Rockridge Dental

Bruce Fong is a huge cheat, and ruined my tooth for life. My tooth chipped a little around April 2013. After a lot of researching and nervousness in finding a new dentist, I went to see him at the recommendation of an innocent co-​worker, who may not be aware of this man’s clever ways. Without really doing a proper exam of my mouth, he suggested a gold crown for my tooth. I hardly saw his face at my appointment because in trying to make the most money, he jumps from patient to patient, spending the least amount of time with each patient. He gave all the work to his office staff to do. I didn’t even know the people who were working in my mouth. He filed my tooth so small in his rush, that my crown continues to fall off the teeth, even till today. In other words, he has ruined my teeth forever. I came home that day after the office visit and realized that I never really even saw the dentist’s face. I am used to dentists doing thorough exam, for example, talking about each and every tooth, while the assistant is noting down information about each tooth. He never did this, but yet charged for an exam.
He came from behind for less than 2 seconds and drilled. Anyway, I did not finish the process with him and demanded my money back while the temporary crown was in my mouth. Another dentist finished the job. I paid a total of $ 1,056 (insurance paid only $ 569) for a gold crown. In only 2 years the crown fell down. Today, I went to get the crown recemented and found out from my dentist that the tooth is too small to hold any crown. If it falls again, which it will since my dentist is pretty sure of that, it means my crown was a waste of money. What am I going to do with this teeth which is ruined due to Fong’s greed. I refuse to call him Doctor.
Fong is responsible for filing my tooth this small. Oh, did I mention that he talked to me like he was God or something, told me that he could make my mouth perfect with bridges and crowns, walking around the room in authority, as if I would be such a fool to trust someone in one visit. I said, oh that would cost about $ 20,000. He said, more like $ 60,000. What a greedy man! I wouldn’t even call him a doctor because doctors are supposed to be caring, he is a greedy vulture. I am going to have to extract this teeth now, because the crown will fall again. I should report him to the dental association. What he does is, he does not do a good job for the crown and when the patient complains of pain, he recommends a root canal. I have seen this happen to my co-​worker. This gets him the money for the crown as well as for the root canal, double payment. He should close down his business because the evil will catch up with him pretty soon. Also one should check the forms he makes you sign. On that form, he noted build-​up, where as there was no build-​up done. I was in pain for several days before another dentist could see me. I wouldn’t even give him one star, not even half or quarter.

I had a crown put in, all good. About 30 days later the crown fell out. They put it back in, then I had to go back 2 or 3 times to adjust my bite due to general pressure and soreness in the same area, the re-​install of crown was too high or just mis-​aligned. It is still sore today more than 3 years later. I essentially just gave up. I couldn’t bear to go in there ever again. At a certain point I requested to not get ex rays every cleaning, at 40+ years old it seemed redundant and pointlessly expensive. And yes the music is annoyingly loud, (That’s the real reason I’m writing this review) I have a general disdain for 80 & 90’s pop. Trust me I can rock out with the best of them. 2 stars because you can hit market hall and spend the rest of your savings on a latte and some scones.

Dr. Bruce is a terrific dentist and a gifted artist who can beautifully restore crucial broken teeth! No way can we convey how amazing the result was after Dr. Bruce did a cosmetic restoration of my son’s top front three teeth (incisors) after a devastating accident. He was absolutely intuitive in crafting the teeth; they look, if anything, better than his original teeth! My son is still a teen and had a great smile before the accident, now he has his great smile AGAIN thanks to Dr. Bruce’s skill!
The whole atmosphere in the office is so pleasant; every person we have met there brings their best to the operation, consistently. No matter how busy or how challenging the task at hand, Dr. Bruce and the entire staff are friendly, genuinely cheerful, caring and professional.
Extremely accessible across from the Rockridge BART station! If you’re looking for quality care where it matters (your own mouth/​smile), this is the place!

I have been going here for 13 years, and these guys are consistently great. They are not scamming you when they tell you you have a cavity, you have a cavity. The other bad reviews are so weird!!! I have have had 3 cavities in the last 13 years of going to him, and they have all been micro sand blasted off. It does not hurt (it is a bit mouth drying) and you wont need to be drooling numb all day.
Dr. Fong, is a perfectionist. I half nocked out my front tooth while in a pool (in college) and had it redone in Denver by some other dentist, and it failed after 2 years. Dr. Fong replaced it (rebuilt & sculpted it) perfectly color matched it, and it lasted 11 years! He just rebuilt it again last week, and its even better than before. Thank you for being having such a incredible eye and steady hand.
On the Music. It is eclectic, but Dr. Fong will have a discussion with you in depth about anything that comes on, it’s his playlist, and he knows whats on it. It’s not a canned pandora stream, it’s an awesome collection from every genre that he’s interested in… and that’s just rad.

One reviewer before me put it: «I now feel like he [Bruce Fong] is on the hunt for ‘problems’…bottom line: Dr. Fong is a fine dentist if you prefer aggressive proactive treatments for dental problems that don’t yet exist and have the insurance to cover it.»
Another said this: «This place walks the line of unethical practice to downright criminal.»
And another: «Then the next visit the cavity in that tooth {Bruce Fong said had a cavity] ‘disappeared’ but two others were ‘found’. One routine „filling“ I had began causing me pain a few days later and Dr. Fong spent two visits grinding down my teeth to „fix“ the problem before finally admitting he screwed up the filling.»
I went to have ONE cavity looked at and by the time I left the office he claimed I needed a root canal on the opposite side of my mouth where I had no pain or issue at all. Also he found three other areas that needed fillings, again that I did not feel any sensation of or have any issue with myself. I was scared into doing the root canal and by the time I was done with JUST THAT all of my insurance was used up and the tooth that was bothering me and broken still had not yet been worked on.
I spent WAY more money with Bruce Fong than I have since at a downtown dentist that has done more work in the 8 years since my experience with Bruce Fong.
This was a horrible experience. Did I mention Bruce Fong listens to loud acid rock while working on your open and vulnerable mouth?
I recommend getting a second opinion before dolling out the cash for this rip-​off artist. I really felt taken. But if you’re rich you may enjoy his sadistic charisma.

I have to say, I have never been fond of any dental experience, but I was forced to go in when I was miserable from jaw and tooth pain combined with ear ringing and migraines for over a month. I made an «emergency» appointment I was convinced I must’ve had a tooth infection from 5 years of deferred maintenance.
So I see Doctor Fong and he sticks two cotton rolls in my mouth and makes me bite them and walks out for about 10 min. He came back in and my jaw and tooth and migraine were gone. Turns out there was no infection and my problem was from Tooth grinding and clenching. He gave me some cotton rolls to take home until my new night guard came in.
It has been a month since I received my new night guard and I feel fabulous. No more migraines and jaw pain. I am really grateful he was able to resolve that issue for me. I have since then made an appointment with Rockridge Dental for my deferred maintenance.

DO NOT GO HERE!!! This place walks the line of unethical practice to downright criminal. My wife and I went to Bruce Fong per a friend’s recommendation. My wife ended up in the course of one year with over 10 «cavities» and 2 «root canals». His «oral surgeon» botched one of her root canals which caused her a lot of pain. Dr. Fong kept denying responsibility until several visits later when it was obvious there was no other possibility. He actually had the nerve of BILLING my wife for replacing her root canal! I had over 6 «cavities» and 10 «failed fillings» during the year I was at his practice as well as an insane amount of xrays. I started to suspect foul play when I was told I had a cavity during a visit and refused the filling, marking down the tooth they claimed had the cavity. Then the next visit the cavity in that tooth «disappeared» but two others were «found». One routine «filling» I had began causing me pain a few days later and Dr. Fong spent two visits grinding down my teeth to «fix» the problem before finally admitting he screwed up the filling. How in the hell do you screw up a routine filling? And how do you justify permanantly damaging your patient’s tooth in order to avoid taking responsibility for your shoddy work?
Since leaving Dr. Fong’s practice, my wife and I have each been seeing our own dentists and guess what? We have NOT HAD ONE CAVITY in over 3 years! How is this possible? We left Dr. Fong’s practice, that’s how. He is not the only dentist who makes money by performing unnecessary dental work, but his unique combination of ineptitude and malpractice makes it mind boggling how he has managed to keep his license, much less his upscale Rockridge practice. What a crook.

I just love this office! I had been in search of a Periodontist and met Dr. Barudi at the Rockridge Fesitval. She was so warm and friendly. After giving her a brief history, she just smiled and said «Oh girl here’s my card. Come see me and we’ll hook you up!» My periodontal disease had progressed to the point of not being able to tolerate another run of braces, which I needed in order to have jaw surgery. In 2010, over the course of 6 months Dr. Barudi worked diligently to get my teeth and gums in shape for braces and ultimately jaw surgery. She did an incredible job. By summer 2010 I was in braces and she continued to maintain my teeth and gums over 1 ½ years until I was ready for jaw surgery.
While I’ve only been seen here for perio, from what I have observed all of the staff here are wonderful. Doreen, who works the front desk, is so sweet and accommodating. I’m not a patient of Dr. Fong’s, but he’s incredibly friendly and his patients seem to love him.
The office vibe is lively and fun. They have the most random playlist I’ve ever heard. In a span of 30 minutes you can go from hearing A Tribe Called Quest to Hall and Oates! lol. Something for everyone, and I love it:)

I’m a big fan of Rockridge Dental, Dr. Bruce Fong, and Elizabeth the Amazing Dental Hygienist. When I first went to see them, I hadn’t seen a dentist in a long time (7 years?) and I was nervous, but they were great.
Everything at Rockridge Dental is state-​of-​the-​art, from the way they take x-​rays to the way they identify cavities. On my first visit, after the cleaning, Dr. Fong pressed this laser pen up against each of my teeth, and it made beeps of various sorts, and Dr. Fong said things like, «Number 12 is a 44 … let’s treat that one. Number 3 is a 10 … we can let that one go.» Apparently, this laser gives extremely accurate information about the extent of cavity in each tooth, which information the dentist can then use to decide whether you need a filling or not. Neato-​keen!
It turned out on my first visit that I had some attention-​worthy cavities, but Dr. Fong said they were shallow enough that he wouldn’t have to drill. He said he could use this new-​fangled process called «air abrasion,» which is sort of like sand-​blasting the teeth … no needles needed, no pain, no numbness, nothing. And then he said he doesn’t use metal fillings, only resin. No, it isn’t tree sap, but some sort of very durable plastic. Hmmm. Apparently, only resin fillings are used with the air-​abrasion process. Dr. Fong also told me that if air-​abrasion had been used for all my past fillings (I’ve got quite a few), I’d have a lot more of the original material of my teeth, because drilling is much less efficient and takes out so much of the tooth. Unfortunately, air-​abrasion only became commonly used within the last decade or so.
With all this high-​tech approach, I expected that their cost would be a lot higher than your run-​of-​the-​mill dentist, but when I did some research I found that their prices were actually pretty much even with everyone else!
So, basically, Rockridge Dental rocks. Fear not the dentist!

I’ve been going to Dr. Fong for 10 years now, and I still have the same hygienist, Elizabeth (who also gets 5 stars!) as when I started 10 years back. I found them to be very friendly and empathetic, plus it’s nice to just check in and catch up on what’s new since my last visit. They’re a lot like family that you only see once or twice a year. It makes checkups almost enjoyable.
Back when I started with them in 1991, I had some «deferred maintenance» that needed to be taken care of. They were great about handling the big stuff first, and helping me plan out the rest of the work, because I couldn’t afford to do all of it at once. Their dental chairs were really uncomfortable at that time, I complained, because it was really bad, and by my next visit, they had replaced them! Maybe I got lucky however they are still pretty comfortable today.
My wife began going to Dr. Fong about a year or so ago. And she really had a lot of anxiety about seeing a dentist, because she also had a lot of «deferred maintenance» but mostly just plain FEAR of dentists. The staff was wonderful with her, working at her pace, and allowing her time to relax so that she could get the work done. They also let me stay in the room to hold her hand through the procedures.
Now, her fear and anxiety are gone, and she goes in alone for checkups!
Today, they told me that I need a filling, however they said I could wait until the next visit (6 mo.) to take care of it. I like that there is no pressure to have it done immediately.

Nice package here folks. But the box is empty. Went here after our longtime dentist retired. They botched my husband’s dental work-​actually the dentist had his assistant doing work he should have been doing himself. Hubby ended up sitting the dental chair for way longer than he needed to be so the problem could be *fixed*. Other work did not last. If you are interested in rocking out while you have your teeth cleaned and don’t really care about the quality of the dental work-​go for it. Just a little word of caution not to be too smitten by the fluff. When something really goes wrong with your teeth you may end up with some regrets.

I didn’t have a positive experience. I sat on the chair after the hygienist cleaned my teeth and waited for Dr. Fong to come examine my teeth. After 20 minutes of sitting, I thought my time would be better served at work. As I’m checking out, he is just walking through the office door, the guy wasn’t even in the office yet. Too many good dentists around for me to be stuck with a bad one. Onward and upward.

I saw a Rockridge Dental ad at the Bart station which spoke to my NO 1 concern, pain! My issue was needles and the anesthesia process. I warmed to Dr Fong immediately, and was assured my issues would be accommodated. Not only did Dr Fong handle my fears but I am now past the issue. Bring on the needles!!! The office is relaxed, and comes with funky music, (i have never heard the same music twice). Elizabeth the hygienist is awesome! My last visit i was surprised to find an adorable pocket dog who greeted at the door. Being a dog person I thought this was a nice touch to an already great atmosphere! I would not hesitate recommending this business to anyone.

I’ve been going to this dental office for more than 10 years. The staff are professional, honest, knowledgeble and have a great sense of humor. Dr. Fong plays an ecclectic mix of music and the hygenists are all excellent. The environment is busy and the location is centrally located — near BART.
They always accept my dental plans, despite my changing jobs and plans a few times. When I didn’t have a coverage, back in the day, the office staff courteously assisted me in setting up a payment schedule.
I give this place an A+ and have recommended it to many people looking for a dentist.

Great dentist, convenient location (next to BART with parking), and rockin music while you get your teeth cleaned.
I’ve been to 4 dentists since moving to the bay, each one has been worse than the previous until going to see Bruce Fong. They are not preferred providers under my insurance, but they are still affordable, and its worth it for a good cleaning
I highly recommend Rockridge Dental

I’ve been going to Dr Fong for nearly 10 years and have never been happier. I actually look forward to going to the dentist because they are so friendly.
I’m a little surprised to see the comments around Dr Fong being «on the hunt» for problems. Isn’t that what dentists are supposed to do? His practice is plenty busy, so I doubt he’s got a motive to charge for unnecessary work, like I’ve heard other dentists do to their patients. Check back in a couple of years to see if those molehills turned into mountains — I’m willing to bet Dr Fong was right.
Regardless, while in his care I haven’t had any cavities or other issues which speaks to his work.
I also love he doesn’t try to sell me on crap like teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures.
All in all, he’s one of the best out there.

I think Bruce Fong is by far the best dentist I have ever been to, and I have seen many in my long dental nightmare life.
Modern equipment, great staff, and cool eclectic music too that Bruce pumps in on his ipod :)
His practice is right next to the BART station in Rockridge so it’s really easy to get to. I actually drive most of the time, and that’s a long drive for me, I have tons of dentists nearby but I won’t see anyone but the people at RD.
I can’t say enough about the work they do there, it’s outstanding. I actually enjoy going to see them, which is crazy for a dentist visit, right?
Also… I see that a few people reviewing here thing that Bruce is overly aggressive with his treatments but I have found it to be the opposite. Many time i have had him opt for the less aggressive options. I think he is just a bit better then most dentists and he sees the potential problems before others might, but I have never felt that he recommended anything that wasn’t completely necessary.

Update:
3 stars overall. A –OKAY.
Why? I outlined an issue earlier this year that would lead me to think Dr. Fong is a diligent dentist — which I believe he is. But I now feel like he is on the hunt for «problems» to the point of maybe making mountains out of molehills
Fast forward to a few weeks ago: he told me I needed 16 PMRs (or whatever they are called — basically lightly drill/​sand down top of a molar and put in composite filling overlay) He said I needed this as I have deep fissures in my molars (yeah — born that way) I have had sealants in the past that seem to have done right by me — never had a cavity! When I asked about cost he said insurance would probably cover it — well mine doesn’t and what he recommended would have set me back several thousand dollars.
Not being one to take one persons word, especially when they stand to profit and I stand to experience substantial pain (both financially and physically), I got a second opinion.
Second opinion could find no evidence of cavity and recommended against such aggressive proactive treatment because it could then open up another host of problems.
What I learned: Some dentists are aggressive and prefer to treat potential for problem prior to a problem and some dentists prefer to find evidence of a problem then treat. As a patient you have to determine what school of thought you follow. I am of the latter persuasion — I prefer to wait for a problem and treat it vs. treat potential for a problem that as of now doesn’t exist.
So bottom line: Dr. Fong is a fine dentist if you prefer aggressive proactive treatments for dental problems that don’t yet exist and have the insurance to cover it.
I am changing dentists again — but not because I don’t believe in Dr. Fong and his ability — but because I fundamentally just don’t agree with his philosophy.

Let’s face it, no one REALLY likes dental appointments, but this is about as good as the dentist gets. Dr. Fong is a great guy and has always been able to solve any minor problems that I’ve had over the 7 – 8 years or so that I’ve been a patient. The atmosphere is what I would call «relaxed-​professional.»
Sometimes going to the dentist can feel like going to Jiffy Lube: «oh your blah-​blah has blah-​blah-​blah» and thus you’ll need to come in every two weeks for year. This has happened to me at other dentists but NEVER here. I feel like Dr. Fong tells it like it is. Highly recommended.

If I could give 6 stars, I would. I’ve been going to Dr. Fong/​Rockridge Dental for 10 years and he is by far the best dentist I have ever been to. He is a perfectionist: attentive, kind, thorough, professional, and experienced. He sets a casual, fun tone in his office so we can all feel relaxed and at home, yet has attention to detail high standards about his medical practice. He has always been thorough yet intent on not doing any unnecessary procedures. He is great about informing me of my options and educating me about my dental health. He always has the best hygenists… they get every little bit of gunk in the gentlest way. Though he looks like he’s in his thirties, I think he has something like 17 years of experience as a dentist. As long as I live in Berkeley, I’ll be going to Dr. Fong.
Many others have figured out how great he is, so he’s usually quite booked up!
P. S. I am very surprised that a reviewer found Dr. Fong to take a more aggressive approach. I’ve found him to be very discerning, and only perform procedures when absolutely necessary. There have been many occasions when he points something out that he wants to keep an eye on, but does not treat. He’ll follow up during future visits and continue to check and see if it needs treatment. Of all the dentists I’ve been to, he’s the most conservative and intervenes the least. When I say conservative, however, I’m NOT referring to his music. His ipod is all over the place!