Berkeley Hills Dentistry is one of the oldest dental practices in Berkeley, tracingits roots to a practice established by Dr. James Brown in 1926 on 2140 Shattuck Avenue in the Wells Fargo Chamber of Commerce Building. The practicerelocated in 1976 to its current location on 1760 Solano Avenue. Currently in its fifth generation, the practice was passed on from Dr. Roger Koppel DDSto Dr. Vagan Tapaltsyan DDS PhD in 2017. This transition allowed for an expansion of treatments offered, including Invisalign, Implants, and Sleep Dentistry.
At Berkeley Hills Dentistry we have one of the only PHD's practicing at a dental office in the Bay Area. From our doctors, to our front office staff, everyone is highly trained and educated in the field of dentistry.
A Berkeley resident since 2010, Dr. Tapaltsyan spent the first part of his childhood in Europe, attending a foreign language immersion preparatory school before moving to the US for high school. He went on to graduateSumma Cum Laudewith a BS in Biology from the University of Central Oklahoma, where he was also a member of the sailing team. Continuing on his lifelong path of going West, Dr Tapaltsyan moved to California for graduate studies and received both his DDS and PhD in Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine from UCSF, where he currently holds the rank of Assistant Professor and is the Director of Evidence-Based Dentistry Program and an instructor for the UCSF Dental Implantology Training Program.
In addition to practicing dentistry and teaching, Dr. Tapaltsyan's research interests include dental implantology and dental stem cells biology, which can one day help us regenerate new teeth and bone. He has authored many research articles and book chapters on this subject and lectures internationally.
Dr. Tapaltsyan is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, American Association of Endodontists, American Academy of Sports Dentistry, and American Academy of Laser Dentistry. In his spare time, he enjoys occasional crewing for sailboat races, drawing, hiking, reading, and exploring the great outdoors with his German shorthair pointer Duke.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 70 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMaryLou Clarke
a year ago
I came to this dental office for some years and it's always been good. When Doctor Talpatsyan took over it became even better. He teaches at UCSF. I have very sensitive teeth and when I needed a root canal I was very nervous as my teeth are sometimes hard to completely anesthetize. This time my root canal was so peaceful that when I left I immediately came back with a beautiful orchid from the shop downstairs I was so grateful! Cleanings are also great!
Dadong Xu
a year ago
Cannot say enough good things about this office. Everyone is so nice and professional. The doctor is super skilled. They took me in on short notice to repair a chipped tooth. Thanks to the doctor's magic hands, even myself can not tell and feel there was a damage.
Howie Perlin
a year ago
Efficient, professional and FRIENDLY as it has been for me since 1983, when the practice first opened.
Allison Edwards
a year ago
This is an amazing dentist office. I haven't been to a dentist in quite some time due to the pandemic, but everyone here was extremely nonjudgmental. The overall cleaning went great, I was checked-in with often to see how I was doing, if I needed anything, etc. The doctor and dental assistants were really knowledgeable and thorough. The receptionists are amazing too, so bubbly and kind. I highly recommend!
Marcia Walden
a year ago
I had complete dental implants, upper and lower, which is quite a detailed process. I had previously checked out a few places, big chains who claim to do everything in one day. But Dr. T was careful about explaining why that may not be my best choice based on my specific dental health and age. At every step of the way I felt informed, had all my questions answered in detail, and the doctor called to check on me after each major step to make sure I was tolerating the process. One's smile and dental health are important and I always felt uncomfortable about my teeth. Now I get compliments on my smile all the time. Probably because I'm smiling more! Those close to me have seen the biggest change in my confidence and self-esteem. The Berkeley Hills Dental team are an amazing group of professionals, but they're also compassionate people who really cared about my feelings along the way.
J E
2 years ago
Alright, pardon the wall of text but I had to leave a review! This place has been across my family business for years so I thought I'd check it out to get an estimate for implants. Basically, I saw Dr. Tapaltsyan (I call him Dr. T) for full mouth implants after getting a few consults from the area and in SF, which I wasn't too thrilled about. It was imperative to find someone who could do everything in house, and had experience with the implants (hello, major surgery!), but also use some of the new technologies I've seen to make it as lease invasive as possible. Having years of dental issues I've definitely developed a phobia of dentists, resulting in you can imagine next, which is why my constraints were so important. I saw that Dr Tapaltsyan's office checked off all my boxes, so I setup an initial virtual consultation, which was free. Dr T took the time to review all my concerns and sent me a custom video back, which included an estimated cost. I was happy to get some transparency so quickly, and avoid going into the office (hello, anxiety). Tldr: Subsequent surgery and recovery went really well and the staff, including Dr. T we're all super nice and patient with my situation. I'm stoked about the result, mostly because it was painless and a really smooth experience overall. I highly recommend this practice for anyone who is interested in major dental implants or any other dental work. Don't worry about your anxiety, you're in good hands, I wish I did this sooner!
Debra Williams
2 years ago
Well spent almost 400 dollars on X-ray. Then they wanted more than 54000 for the service I wanted. I went to clear choice. They did X-rays for free. Plus same service is 48000.
Marilyn Cartoon
2 years ago
I've been coming here for the past year for my Invisalign orthodontia and have now switched to getting my dentistry done here. They have great appointment reminders and everything is always well taken care of, would highly recommend.
Jeramy Chester
2 years ago
I had not been to the dentist in 5 years. I had a lot of plaque and overall my teeth weren't in great shape. I made an appointment here, and they were more than wonderful! They took the time needed without making me feel bad and got me set up with a good plan. I highly recommend this dentist office for anybody.
Karen Johnson
2 years ago
I had a wonderful experience with the entire staff of Berkeley Hills Dentistry. I have a great deal of anxiety going to the dentist. Dr. Tapaltsyan walked me through the entire procedure, which helped calm my nerves during a root canal. Kat, at the front desk is so bubbly and nice. Definitely recommend them for anyone who wants to do sedation dentistry to overcome dental anxiety.
Thomas L
2 years ago
THANK YOU Berkeley Hills and Doctor Tapaltsyan. I've had 3 implants done simultaneously and I am so so happy with the results. I highly recommend! You will not find a better dentist or implant specialist in the bay area. Here's my story: I live in San Francisco. I researched implant dentists all over the bay before making a decision. I was in bad shape, in serious pain mostly from my own neglect over the years (I'm 57) but also from having a dentist who made things worse. The pain was chronic and then, on a camping trip (to Death Valley no less), acute. My old dentist recommended root canal. I had my doubts (pretty sure he gets a referral fee) then went to other dentists who examined the x-rays and said root canal would never never work. Poorly trained dentists abound! All to say, if you are in a similar situation I am more than confident to recommend Berkeley Hills. I honestly feel they are at the top of their game in all of the bay area. In my situation there was no quick fix. The doctor knew how to reduce the pain immediately which helped and then the work began over a series of appointments and stages. I needed a bone graph. Whole process took bout a year. The doctor is incredibly knowledgable and works to preserve existing teeth. In my case I did need three implants. Now I have a full set of teeth and operating at 100%. It's been a couple weeks since I finished up and every day I wake up in gratitude. Go to this dentist! A final note about cost. I'm not wealthy. I paid for it with a combination of out of pockets payments, a loan from a friend and with dental insurance. The office staff (amazing!!!) printed out a schedule of payments when we knew what needed to be done. Comparatively the prices are within bay area prices. I did consider doing the cross-border run to Mexico but when you add up the cost of travel, time off from work, the fact that you can't just have quick check ups, and the gamble of randomly choosing a dentist, it didn't seem worth it in the end. I wish everyone great teeth!!
JJ Leaf-Clark
2 years ago
I've had numerous appointments here, each with different kinds of dental work done, and every experience has been wonderful. I have a lot of anxiety when it comes to my teeth and also dental work in general, but this practice works hard to make the experience as quick and as painless as possible. Dr. Tapaltsyan is gentle and efficient, keeps you updated throughout any work, and frequently makes sure that you're not in pain. The receptionists are some of the most friendly I have ever met; they will work hard to find a convenient appointment for you. They will also advocate for you with your insurance company if need be to ensure you get charged a fair price for any treatments.
Angel Ventura
2 years ago
(Translated by Google) Nice place to get your teeth checked (Original) Un lindo lugar para chequearse los dientes
Jeff Mendel
2 years ago
Another Incredible visit to Berkeley Hills Dentistry :-) I had my teeth cleaning done and let me just say.My oral hygienist, Gina, was nothing short of an artist.I've never,I mean never, been able to sit in those dentist chairs & not clutch the armrests & lock my feet together in stress. Gina's craftsmanship,chairside manner & sheer Awesome ability to do her job was remarkable,truly.I Literally,did not even flinch once the entire time (unheard of for me) as Gina's ability were able to do All the work on my teeth & I didn't even feel her working on my teeth. It was extraordinary! Thank you Gina for an incredible job!
Dritan Shtylla
2 years ago
The best people! The best technology! The best knowledge and experience!
Marcia Walden
2 years ago
The entire staff at Berkeley Hills Dentistry are gracious, kind, and welcoming, making the visit to the dentist so much more relaxing. And Dr. T is a calm and responsive dentist who explains every detail of the work he's performing on me. Cat, Lupe, and ALL the support staff are an extra special bonus!
Daniel Fan
2 years ago
Had a dental cleaning and routine checkup with Sue. Everyone was really nice and Sue explained what she was doing throughout the appointment.
Michelle Klatt
2 years ago
My experience with Berkeley Hills Dentistry was one of care and optimism. I felt so comfortable with the team. I would highly recommend Berkeley Hills Dentistry for all your dental concerns. You're in great hands.
nick beaucage
2 years ago
I'm 44 years old I've always gone to the dentist I've always been told my teeth are healthy this doctor showed me where my teeth were not healthy I wish I'd have known earlier. They have a plan to help me improve. I'm glad it's not too late.
Melissa Helm
2 years ago
DO NOT GO THIS PLACE! There are plenty of other dentists in the Bay Area. Do not waste your time here. I signed up for teeth whitening and my teeth are not AT ALL whiter. Also, the dentist insisted that it's "normal" to only whiten the teeth in the front of your month (6 on top and 6 on the bottom), as if the rest of your teeth are invisible when you smile... I went back to the dentist to complain, and he offered a 50% discount to redo the whitening. I had already paid $650 for a service that did not work at all. After the appointment, my mother-in-law asked when I was getting my teeth whitened! And I got a bill from my insurance. This place is the pits. Avoid at all possible costs. **Please note that the actual service that I received was not good, but the ladies at the front desk and the dental hygienist were all excellent!
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