We believe in pairing state-of-the-art dentistry with a warm, friendly attitude. Our staff is knowledgeable and accommodating, and we always take the time to go over treatment options and answer all your questions.
Dr. Stella Kim is a graduate of the UCSF School of Dentistry and has practiced in San Francisco and the Bay Area since the start of her professional dental career. Prior to entering dentistry, Dr. Kim spent over a decade as a biomedical researcher in Los Angeles and San Diego, where she worked primarily on drug discovery and translational medicine. Eventually, however, she felt the desire to help people directly through her work on a daily basis, and she decided to make the switch to dentistry.
Dr. Kim is a member of the California Dental Association (CDA), the American Dental Association (ADA), the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), the San Francisco Dental Society (SFDS), the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI).
She is an Invisalign preferred provider and has implantology certification from Hiossens Advanced Dental Implant Research and Education Institute (AIC). In addition, she was one of the first dentists in San Francisco to be certified in the Chao Pinhole surgical technique, an alternative to traditional gum grafting that can reverse receding gums much faster and with significantly less discomfort.
Dr. Caitlin Desmet has been with SF Dental since 2020. She is a graduate of the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, and she has also completed a residency at Highland Hospital in Oakland. Dr. Desmet first fell in love with dentistry while working for a nonprofit, where she helped battered women and children access dental care. As a dentist, she has a particular interest in preventative family dentistry and treating oral facial pain.
Born and raised in San Francisco, Dr. Vanessa Lam joined the SF Dental team in 2020. A graduate of the UCLA dental program, Dr. Lam strongly believes in the importance of patient-centered dentistry. As such, she prioritizes patient comfort all while offering the highest quality of care.
As a clinician, Dr. Lam provides both general and cosmetic services, but she particularly enjoys cosmetic dentistry, understanding the confidence that comes from a beautiful smile. She is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and San Mateo County Dental Society.
A graduate of the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, Dr. Galina Miciu-Nicolaevici is an internationally trained dentist with 10+ years of experience. She was inspired to enter dentistry by the example of her father, also a dentist, who showed her the positive impact dentistry can have on people's emotional and physical well-being.
Dr. Miciu-Nicolaevici is a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the San Mateo County Dental Society. Her hobbies are painting, traveling, and cooking. She spends her free time with her husband and young daughter.
Dr. Stella Kim and the SF Dental team are proud to be directly involved in and supportive of San Francisco and national charities. We have made it part of our practice to be available to perform charitable dental services and to contribute substantially to the amazing philanthropic work of others.
An estimated 10 million Californians experience barriers to dental care. The California Dental Association, the CDA Foundation and national partner Americas Dentists Care Foundation, host CDA Cares, free dental clinics to provide oral health services and education for more than 1,500 patients at each event.
The CDA Foundations Dental Lifeline Network and its Donated Dental Services (DDS) program provides free dental care by linking volunteer dentists throughout California with elderly, disabled and medically compromised individuals who cannot afford necessary dental treatment.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 216 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestLily Vaernet
a year ago
I came here for my dentist appointment for the first time and it is the best experience I have ever had in a dentist office. The staffs are so friendly and make you feel comfortable. The dentist explained everything clearly and nicely. Also gave me so much info on how to better take care of my teeth. I felt like I was part of their family. I'm so glad I found this dentist!
Samuel Rosoff
2 years ago
Horrible new patient intake. 100% unresponsive.
Kenny Ko
2 years ago
SF Dental has a very professional and courteous staff. I was feeling tooth pain and they were able to accommodate me on short notice. They have great communication at every step of the way and alway keep me informed of the situation and my options. Dr. Desmet is great with caring for the health of my teeth and even has some funny zingers to lighten up the situation. Also impressed by the range of modern technology and tools they have available. All in all, a very pleasant experience. Would definitely recommend to friends and family.
Brent Snider
2 years ago
Great dentist! The staff are extremely nice and clear with everything that is going on. I would highly recommend them if looking for a new dentist!
Allen Levy
2 years ago
wonderful experience and so professional staff. The best!
Sophie Landau
2 years ago
I've never enjoyed the dentist before, but I feel very taken care of by Dr. Stella Kim and her whole team. Everyone on the dental and administration team is extremely genuine, kind, and skillful. I am grateful for how easy it is to set up appointments and how promptly emails and calls are returned. I've never been shamed for the state of my teeth and I always leave with good advise for how to care for my teeth better in between visits.
Emyli Lovz
2 years ago
Super nice, respectful and won't try and upsell you. You can trust them
Saman Saleem
2 years ago
Worst Dentist EVER! Dr Kim is VERY arrogant and rude. She gave me a quite of $1200 OFP cost for deep cleaning. And when I asked her few questions she said-"please leave I don't practice like this and asked me to leave"! When I went to another dentist (All smiles dental) and they gave me a quite for $600. She is rude, arrogant and not at all understanding, she will bill you heavily and have you do treatments that you don't even need. . I wish I can give her 0 rating. DO NOT GOT O HER
Christine Boyd
2 years ago
The dentists here are thorough and kind. I appreciate all the information and tips they give me each visit. And it's easy to find parking within one or two blocks along Santiago Street.
Judy Pietrzak
2 years ago
I needed dental work that was extensive (for me) and potentially painful. Dr. Kim and her staff kept me calm and ensured the procedure was not painful. I've had similar work done before so I was pleasantly surprised at how well this went. I highly recommend SF Dental and Dr. Kim.
James Arenella
2 years ago
This place was great and Dr. K was very friendly and did a great job. Everyone here was very prompt and got my cleaning and x-rays done super quick!
scout finch
2 years ago
I always receive excellent service at SF dental. My yearly cleaning was prompt, the dentist was present to answer any questions or explain anything I did not understand. They suggest other products for my dental health, but never push them. I've never felt better about my dental care.
Juliana Tetzlaff
2 years ago
Amazing staff !!! Highly recommend
Lilian Lopez
2 years ago
I came here for my dentist appointment for the first time and it is the best experience I have ever had in a dentist office. The staff is so friendly and make you feel comfortable the dentist that saw me explained everything and was so nice and gave me so much info on how to better take care of my teeth. Stella Kim introduced herself to me she was so nice and humble and so welcoming. I felt like I was part of their family and they were so good with the whole experience and procedures done. I would definitely recommend this dentist!!. I'm so glad I found this dentist!.
Vita Romanovska
2 years ago
Very professional, positive and kind attitude. Gentle and attentive during the procedure. Clean and pleasant environment. Feels like people who work there enjoy what they are doing.
Jimmy Handy
2 years ago
Been seeing the team at SF dental for about 3 years now. They are always timely, professional, and explain everything in a clear way. Dr. Kim is the best dentist I've worked with, really listens to your concerns, and is very gentle. They also do a lot of legwork with the insurance company so I never pay very much. Highly recommend them.
Wilson Seto
2 years ago
They're always the best here
Stephen Hussey
2 years ago
Best dentist I've had, thorough, knowledgeable, friendly and efficient. I highly recommend this place for all your dental needs. Dr.Kim really cares
Ona Seney
2 years ago
Wonderfully clean, calm, and professional office with amazing staff. Dr. Kim has been fantastic to work with!
Emily Poplawski
2 years ago
Very professional and honest dental practice. Dr. Kim helped my identify a dental floss made from coconut that has been much better than the normal drugstore dental flosses. She cares and her practice is not looking to extract money or drill unnecessary cavities but is rather focused on preventative measures like monitoring, better oral hygiene and even scheduling 3 teeth cleanings per year instead of 2 (which I prefer given the unique geometry of my teeth).
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