Gary Blankstein, DDS

Recommended by a few friends– the first meeting was great! After that it has gone down hill. The dentist has become neglectful, he is never in the office and even when you see him, he is only there for a minute without even talking to you but rather AT you. The receptionist Dianna is disorganized and unprofessional. The dental hygenist was hurting me last time and didn’t even know why what she was doing was hurtful. I gave this office multiple chances to redeem themselves and each time I was diappointed even more by Dr. Blankstein, and Dianna proved to be increasingly difficult and unhelpful. I am a very patient person and like to give people the benefit of the doubt, but 5 visits (and attempted visits) that went wrong and I can no longer continue.

Beware of what I consider to be sharp practices. Long story short, I was charged through the nose for a cavity/​crown. Prior to the work being done, I was never given any options on what kind of crowns were available and what the relative costs of the various options would be. Instead, I was shocked when I got the bill, which was AFTER I had already paid $ 250 out of pocket and AFTER my insurer had also paid. I expected some small overage after the insurance was done playing its games, but not that much.
Only later was I told that the insurer would have paid a higher portion of the expense had I opted to utilize a different crown — something that was never even remotely discussed with me prior to the work being done.
Later, after I complained to Dianna, the office receptionist, I was treated as if I am the one that is taking advantage. She essentially wrote me back (via email) to tell me that I had been informed of the costs (which, even if true, by her own admission, was exactly 2 calendar years ago). She was very terse in her responses and essentially accused me of being glib as to my insurance coverages. After much go around I was able to obtain a monumental 10% discount on the balance owed. Woo hoo! I paid in full, but owe it to others to disclose my experience so that others don’t get screwed.
Excellent, timely service. Caring and gentle. Skilled. No doubt. (Which is why I am giving 2 stars, not 1). Forthright? Not sufficiently, in my opinion. Perhaps it is a communication problem; but given the circumstances, I have to believe that it is more likely a case of sharp practices. Proceed with caution and ask a lot of questions about the cost of any work prior to allowing them to commence work. Otherwise, you ‘re asking for a world of pain. Caveat emptor (buyer beware).

Dr. Blankstein has been my dentist my whole life. He is the real deal! Can’t imagine going to anyone else!

Dr. Blankstein is the BEST. I have hated dentists since day 1 & my friend swore by Dr. B. So I gave him a try. I wish I had met him 10 years ago! He is so sweet & really gentle. Explains everything that is going on & always makes sure you are comfortable & okay. If you are scared of the dentist like me, I promise he will change your mind. I have had (2) crowns done with him & they were totally painless & easy.

I have been going to Dr. Blankstein since I was a little kid. I’ve moved towns, countries, etc., but I always make sure my appointments are booked when I am back in LA for a visit.
Dr. Blankstein is not only one of the nicest people I have ever met, he also is one of the best dentists in LA. Let’s just say I have never had a real cavity and was never given a chance to develop a fear of the dentist since I was always treated so well. Any work I have had has always been gentle and virtually painless. He has done all of my father’s dental work for 25+ years and saved my dad’s teeth long after he should have gotten dentures. (We all kept telling him to give up a losing battle with age, but pride is a dangerous thing). He did all my post braces work when I was in high school and always asks me how my parents are doing when I go in.
There was a phase there after their dental hygienist retired a few years back (I almost cried) that they struggled to find a good replacement. But the last time I went they had a bright –eyed and bushy-​tailed newbie who was eager to learn and discussed my special needs without just tearing into my gums until they bled as some of the previous ones had.
Dr. Blankstein also does a lot of specialty dentistry out of his Beverly Hills office for those who need a bit more love and attention.

I give Dr. Blankstein TEN stars! I have serious dental fear and have fainted in dental chairs before. Not here! Dr. Blankstein and his staff are amazing. All of them. Diana at the front is totally helpful, patient and willing to go through prices with your insurance. The cleaning was so easy. The deep cleaning which I had to do in two appointments was painless and then I had a crown removed. I felt nothing! Lots of shots and nothing hurt. I have had five appointments in the last month and I am not scared!
I suggest anyone and everyone go to Dr. Blankstein. He is the best dentist I have ever been to. He doesn’t try to sell you tons of dental work that you don’t need. He is nice, understanding of fears and works well with making you relax.
TEN STARS!

this office is the best dental office ive ever been to. people are wonderful. cleaning and x-​rays painless. Blankstein has a great way about him and I felt very comfortable with him. if you must go to a dentist…

He’s definitely the best dentist I’ve seen (maybe in my whole life.)
He’s given me great 2^nd opinions on dental work. and I’ve never felt less pain in the dentist chair in my life. I’m so happy I finally found a dentist I can trust…
He’s also a very very nice man… and his staff is equally nice.

Dr. Blankstein is wonderful and I highly recommend him as a dentist. I saw Dr. Blankstein for two years before I decided to see a different dentist b/​c my office was relocated further from his office. The new dentist I saw was worse than a used car salesman. This new dentist claimed that I had an obscene amount of cavities that I never had mentioned nor suffered from. Upon my skepticism with the new dentist, I went back to Dr. Blankstein to get a second opinion and sure enough, he did not find the same problems that the used car salesman did. Dr. Blankstein genuinely enjoys his job and it’s obvious through the people that work with and for his practice.