RI-Recommended Dentists
Thanks to all of you who submitted recommendations. I did a bit of research on my own and have included pricing information (in <<< >>>) for a regular cleaning and first-visit exam for a new patient. Most places emphasized that the cost of x-rays could vary depending on how many were needed. Also, the prices are for people with relatively healthy gums and teeth. If you have periodontal disease the price of the work you may need jumps up a fair amount.
A few people were also kind enough to submit a link to a database containing reviews of not only dentists but other health services in the area. Although, as was pointed out to me, it seems not to have been used for some time.
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs.cmu.edu/user/bovik/Mail/health/index.html
Other recommendation-less dentists can be found at:
http://www.studentguidetopittsburgh.com/health/dentist.htm
Kevin
April 10, 2006
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Dr. Margaret Horning (Oakland)
Craig St. a couple of blocks north of Forbes
412-687-2116
Excellent dentist, but very busy.
She has a new partner, though, so it may be possible
to get an appointment. I assume her new partner is
good, otherwise Dr. Horning wouldn't have hired her.
All the assistants, hygienists, billing people in
the office are very good, personable and professional.
I don't have much idea about cost as my insurance covers
most charges.
I've been going to Dr. Margaret Horning on Craig St between Forbes & 5th
since 1992, and very pleased with her. Her office is well run, her staff
remembers me and takes good care of my teeth and my kids' teeth, and she
is professional and communicates well. I've never had a dentist I liked
better.
I use Dr. Horning here in Oakland. She's been very good over the years (10 so
far). This type of information used to be kept in the Bovik database
(http://www.cs.cmu.edu/afs/cs.cmu.edu/user/bovik/Mail/index.html), but that has
not been used in years.
Excellent dentists. I've been there thrice and had great service each
time. They're really hard to get appointments at though. If they take
new patients now, I think it'd be impossible to beat the combination of
their service and convenient location.
<<<
Dr. Horning is apparently not taking any new patients at this time, but
her associate is.
Exam: $45
X-ray: $30 - $40
Cleaning: $58
>>>
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Bruce Parker DDS (Squirrel Hill)
6301 FORBES AVE
(412) 422-5959
I go to Bruce Parker over in Squirrel Hill (corner of Forbes and
Murry). So far, I've only had one cleaning, but I was pretty impressed
with the level of technology used. (small cameras for tooth inspection,
digital x-rays).
Bruce Parker (on the corner of Forbes and Shady) is pretty good.
I went to him for a routine cleaning/checkup two months ago. He's
really gadget-happy and takes lots of digital X-rays and digital
pictures of your teeth which he then shows to you. It's cool, but
kind of scary to see your back molars in such high resolution :-)
They're very
high tech (they've got toothcam!) and are quite good in general.
Cleanings are fine, and I've had a filling put in that so far I'm quite
satisfied with. Dunno about cost... insurance takes care of it for me.
I don't know what the graduate student insurance looks like vs. faculty
offerings, but at least if you had a chance (and could afford it
reasonably), I think these folks are good.
Cleaning was good and they have lots of gadgets and technology. However,
the dentist himself is not very good. He worked on one of my teeth (even
though it did not hurt and the x-rays didn't show anything) and that
filling hurts ever since. He is also clumsy and managed to make my lip
bleed. I heard from a friend that he got the metal tooth-guard caught in
the filling material and had to use a small saw to get it out (cutting
her gums in the process). Not recommended.
<<<
Exam: $200
Cleaning: $55
>>>
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Edward Horan
1825 MURRAY AVE
412-521-5343
I go to Edward Horan on Murray Ave, right after the Citizens Bank. He was
recommended to me by John Dolan (faculty). His office is small and
non-pretentious, which I like. He is quick and honest. Never was late for an
appointment. I have had mostly clean-up check-ups wit him. CMU's dental
insurance (if you are a faculty or staff) covers the cost. He has the full
collection of "I Spy" in the waiting room, which is great for people with
kids (like me).
I've found Dr. Edward Horan on Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill to be
reasonably priced and to do excellent work for my whole family, mostly
cleaning, but some cavities and crowns.
<<<
Cleaning: $50
Xrays: $15
>>>
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Melnick Michael S DDS
(412) 687-8888
128 N Craig St # 207
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
My dentist is Dr. Michael Melnick
http://members.aol.com/MelnickDMD/
I've seen a number of other CMU people in his office so you'll probably
get a lot of feedback on him.
The location of his office (128 North Craig Street) is terrific and he
is very friendly and informative. Occasionally Dr. Melnick will take his
camera probe and show you the condition of your teeth on a computer monitor.
I have only had cleanings and sealants done by him but my husband has
had a number of root canals, crowns, etc. done.
I don't have his general pricing information available, but he charges $40 for
missed appointments.
<<<
Exam: ~$188
Cleaning: $55 + $20 (for fluoride)
NB: Insists on exam only for first visit. Cleaning can be done in the second visit.
>>>
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Runco Clinton W DMD
6300 Forward Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412 421-4324
He was recommended by a friend, and I've been satisfied. The office is a
bit rundown but the service has been competent.
first visit: $85 cleaning + $30 xrays
second visit: $65 to fill a small cavity
third visit: $85 cleaning
fourth visit: $85 cleaning + $30 xrays
I pay out of pocket, so I can't comment on insurance.
Ya know, I never did reply. If you want another dentist opinion, I go to
Dr. Alan Hartstein, who shares an office with Dr. Runco (whom you
already have on your page). He seems pretty competent to me. He's fully
covered by the CMU dental insurance -- I think I may have had to pay a
little extra for nicer fillings (i.e. ceramic), but not a whole lot.
I've never had to wait more than 5 minutes before seeing the dentist.
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Miscellaneous (i.e. only one recommendation submitted)
my dentist is Christina Schmeler - (412-683-3304) on walnut street.
Bruno Sciulli (412-682-0804) on Atwood next to Mad Mex is excellent. He's very sensitive
to his patient's comfort. He deliberately leaves gaps between
appointments so that you can be seen right when you get there. I've never
even seen any other patients there. I've had cavities refilled there. My
colleague has regular scaling. He calls himself a wimp, but Bruno is good
about keeping it as pleasant as possible.
<<<
Exam: $37
X-rays: ~$85
Cleaning: $59
>>>
I use Steve Miller. He's in Oakland on Fifth Avenue. Phone is
412-681-7171. He does excellent work. He specializes in cosmetic
dentistry and is available for emergencies.
<<<
Website: www.stephenmmiller.com
Exam: $45
X-rays: $25-$45
Cleaning: $55
>>>
I can highly recommend
Benjamin I. Relis, D.M.D.
Webster Hall
4415 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15213
412.681.4003
Contact: Mary Lou (Receptionist)
I have my teeth cleaned on a regular basis, x-rays and several fillings.
Dr. Relis accepts one of CMU's dental plans (Concordia). The cost for
cleaning and checkup without insurance runs between $50 and $100.00.
<<<
Exam: $42
X-rays: ~$42
Cleaning: $63
>>>
My wife and I have used Dr. Hart at University Dental Care on Craig
St. ( http://universitydentalcare.com/about_us.html ). He seems very
good and uses all the latest technology, and he has various
complimentary drinks (juice, tea, etc.) available in the waiting
room. On the other hand, he can be a little bit more expensive
(though not necessarily when you consider what you're getting). He
will, however, want to (but not require that) you have all of your
teeth sealed at $25 a tooth, which although it is probably a good
idea, is quite expensive. He also uses technology to find cavities
that most dentists wouldn't find, and, of course, wants to fill them--
which could be expensive and arguably only somewhat necessary.
<<<
Exam: $40 (but only if you mention you saw this price on the website)
Cleaning: $45
NB: Usually, exam and cleaning are done in seperate appointments.
>>>
my husband and i love our dentist. we are moving soon and my husband said
that one of the things that he will miss the most is our dentist! they are
very friendly, fast, knowledgeable, helpful-- i could go on and on. the
magazines in the waiting room are good and they even have a complimentary
fridge with water, juice, pop, etc. the office is newly remodeled, so not
only is it a pleasant environment, they have top of the line equipment. all
this, and they are covered by our (the cmu) insurance plan. we don't pay
anything for regular check-ups. i am not usually so enthusiastic about such
things, but this office has more than surpassed my expectations. it's a
little farther than, the communities you mentioned (barely and they have
plenty of parking), but it's worth it; i wouldn't want to go anyplace else.
Edgewood Dental Associates: *Brown* *Thomas* H
DMD
1789 S Braddock Ave # 110, Pittsburgh, PA
(412) 242-4022
<<<
Exam: $38
X-rays: $41 (for 4)
Cleaning: $58
>>>
Malvin Dental Associates
410 S Craig St Ste 102
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3709
(412) 621-1356
I went there once as a new patient and did not like it at all. Their
facilities are small and cramped. The assistant who sees you first and
does your preliminary scaling/cleaning was plain rude. The head dentist
was friendly but I left glad that my teeth were in sufficiently good
condition at the time as to not require any more of their attention. Not
recommended.
<<<
Exam and cleaning: $78
X-rays: $40
>>>
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Kevin: This I found on my own but have no idea how good she is.
Dr. Maria O'Reilly
5888 1/2 Ellsworth Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15232-1738
(412) 362-0900
Exam and cleaning: $94
X-rays: $36