Dr. Rafaelina Rodriguez has been practicing dentistry in New York City for more than 30 years. In the time-honored tradition of the neighborhood dentist, she takes a personal interest in each patient, and with her calm and motherly presence puts everyone instantly at ease.
According to her patients, Dr. Rodriguezs true specialty is the kindness and compassionate care she gives each one. They know that she will always listen to their concerns, and do whatever might be necessary to help them have a pleasant and pain-free visit. Her state-of-the-art equipment, and the fact that she keeps up to date with the latest technologies and advances in dentistry, are certainly contributing factors. But it is her gentle hands, warm smile and reassuring manner that make the biggest difference.
Born in the Dominican Republic, she grew up in the capital city of Santo Domingo. With her two younger brothers, civil-engineer father and homemaker mother, along with several pets, she enjoyed a lively and harmonious family life. Summer vacations were spent at a country home in the Cordillera Mountains off the islands northern coast. An avid reader and lover of Nature from an early age, her main passion became science.
Having excelled in her undergraduate studies, she then graduated magna cum laude,at the top of her class, from what was at the time considered the most prestigious private university in the country, earning a doctorate in dental surgery (D.D.S). She received offers from several of her professors to work with them in their private dental practices. Instead, she decided to move to the U.S. where her parents were then living. Soon after arriving, she entered the New York University College of Dentistry to receive further training and prepare for the state and national dental board exams. After successfully passing the exams and obtaining her license to practice dentistry in New York, she set up a private practice in Manhattan.
The practice is made up of a wide spectrum of patients. In the heart of the multicultural kaleidoscope that is NYC, she treats people of all different ages, cultures, creeds and walks of life. Her office is located on the Upper West Side, near the Hudson River and its beautiful Riverside Park. As a Professional Limited Liability Corporation (P.L.L.C) you can expected to be treated by fully licensed doctors and staff.
Dr.Rodriguez is a member of the American Dental Association, the State of New York Dental Association and the First District Dental Society of New York, NY, as well as the Hispanic-American Dental Association. Over the years, she has often volunteered her services at the Greater New York Dental Meeting, an annual convention that draws professionals in the field from all over the world. She is also a volunteer member of the NYC Medical Reserve Corps,formed after 9/11 to provide a trained and organized group of medical professionals in all different specialties to help the city during major emergencies.
Today she and her husband live in Westchester County, not far from the Hudson River and the Blue Mountain Reservation. With their daughter, Christina, having married and moved away, they now share their empty nestwith Tiger Lily, a beloved calico cat.
As a Generalist, Garzon, believes that everything in the mouth, head and neck are correlated; Therefore, he treats his patients with a very conservative and comprehensive style. A proper diagnosis keeping the main interests and concerns of his patients are the foundations of my practice.
PamelaPepin Rosado, RDH, is a certified Dental Hygienist from New York City College Of Technology! She had been trained to perform Extra and Intraoral cancer screening, periodontal and caries charting, Caries risk assessment, oral hygiene instructions, scaling and root planing, pit and fissure Sealants, Tooth Whitening, managing pediatric patients, fluoride treatment, Selective Air Polishing, Arestin antibiotic therapy and more. Pamela speaks both English and Spanish. She is always looking forward to providing the best for her patients. She is very happy to be part of Dr. Rafaelina Rodriguezs dental office, and work with such an excellent team.
Victor Soto graduated in the Dominican Republic in 2017 with a degree in dentistry. He also worked for 1 year in a private practice where he was able to develop his skills before he came to the United States in the hopes of revalidating his credentials and becoming a dentist in the United States. Working with Dr. Garzon and Dr. Rodriguez has helped him develop more confidence in his skills and he hopes to one day return the favor for any student that may be in his position.
In 2018 Yanil earned a degree in dentistry in the Dominican Republic. She is now studying to get her degree and license in the U.S. Working as a dental assistant has help her in big ways. It has giving her the knowledge, the confidence, and ability to stay active in the dental industry. Working with Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Garzn, in every dental specialty, has help to guide her to decide what she wants to do in her dental profession. She is thankful for the opportunity and says, I work with an excellent team who has helped me grow and who wants the best for me.
Maria Nuez | Patient Care CoordinatorMaria has been with us for several years now. She came to us having already had a lot of past experience in customer service. She very much enjoys serving all our patients, young and old, and making them feel welcome. With her customary warmth and good humor, she greets each one and puts them at ease.Asked what she likes best about her job, she replies without hesitation, 'The family ambience.' Born in Puerto Rico, she moved to New York with her family as a young teenager. Now she has her own teenage son, Alex, her 'pride and joy,' who is planning to join the Marines and to become an engineer when he completes his high school studies.
Reviews
Rating 4.2 out of 5 based on 19 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestkate holmes
2 years ago
Absolutely horrible customer service. The woman that makes appointments is not helpful at all. She never called me to tell me there were any issues with my appointment and insurance. I received no calls and received two confirmation texts that my appointment was confirmed. Then I go in today and she says she tried to call me earlier (she didn't) and she and another girl that saw me were texting and talking on personal calls without helping me at all, prior to her saying that. It's honestly a joke and the positive reviews are probably from friends or family. Avoid the headache and look elsewhere for decent service!
Will Cosker
2 years ago
One of the best dentist experiences I've had in a long time. I usually postpone my dental appointments because of how awful they usually are, but not here. The hygienist was extremely forthcoming and explained every step she was making the entire time, even going through and explaining each X-ray taken of each tooth. I highly recommend this office if you have any nervousness at all about going to the dentist. I'll be back in 6 months!
Joel Posner
2 years ago
Don't be fooled by the quaint neighborhood feel. Dr. Rodriguez is an exceptionally skilled dentist. Most recently she very adeptly saved and replaced an old crown that had to come off for a filling underneath. The office manager Maria bends over backwards to accommodate clients and control costs. This place is a rare gem.
Ayse Betul Ersoy
3 years ago
Dr. Rafaelina is the sweetest dentist I have ever met. I felt comfortable in their office, and her team is the best!!
Pamela Jumani
3 years ago
Dr. Rodriguez and her staff (Pamela, Maria, and Victor) are the very best. I had the worst experience with another dentist which was trying to make my husband and I do so many peoducedures that we didn't really need to in order to charge our insurance. Dr. Rodriguez and her team did a thorough cleaning and review of everything and performed only the necessary procedures.
Maria S
3 years ago
Dr. Rodriguez was referred to me by my orthodontist, I heard great things about her, however I called her office her receptionist took my name and number down told me she would call me back and never did. I called back a number of times and no one answer the phone. Extremely unprofessional !!!!!!! I wanted to add to my review for my experience today. I decided to give the doctor a second chance. I called to book an appointment I gave my insurance information and I requested a call back . I never received a callback till a week later on Saturday . When my appointment was the following Monday. I asked the receptionist a number of times if the doctor was in network with my insurance she reassured me a number of times she had check that yes, indeed the doctor was in network. I was hesitant to believe being that I use to run a medical office and I know for a fact that insurance companies are not open on the weekends,however. I gave her the benefit of the doubt. I also ask the receptionist if it were OK if I came in at 4 o'clock being that my appointment was at 3:30. She said yes that was fine I was respectful of the doctors time. On the day of my appointment at 3:39 the receptionist called me to tell me that they did not accept my insurance and the doctor in fact was not in network with my insurance. My appointment again was at 3:30. I was respectful and of the doctors time and told the receptionist I was running late however, I was told at the time of my appointment and they didn't accept my insurance had I arrived on time I would've been turned away meaning the insurance was not checked ,till the time of my appointment. Unfortunately I would not have had added to the review had the receptionist call me that morning, but I was so angry at the fact that I left work and I was rushing to make it on time and unfortunately I feel the compelled need to add to this review, because I asked a number of times prior to my appointment if the doctor was in network. I'm pretty sure the doctors great from what I was told by my orthodontist unfortunately for her staff is very unprofessional. Do yourself a favor and find another dentist that will be respectful of your time and do their job.
Annie Vu
3 years ago
Very kind receptionist. The dental hygienist did a thorough cleaning and she put on topical anaesthetic on my gums before cleaning.
Y "IanLovesStudy" Z
3 years ago
Stay away. Did 3 fillings here and 8 months later 2 of them turn into root canals because the decays were not cleaned and fillings had gaps.
Kimberly Rosario
3 years ago
I really enjoy getting my teeth cleaned at this office. I have never felt so comfortable going to the dentist. Dr. Rodriguez is very sweet and professional. Dr. Garzon-Ruiz is awesome as well! He has been performing my fillings for some time and removed my wisdom teeth. I felt no pain and did not require any stitches after my wisdom teeth extraction. Maria the receptionist is very easy to talk to and is so amazing. They are all gems and I recommend them to everyone who I know!
Annie Vu
3 years ago
Very kind receptionist. The dental hygienist did a thorough cleaning and she put on topical anaesthetic on my gums before cleaning.
Maria S
3 years ago
Dr. Rodriguez was referred to me by my orthodontist, I heard great things about her, however I called her office her receptionist took my name and number down told me she would call me back and never did. I called back a number of times and no one answer the phone. Extremely unprofessional !!!!!!! I wanted to add to my review for my experience today. I decided to give the doctor a second chance. I called to book an appointment I gave my insurance information and I requested a call back . I never received a callback till a week later on Saturday . When my appointment was the following Monday. I asked the receptionist a number of times if the doctor was in network with my insurance she reassured me a number of times she had check that yes, indeed the doctor was in network. I was hesitant to believe being that I use to run a medical office and I know for a fact that insurance companies are not open on the weekends,however. I gave her the benefit of the doubt. I also ask the receptionist if it were OK if I came in at 4 o'clock being that my appointment was at 3:30. She said yes that was fine I was respectful of the doctors time. On the day of my appointment at 3:39 the receptionist called me to tell me that they did not accept my insurance and the doctor in fact was not in network with my insurance. My appointment again was at 3:30. I was respectful and of the doctors time and told the receptionist I was running late however, I was told at the time of my appointment and they didn't accept my insurance had I arrived on time I would've been turned away meaning the insurance was not checked ,till the time of my appointment. Unfortunately I would not have had added to the review had the receptionist call me that morning, but I was so angry at the fact that I left work and I was rushing to make it on time and unfortunately I feel the compelled need to add to this review, because I asked a number of times prior to my appointment if the doctor was in network. I'm pretty sure the doctors great from what I was told by my orthodontist unfortunately for her staff is very unprofessional. Do yourself a favor and find another dentist that will be respectful of your time and do their job.
Kimberly Rosario
3 years ago
I really enjoy getting my teeth cleaned at this office. I have never felt so comfortable going to the dentist. Dr. Rodriguez is very sweet and professional. Dr. Garzon-Ruiz is awesome as well! He has been performing my fillings for some time and removed my wisdom teeth. I felt no pain and did not require any stitches after my wisdom teeth extraction. Maria the receptionist is very easy to talk to and is so amazing. They are all gems and I recommend them to everyone who I know!
Y "IanLovesStudy" Z
3 years ago
Stay away. Did 3 fillings here and 8 months later 2 of them turn into root canals because the decays were not cleaned and fillings had gaps.
Saff
4 years ago
Shes so great I look forward to going to the dentist!
Patrick Zinck
4 years ago
I called to schedule an appointment and the receptionist (Maria) asked me to hold for a brief moment. She then proceeded to place me on hold for well over 10 minutes and then hung up the line. I called back and was again asked to wait on hold. I was very patient, yet it was clear that they did not have any respect for my time.
Saff
4 years ago
Shes so great I look forward to going to the dentist!
Patrick Zinck
5 years ago
I called to schedule an appointment and the receptionist (Maria) asked me to hold for a brief moment. She then proceeded to place me on hold for well over 10 minutes and then hung up the line. I called back and was again asked to wait on hold. I was very patient, yet it was clear that they did not have any respect for my time.
Aman Nakagawa
6 years ago
I have been going to Dr. Rodriguez for 8 years for high quality dental work. My wife, children and mother also see her for regular dental work and cleaning. Her principles are firm when it comes to self-care of one's teeth which is conveyed through her kind and gentle approach. I highly recommend Dr. Rodriguez and her professional and friendly office team.
Zach Graber
6 years ago
Dr. Rodriguez and her staff are fantastic. She is professional, gentle and kind and made my cleaning and filling appointments as nice as a trip to the dentist could possibly be. Her staff is really nice as well and made my whole experience a pleasure.
Alexander Yarber
6 years ago
Dr. Rodriguez and her staff were so friendly and accommodating in all my interactions with them. Genuinely kind people in a very neighborly dental practice.
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