Since our inception in 1964, our focus has been on achieving and maintaining excellence in four areas: comprehensive dental education, cutting-edge research, quality patient care, and a shared commitment to community service. Over five decades, our dedicated student dentists, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends, have propelled the UCLA School of Dentistry to being one of the premier dental schools in the world.
The caliber of our faculty, staff, and student dentists help foster a dynamic environment, focused towards the future. Along with our passion and dedication to be among the best in the world, UCLA Dentistry is truly unique. As part of a world-renowned research university, combined with excellent educational programs and clinic training, we believe this is where leaders are made.
A commitment to community service is emphasized here, and our student dentists, residents, and trainees are given numerous opportunities to interact with patients in order to experience first-hand the needs of the community. Its this same commitment to providing high quality, affordable care to our patients that sets the School of Dentistry and the UCLA Dental Clinics apart. With 3 Los Angeles locations and 13 specialty clinics, serving patients is an integral part of our teaching process.
Since that first graduating class in 1968, more than 5,000 DDS degrees have been awarded. And our vision and commitment to our students has never wavered: to offer an enriching environment that encourages our students to explore a variety of passions beyond their training, whether thats research, academia, or community service. We admit 88 student dentists each year for the incoming 4-year DDS program and 20 foreign-trained dentists for the 2-year Professional Program for International Dentists, the best and the brightest in the country and beyond to become a part of our UCLA Dentistry family. With more than 100 active residents at any given time, our residency programs are among the top in the country and we offer 13 specialty and general dentistry programs.
With some of the worlds most renowned researchers, our impactful research is at the top of its game. Our areas of innovative research focus on Cancer Diagnostics & Therapeutics, Craniofacial Biology & Bioengineering, Infection & Inflammation, and Health Services & Clinical Research.
We provide our students and trainees with experiences that will best prepare them to be successful in this evolving health care environment; and to be problem solvers and thinkers who can communicate effectively and take on technology with ease. Skilled and able to provide compassionate person-centered care in a more integrated health care system, our graduates will be fully prepared for the future of dentistry.
Aspiring to be a community of faculty, staff, students and patients, where a sense of belonging and respect is felt by all, is a culture thats deeply ingrained into our daily actions. And encouraging an environment of engagement and productive dialogue helps to foster our core values of compassion, tolerance, and mutual respect.
Already one of the top research programs in the nation, we want to be a leader in the transformation of dental education. With UCLAs hallmark culture of discovery and creativity, in an environment that values scholarship and innovation, we are poised to lead the way.
UCLA School of Dentistrys annual report typically comes out at the end of each summer quarter covering the previous fiscal year. The report is developed to provide acomposite of the years activities and report on the general state of the School. The report is currently laid out in the school's major areas of focus: education, research, patient care, community service, financials, and development.
We print a limited supply of reports, which are distributed to the School of Dentistry community. By request and while supplies last, we are happy to mail you a current or past report. Please contact:Email: info@dentistry.ucla.edu
Reviews
Rating 4.7 out of 5 based on 137 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestSpenser Talkington
3 years ago
This dental practice is dishonest about its billing practices and insurance. Twice they quoted amounts and then charged me 2x to 3x what they had quoted. They claimed this was due to insurance not covering it, but they had explicitly stated what insurance covered beforehand only to renege their statements. The payment folks are also incompetent. I left their practice in 2018 and they told me that I had payed everything and since then they chased me for $70 that they couldn't extort from the insurance company. Very dishonest. The actual service is acceptable. Once you are done waiting you will be seen by a competent dentist, albeit on a tight schedule.
johanna isom
3 years ago
Share review Embed review Write an update Edit review 8/19/2020 I have been a dental patient for over 11 years. I liked Dr. Sha, until recently. The office staff are great, and always made me feel welcome, except Rochelle but I will be professional and leave it at that. Dr. Sha is an expert at what he does. I spent several thousands (close to 20,000) of dollars for some highly expensive implants in 2008/2009. I felt like the prices were expensive but competitive, yet somewhat reasonable. Especially since if you paid for a several implants they would comp one, but still expensive. Fast forward, less work WAY more expensive now in 2020. They do not forgive the price of work any longer. I have written several emails asking exactly what I am paying for. Detailed amounts! Also the workup is different than what was discussed in Dr. Sha's office. I was going to do the front teeth, then the bottom. I discussed the workup with Rochelle, and not Dr. Sha in that it made me weary because he would not answer the specific questions I addressed. The whole thing is/was weird when asked about pricing. Then Dr. Sha finally emailed me, and stated the work has to be done all together. That was not what was originally discussed. I am thinking that makes more sense the estimate reflects 22,600. of dental work. But for a Dr. to make it seem I am the problem for changing what was originally discussed is appalling, and not answering very specific questions as for the dental work up is absurd. How can a patient do business with a dental office that will not answer specific questions, especially when you are paying this amount money. To me it is unprofessional and obviously they do not want my business. A message for your office you were much better before especially with helping a patient understand what they are paying for. It seems as though you are out to drain the bank account of your patients without looking at loyalty or anything else. To not answer my questions is rude and not acceptable. You wouldn't even answer my questions. I am highly disappointed.
Spenser Talkington
3 years ago
This dental practice is dishonest about its billing practices and insurance. Twice they quoted amounts and then charged me 2x to 3x what they had quoted. They claimed this was due to insurance not covering it, but they had explicitly stated what insurance covered beforehand only to renege their statements. The payment folks are also incompetent. I left their practice in 2018 and they told me that I had payed everything and since then they chased me for $70 that they couldn't extort from the insurance company. Very dishonest. The actual service is acceptable. Once you are done waiting you will be seen by a competent dentist, albeit on a tight schedule.
johanna isom
4 years ago
Share review Embed review Write an update Edit review 8/19/2020 I have been a dental patient for over 11 years. I liked Dr. Sha, until recently. The office staff are great, and always made me feel welcome, except Rochelle but I will be professional and leave it at that. Dr. Sha is an expert at what he does. I spent several thousands (close to 20,000) of dollars for some highly expensive implants in 2008/2009. I felt like the prices were expensive but competitive, yet somewhat reasonable. Especially since if you paid for a several implants they would comp one, but still expensive. Fast forward, less work WAY more expensive now in 2020. They do not forgive the price of work any longer. I have written several emails asking exactly what I am paying for. Detailed amounts! Also the workup is different than what was discussed in Dr. Sha's office. I was going to do the front teeth, then the bottom. I discussed the workup with Rochelle, and not Dr. Sha in that it made me weary because he would not answer the specific questions I addressed. The whole thing is/was weird when asked about pricing. Then Dr. Sha finally emailed me, and stated the work has to be done all together. That was not what was originally discussed. I am thinking that makes more sense the estimate reflects 22,600. of dental work. But for a Dr. to make it seem I am the problem for changing what was originally discussed is appalling, and not answering very specific questions as for the dental work up is absurd. How can a patient do business with a dental office that will not answer specific questions, especially when you are paying this amount money. To me it is unprofessional and obviously they do not want my business. A message for your office you were much better before especially with helping a patient understand what they are paying for. It seems as though you are out to drain the bank account of your patients without looking at loyalty or anything else. To not answer my questions is rude and not acceptable. You wouldn't even answer my questions. I am highly disappointed.
Jeffrey Ellis
4 years ago
Rochelle and the back office are the least customer-oriented folks I've come across and its made worse by billing practices that are geared to maximize revenue for dentists over all else (will bill you upfront saying you not covered, when you have covered, then you have to fight for weeks with Rochelle not calling you back when says she would to address their failure to properly submit part of the procedure). Failure to return calls after they say they will call back has happened more times than I can count. Jennifer and Dr Wong were excellent, but are now both gone.
2Fab
4 years ago
This is my story about today's appointments (Not happy - I left the office felt disrespected and with sore gums): 1. Short Notice(zero star): Even though they knew days before, that my hygienist couldn't make it to my appointment(I fount this out in the office), they waited and gave me a short notice (less than 24 hours) of cancellation by email not even text(which they always used to do)! 2. Bloody Gums(zero star): They offer me a different hygienist for the day - Anna, whom I accepted without reading the reviews first (big mistake). Anna rushed the cleaning from the beginning to end. With almost every scraping of the surface of my teeth with the tool I could feel a sharp pain as a result of a piece of the edge of my gum being cut and removed too. I could hear her keep saying "I'm sorry" almost each time this happened. My mouth was full of blood and gums were sore and bloody everywhere almost the entire time - I could taste the blood (I later saw other reviews complaining about getting bloody mouth with her). I've scratches and cuts and soreness all over my gums now. She was also so aggressive around the crowns on my teeth that I thought they would come out at any moment, so I stopped her and told her for the second time "They are crowns!" She didn't listen and kept yanking the tool on the crowns. Horrible feelings throughout and after. My regular hygienist Ms. Luz always did a good job (5 stars), but unfortunately she wasn't there that day. Also 5 stars for Dr. Smith. 3. The Manager Bache Ruchelle(zero star): Me: "I would like to get a copy of my gum measurement." (this is one sheet of paper. Also, I had spent thousands of dollars before, and just paid them over $300 for the dental service and this is what she told me.) Her with bitterness: "We will charge you for giving you a copy because we have to pay for the each sheet of paper. We did that once as a courtesy and will not do it again for free. Me: "Could you please email me my teeth x-rays for my reference?" Her: "We also charge if we send emails!!!" (Now she is even trying to make me feel indebted to her) "I will send it to you only this time and it's going to be the last time, or you'll have to pay for it." Well, if you're reading this, for your info, that was the last time that you saw me there. I won't do business there anymore because of you. She literally saves a few pennies (by charging patients for sheets of papers), but just lost at least hundreds of dollars that I would bring to her office at each of my visit. This is a great example of the saying: "Penny wise, pound foolish." Bye bye.
Caroline Nantz
4 years ago
I was in the UCLA area so I walked into the dentist office to make an appointment 10 days out for a filling. I showed up today expecting to get my filling done because that's what I made the appointment for. I had seen another doctor previously in a different state who told me it needed to be done. I waited for 15 minutes for someone to even speak to me at the front desk or otherwise. Once I got into the appointment they told me that it was only for a 30 minute consultation and they didn't have time to do any filling at all. Instead of being accommodating they wanted me to wait another 2 weeks to get the filling done. Terrible service all together don't go here
Jeffrey Ellis
5 years ago
Rochelle and the back office are the least customer-oriented folks I've come across and its made worse by billing practices that are geared to maximize revenue for dentists over all else (will bill you upfront saying you not covered, when you have covered, then you have to fight for weeks with Rochelle not calling you back when says she would to address their failure to properly submit part of the procedure). Failure to return calls after they say they will call back has happened more times than I can count. Jennifer and Dr Wong were excellent, but are now both gone.
2Fab
5 years ago
This is my story about today's appointments (Not happy - I left the office felt disrespected and with sore gums): 1. Short Notice(zero star): Even though they knew days before, that my hygienist couldn't make it to my appointment(I fount this out in the office), they waited and gave me a short notice (less than 24 hours) of cancellation by email not even text(which they always used to do)! 2. Bloody Gums(zero star): They offer me a different hygienist for the day - Anna, whom I accepted without reading the reviews first (big mistake). Anna rushed the cleaning from the beginning to end. With almost every scraping of the surface of my teeth with the tool I could feel a sharp pain as a result of a piece of the edge of my gum being cut and removed too. I could hear her keep saying "I'm sorry" almost each time this happened. My mouth was full of blood and gums were sore and bloody everywhere almost the entire time - I could taste the blood (I later saw other reviews complaining about getting bloody mouth with her). I've scratches and cuts and soreness all over my gums now. She was also so aggressive around the crowns on my teeth that I thought they would come out at any moment, so I stopped her and told her for the second time "They are crowns!" She didn't listen and kept yanking the tool on the crowns. Horrible feelings throughout and after. My regular hygienist Ms. Luz always did a good job (5 stars), but unfortunately she wasn't there that day. Also 5 stars for Dr. Smith. 3. The Manager Bache Ruchelle(zero star): Me: "I would like to get a copy of my gum measurement." (this is one sheet of paper. Also, I had spent thousands of dollars before, and just paid them over $300 for the dental service and this is what she told me.) Her with bitterness: "We will charge you for giving you a copy because we have to pay for the each sheet of paper. We did that once as a courtesy and will not do it again for free. Me: "Could you please email me my teeth x-rays for my reference?" Her: "We also charge if we send emails!!!" (Now she is even trying to make me feel indebted to her) "I will send it to you only this time and it's going to be the last time, or you'll have to pay for it." Well, if you're reading this, for your info, that was the last time that you saw me there. I won't do business there anymore because of you. She literally saves a few pennies (by charging patients for sheets of papers), but just lost at least hundreds of dollars that I would bring to her office at each of my visit. This is a great example of the saying: "Penny wise, pound foolish." Bye bye.
Caroline Nantz
5 years ago
I was in the UCLA area so I walked into the dentist office to make an appointment 10 days out for a filling. I showed up today expecting to get my filling done because that's what I made the appointment for. I had seen another doctor previously in a different state who told me it needed to be done. I waited for 15 minutes for someone to even speak to me at the front desk or otherwise. Once I got into the appointment they told me that it was only for a 30 minute consultation and they didn't have time to do any filling at all. Instead of being accommodating they wanted me to wait another 2 weeks to get the filling done. Terrible service all together don't go here
Dennis
5 years ago
The staff is always very friendly, personal, and professional! The work performed is always top notch. I live in the San Fernando Valley but still travel to UCLA because I have always been pleased with their work.
John Britt
5 years ago
The folks at the UCLA Faculty Group Dental Practice are absolutely the best! I've been going there for over 10 years, and I've had orthodontic work done there, a root canal, a complex "bite" issue addressed--not to mention general oral exams and cleaning. Everyone I've dealt with at the UCLA FGDP is top-notch, including the support staff.
Joseph Vaudreuil
5 years ago
The UCLA Faculty Dental Group is a phenomenal dentist office. After being truly dissatisfied with my last choice in dentist (Mid-Wilshire Dental) I switched to a PPO plan specifically to come to this dentist office and after my first week of being a patient, I'm absolutely positive I made the right choice. The staff is professional, the service providers are friendly and knowledgeable (I had Dr. Perlaza who is wonderful), and their work is top notch. I am blown away by how much care and guidance I have been given by this place. After my initial doctor visit Wednesday, they were able to schedule me the next day on Thursday for my cleaning. Moreover, I was set to return again in a month and they called my that same Thursday to offer me to come in Friday. 3 days, 3 appointments - that's fantastic customer service that really makes a patient feel valued and well taken care of. Can't see myself going anywhere else now. If you work on the UCLA campus, this is a no brainier for dental care.
Elizabeth Anne Thomas
5 years ago
I always have the best dental experiences I have ever had at The Faculty Dental Group. I learn how to better care for my teeth, they take such good care of me, and the staff and professionals are all wonderful people that are a delight to interact with. I used to hate going to the dentist. That is no longer the case!
Cheryl Lynn Bowers
5 years ago
Fantastic quality of care! I've never had such thorough cleanings and they even record gum measurements to track your oral health! Luz is an amazing hygienist. This is 5 star VIP gentle, thorough dental care!
Mila Rubbi
5 years ago
Great dentist, friendly and very helpful staff at frontdesk
Arturo Diaz
5 years ago
I have always had a great experience at this dental office. The staff is friendly and courteous, and I have full confidence in my dentist. They are also high tech, not just with dental technology, but also with signins and appointment reminders. In addition, I have never had to wait more than a few minutes for my appointment. I am in and out within the hour, which makes planning my schedules around these visits very easy. I would highly recommend this dental office to everyone!
Julie Hill
5 years ago
Even though UCLA is a drive for me, I have been going to the Faculty Group Dental practice for years, since their dentists and hygienists are terrific! This morning, Michelle, the manager, and Dr. Chugal's customer service skills really showed!! I was scheduled for a 2-hour appointment on Monday at 8:00 am with Dr. Chugal. I had arrived on campus two hours early (at 6:00 am) so I was sure to beat the traffic and be on time. When the office opened at 7:00 am, Michelle notified me that Dr. Chugal needed to re-schedule due to an emergency. When Michelle learned about the appointments I had already had to fix my tooth, she said she would see what options were available. Michelle went to the manager to discuss, and, as a result, Dr. Chugal was contacted. Everything worked out, and I was able to see Dr. Chugal later that same morning. I had a very good appointment and truly appreciate everyone's willingness to go the extra mile. Thank you!!!!
Thos. B.
5 years ago
Friendly, competent staff delivering excellent customer-centric dentistry. A hidden gem on the UCLA Campus. I highly recommend UCLA Faculty Group Dental Practice.
Maria Vargas
5 years ago
Dr. Smith, Dr. Cao and their dental assistance Personnel treated me in a respectful and professional way. They took the time to explain my treatment and insurance co-payment details. They provide excellent dental care!
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