Orleans, she said they HAD to have me spend AN HOUR talking to the doctor for LIABILITY REASONS.
They lost my business before I even walked in the door.
Susan B.

I’ve always been afraid to go to the dentist. The sound of the drill just makes me cringe and want to run and hide. Ever since I have been seeing Dr’s Lim and Sio I’m no longer running the other way. Last January I had to get my wisdom teeth removed and was afraid that it was going to be painful. I’ve heard of the horror stories from friends. But Dr. Lim was very patient knowing that I was a bit scared. He told me step by step what he was going to do and made sure I was super comfortable before he started the procedure. I came out unscathed! I didn’t even have any swelling!
I’ve also been seen by Dr. Sio to get a crown and root canal. He explained the different options, pros and cons of everything so that I was well informed. He was very gentle, knowledgeable and friendly. He’s also great at administering the Novocaine so that you don’t feel the needle going in!
Lastly, the staff there is superb! The front desk staff are always friendly in person and over the phone. They always greet you with warm smiles. I’ve see both Tom and Jack (the hygienists) and they both did an excellent job at getting my teeth sparkling clean!
If you want knowledgeable, caring, and attentive dentists, this is the dental office for you!

I come here regularly to get my teeth cleaned and it’s a pretty straightforward in and out experience. Last week though, I had to have a cavity filled and I want to say that Dr. Lim rocks! Getting a cavity filled gives me mild panic attacks and Dr. Lim was a gentle and calming presence. He talked me through what he was doing and made me feel comfortable throughout the whole procedure. And I was in and out in less than an hour!
Plus, this place has an awesome selection of waiting room magazines. It’s almost too bad that I never have to wait more than 10 minutes for my appt!

My husband and I are relatively new to Berkeley. He started having some tooth pain, and after looking around at a few places online, I called NBDA to see if they were taking new patients. While getting things set up for him (they were able to fit him in within a day!), I decided to set up an appointment for myself as well.
I hadn’t been to the dentist in close to 15 years, and I have to say that I am beyond pleased that this is the office where I broke that trend. Everyone I have met so far (between both my own and my husband’s exam/​fillings) has been courteous, professional, and friendly.
Dr. Vincent Lim is fabulously kind and very thorough. He’s willing to explain anything about a procedure, even my idle curiosity about what the difference between drills are. While I’m fairly comfortable in a dentist’s chair, it’s reassuring to be reminded frequently that if I need a moment for whatever reason, just to let them know.
Both my husband and I don’t have dental insurance, and the rates are reasonable for the level and quality of service. I’ve experienced some negativity by receptionists going into similar medical offices without insurance, and am happy to report that I found none of that attitude here. I’m looking forward to being a long-​time patient of theirs!

Welcoming and professional!
I looked forward to my visits at North Berkeley Dental Arts, starting with the friendly staff from the moment I walk in. Dr. Sio took time to get to know me and I didn’t feel rushed. Very down to earth person. I also enjoyed my time with dental hygienist, Jack. The office is quite unique looking because it is in a house.
Too bad I moved to the peninsula and had to switch dentists.

I’ve been going to see Dr. Sio for over a year now and I am truly impressed. I chose to go see Dr. Sio based on reviews from other Unilocalers. I was a little wary because I haven’t had the best experiences with dentists in the past. From the first moment I walked into the office, all my worries flew out of the door. I was greeted by friendly, warm faces. Within the first 10 minutes of talking with Dr. Sio, I knew I was in the right place. He is genuinely a nice man and takes the time to get to know you personally. There are many things that I live about Dr, Sio, but the one thing that stands out to me is that when I came in for my cleaning (6 months later) he greeted me by name. Whether he really did remember my name or he looked at the appointment book prior to me coming in, it was nice that he knew who I was.
If you are in the market for a new dentist, I highly recommend North Berkeley Dental Arts. You won’t be disappointed.

Mindy at the front desk always greets me by name and with a smile any time I walk in. A real person always answers the phone and is helpful and cheerful. Yvonne, who does my cleanings, is gentle, thorough, and super nice. Dr Sio, who is my primary dentist, is fabulous.
The entire practice is based on the idea of prevention and education. The first time I went in, they evaluated the levels of bacteria in my mouth and how wet/​dry my mouth is just to see how likely I was to get decay. He explained to me about where the bacteria that cause decay come from and gave me tips on how to make sure my future children (we’re planning a family) develop less decay-​causing bacteria. He saw one spot that looked like it might have some decay, but since sometimes decay just goes away and it wasn’t a major problem, he said just to wait on it and if it gets worse, we’d take care of it at my next check-​up in 6 months.
This is a dental practice that actually cares about its patients from the moment you walk in the door to the moment you leave. They are helping my husband prioritize his dental work to make maximum use of our insurance and keep our costs down. They file all the paperwork for us even though they are not actually part of any insurance network. Their prices are very reasonable (cheaper than most places I checked for some of my husband’s more intensive dental work).
If you could give a special Unilocal award for the best of the best dentists, I would give it to them.

I must have PMS or something went I went to see these guys. I don’t like this place at all. Yes they are friendly, in that talk too much kind of ways.
I missed my appointment with my regular dentist and she was booked six months out, now that is a sign of a good dentist. Based on the good reviews I call NBDA up and they were about to fit me in right away. All I need was a cleaning, but noooo, they can’t do it unless the doctor do an exam first. Okay, I thought, it will be pay by the insurance, no skin off my back.
I showed up for my dental appoitment. Fill out all the forms. The first thing the assistant want is to do an X-​ray. I said, no I will wait until I decide to go with you guysbefore I do the X-​ray. She looked at my insurance and said your insurance will pay for it anyway. I said I will wait. She looks pretty un-​happy about it. Then the doctor came in, Hi I am so and so, blad blad blad. By the way, you need an X-​ray, otherwise I can’t make any definitive diagnosis (there is more to this later). I said I prefer to wait until I settle on a new doctor. No problem, but you can have it done here and take it with you to the new doctor later. By this time I was thinking wtf with this x-​ray thing.
He finished his examination and said it looks like # so and so teeth may need filling, but I can’t be sure unless we have a X-​ray done. I am really not like this guy now.
Then I go to another room for cleaning. The lady talked all the way through. Blad blad blad. She was not that good anyway.
Finally all done. I left and thinking I will get the bill and never have to talk to these guys again. Two hours later, i got a phone call from the receptionist. Hi how are you, how’s the visit, by the way do you know your insurance pay for this and that, X-​ray included. I thank her and try to hang up. She got all huffy and said she was doing me a favor to let me know what my insurance will pay for. WT double F !!!
A week later, I got a «proposal» from NBDA. Two fillings and you guessed it, X-​ray!!! Now, if as the doctor said earlier that he can’t make a definitive diagnosis unless we do X-​ray, then how come he is proposing dental work. If on the other hand, the doctor is sure enough to propose dental work, then the X-​ray would be un-​necessary.
This whole thing is just not sitting right with me.

What makes a visit to a dentist eventful?
The answer is simple when you go to the North Berkeley Dental Arts office.
Such a comfortable feeling when you have people in your mouth that care…
LOL
Dr Sio, is really a top notch dentist who not only is good as a dentist but reassuring and very cool. Its good to know every step and what to expect when having work done.
I have been a client of this office for about a year and in all honesty its the best of all that I’ve experienced!
In fact I like this place so much that I’ve recommended everyone who I know to at least give it a try.
I broke a tooth and they saw me immediately. I had an emergency once and they were willing to wait until I arrived well after closing hours!
Cant say anything but praise and super kudos!!! Love this place.