Farrington Richard C,DDS

Dr. Farrington is hands down the best dentist I have ever seen in my life. And I’ve been to A LOT of dentists. In fact it was a nightmarish experience with a different dentist (only went to someone else because I don’t live near Dr. Farrington’s office anymore) that sent me running back to him. He is just amazing, he’s gentle, kind, knows how to calm me down as I am usually terrified of dentistry– he almost makes me look forward to having work done because I get to see him! He’s incredible at what he does, it’s absolutely pain free– which I have never had at any other office ever– it’s reasonably priced and he’s quick. His staff is also wonderful, you feel like family the minute you step in the door. Both Pam and Mary at the front desk are amazing and lovely and helpful. His hygenists are top notch and Dr. Farrington never lets anything go unnoticed, I had a small chip in one of my teeth and he just patched it up right after he did my filling. I love him and his whole office and I hope he works forever. ;)

I have been going here for a LONG time and tried going somewhere else when I was watching my wallet. Let’s just say after that one experience away, it had me running back to Dr. Farrington’s office in a heartbeat. The dental hygenists are awesome and friendly here. I always get my cleanings from Zef and he’s superb! I ended up moving to the other side of San Jose and now travel 30 minutes. It’s worth it!
Dr. Farrington even helps me with retainer adjustments!

We Wouldn’t Go Anywhere Else…
Good dentists… people who are knowledgeable, skilled, reasonably priced, friendly and understand the meaning of pain. are difficult to find. Throw in an accommodating office staff which accepts most forms of insurance and you’ve got a tough combination to top. Fortunately, my wife got a recommendation about Dr Farrington many years ago and we’ve never looked for another dentist since that time. Sort of like having a good significant other and not feeling the need to turn your head when an attractive person walks by.
Dr Farrington’s office is located in a one story building on Blossom Hill Road about halfway between Santa Teresa Blvd and Highway 85. Although that building will not win an award for design, atmosphere, parking lot or excitement, his office makes the most of its space and surroundings. Beyond the reception desk near the door, there are 4 separate areas for a variety of procedures with the one farthest left reserved for the dental hygienist. Overall, the office itself is more functional than comfortable, but it’s Dr Farrington and his staff who raise comfort to a level which demands repeat visits.
My threshold for pain is not high. By 2 on a scale of 10, I’ll ask for a tranquilizer. So it’s amazing to say I haven’t registered much pain in all my visits to Dr Farrington. During the past 10 years or so, I’ve probably been there 25 times…20 of those for semi-​annual teeth cleanings (more on that later). His manner, and that of his assistants, is so reasonable and soothing you can ALMOST skip the anesthesia. I bet he’d be good at reading bedtime stories to little kids in the midst of disaster, like in a London basement during air raids in 1940. Is going to the dentist that bad? Probably not, but that’s who you want when the drill starts to sing its sad song.
And on a side note… why do drills still sound the same as they ever did? As soon as the switch is flipped, I get flashbacks to the 1950s and 1960s (there goes my age) of a childhood dentist leering over my mouth like a bounty hunter with a gun or a lonely dog who hasn’t had a meal in 2 years. Are there no silent dental drills? What happened to progress?
As for the dental hygienist… patients of Dr Farrington have been very fortunate, at least during the 10 years I’ve gone to his office. For the last half of that time, Katrina has worked on my teeth with the same skill and soothing ease of the dentist himself. I’ve seen my share of hygienists with the pick axe approach who find every exposed nerve and leave your mouth bloody and mangled like the final exam for a horror film student. Not so with Katrina. She’s got such a light touch I often don’t know when she’s done. Plus, as a bonus, Katrina is one of the most delightful people you’ll meet. Kind of like a great server in a restaurant with good food.
The reception staff is a nice complement to the meat and potatoes side of the practice. They are efficient, friendly and understand the occasional need to reschedule appointments. When Dr Farrington recommends a visit to a more specialized dentist for such fun procedures as a root canal, the women up front have already coordinated that visit with copies of the appropriate x-​rays before I’m even out of the patient’s chair. That’s fast. Maybe too fast.
In addition, the office continues its fine record of obtaining significant reimbursement from our insurance plan. No small feat! And did I mention the bathroom is stocked with toothpaste and new brushes for the last-​minute touch-​up I always seem to need to avoid even greater embarrassment.
Bottom line… As long as we remain in San Jose (that’s 31 years and counting), we’ll be faithful members of Dr Farrington’s fan club.
Pros: Makes the best out of a bad situation
Cons: Do I really need to go?
Ratings:
Overall: 5
Knowledge: 5
Bedside Manner: 5
Hygienist: 5
Office Staff: 4
Scheduling: 4
Insurance Coverage: 4
Office Atmosphere: 4
Building: 2
Parking: 3

They’ve been our family dentist for 25 years. Good crew, don’t push unnecessary stuff, smooth billing, and easy scheduling. We’re into second generation with them.

I agree with Fidel. I have been going to Dr. Farrington for about 10 years now and it has always been a pleasant experience. They have a very nice, efficient staff. The hygienists are all awesome and I rarely have to wait very long upon arrival. When there is a conflict, back-​up or emergency (something that is bound to happen) they communicate it very quickly which allows for the best schedule adjustment possible.

A visit to Dr. Farrington’s office is like a trip to the spa. He and his staff are very accomodating and great at making you feel relaxed. Even while getting your cavity filled or getting fitted for a crown, you’re still totally at ease in this man’s chair.