Another Los Angeles dentist question

December 15, 2008 5:14 PM

I am changing dentists and need a GREAT dentist in L.A. who is with the Aetna DMO network. Help!

I've looked through past questions, and have seen a couple of terrific recommendations, but unfortunately they are not on the DMO plan. (One of them is on the Aetna PPO, but I don't think I have the option to switch at this point.)

I am fair-to-partly phobic, so I especially need someone who's good on that score. I live near Studio City and work in Miracle Mile, so anything within about five miles of either location is preferable. Thanks!

posted by scody to Health & Fitness (7 answers total)

Well, I don't know about the DMO plan, since I am on PPO, but I recommend you call this guy:
Dr. Jack Tunzi
501 West Glenoaks Blvd.
Suite 200
Glendale, CA 91202-4045
[phone]

Glendale is probably 10 miles from you. Maybe it'll be worth it, since he's really really nice and easy to get along with. Very gentle and kind. He did a root canal on me when I was in high school, and it was a fantastic experience (as much as a root canal can be).
disclaimer: he is distantly related to me by marriage, and I did invite him to my wedding... but I really never saw him outside his office except at New Years :)
posted by purpletangerine at 5:49 PM on December 15, 2008

Check with Dr. Susan Gilmour Hanigan. I see her at her downtown office (and would not consider going to anybody else); I think she also has a practice somewhere in the Valley. I have horrible teeth and severe dental phobia, and she puts me at ease.

523 W 6th Street
Suite 201
Los Angeles, CA 90014
[phone]
posted by chez shoes at 8:11 PM on December 15, 2008

Dr. Cohen is great, and he's right next door in Sherman Oaks!

I actually went on a recommendation from AskMe (thanks misslynster!) He's super relaxed, funny, and won't pressure you into any work you don't want done. When i first went I was really nervous since i hadn't been to a dentist in years and my teeth were all messed up and I feared being judged. But there was none of that. I couldn't recommend him more!
posted by drjimmy11 at 8:54 PM on December 15, 2008

I absolutely love my dentist. I am - or rather, was - a serious dental phobic. He is in Encino on Ventura, so not too far from Studio City. I find him very calming because he is good about explaining exactly what he is going to do, what is happening, and always asks if I am OK and comfortable. I find him to be personable and obviously intelligent, which reassures me that I am in good hands. The hygienist, Jodie, is also wonderful. She has done one of those hideous under the gum cleanings on me and I can honestly say I felt almost no discomfort at all.

Anyway, his name is Dr Edward Reifman, 15720 Ventura Blvd. Suite 514, Encino, CA. Its on Haskell and Ventura. The office phone is [phone]. I have absolutely no affiliation with Dr Reifman, I'm just a very satisfied patient. I'm afraid I have no idea if he accepts your dental insurance though. Does your insurance website list all in-network dentists?
posted by Joh at 9:06 PM on December 15, 2008

drjimmy, scody & I talked about Dr. Cohen before, I have a feeling he must not be on her plan. :(

But anyone else who reads this, he really is a good dentist!
posted by miss lynnster at 1:06 AM on December 16, 2008

Response by poster: Yep, it's true, he's not on there. (Curses!) Thanks for the other recs, everyone -- I'll look into them today.
posted by scody at 9:12 AM on December 16, 2008

Thanks for posting this, scody... I'm in Los Feliz and looking for a dentist as well.
posted by the_bone at 2:16 PM on December 16, 2008