My name is James Rolfe, DDS, and I decided when I was eleven years old to be a dentist. I Iove dentistry, working with my mind, and meeting the challenges each day. I am the only general dentist with his own dental lab, making my own crowns and bridgework, and the only general dentist on the SB Cottage Hospital medical staff. I built my dental office with my own hands. In addition, for the last fifteen years, I have been building dental clinics in Afghanistan from shipping containers and training young Afghans to operate them.
Most people experience some anxiety in the dental office, often as the result of previous experiences at the dentist. This becomes a barrier between the patients perception and the dentists need to provide treatment. The dentist must work through this barrier while providing the treatment. This effort takes away from his ability to focus on the dental procedure he is undertaking. If the dentist could focus more on the procedure and not have to deal with the patients anxiety, he could do better work. But he cannot, and often the treatment is less than ideal. As a result, the patient is often affected in a negative way making it harder to continue seeing the dentist in the future.
At the onset of the visit, we establish trust with people that we will be careful and take our time, always telling them what to expect. Next, there are plenty of things to focus the attention upon, like nature videos and interesting music, so that the images in the mind are relaxing and soothing. All of these gentle stimuli work together to create new images in the mind, displacing old thoughts. Over time, phobias disappear and new attitudes emerge, allowing people who formerly avoided the dentist to enjoy good dental health to preserve their teeth, keep their beautiful smiles, and enjoy eating. This is our goal and the work that we do every day.
Dr. James Rolfe is the only general dentist affiliated with the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital staff. Being a hospital staff dentist requires certifications not usually expected of other dentists. He works closely with the hospital staff and emergency room, providing 24-hour care for referrals of emergency patients. Dr. Rolfe has been on the hospital staff since 1984.
Our staff is involved with local civic issues and social problems and constantly striving to be an active part of making our beautiful city a better place to live in. We realize that we are an integral part of society, so we take our involvement with the community and its issues quite seriously.
Dr. Rolfe and the staff participate annually in the Santa Barbara Summer Solstice Parade, fabricating costumes and sharing their creativity with more than 100,000 annual observers along the parade route. Dr. Rolfe feels that the creative spirit of the parade is symbolic of the freedom that we enjoy as citizens and that it is our responsibility to empower our creative expressions to exemplify that freedom. His office contains many of the colorful and creative costumes worn since the beginning of the parade many years ago.
Our Staff is professionally trained and ready to meet the challenges of most dental situations. We are in full compliance with all requirements from regulatory agencies and regularly attend post-graduate education seminars and events, keeping up with the latest information and the most modern technology. We love the work we do, and we eagerly anticipate each opportunity to use our skills.
We respect your time, so we strive to be ready for you as soon as you arrive. Your visit will have our exclusive attention, because we are with you for the entire time, not running from room to room like most dental offices. Relax in comfort, and know that we are there for you, attending to your needs throughout your visit.
Our extensive experience allows us to provide complete treatment to relieve your problematic dental condition. We can care for most common dental problems in our office, including toothaches, chipped teeth, accidents, broken dentures, infections, loose crowns, cavities, missing teeth, cosmetic needs, and more. We can find imaginative and creative solutions for your problem. We use the most modern techniques and will inform you about all of the best options for your care.
Our new office is now located at:122 S Patterson Building A, Suite 115, Santa Barbara, CA 93111 The office is in the back of a building on the street, at the end of a long parking lot with another two story dental office building along the side. The office is also in a two story building on the bottom in the middle, #115.
Reviews
Rating 3.8 out of 5 based on 16 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestJordan Bohl
2 years ago
When I woke up for the 3rd morning in a row with immense throbbing pain I was struggling to find a dentist available on a Sunday morning. Dr. Rolfe was the only dentist I could find open 24/7 that was truly an emergency dentist. (Will take in any patient) we drove 55 minutes but it was well worth it! No other dentist office was open! Thankfully it was not a serious issue as we originally thought but Dr. Wolfe was able to reduce the swelling and get to the root of the problem, and I walked out in far less pain. He was very honest and gave advice on prevention in the future. It was the weekend so obviously he could not verify insurance coverage but would bill the next day. Either way, his prices were not outrageous at all! Highly recommend anyone with any dental concerns or dental emergency.
Matt Daily
2 years ago
Dr. Rolfe picked up the phone at 9pm when I was in excruciating pain from a decayed tooth/exposed nerve. He booked me into his office first thing the next morning and referred me to an Endodontist for a root canal before noon. By 1pm I was taken care of. He treated me swiftly, kindly, and compassionately. :) Thanks Dr. Rolfe!
Drew Wright
2 years ago
Given a couple of the other reviews, I feel compelled to share my experience. I contacted Dr. Rolfe regarding a tooth ache. He was very knowledgeable, but rather then simply taking the business (which, of course, would come at a price), he suggested that I first check to see if my dentist provides after hour services (which he did). Especially considering these crazy times I was very impressed with his high level of integrity. Thank you!!
Christian Shaw
2 years ago
DO NOT TRUST HIM! Dr. Rolfe cares nothing for you or your requests/opinions. He openly admits that he does this solely to extract money from people to fund his trips to Afghanistan. He will completely disregard your wants and go with his way. I had specifically asked for treatment plans for both dentures AND implants. My fiance was having multiple extractions and needed something to replace them. He fully ignored our request and gave only the plan for dentures...why you ask? Because he makes them himself! He doesn't do implants, therefor if he goes that route he must pass you to another dentist and he doesn't make any money. His office is a complete mess, dirty old equipment, seemingly from the 1970's and all but one room are unusable due to "storage" in some, which is more like a dumping ground, and the others appear to just be set up for patients however contain broken equipment no longer functional or useable. Dr. Rolfe is the most out of touch and over the hill dentist I have ever seen. His personal hygiene is lacking and that is reflected in every other aspect of his office and attempts at dental service. After my fiance had her multiple extractions there were still small pieces of tooth left in several areas! Though this all would be more than enough, on top of it all he's a cheat! On the day of the extractions upon leaving that day we were asked to pay the remaining balance not covered by insurance, $480. Ok, fine that's fair and that's the end of it right? Wrong! My fiance received a letter some two weeks later now stating that we owe Dr. Rolfe another $215! Despite the fact that when we went back to have the stitches removed a week after the extractions, we clarified that we were good to go and nothing was owed. To top it all off, when we went to have the stitches removed there had previously been discussion of more extractions the same day as the removal of the stitches. My fiance was still in severe pain and wanted to heal for a little while longer, so we just had the stitches removed and nothing else. Should be no problem right? Again, not with Dr. Rolfe. He had the audacity to send a second letter claiming that we owed him $100 for a "cancellation"! I'm sorry but showing up and having stitches removed is not a f***ing cancellation, just because you couldn't force my fiance in to more sub-par dental thievery. Not only will we never go back but I am likely taking this up legally. Please don't make the same mistake we did!
Tammy Renee Hyten
2 years ago
Dr. Rolfe and Erica are really nice and really informative regarding treatment. Dr. Rolfe took the time to really explain everything. I would recommend him highly.
Briana Vasquez
2 years ago
Awful customer service. Discriminates you based upon your dental insurance. Quote on quote said "it's always people with that insurance that try to get me into the office at this time of night" Insinuated that customer could not afford to pay. His website advertises 24/7 but when you call he says "it doesn't mean I'm awake 24/7" Is extremely rude & would not recommend him to anyone unless you like poor customer service. Would give him 0 stars if I could.
Aggy Naggy
3 years ago
I have a very painful tooth. He answered around 10pm, was very nice, and is able to see me in the morning. Very nice and helpful.
janice rennie
3 years ago
Called for emergency dental and was told the doctor had a long day and didn't want to come out at 9pm. Ok, fair. So how about first thing tomorrow? O was told "Well, it's Saturday morning so I don't know". No thanks. Don't bother
Drew Wright
3 years ago
Given a couple of the other reviews, I feel compelled to share my experience. I contacted Dr. Rolfe regarding a tooth ache. He was very knowledgeable, but rather then simply taking the business (which, of course, would come at a price), he suggested that I first check to see if my dentist provides after hour services (which he did). Especially considering these crazy times I was very impressed with his high level of integrity. Thank you!!
Briana Vasquez
3 years ago
Awful customer service. Discriminates you based upon your dental insurance. Quote on quote said "it's always people with that insurance that try to get me into the office at this time of night" Insinuated that customer could not afford to pay. His website advertises 24/7 but when you call he says "it doesn't mean I'm awake 24/7" Is extremely rude & would not recommend him to anyone unless you like poor customer service. Would give him 0 stars if I could.
Christian Shaw
3 years ago
DO NOT TRUST HIM! Dr. Rolfe cares nothing for you or your requests/opinions. He openly admits that he does this solely to extract money from people to fund his trips to Afghanistan. He will completely disregard your wants and go with his way. I had specifically asked for treatment plans for both dentures AND implants. My fiance was having multiple extractions and needed something to replace them. He fully ignored our request and gave only the plan for dentures...why you ask? Because he makes them himself! He doesn't do implants, therefor if he goes that route he must pass you to another dentist and he doesn't make any money. His office is a complete mess, dirty old equipment, seemingly from the 1970's and all but one room are unusable due to "storage" in some, which is more like a dumping ground, and the others appear to just be set up for patients however contain broken equipment no longer functional or useable. Dr. Rolfe is the most out of touch and over the hill dentist I have ever seen. His personal hygiene is lacking and that is reflected in every other aspect of his office and attempts at dental service. After my fiance had her multiple extractions there were still small pieces of tooth left in several areas! Though this all would be more than enough, on top of it all he's a cheat! On the day of the extractions upon leaving that day we were asked to pay the remaining balance not covered by insurance, $480. Ok, fine that's fair and that's the end of it right? Wrong! My fiance received a letter some two weeks later now stating that we owe Dr. Rolfe another $215! Despite the fact that when we went back to have the stitches removed a week after the extractions, we clarified that we were good to go and nothing was owed. To top it all off, when we went to have the stitches removed there had previously been discussion of more extractions the same day as the removal of the stitches. My fiance was still in severe pain and wanted to heal for a little while longer, so we just had the stitches removed and nothing else. Should be no problem right? Again, not with Dr. Rolfe. He had the audacity to send a second letter claiming that we owed him $100 for a "cancellation"! I'm sorry but showing up and having stitches removed is not a f***ing cancellation, just because you couldn't force my fiance in to more sub-par dental thievery. Not only will we never go back but I am likely taking this up legally. Please don't make the same mistake we did!
Tammy Renee Hyten
3 years ago
Dr. Rolfe and Erica are really nice and really informative regarding treatment. Dr. Rolfe took the time to really explain everything. I would recommend him highly.
Matt Daily
3 years ago
Dr. Rolfe picked up the phone at 9pm when I was in excruciating pain from a decayed tooth/exposed nerve. He booked me into his office first thing the next morning and referred me to an Endodontist for a root canal before noon. By 1pm I was taken care of. He treated me swiftly, kindly, and compassionately. :) Thanks Dr. Rolfe!
Dean Feller
3 years ago
Disappointing and unprofessional. I had a dental emergency and Dr. Rolfe seemed helpful until he didn't want to take our dental insurance indicating that it would be a big bother. In addition, he was very judgmental towards my dental care.
Esmat Farzana
4 years ago
Worse experience. Dr. Rolfe received the call when I wanted to schedule an appointment. He was talking like he wanted to show off his knowledge is dentistry to a patient suffering from emergency tooth problem. Did not expect such arrogant behavior. Did not schedule appointment later.
Dean Feller
4 years ago
Disappointing and unprofessional. I had a dental emergency and Dr. Rolfe seemed helpful until he didn't want to take our dental insurance indicating that it would be a big bother. In addition, he was very judgmental towards my dental care.
Anthony Castelo
4 years ago
20 years ago I found Dr. Rolfe during a Sunday emergency. I'm proud to say my smile has been in tact ever since thanks to him and his caring team. He constructed a front upper bridge that has lasted the test of time and many more fortunate memories.
Kelsey James
4 years ago
Dr. Rolfe saved my vacation!! My nephew was visiting me at a hotel in Santa Barbara and woke up at 3 AM in terrible pain and with a very swollen jaw. I looked up dentists on the Internet and called a few at 8 AM but it was Christmas week and no one was in. One great nurse told me about Dr. Rolfe and advised me to call him ASAP. I did and he answered the phone! We drove to his office and after taking X-rays, he told my nephew that he had an infection in his jaw, gave him antibiotics for 5 days and told him exactly when he was going to feel better. It all came to pass and we were able to enjoy our time together and do everything we had planned. Dr. Rolfe was kind, thorough, accommodating and so reassuring!! I would recommend him to anyone. If I lived in Santa Barbara he would definitely be my dentist. He is fabulous!!!
Esmat Farzana
4 years ago
Worse experience. Dr. Rolfe received the call when I wanted to schedule an appointment. He was talking like he wanted to show off his knowledge is dentistry to a patient suffering from emergency tooth problem. Did not expect such arrogant behavior. Did not schedule appointment later.
Anthony Castelo
5 years ago
20 years ago I found Dr. Rolfe during a Sunday emergency. I'm proud to say my smile has been in tact ever since thanks to him and his caring team. He constructed a front upper bridge that has lasted the test of time and many more fortunate memories.
Load more