Matt McDonald, DDS

I LOVE MY SMILE thanks to Dr McDonald! I have had so many nice compliments on my white teeth. What a great job replacing crowns and making them look good! The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, nd competent. They go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Dental assistant Isabella did such an amazing job on the temporary crowns! They looked good and stayed in place like they’re supposed to! I am sooooo thankful to my friend, Robin, who is also the office manager there. She highly recommended him and now I see why. I highly recommend Dr McDonald!

I am so happy I found an awesome trustworthy dentist! I love this guy, great bedside manner and nice office staff!!!

I have to preface this review by saying that Dr. Matt McDonald is a nice guy that knows what he is doing. I had quite a bit of work done and he was more than competent at his job.
That being said, I had a NIGHTMARE of a time with his office regarding charges for the services rendered. Upon my initial consultation, I was provided with a quote for the procedures (cavities and periodontics). After several visits, the bills came in the mail and ended up being OVER DOUBLE what was initially quoted. Granted this was on the part of the insurance company, but the office did not pick up on what was not being covered. After consulting a close friend in healthcare law, she indicated the charges that weren’t covered are very common and that any legitimate dental office should know this and provide this information to its patients.
Had I known my out of pocket costs would be over double what the office quoted me from the start, I would have gotten more quotes for the services and made different decisions on the procedures. Questionable sales practices without a doubt. So BEWARE of the quotes you receive here if you are a first time patient.

It’s rare that I give five star reviews. But, this little place TOTALLY deserves it. If I didn’t loathe visiting the dentist, I’d actually like this place.
As soon as you enter the joint, you’re greeted by two stunning blondes with amazing smiles and matching attitudes. (BONUS: They even know how to deal with husbands who haven’t had their coffee yet!)
The place is very clean and the staff is very kind. If you find yourself waiting they have a little coffee/​tea/​snack section. It’s a nice touch.
My hygienist (I can’t remember her name but she was half Japanese and half Lithuanian) was really personable. She did a fabulous job on my cleaning. In fact, my teeth felt the squeakiest they’ve ever felt.
Now for the dental ‘work’. Egads! Have you ever seen the movie ‘The Dentist’ starring Corben Bernstein?!
I’ve had some pretty horrific experiences sitting in that dental chair… all jacked up… drooling, sweating, the look of terror… Let’s just say that fear TOTALLY rules when I hear the motor on that drill…
But, I’ve got some amazing news! After dealing with Dr. McDonald, my trepidation has been pistol-​whipped. The doc. painlessly shot me up with Novocain and got my work done in no time at all! (Finally! This forty year old can feel her age when she hops into the dentist’s chair!)
Oh, and the most important part of it all is that Dr. McDonald was very meticulous with his work. My teeth not only feel fabulous, they look amazing.
The PTSD I’ve experienced from all my old dentists has been cured. Now that I’ve found Dr. Matt, he’d better stay right where he is at!

I visited Dr. McDonald my first time yesterday after snapping my retainer in half. I had heard good things about him and was in store for a new dentist so I figured now would be the time to go to him.
I called his office and explained my situation and my situation. Dr. McDonald squeezed me into his schedule that same day and got me fitted for a new retainer.
He was very pleasant and professional. The staff was all very friendly and was more than happy to take me in the same day.
If you are looking for someone who is up to date with the latest technology for your teeth and will make you feel at ease — Dr. McDonald is your guy!
I will be going to him now for all my dental needs as well as referring my family to him!

Finding a dentist you can trust has been on going for some time with me. I’ve been let down many many times. All that changed when I was referred by a friend to see Dr McDonald. I am so lucky to have him for a dentist. He really is someone you can trust and that is very important to me. His office was top notch and had all the latest equipment and technology, the staff was super helpful too. I am actually looking forward to going to the dentist now. I can not recommend Dr. McDonald enough!

Great dentist, great experience. I went in expecting the worst and oh did I get it. 6 cavities later, I was worried about the future appointment.
Dr McDonald’s work was excellent, and we even got them all done in one go thanks to the doctor taking extra time through one laborious journey. I think I may have learned my lesson about flossing.
Even going back for a checkup is welcoming and the care that the doctor provides is well above the expected amount. Would recommend.

Dr. Matt is the best dentist I’ve ever been too. I’m 33 years old and unfortunately in my lifetime, I’ve needed a lot of dentistry. I’ve had bad work, average work, and now excellent work. He is gentle and caring and just an all around great guy with a great personality and extremely professional. I highly recommend!

Just finished my treatment plan with Dr McDonald and I can’t rate him and the team highly enough. From the first visit last year to every visit since then, I have always been made to feel completely welcome and at ease. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. Debbie and the team on the front desk have always taken the time to discuss my insurance and costs in detail and to always return my calls when I have had questions. My hygienist has always offered sound advice and taken gentle care with my cleanings and I can’t thank Matt and his assistant, Yulia, enough for the care they have taken during my extensive treatment plan. Matt is approachable, down to earth, gentle, kind and funny. Not only does he have expert knowledge in his field and using the latest technology and tools (including crowns made on site), he has always taken the time to get to know me as a person and to discuss common interests to make me feel at ease. He ensures his patients are also his friends and his customer service is second to none. Highly recommended practice.

I had a great experience with Matt McDonald. First, I love that you can schedule appointments via email. Life can be hectic, so this is helpful! Also, I love how they give you all pricing information right up front.
Today I had to get a crown, and it was quick and painless! I had another appointment scheduled for a filling, but since I had to wait on the crown to get made, he did my filling too! Saves me a trip!
If you are nervous or new to the area, and looking for a new dentist, I would check this place out!

dr. matt mcdonald is the best dentist i have ever been to. he is beyond kind & he does truly care about the well being of the people he helps. my visit to the office was painless as it is a five minute walk from my house. at the appointment, we talked about surfing, skateboarding and other things. while my filling was done i watched arrested development on a television in the ceiling. the shots were literally painless as was his tx. the office is nice and the staff is awesome. i will not be going to anyone else as this spot & dr. mcdonald are as good as it gets; i have been to many dentists in sf/​east bay area, la & now in sd & this is the best for work done, office & staff. thanks to dr. m & crew.

Dr. McD is AWESOME! I just moved down to San Diego a few months ago and needed a new dentist, and I’m so happy I chose him. Not to mention all of his staff are extremely friendly. I felt so comfortable as I was given a tour of the entire office and introduced to Matt. If you’re looking for a new dentist, I would definitely recommend Dr. McDonald because he genuinely cares about his patients, loves teaching and answering your questions, and is also a really fun, down to earth guy. Thanks Matt!

In need of dental care, and after having met with Dr. Mcdonald, he was the obvious choice. He was very courteous, jovial, caring, and reassuring. He explained all the steps in great detail before and during, while stopping to make sure that you were comfortable and painless. Dr. Mcdonald and his great staff cater to everyone’s needs by making sure that you fully understand at home care and recommending further treatment that best fits your needs. His calm demeanor helps keep you calm during any procedure which keeps the appointment efficient and seamless throughout. I’m grateful to have found Dr. Mcdonald as my dental care provider, I’m confident he will be my dentist for life. He did great work and I would recommend him to anyone.

I don’t have a phobia of dentists, but I also don’t look forward to going (who does?). Then came apprehension for the first time in my life to go to the dentist when my life-​long family dentist… RETIRED!
My friend recommended Dr. McDonald, and now I am forever indebted to my friend because Dr. McDonald and his staff are absolutely wonderful, and worth the 70 mile drive.
From start to finish, this office did everything right. Everyone from the receptionist to the hygienist was super friendly and helpful. The cleaning was thorough but not painful. Dr. McDonald has a great way about him, explains everything really well, and you never feel rushed. He is an easy-​going, friendly and relatable person. He keeps you informed with everything he’s doing and answers any questions you might have.
Choosing a dentist is a very intimate experience. It involves a lot of trust, especially during your first visit. With Dr. McDonald, I left giving him my complete trust and once again have a dentist in my life whom I am not anxious to visit.

I really don’t like going to the dentist, but Dr. McDonald’s office in Del Mar put me at ease and took the time to make me feel comfortable. The office environment is low key and professional, not like one of those churn-​em and burn-​em dentist offices that want you in and out. There is a TV on the ceiling and he put SportCenter on so I had something to do while he did a few fillings. He was gentle, steady, and fast, and took the time to answer my questions and explain my treatment plan. He gave me three different options for my treatment and explained each one thoroughly. I hate when doctors and dentists seem like they want to just bill you for the most expensive service, but I really feel like Dr. McDonald wants the best thing for your dental health. I would highly recommend Dr. McDonald and his staff.

I hate going to the dentist. I’ve had very few positive experiences. I must have horribly sensitive gums or something because even those stupid ex-​ray things they stick in your mouth make water come out of my eyes. I wouldn’t ever recommend anyone go to the dentist, until I met Dr. McDonald.
Dr. McDonald has been nothing but a pleasure to work with. He sincerely cares about the comfort of his patient — and I am the hardest to care for. I experienced little to no pain while under his care, and he is really good at explaining what he is doing and/​or going to do.
If you just moved to San Diego, need a new dentist, or have insurance for the first time in your adult life (like me), then you must try Matt McDonald.
Yours truly,
The World’s Most Sensitive Mouth

Love this guy! So fun to go to a fun, cool dentist that is up to date on the latest techniques and equipment. I was totally relaxed and felt zero pain! We talked about skiing and surfing when my mouth wasn’t full of tools:^)
Del Mar needed this new dentist!

Dr. Matt McDonald is a fellow colleague of mine and I can honestly say that his clinical skills as a dentist are second to none and that he is an even better person. Matt was a classmate of mine in dental school so I know first hand how awesome this guy is and I would trust him with my smile any day. What makes him such a good guy and also such a great dentist is his sincere regard for others and his down to earth and like able personality. Del Mar is lucky to have such a great dentist in their hood.

Super comfortable experience and professional up and coming dentist! I am glad that the del mar area finally has a dentist that is engaging and loves his job. I especially recommend getting a bit of the nitrous and some smooth tunes, you won’t feel like you’re at the dentist! You will be craving an appointment to get your dental needs addressed and relaxation on!