Progressive Dental Arts

I LOVE my new dentists office! Leslie in the office was so friendly, knowledgable, and helpful when getting me set up and squared away with my insurance and all. Dr. Theresa Pham was such a pro! I’m in great hands. Great spot downtown

I began going to this dentist office over a year ago, and after 4 – 5 visits I decided not to go anymore. The first time I went it was ok: the hygienist is very nice and she is probably the best part of the office. She took my x-​rays and used some blue light to show that I had 8 cavities. I had been warned by my previous dentist that those cavities were looming and I needed to floss more, so I believed them. I had also chipped a fake tooth, so I had to get 9 fillings in total. They set me up for two separate visits to get my teeth fixed. The main problem I had with the office initially was the music. I seriously felt like I was in a downtown club, not a dentist office. I really didn’t like the music, but I decided to just wear headphones and tune out the music through the next couple of visits. Dr. Pham did an overall good job on my fillings, which is why I continued to go back, but each time that I went in to get fillings it was extremely uncomfortable. There was definitely tension between Dr. Pham and her assistant. This may have been because of the assistant, or it may have been because of Dr. Pham. It seemed like the assistant was doing her job, but not as fast as the doctor would like her to perform, so the doctor would get frustrated and shake her hand at the assistant. Being a patient with my mouth wide open literally in the middle of these two was rather uncomfortable. The assistant was also talking about her dinner plans, which was annoying. I decided to go back because again, Dr. Pham did a good job and I felt like «maybe it was an off day». So, I went back. It was not an off day. They did the other half of my fillings with the same tension I felt before, but this time there was a different assistant, but Dr. Pham had the same annoyance with the new assistant as she had with the previous assistant. Again, overall the work was good so I decided to go back. I made the mistake of not wearing headphones again so the music was really annoying. This was just a cleaning so I got to see the sweet hygienist again and that made things better. The last time I went was for another cleaning, but the greeting was what broke the straw on my back: I checked in and the receptionist greeted me by saying «Did you change your phone number?» I said «No, why?» She said «We tried calling you but the number was disconnected.» I said, «That’s strange because I’ve received all of your text message reminders about today, maybe you misdialed?» She didn’t verbally respond, but she gave me a look that said «I DO NOT MAKE MISTAKES!» I sat down and waited to be called back, but instead Dr. Pham came out and asked me the same question, «Did you change your number?» I said «No, I think you guys dialed the wrong number». She responded by stated my number to me, which was correct, then calling me, which it rang, then said «Maybe your phone was disconnected for a day.» (Um, no, my phone was not disconnected for a day! You dialed the wrong number!) I again calmly said, «I think you just dialed the wrong number». I was again responded to with a look that made my blood boil! Don’t argue with clients that pay you lots of money! I will never go here again! Between the tension that Dr. Pham has with her assistants, the awful music, and then accusing me of having my phone turned off rather than admitting to a mistake, never again! Plus, the parking is horrible. Overall, I gave them two stars because, again, Dr. Pham did a good job with my teeth, she just needs to learn how to work and talk with to people in a courteous manner.

On my 1^st visit I authorized ONLY the # of xray’s that would be covered under insurance. They said ok but took a FULL set and submitted it to my insurance company who is now billing me for a co-​pay. They REFUSE to take responsibility and furthermore the owner of the practice, Theresa Pham, has rudely passed the phone to her office staff to speak to me while I was mid-​sentence! She has absolutely NO customer service. NEVER GO HERE, IT’S A RIP OFF!!!

Over my years I have seen my fair share of dentists and have to say Dr. Pham and her practice is one of my favorites. They very efficient and I never have to wait to be escorted to the exam rooms. The advice and guidance I receive from Dr. Pham is honest and geared towards my overall dental health and goals. I never feel like I’m being sold any unnecessary treatment. She is extremely friendly and remembers little details about me which shows that she truly cares about me and my teeth. The only challenge is the parking, I would plan a 15 minute cushion to make sure you aren’t rushed. I now recommend her to all my friends!

I love Dr. Pham and her staff. I’ve been coming here for three years now and over time, they have helped me get my perfect smile.
Any treatment you need, if you want it done right, you should be willing to pay for it. After three years, I have no cavities and my gums are the healthiest they have ever been.
You should also know your insurance and what you are covered for. I’ve always found out ahead of time how much the visit would cost. Feel free to tell them you don’t want a treatment if your insurance doesn’t cover it. They respect your needs.

Dr Pham and her staff are outstanding. After not going to the dentist for several years, I went in late 2014 and have since had a deep cleaning, a crown to repair a broken molar, and several silver fillings replaced with composite fillings. The work has been great, and my teeth and gums are in better shape than ever.

After posting my review, I received a call from the assistant who performed the work that I complained about. I was really impressed by that, because it took a lot of guts and showed a very good commitment to customer service. If I were her, I probably would have called me and suggested I kick rocks. Instead, she was super nice and apologetic. I felt compelled to update because I was so impressed!

Poor workmanship on «cavities» for both me and my wife — both had to come back to get it fixed. I say «cavities» because they seem to get creative to «find» as many as possible to boost the bill. One piece of advice, go somewhere else

Don’t go here. Just don’t. 3 appointments: 1^st appt– wasn’t seen because they couldn’t figure out my very simple insurance. 1 hour wasted. 2^nd appt.- walked in the door– no one greeted me even though 3 people were standing at the front desk including the dentist. 20 minutes late seeing me. Said I need 6 fillings even though I don’t eat sugar and don’t drink anything but water. Front desk person had a hard time scheduling my next appt– dates and times seemed to be hard for her. 3^rd appt– waited 30 minutes and not even close to seeing me. Said they can’t keep a good front desk person and are having a hard time– wonder why… Another hour wasted.
Just don’t come here.

Dr Pham is great! My first appt. was scheduled within a week. Chipped tooth was fixed in less than an hour. Great people. Great service. Highly recommend to anyone looking for dentist.

I looked into this doctor’s reviews prior to coming and many people said that she charges/​does procedures that are unnecessary in order to get extra payment. Wanted to give her a try. And yet, reviews proven to be correct. Front desk is rude and unhelpful. Staff has some attitude as well. CHECK YOUR BILLS from this doctor!!!

My first visit here and will definitely be back! Theresa and her team are true professionals. The service was amazing before I even entered by the friendly receptionist Lisa who booked my appointment. From start to finish my experience was more than pleasant. I have already recommended this place to coworkers who will be going as well.

The first dentist where Im not afraid to go. Staff is very nice and I feel completely confident.

Thanks to new dental insurance, I found myself looking for an office and choose this one because I can walk from my apartment. Like most people I don’t usually care for the dentist office so I was very happy when I came across Dr. Pham.
All of the staff is very friendly, careful, knowledgeable, and informative. I felt like they made a special effort to keep me aware of all appointments (text messages, emails, etc.) and were flexible to change appointments if necessary. I was informed of how much each of my appointments (for fillings) would cost from the initial assessment.
I had 3 appointments in total and I didn’t have to wait to see the dentist for any of them. Also, I felt they listened to me when I needed to stop and «come up for air» when I was getting my fillings done.
I am not sure what the parking situation is like (since I walk) but there is a huge parking lot across the street (Petco Stadium overflow parking maybe). I would highly recommend this office to anyone looking for a dentist in downtown, or anywhere else really.

I’ve been seeing Dr. Pham for about 5 years now. She and her staff are always nice and professional. I like the office setting, and also that it’s not far from where I live. Although parking can be tough sometimes. Which is why I always opt for early morning appointments.
Each time I go in, I feel like they keep me informed about what’s going on with my teeth. Especially now that I’m pregnant and prone to gingivitis, they’ve given me lots of important tips to keep my mouth healthy. I couldn’t ask for more in a dentist, someone who is very knowledgeable and personable, a staff I feel comfortable with, and no hassle when it comes to dealing with payment and my insurance.

It had been a few years since I had stepped into a dental practice. I knew Dr. Pham through a common friend, and decided to make an appointment at her practice, to have her take care of –what I identified as– a cavity I had just discovered close to my gum on a lower tooth.
Since I didn’t have much time, because I was just visiting SD for a week, she was able to take me right away, and did a great job (you basically cannot even guess there was a cavity in the first place!)!
Years had gone by since my last cleaning as well, so I did that too, which included a complete x-​ray, and pictures done, with explanations by the hygienist, and a physical review/​explanations by Dr. Pham.
The cleaning was done by her dental hygienist Tiffany, and was honestly the most painless cleaning I’ve ever had, even though my usual dentist and hygienist back home (Switzerland) are really, really good! I gave Tiffany a big compliment for the work btw.
After all was done, the review brought to my attention what I needed to do in order to keep things healthy, which I will do in this practice, once I figure out my insurance coverage.
I highly recommend this practice for it’s professionalism, and the kindness of it’s staff. Not to mention that I was impressed by the technology used!
Aloha!

I have had a few appointments here usually in the morning. I like that I never have to wait to be seen.
+ the office is brand new and the staff is really friendly.
+ the dentist and hygienist were very clear about what they were doing and what I needed to be doing to take care of my teeth. I felt better educated.
+ unlike the oral surgeon that removed my wisdom teeth, it wasn’t difficult getting a itemized bill for my flex spending. They emailed it to me the same day I asked for it.
— the only negative about this office is the parking but that is easily solved if you take an early morning appointment which is perfect because they open at 7 am on some days.

I went here and they did such a bad job of cleaning my teeth that I went to a different dentist and paid out of pocket to have them cleaned again the next week. No bueno!

I went to Dr. Pham because I lived close to her office. I was looking for regular dental cleaning. The office told me as a new patient I need to have the whole mouth X-​rays done. I understand it would be the same if I go anywhere else. But I don’t like X-​rays but I have no choice. I went with it but the dental assistant who took my X-​rays said every time if I come to do the cleaning I need a X-​ray done. I said I have never heard about it, X-​ray for a cleaning job? I only do it when there is a need for if I have a problem. She said she has worked for many years and worked in several dental offices, that’s the procedure –X-​ray before they can do anything. I said I really never heard about this. You know what was the respond from her? She said: «Are you going around to discuss your teeth with people?». I was speechless and can’t believe how rude she said this. Then came the Dr. Pham for checking up and cleaning. It was a joke. Dr. Pham said every fillings I have before (They were filled from 5 – 25 years a go) total 6 of them all need re-​fill. And the cleaning job was so rush and being finished by an intern. I wasted $ 200. and they refuse to give me the new patient whitening tray package and saying that I have to finish all the suggested treatment total $ 2,600 before I can get the tray (this is not stated on the flyer for new patient). So new patients don’t go there!
There are so many good dentist, do not go here.

Dr Pham and her staff are wonderful. My dental insurance was running out so I made an appointment with Dr. Pham for an exam, cleaning, and x-​rays. They were all very professional, friendly, and thorough. I really appreciated how Dr. Pham and her staff let me know what they were doing while they were working on me. It turned out I had a cavity (ugh!) but the filling was painless and quick.
It also turned out that I needed my wisdom teeth extracted. Katie at the front desk called my insurance to verify that they were covered and explained the print out of the breakdown of the cost. They were able to schedule my surgery before my insurance ran out. The entire wisdom tooth extraction (all 4 & 2 partially impacted) took all of 30 minutes. There was literally no pain involved as the Doctor made sure there was enough anesthetic. I had a complication with one of my extractions healing and Dr. Pham was kind enough to meet me at her office on a Saturday evening – literally saving me a world of pain until Monday.
I would definitely recommend Dr. Pham and her staff to anyone looking for a new dentist in San Diego. She does a great job, there is never a wait, and everyone there is super friendly. I’m almost sad I won’t be going back for a while!