El Portal Dental Group Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars based on 710 reviews on Google.
Jesse Alcala · 5 out of 5 stars · 4 months ago
This was my first visit to the dentist in quite some time. I came here based on a recommendation and have been pleased with the experience so far. The staff is very friendly and professional. Overall, it is a very efficient and well-managed office.
Jamille Tiu · 5 out of 5 stars · 5 months ago
I always have a great experience here! Judy is such a thorough and gentle hygienist. She really cares and makes you feel comfortable the entire time. Dr. Nguyen is awesome too. He is knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely cares about his patients. All the staff at El Portal are awesome. Super friendly, helpful, always follow up really well, and they really care and remember the little details. I’ve never had a bag experience here. Shout out to Dr. Nguyen, Judy, Christina, Valerie, and Melissa. Highly recommend!
Soren Perez · 5 out of 5 stars · 2 months ago
This is the best dentist I’ve ever been to. Everyone is considerate and caring of others from the receptionist to the dentists. Highly recommend for people who want patient, and considerate professionals.
Douglas Clifton · 5 out of 5 stars · 3 months ago
My experience at El Portal Dental Group was as pleasant as a trip to the dentist can be. The staff was friendly and attentive. As was the dentist, who took his time, gave a thorough exam, and explained everything in a clear and concise manner.
Sela Lucero · 4 out of 5 stars · 6 months ago
I have always had an amazing experience with the staff, both in the front office and behind the scenes. However, I did encounter an issue with one dentist, an older Hispanic male, whom I met only once during an appointment today, so I didn’t catch his name. He was quite condescending and spoke to me as if I were a 9-year-old, even though I’m a 39-year-old woman.
I simply asked if he was supposed to wait a few minutes after applying the gel before numbing me with needles. This was just a straightforward question, as I have been coming to this practice for about two years now. Usually, they apply the gel, they will walk out for about 3 to 5 minutes, and then return to numb me with the needles, allowing another 10 minutes before starting the procedure.
Despite my simple inquiry, his response came off as condescending. It wasn’t just what he said; it was the way he said it, and how he interacted with the dental hygienist assisting him made me uncomfortable. I might have been overly sensitive at that moment, but I asked not to be scheduled with him again at the end of my appointment.
During the appointment, I felt as if my head was resting against his stomach or lap, which is unusual for me because I’m typically comfortable with personal space in professional settings like a dentist or doctor’s office. I understand the nature of their work and the space that may be invaded. Unfortunately, his bedside manner was lacking. I want to also note i could feel his leg shaking beneath me the entire time that's how physically "on top of him" I felt I was.
Two quick procedures were performed, and it literally took him about 5 to 10 minutes for each tooth. It felt like he was skinning the inside of my cheek, and the pain was unbearable. I let him know how much it hurt, but he continued anyway. The sunglasses they provided were being pressed against my brow and eye socket because he was resting his arm or hand on them, which added to my discomfort.
I've had previous oral surgery done here and haven't experienced this discomfort from anyone else, and these were just two simple cavity fills.
I want to emphasize that this has not been my experience with the entire establishment. They have been nothing but kind overall!
Reviews provided by Google.
About El Portal Dental Group
El Portal Dental Group in Merced, California offers dental implant solutions, including All-on-4 and full-arch treatment, alongside general and cosmetic dentistry services for adults and children. The practice, established by Dr. Khang Nguyen in 2006, provides a range of restorative options such as crowns, bridges, and dentures that can work together with implant treatment to replace missing teeth.
Patients considering dental implants can expect the practice to combine implant care with other general dentistry services, including exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and root canals, all performed in the same Merced office. The practice also offers nitrous oxide sedation for patients who feel anxious about dental treatment, which may help make implant-related procedures more comfortable.
Meet the Doctors
The practice's clinical team is led by Dr. Khang Nguyen, DDS, who established El Portal Dental Group in Merced, California in 2006. Dr. Nguyen earned his Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from the University of California-Davis and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University College of Dentistry. He continues his education in areas including endodontics, progressive orthodontics, ClearCorrect, and dental implants, and is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, Stanislaus Foundation Society, Yosemite Dental Society, and the Merced Chamber of Commerce.