Avo Samuelian, DDS

Fast and easy cleaning and check up, very nice people. Definitely makes going to the dentist not scary anymore! Happy to find a good dentist on my first try.

I never liked going to dentist Ever. But thanks to a recommendation from a former co-​worker I must say, my dentist rocks and looks good too. lol
He is very honest, strait forward and well versed about my teeth.
Major plus is working around my crazy schedule…*hey Michelle* lol
I just referred him to another co-​worker of mine.

I’ve heard a lot of nightmare stories about dentists in NY and have spent the longest time avoiding setting up a hygeinist appointment because of them. I looked at dozens of reviews on Unilocal before deciding on this office. Sadly, I think some important information was omitted (or rather, not clear).
Other than the teeth cleaning being the most painful in my life — in room that’s decorated to look cold, industrial and sterile — the main reason why I gave this place such a low score is because of the $$. While everyone else said that it was pricey, they did not say HOW pricey. It is more than double the going rate for NY city dentists and they will not negotiate very much. AND if you don’t plan on going back, they won’t negotiate at all. I just called them to cancel my next appointment and upon hearing that I will not be returning ever, they were very quick to hang up. «Ok, bye, click!»
Here’s how much my appointment cost: Comprehensive oral evaluation: $ 120, Complete X-​ray series: $ 170, Cleaning: $ 145. When I asked the receptionist if they were in the Metlife network, they said something along the lines of, «We take Metlife,» and they expected that 100% of my visit would be covered. I should have done my own research, so the $ 233 loss is on me. I just wish they were clearer about it all from the beginning, and more well-​versed in insurance dealings.

First — and most importantly, the office is super cute! Really comfortable seating (though I’ve never waited more than 5 minutes) with contemporary décor and modern artwork which furnish this loft-​style space.
So, when I needed to find a new dentist to repair the botched job a possibly uncertified husband and wife «dentist» duo did, I originally chose this place for the location, (close to union square) and was pleasantly surprised with everything else.
Without dental insurance though, it seems a bit pricey, (for my parents) even by New York standards. However, Dr. Samuelian is always on time and quick at what he does and knows what he’s doing. He’s also nice to look at and bypasses all the small talk b. s while he focuses on getting the job done.
The secretary is also very friendly (she actually appears to like her job?) and somehow always remembers me even though the place constantly seems busy.

i’ve been to dr. samulien’s office for two cleanings and subsequent fillings and, though i really want to give an enthusiastic review, i wasn’t entirely impressed either time. the offices are spotless, and very well appointed, with mid-​century modern furnishings in the waiting room and an art collection distributed throughout the space. dr. samuelian clearly takes pride in his practice.
my cleanings with tiffany were painless and i really wanted to like dr. samuelian. sadly, i didn’t. both times filled my cavities he made no effort what-​so-​ever to chat with me. no, so what do you do? not even a ho-​hum remark on the weather. silence. ok fine maybe somepeople don’t want the chit chat. what really threw me off is that during my first filling his receptionist came to assist him and answered the office phone from a portable phone while helping with my filling. so. very. strange. she is a total doll, and i’m sure she was qualified but still, uncomfortable for a patient.
so. would i want to live in the waiting room, yes. would i want to be friends with everyone on staff there, sure! but, given how $$ it is and the above incident, can i wholeheartedly recommend the practice, alas, no.
edit: have been back a few times since and dr. samuelian’s practice is growing on me. he’s still very no-​nonsense professional, but warmer. never seen the receptionist, michelle, in a patient room again so it was likely a one-​time incident, and she’s been really patient and cheerful while explaining the answers to my annoying billing questions.

Not only is the art cool, the atmosphere relaxed, but Dr. Samuelian makes you feel at home. This is by far the best dental experience I’ve had since I was 5 and still getting lollipops after a teeth cleaning. Not that I wouldn’t mind the lollipop for remembering to floss regularly.
Dr. Samuelian. Is like an advocate for your teeth. And with the juice I drink and the sugar I eat, and my love/​hate relationship with floss, my teeth can use their advocate.