David Rens, DDS & Ann Marie Zimmerman, DDS

San Diego, United States

3.6

8 reviews

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Telephone:
+1 619-299-3200
Website:
sandiegosmilemaker.com
Address:
4103 3rd Ave Ste A, San Diego, CA, 92103
b/t Lewis St & Montecito Way
Hillcrest
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
1 miFashion Valley Transit Center
1.3 miHazard Center
1.5 miMiddletown
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Today

Today –
Local time (San Diego) 06:50 Saturday, 21 June 2025

Business hours

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Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

We are devoted to relieving your pain and restoring the natural beauty of your smile using conservative, state-​of-​the-​art procedures that will result in beautiful, long lasting smiles!

History

Established in 1994.

Both Dr. Rens and Dr. Zimmerman come from dental families. In 1989 they both graduated from Northwestern University as Doctors of Dental Surgery. As a husband and wife team, they took over a practice in the Hillcrest medical/​dental district in 1994. They strive to deliver the same high level of care that patients of the practice have come to expect for over the past 60 years. In 2009 the doctors brought the office into the digital age by adding CEREC CAD/​CAM technology to the practice. This was a transformative decision. It allowed them to preserve precious tooth structure while restoring teeth to optimal strength and health. When asked, patients state that having their tooth fixed in a single visit is the biggest benefit. The Doctors remain committed to their profession and evolving along with it.

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«We have sent patients to Dr. Machado for +20 years. They rave about his care & when they are in his office they know „they are in the right place“.»

Hillcrest Endodontics

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Endodontists

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Oral Surgeons

David Rens, DDS & Ann Marie Zimmerman, DDS says,

«When one of our patients needs a tricky root canal completed we know they have the technology and expertise to get it done right.»

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David Rens, DDS & Ann Marie Zimmerman, DDS says,

«We have confidently referred patients to Dr. Richards for dental implants for +15 years. We have accomplished amazing results together.»

KPBS

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Television Stations

,

Radio Stations

David Rens, DDS & Ann Marie Zimmerman, DDS says,

«They keep me informed. They make me think. They make me laugh. I’m always better for having listened.»

Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria

552

reviews

Pizza

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Italian

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Hot Dogs

David Rens, DDS & Ann Marie Zimmerman, DDS says,

«During my time in Chicago I learned to appreciate the art of Chicago style Deep Dish Pizza. This is the closest I’ve found outside the windy city.»

Nearby

Near this location:
50
ft
Tibetan Healing Center
4115 3rd Avenue
50
ft
Buschman Financial & Insurance
4115 3rd Avenue
80
ft
UC San Diego Health System Fourth & Lewis Medical Offices
330 Lewis Street
80
ft
John Kim, MD - UC San Diego Health
330 Lewis St Ste 100
110
ft
University of California San Diego
330 Lewis St
110
ft
Eric Jamison, MD
330 Lewis St

8 reviews of David Rens, DDS & Ann Marie Zimmerman, DDS

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Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I usually see Dr. Zimmerman, who has been my dentist for over 10 years. She is very friendly, explains any dental issues very clearly, and has transformed my mouth from a decaying yellow train wreck to a beautiful set of pearly whites. I also appreciate that they have a lab on site… saves the time of having to come back for a second appointment if you need a crown!
Place rating: 2
San Diego, CA
I have been going to this dentist for over 15 years, but after an appointment in June 2013, I finally decided to shop around for a new dentist due to an uncomfortable exchange I had with Dr. Zimmerman when asking about a charge I owed and what insurance would cover — she seemed angry at me for wanting to know what the costs covered. I remember her saying to me, ‘you question costs every time Kay!’ I was dumbfounded as this was only the second time in 15 yrs I was inquiring about out of pocket costs — isn’t that my right?! I just wanted to know what the hell I was paying for and why insurance wasn’t covering it all. She couldn’t even provide me an itemization of the breakdown of charges and coverage. Her office is very poor at informing you up front about out of pocket costs and will change their minds on what was agreed upon. The year I had to get a crown, she said she would be contracting with my insurance carrier and we agreed on what my out of pocket costs would be with that coverage — just under $ 1000. Then when I went in for the crown, she informed me that she decided not to contract with my insurance and that I would have to pay $ 2000!!! I ended up settling at $ 1500, but felt miffed that I had been misinformed and not given a heads up prior to the appointment. She also seems to like to recommend gold inlays and crowns for issues. I started suspecting major upselling when they brought all of that work inhouse. Her front office assistant has no personality and just would stare at me –she wouldn’t even greet me when I walked in – it was creepy! I left that last appointment just knowing that I never wanted to go back — it was awful!!! I don’t know if Dr. Zimmerman is just getting tired or what, but I did finally see another dentist that confirmed my suspicions of having work done that would cost a lot more than other treatments was not necessary. The only good thing about that office is Emily her dental assistant. I should have looked for another dentist earlier, but felt a loyalty to Dr. Zimmerman. Glad that I finally made the change!
Place rating: 1
San Diego, CA
I had an OK expencece with Dr Rens and his hygienist. There was a bit of pain as there was a rush and the numbing agent was more effective after the procedure. The front office is the real issue. When I made my first appoitment I got a call the next day to confirm if my appoitment was Wednesday at 8 or 11. I had made the appoitment for Thursday at 1030. After calling to correct the issues I got an email that said ok see you the 6th (which was a Wenesday) at 1030. Upon arriving at the office I was given another packet to sign, in addition to the ones I had compleated online, and I noticed a section that the office charges you for a copie of your file or xrays. I asked about this at the desk pointing out that my xray had been transfered from my oral surgen with no charge and I was told that I was luckey. I wanted to walk out then, and I am starting to wish I had.
I started this review 2 years ago. After reading the recent reviews I’m sorry I stopped. I asked 3 times to have my deep cleaning pre approved, Dr Rens assured me it was covered, but I should have paid attention to the front office persons lack of reply. I ended up with a bill stating nothing was covered. Dr Zimmerman insisted this procedure cannot be per approved. Every other office I have visited said this is not the case. This office was a preferred provider for the insurance I had, yet they spoke ill of the insurance company. I also had issues getting timely response after reviving my bill. Calling was pointless so I showed up in person. After one Dr. telling me finance charges would not be added until we received a review from the insurance company, I got a letter from the other Dr. telling me they had already done me a favor by only doing ½ the mouth and that finance charges would be applied. I just paid and will never return. I’m sorry I waited so long to write this review and hope is saves someone the stress and pain I went through.
Place rating: 5
La Mesa, CA
As a family, we have been seeing Drs. Rens & Zimmerman for a few years now. We have each had different dental issues, and we have always been treated with professionalism, with the utmost courtesy and with the kinds of quality that is hard to find these days. We have recommended Drs. Rens and Zimmerman to many of our friends, and we will continue to do so.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Saw Dr. Zimmerman as new patient. Easy to get appointment. They had done their homework with my insurance upon arrival. Friendly, quick & efficient. ’nuff said!
Place rating: 1
San Diego, CA
1 star is being generous. Dr. Zimmerman is very friendly, but I was given a treatment plan adding up to thousands of dollars that I found out later was not necessary. The work I did get done was a cap on front tooth. She strongly recommended I get a veneer on the other front tooth so they would match. Then tells me when I am on the table, tooth drilled out, that I have to pick the matching shade!!! I didn’t go to school for that! It ended up not matching well, in color and length, and her response was that it’s tough to get those front two to match. About that treatment plan? I went to a new dentist shortly after the experience who said my teeth looked FINE. No work needed. She quoted crowns and cavities. New dentist fixed the front teeth she messed up and got the correct shade and length.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Truly professional and personable, Dr. Zimmerman certainly was a great choice for a new dentist.
Compete lab on premise, wonderful hygienist (Emily) and nice to have the availability of Dr. Rens for additional consultation when needed.
A really good choice if you’re looking for new dentist.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Dr. Rens is my dentist, but his wife Dr Zimmerman seems just as nice. He is a great dentist that is not always trying to get you to do procedures that are not necessary. He takes time to explain why he has decided on a procedure and will go through the cost benefits of all available treatments. If he has to refer you to a specialist, he follows up and ensures the work has been completed correctly. The only downfall is that he is not an in and out dentist. You really have to be ready to spend an hour and half just for a cleaning. He likes to talk just because he is friendly and get to know you.