The Dental Center of South Bend

Brought my granddaughter here for her 1:45 apt and was still waiting to be seen at 3:00, the last time my daughter brought her kids here they forgot about 1 of them and waited just as long. Running a little behind is understandable but over an hour on more than 1 occasion is a management issue. Either have more employees or don't have so many patients. Came back for my other granddaughter 2 weeks later and the same thing. 1:45 apt. And 3:05 and still waiting. This is the norm, not the exception. Avoid this office.

This place is hit or miss, particularly the support staff. This is my first time visiting a dental office in South Bend, but I’ve had a better experience at nearly every other dental office I’ve visited. On one occasion a member of the staff (an assistant, I think) lied to me and carried out an entire visit/consultation that was described to me as a consultation with a dentist and later billed to my insurance as a consult with Dr. Cooper. To this day, I’ve not met or spoken with that dentist—not even a phone call or apology for the mistake (intentional or otherwise). On a subsequent visit a really nice dental hygienist was more than apologetic for the incident and put me in touch with another dentist (who seems great), but Dr. Cooper and the practice as a whole has not done anything to remedy the mistake. On another occasion a dentist attempted to have a student in the room but never bothered to ask for consent. Instead, the student just walked in and when I looked over (obviously confused as to why a new person was in the room) the dentist introduced him as a student. I had to explain to the dentist that consent is required. If I’d been asked in advance I probably would’ve agreed but he did not even think to ask if I was comfortable with having a student watch my procedure. I’m not sure what it is about this place but I’m not sticking around. I’ve always gone to smaller offices where patients are treated well and develop good long term relationships with their dentists. I had the same dentist for my entire childhood and only switched when I moved after college. And again, it was a great experience. My experience at this place has been uniquely bad. We will be looking for a new dental office as soon as our treatments are complete.

I remember going to the Dental Center as a child and it was a horrible experience. Since I’ve been bringing my children it’s been a great experience. Everyone in the office is friendly, helpful and I love the new remodel! My son has autism and he’s not the easiest patient but the hygienist and Doctor is always helpful, patient and nice to him.

My son went here for about 2 years. We liked having the option to use the hospital for teeth work as he was scared to even get X-rays. Had issues with the fillings and caps and spent months calling numerous times and leaving soo many messages to get my son in to be seen. We never received a call back and had to find a new dentist. Switched offices and had to have all the teeth that were worked on here, removed. Then our new place got a new Dr. who is not patient with wiggly kids and can not handle Littles. She is now at this office.

This is my second time coming here in 3 months. I’m here in SB temporarily and needed immediate dental care (twice - 2 different issues). The front office staff was attentive, professional and kind. The hygienist was extremely gentle and kind and informative. And Dr Patel took the time to explain my situation and treatment, and then did a great job fixing me up! Highly recommend!

Everyone at The Dental Center of South Bend was friendly and helpful, from the front desk staff, to the hygienists, techs, and dentists. All of the providers were knowledgeable and good at explaining what they were doing and why they were doing it. They were also excellent at explaining the results of the x-rays and examinations and at recommending treatment options. They were even knowledgeable about insurance and finances. They offered full transparency, including detailed up front cost estimates for recommended services, leaving the patients to decide what treatment plan is best for them. Having recently dealt with dental office that was not reliable, professional, dependable, or transparent, our family is thrilled have found the professionals at The Dental Center. We only wish we had switched sooner!