Peter Farmer DDS and Jennifer Creelman DDS

Excellent dental care. Everyone on the staff is super. I have been a patient of Doctor Farmer for more than ten years. Je suis très content!

Like many people, I dread going to the dentist. I dread going to Dr. Creelman least of any dentist I’ve ever had.
I’m not a great dental patient. My brushing technique is at best a B-​, i don’t floss, sometimes I go to bed having forgot to brush. Despite all that, in my life I’ve only had minor dental issues (beyond orthodontics, but that’s another story from a different lifetime and has nothing to do with this office). Years ago I once had a minor issue with a cap performed by Dr. Creelman, they brought me back in on my schedule and corrected it free of charge.
Today, I had some cavity work done on two teeth today. Once again, the dread I built up in my mind was far worse than reality. Zero pain, just the standard numbness, and her personable staff taking care.
This has been my experience with Dr. Creelman’s office for the nearly 10 years i’ve been going.

Excellent dental care! Love my hygienist and Dr. Farmer does the world’s most thorough exam.

My main reason for leaving this practice was sub-​standard teeth cleanings. The quality of cleanings I received was very inconsistent over time. One time the dentist actually told them (after they were done) that they missed a spot. Not a good sign. The dentist was often out of town when I went in for cleanings and I found that not only were the cleanings unusually brief, but i could see plaque/​calculus that was not cleaned off. While they use a machine that aids in cleaning, they often don’t do the manual scaling to clean the spots the machine misses. It’s well known that manual cleaning should be done in conjunction with these machines for the best results, but I get the feeling the dental hygienists aren’t concerned with the quality of the cleanings. After deterioration in the state of my mouth during this time, I switched dentists.
I also had the dentist recommend wearing a night guard when I knew I wasn’t grinding my teeth. I was told my insurance would not cover the cost (interestingly — since my coworker who does grind her teeth had hers covered by insurance at another dentist). I sought a second opinion and the dentist confirmed there were no signs of teeth grinding, and there was no need to wear a night guard.
Another minor reason I switched was I noticed that the dentist was somewhat «snarky» at times. I thought I may be imagining things, but a friend who also sees the dentist recounted similar stories…

What can I say? When you find a great dentist, you keep a great dentist! Dr Farmer was thorough, knowledgable, friendly and fun. When’s the last time you heard the word fun in a dental review? The staff was great too. All around 5 star service!
I highly recommend Dr Farmer if you are looking for the best dentist/​orthodontist in SF.

I emailed them asking if they had any appointments open for a new patient. I got a response asking how I had heard about them and replied that I read their great reviews on Unilocal.I then received a response that explained finding them on Unilocal costs $ 100. If they charge $ 100 just to make a reservation I can’t imagine how many other ways they find to charge crazy fees!
Not Unilocal friendly! Don’t admit to finding them on Unilocal if you do decided to use their services.
«««
Hi again
Our Drs practices are by referral or invitation
However, when a potential patient finds us on Unilocal we ask for a $ 100 reservation fee
We do have an opening on Thursday ⁷⁄₃₀ at 2p for exam, xrays and cleaning
Visit is $ 426
Please let me know if you care to proceed
Thank you
Denise
««»

I had been a patient (via referral) of Dr Creelman’s since 2012. Until I was DROPPED via an emailed PDF letter this week.
For the record: I have made it to every single appointment or rescheduled with advance notice and as far back as I can recall, have even been early. I actively try to be a good patient (or good anything that requires appointments, reservations, etc.).
What happened: I really don’t even recall the last time (before Monday) that I even saw Dr Creelman, never mind actually having her perform an exam. The past two times (to the best of my memory), she was MIA. During the visit before this, I was only seen by the hygienist. He was the only one in the office at all — Denise the secretary wasn’t even present. He gave me attitude from the minute I walked in the door — EARLY — and I was rushed through my appointment. First he was annoyed that I wanted gas, scolding me for not telling the secretary when I booked (I was never asked to do such a thing, they had always just kept it on record). He then told me I needed to take x-​rays, and I asked why? I did not realize that x-​rays were done for regular maintenance. Pardon my idiocy! I thought they were done when there was an issue. He didn’t explain, just told me «Dr Creelman requested them»… though… she wasn’t even there, so I’m not sure what the rush was. I wasn’t going to have a thorough exam anyway (which I also was never told in advance).
I left with a really bad taste in my mouth that day (and a sore mouth from him being so harsh) so I sent follow-​up feedback and received an apology. Great. Water under the bridge! I booked my next appointment. Little did I know I was apparently on probation (my words, not theirs) for asking a question /​providing feedback (rather than Unilocaling it)!!
Next appt comes, again, I’m early /​right on time. Seated promptly by another hygienist (who didn’t introduce himself). He gets me situated and again brings up x-​rays. Again, I ask why? At this point, I barely even remembered the xray conversation from the last time around. That was 6 months ago! And it didn’t even cross my mind that they would be doing it for money — I just really wanted to understand why I need x-​rays. I wasn’t «challenging» the request. I remembered having had x-​rays done at their offices — but I didn’t know how far back it had been. Anyway, this hygienist manages an explanation. I asked if it would be a problem to wait for the next appt? Didn’t really think it was a big deal. I’m a contractor so while I can definitely afford it, it’s also nice to keep healthcare costs low since it’s 100% out of pocket.
Anyway, out of nowhere, Dr Creelman waltzes in and I can hear her behind me ask the hygienist «did you get the x-​rays??». I guess she didn’t like that he hadn’t because without even saying so much as «hi» to me, she reamed me out (while I’m awkwardly lying below her in the chair) about how «she’s not doing it because she wants the money», etc. she can’t be liable, and on and on. I didn’t even get an opportunity to speak, except to say that I would go through with them — at which point she essentially said «whatever» and that my panoramas were good for 2 more years!
So I finish my cleaning + book my next appt. Two days later, I receive this emailed letter «recommending» I find a new dentist because «it’s impossible for me to care for patients that do not trust my process». I mean, is that not the most pretentious thing you’ve ever heard from a dentist? Don’t-question-me-Diva!
So essentially, she interpreted me asking about x-​rays — a legitimate inquiry into my own healthcare — as me questioning her motives + «process». Way to be, doc.

Overwhelmingly pleased with Dr Creelman and her remarkable staff!
Denise at the front desk is incredibly kind and beyond helpful when dealing with insurance related questions. She always has everything ready to go when you walk in the door.
The hygienists are professional, friendly, very funny and super knowledgable.
Dr Creelman makes me laugh every time she walks in the room with a quick witted joke and a very comforting vibe. She has a very appealing no-​nonsense attitude, but in such a friendly manner.
The office is spotless (and that’s coming from an OCD freak). The art and decorative items throughout the office are so interesting— there’s always something cool to look at during a usually boring experience.
I’ve been most impressed with the technology & up-​to-​date dental knowledge. Dr Creelman addressed the loud clicking in my jaw with a honest and upfront approach. I’m one of those «knowledge is power» people and I ask a lot of questions. She was really helpful in explaining why this happens, what it might lead to in the future, how we can help it the short term (Ummm… she was the first dentist to tell me to stay away from chewing gum and it’s already helped alleviate discomfort) and how we can fix it in the long term.
I’ve been a new patient here catching up on dental work (replaced fillings, teeth cleaned, night guard made and fitted) and I’m actually kind of bummed that once I’m all caught up with my dental work I will have to wait 6 months to come back. Never thought I’d look forward to a dentist this much…

Dr. Creelman is the best dentist I have ever had! She is very patient with me even though I have anxiety from previous hatchet dentist. The Hygienist Michael is also great and extremely patient. Nice office environment, very clean and nicely decorated!
Allen

Best Dentist in San Francisco hands down! Denise at the front desk is an angel, the hygienists are sweet, professional, and very talented. Peter Farmer is a dental genius. He uses the latest technology and techniques to keep your mouth healthy! The office is very welcoming, modern, and has a great view of Market Street, making it a very accessible location. Before Dr. Farmer I had only been to one dentist my entire life. I don’t know where I will go when he ever retires!

I’ve been going to Dr. Creelman for years and she is by far the best dentist I have ever had. I trust her opinion implicitly. Her staff is wonderful — I really like the hygienists and Denise. I’ve never been a big fan of going to the dentist (who is?) but I don’t mind going to see this team at all! I highly recommend this dental office.

It’s been seven years since I started going to Dr. Creelman and I have not had one bad experience. I’ve gotten a mouth guard made, had to replace old bonded tooth chipped in childhood. They have always been able to get me in when there is an emergency. Also tried to be gentle as possible since I have a ton of anxiety and TMJ. They’ve been able to change our appointments due to work changes. Still the best dentist I’ve ever had.
Denise is a great office manager and knows to contact me for my spouse’s bills since my spouse doesn’t like dealing health care stuff and American insurance.

Peter Farmer has never touched my teeth. I met Peter socially and he gave me excellent advice on an easy way to floss using a Reach Access Flosser. He even went so far as to mail some to me. Every other dentist lectured me about flossing. Only Peter gave me sound, straightforward advice and followed it up! I don’t use Peter as my dentist because his office is very inconvenient for me. However, if Peter’s office is convenient for you, I would recommend using him as your dentist!

I have been a patient of Doctor Peter Farmer for more than 6 years. Every treatment and visit is a wonderful experience… I have never waited more than 3 minutes for an appointment and his level of care is beyond excellent. Dr. Farmer is very detailed oriented and has referred me some wonderful specialist. I enjoy the staff and their high level of personal service. I would say that I am a very satisfied patient!

I am Dr. Creelman’s best patient… because I eat hella candy. She always takes care of my dental needs and has always been thorough. My teeth wouldn’t be so much more healthy and clean if it wasn’t for her and her team.
Denise is also great as she provides a great personal touch and professional attitude when it comes to appointment reminders, payments due, and scheduling.
Best dental office in San Francisco, by far.

I’ve been a patient with Dr. Creelman for a little under 2 years now.
I admit, I don’t take the best care of my teeth (lazy on the flossing and grinding my teeth), so I see her more than the twice a year visits for my cleanings.
In the past I’ve never felt good about going to the dentist and have always had a sense of mistrust about the treatments I have been told I need, but here I feel like Im completely taken care of and don’t need to worry about that.
The place is very clean and everyone is fun to talk to and friendly.
I’m more than happy paying a little extra for my portion after insurance because you get what you pay for… and here I get great service!

Second visit here and both visits have been outstanding. Staff are extremely professional and helpful. Was zipped into my appointment right on time (after a warm greeting from the receptionist), was not rushed at all, and both Dr. Creelman and the two hygienists I have had both spent time discussing all my concerns. Both check-​ups and cleanings have gone without a hitch. They even have hipster sunglasses for you to wear while they do their work.
As others have stated, the office is up-​to-​date, clean, and comfortable. Having had a pretty serious dentist phobia growing up, this office has changed my perception of dentistry considerably for the better. I cannot speak to the billing issues that some have mentioned here, nor can I speak for Dr. Farmer as I’ve had no interaction with him. As for the scheduling, they have a pretty cool e-​mail system that sends multiple reminders at times that make sense. The e-​mail has a link for you to confirm an appointment or to have someone contact you if there’s a problem. If you have scheduled a distant appointment, you’ll get a reminder a little later to check your calendar for conflicts. If only everything else in my world would be so orderly!

Wish I had read these Unilocal reviews before going. I made an appnt with Peter Farmer for a very specific purpose (get evaluated for a dental device for sleep apnea). I discussed this with everyone I saw and yet I was still subjected and then billed for for other services! Not to mention I spent most of my time in the office waiting.
Further, I was told when I left that I would hear back in two weeks about next steps. Crickets…
There’s a lot to like about these people — they seem to have modern technology, the office is super cool, cute office dog, and they are very friendly. But this fishy stuff about billing is unacceptable.

Do not go here, Dr. Farmer is GREEDY. I had read reviews online that these guys were money hungry, but the location was just so close to home that I had to try it for myself. I ended up getting my teeth cleaned here for a few years, but then I switched jobs and I ended up not being to stay for a scheduled appointment because my insurance coverage changed and they didn’t accept the new one. This was an honest mistake on my part. (At this point the secretary never mentioned a missed appointment charge nor did I receive a bill).
When I changed jobs again more recently, I came back to Dr. Farmer because they took my new insurance coverage. Instead of welcoming me back as a loyal patient, I was charged $ 200 for having to miss my last appt. AND the Dr. never even came in to do an exam. I know many doctors (including many family members) and all of them felt that charging this much money for a missed appointment was OUTRAGEOUS! My husband called to try to negotiate the price and reason with the secretary. Instead of her listening to my husband’s point of view, the secretary was rude and claimed my husband threatened her.
OVERALL: Dr. Farmer values his bitter secretary and his expensive art over loyal patients and good customer service.

Hello everybody. This is a review for Peter Farmer and his office.
First of all, I have a phobia about dentists. I didn’t start out that way (does anybody?). It developed from genetically weak teeth, no fluoride in the water, and poor dental care as a kid. I will tell you all about it in my memoire just kidding.
Anyway, I have needed a ton of dental work. And I still do. I love Dr. Farmer for many reasons. But here are some of them:
1. He invests in current technology across the board. From his electronic records management to his xray equipment, and from his dental tools to his online appointment reminders.
2. He is good at explaining what is wrong and what our options are.
3. He invests in excellent support employees. The dental assistants are very professional, involved in his every move, of diverse cultures, and seem to take ownership and pride in their work and environment.
4. The whole office runs on time! All the time!
5. He contributes to animal welfare by fostering and training dogs.
6. He takes good care of his own health (who wants a sick doctor?).
There are many more reasons I love Dr. Farmer and his office, including that Michael the dental hygienist didn’t seem to mind too much when I threw up because I was so anxious… we just cleaned up, and continued right where we had left off… which will also be in my memoire :)
I was at the office this morning, and Dennis the dental assistant taught me how to say I Love You in Tagalog … so «Mahal Kita» Dr. Farmer!