Reviews of UNC Dental Faculty Practice (Dentist)

Keith Sawyer

These are the best dentists anywhere! And I've had root canals all over the country, so I should know!

Lisa Waller

I want to thank Drs. Moretti and Karunanayake for their wonderful care. Their knowledge and expertise was evident from the start. Their sincere kindness and care was much appreciated at a time when I was frightened about undergoing dental care and also experiencing extreme pain. Dr. Moretti's calm manner, but friendly and optimistic nature, made a bad situation hopeful. Dr. Karunanayake performed an involved procedure with the utmost gentleness. His explanations about what would happen before, during and after the procedure helped to calm my nerves. His clinical technique and bed-side manner made me feel well taken care of and safe. Also, the care given to me by student residents was top-notch. Resident Doctor Zafrin was dedicated to helping me stay comfortable. She was also crucial to keeping me informed about the next steps in my treatment. Thanks so much to all of you for being so good at what you do. It's so nice to know what wonderful dental care we have here in Chapel Hill.

Keith Sawyer

These are the best dentists anywhere! And I've had root canals all over the country, so I should know!

Lisa Waller

I want to thank Drs. Moretti and Karunanayake for their wonderful care. Their knowledge and expertise was evident from the start. Their sincere kindness and care was much appreciated at a time when I was frightened about undergoing dental care and also experiencing extreme pain. Dr. Moretti's calm manner, but friendly and optimistic nature, made a bad situation hopeful. Dr. Karunanayake performed an involved procedure with the utmost gentleness. His explanations about what would happen before, during and after the procedure helped to calm my nerves. His clinical technique and bed-side manner made me feel well taken care of and safe. Also, the care given to me by student residents was top-notch. Resident Doctor Zafrin was dedicated to helping me stay comfortable. She was also crucial to keeping me informed about the next steps in my treatment. Thanks so much to all of you for being so good at what you do. It's so nice to know what wonderful dental care we have here in Chapel Hill.

Susan Benson

What excellent, expert care I received from Dr. Pimenta and his dental assistant Rocio! I have been searching for a dentist for years who was both compassionate and super knowledgeable about the unique dental problems I have had since birth, and Dr. Pimenta is fantastic. He listened carefully during my first visit and added extra steps to the procedure he performed later which led to such a positive, non-traumatic experience for me. His vast knowledge base of my problems led to an outcome that I've never had with other dentists, ever. And as a result, I received a beautiful smile and a partial denture (at my request, rather than implants) that fits so well I forget it's there. I cannot thank him and all his staff enough for their help, and look forward to returning knowing I will be well cared for. I would highly recommend him, and the UNC Dental Faculty Practice!

Richard Wolfenden

The dentists at this site are excellent, as one would expect at the faculty of one of the best dental schools in the US. Their telephone and secretarial interface with the public is the worst I've ever encountered, and has been for several years. If you want to make or change an appointment, be prepared to spend at least an hour on the phone.

Eric Hommersand

They are very skilled.

Susan Benson

What excellent, expert care I received from Dr. Pimenta and his dental assistant Rocio! I have been searching for a dentist for years who was both compassionate and super knowledgeable about the unique dental problems I have had since birth, and Dr. Pimenta is fantastic. He listened carefully during my first visit and added extra steps to the procedure he performed later which led to such a positive, non-traumatic experience for me. His vast knowledge base of my problems led to an outcome that I've never had with other dentists, ever. And as a result, I received a beautiful smile and a partial denture (at my request, rather than implants) that fits so well I forget it's there. I cannot thank him and all his staff enough for their help, and look forward to returning knowing I will be well cared for. I would highly recommend him, and the UNC Dental Faculty Practice!

Richard Wolfenden

The dentists at this site are excellent, as one would expect at the faculty of one of the best dental schools in the US. Their telephone and secretarial interface with the public is the worst I've ever encountered, and has been for several years. If you want to make or change an appointment, be prepared to spend at least an hour on the phone.

Qh

I started to have gum problem around April 14th, and it got worse two weeks later. Around April 22th, I started to make an appointment with UNC dental faculty practice, and I got an appointment in 2 weeks. My gum problem got worse so quickly and I couldn't take it anymore, so I had to call UNC dental urgent care, but they told me that I needed to see a periodontist. Periodontology department said that they needed a referral from my former dentist (who is in Cary and won't do a referral for me). I had to see UNC urgent care. Finally, my primary care doctor did a referral for me, and I could see a dentist in UNC Faculty Practice. The dentist and his assistant were very nice and they said that they couldn't help me, and they asked me to see a pathologist who will also be in the same building on the same floor. The schedule with a pathologist was 3 weeks later after UNC dentist visit. My UNC dentist called me today and asked me to see a pathologist quickly if I still have gum problem. My gum problem has been bothering my eating, sleeping and mood for about a month now. I called them today (May 14th, which is already a month), and they told me that they only have 2 pathologists. The two pathologists only work in the morning on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, spending totally 8 hours in the clinic. Because it is a teaching hospital, the doctors need to teach students. In another word, maybe they don't care about patients. I spent about 1 week to make phone calls to even get a chance to see a pathologist. This really sucks.

Christa Seaman

I have been a patient here since moving to the area in 2007. I've never had a bad experience. I do see a different dentist most every visit (by choice) so that I can get an appointment with a particular dental hygienist. LOVE Janet (hygienist)! Perhaps my visits wouldn't go as smoothly if it weren't for her - I've never tried seeing anyone else. During this last visit Dr. Boushell was the attending present and was excellent. He spent time talking to me (not just Janet) about his recommendations and areas I could improve on. The front desk staff have never been rude and has always checked me in and out quickly. I will say that they don't offer the customer service that you might expect to find at a local, privately owned office. I really appreciate that they now will file your insurance. When I first started here as a patient I had to file my own insurance.

Ny Chanel henneghan

Never finished treatment. Front desk Denise and JC the head of the unprofessional business thy run. They hang up , lie, and don’t care about my treatment. I’ve been without trays for 3 months being told I owe money and I can’t come in to fisnish treatment until I pay when this is not true. I’ve been lied to about my cost for treatment. I’ve complained about the care and ever since then they’ve been screening my calls, dismissing my discomfort and never taking the time to take care of me. I’ve loss s much bone in my teeth and my teeth are worse off than when I last had X-rays. Dr Zetheun is a student and she isn’t the best but she is nice just also very dismissive if I express concerns that don’t fit her graduation schedule. I’m over calling this office for hello. Next stop is court

Richard Stern

Caring dentists and hygienists, very professional operation. Other dentists found 6 cavities that UNC dental practice said did not need to be filled at all. I have had fillings, emergency help, mouth guard and years of cleanings. No complaints at all - just leave extra time to walk from the parking garage. Well worth it to get reliable, high quality, honest work with no upsell.

Qh

I started to have gum problem around April 14th, and it got worse two weeks later. Around April 22th, I started to make an appointment with UNC dental faculty practice, and I got an appointment in 2 weeks. My gum problem got worse so quickly and I couldn't take it anymore, so I had to call UNC dental urgent care, but they told me that I needed to see a periodontist. Periodontology department said that they needed a referral from my former dentist (who is in Cary and won't do a referral for me). I had to see UNC urgent care. Finally, my primary care doctor did a referral for me, and I could see a dentist in UNC Faculty Practice. The dentist and his assistant were very nice and they said that they couldn't help me, and they asked me to see a pathologist who will also be in the same building on the same floor. The schedule with a pathologist was 3 weeks later after UNC dentist visit. My UNC dentist called me today and asked me to see a pathologist quickly if I still have gum problem. My gum problem has been bothering my eating, sleeping and mood for about a month now. I called them today (May 14th, which is already a month), and they told me that they only have 2 pathologists. The two pathologists only work in the morning on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, spending totally 8 hours in the clinic. Because it is a teaching hospital, the doctors need to teach students. In another word, maybe they don't care about patients. I spent about 1 week to make phone calls to even get a chance to see a pathologist. This really sucks.

Christa Seaman

I have been a patient here since moving to the area in 2007. I've never had a bad experience. I do see a different dentist most every visit (by choice) so that I can get an appointment with a particular dental hygienist. LOVE Janet (hygienist)! Perhaps my visits wouldn't go as smoothly if it weren't for her - I've never tried seeing anyone else. During this last visit Dr. Boushell was the attending present and was excellent. He spent time talking to me (not just Janet) about his recommendations and areas I could improve on. The front desk staff have never been rude and has always checked me in and out quickly. I will say that they don't offer the customer service that you might expect to find at a local, privately owned office. I really appreciate that they now will file your insurance. When I first started here as a patient I had to file my own insurance.

Ny Chanel henneghan

Never finished treatment. Front desk Denise and JC the head of the unprofessional business thy run. They hang up , lie, and don’t care about my treatment. I’ve been without trays for 3 months being told I owe money and I can’t come in to fisnish treatment until I pay when this is not true. I’ve been lied to about my cost for treatment. I’ve complained about the care and ever since then they’ve been screening my calls, dismissing my discomfort and never taking the time to take care of me. I’ve loss s much bone in my teeth and my teeth are worse off than when I last had X-rays. Dr Zetheun is a student and she isn’t the best but she is nice just also very dismissive if I express concerns that don’t fit her graduation schedule. I’m over calling this office for hello. Next stop is court

Richard Stern

Caring dentists and hygienists, very professional operation. Other dentists found 6 cavities that UNC dental practice said did not need to be filled at all. I have had fillings, emergency help, mouth guard and years of cleanings. No complaints at all - just leave extra time to walk from the parking garage. Well worth it to get reliable, high quality, honest work with no upsell.

larissa biggers

Hygienists and dentists are great, if you can get in to see them. I found a new dentist elsewhere after my routine cleaning was cancelled THREE times. And on the day of.

Robert Powell

The dentists at this site are excellent, as one would expect at the faculty of one of the best dental schools in the US. Their telephone and secretarial interface with the public is the worst I've ever encountered, and has been for several years. If you want to make or change an appointment, be prepared to spend at least an hour on the phone. 2

Aubrey Bailey

I'm coming from years of happy service at the UPenn faculty practice and this place is the night compared to their day. Pros: Gives a $20 discount to UNC employees on their first cleaning. Was able to schedule me quickly. Cons: This discount does not extend to insured family. Was not able to schedule my wife quickly (one month later). She scheduled an hour before me. Does this really painful version of gum prodding thing that they teach here. Nowhere else teaches it this way. It hurts a healthy person for NO REASON. They do not "accept" insurance. They will happily file it for you, but this means a really awkward exchange where you hand them $300 and hope that they do their filing correctly. You get checks for most of that amount in the mail a week later. Novocaine shots here are -painful-. I don't know if they are using a cheaper, larger-diameter needle, or whether they are going too quickly but I never felt this at my old dentist. Too cold Facilities are -old- and institutional-looking Desk staff are -slow- and critically unhelpful. There appears to be in-fighting between the doctors and staff that seems to have been going on for a long time. Had to wait 30 minutes after an appointment time to be seen. Staff speaks in loud whispers about patients and faculty. Worst: Service is sloppy and they have no care for patient comfort or bedside manor. I have never had the wash-water end up on my eyebrows, or have paste-marks on my cheek when I finished a cleaning before. I have also never had anyone drill into my lip before, but this happened to my wife. She apologized, of course, but this is not a thing that should -ever- happen.

Adam Shaffer

I am a disabled combat Iraq veteran my teeth slowly started to fall apart when I came home from my deployment. I raise 3 kids and have a wife and also struggle with PTSD from my service in Iraq. So we don’t have extra money. The reason I am contacting you is to see if you would do any pro bono work on my mouth. I only have about 8 teeth left and they need pulled also. Could you please contact me back with your thoughts in this?

Rick Johnston

re: 1st time calling for appt for dental implants. Using the number appts I found on Google, I selected ext. 4 for dental surgery questions/info. Since this is type of work is the UNC Faculty Practice (i.e., Dental College faculty profs, no students, do all dental work), ext. 2 would have also worked. Apparently, the few posted reviews critical of Duke Dental's Front Desk for scheduling & general info. resulted in big improvements: the person answering my call professionally and nicely provided answers to all the info I asked about, plus the caution to be prepared to pay upfront for the initial eval. And, as other reviewers warned, Duke gets paid 100% first, by the patient, then Billing will submit the costs to insurance/Medicare. 4 Stars, not 5, as the very first opening is five weeks away.

Meredith Farmer

The Dental Faculty Practice just same-day cancelled on me for the fourth time in my last eight visits. When I called back to reschedule the woman I spoke with was awful instead of anything even vaguely resembling apologetic, and when she said "I'm sorry" in an almost sarcastic, vaguely hostile tone I said "I don't think you're actually sorry. You don't seem to care at all." She replied: "yeah, I don't." The hygienists at this practice are incredible, but the staff is just terrible, and often you're made to feel uncomfortable for calling to schedule appointments, for asking for any time other than the first one they offer (usually months into the future), or for asking any questions when you're there—even checking on the time after you've been left to wait for more than 30 minutes with no advance warning at all, which is increasingly common. I've gone here for a decade, but this morning's hostility was the final straw for me. Why pay more and deal with parking at a hospital to be treated like you've done something wrong when they cancel your appointment at the 11th hour? Which they appear do at about a 50% clip?

Gordon C. H. Drake

Excellent in all regards. I have sworn by “teaching” doctors for years whether at UCLA or UNC, there is no downside!

jim wilson

I had a noon appointment on March 14 for a teeth cleaning at the UNC Faculty Dental Practise. Considering the drive, construction and an always packed parking garage i allowed a full hour and arrived a few minutes early. I checked in and a young woman told me: "your wife cancelled your appointment" which was impossible as my wife didn't even know that i had an appointment. When i told her this was simply not true, she sloughed me off and moved on to the next patient. No concern. No empathy. No suggestions. No nothing. So i drove an hour back home and told my wife the story. She was so upset she called UNC Dental and left a succinct phone message. Over 30 hours have transpired and there has been no response. I suspect we will not receive one. Tomorrow i will search for another dental facility- a practise that actually cares about its patients. Going forward, i will not recommend UNC Dental to anyone. Period. Jim Wilson Fearrington Village Pittsboro, NC

Bleek Bleek

Went in for an appointment to get braces for my daughter. Caitlin Busbee told me everything was great she’s respond to every text with no problem. Went in for the next appointment and she did a mold and I made a payment again she said everything was fine and my daughter would be able to get braces. Several weeks went by and no call or text from Caitlin so I call her and she doesn’t respond so I text her. She texts back a week later saying she has given my daughter to some guy named Steven because he doesn’t have anybody to put braces on. I didn’t agree with it so she eventually told me I could rethink getting my daughter braces or Steven can put them on. I told her ok and she told me he would have them on in May and if I got her to do them it would be June so I said ok and I called Steven. He explained to me the best he could of what was going on and he told me he would need some info from my daughters primary dentist so I gave him the number. I felt like I was given the run around so I asked to speak to JC Underwood and Steven gave me his number. JC apologized and said he’ll take care of it and if I had anymore issues or concerns to call him. Once again weeks went by and no call or text from anyone so I decided to call Steven and he tried to explain everything to me and he said it was his fault and he apologizes and he said he’ll have JC to contact me. That was two weeks ago so I call JC Underwood and I leave him a message and he hasn’t called me back yet. Today I call Steven and he didn’t answer so I kept calling back to back and he said he was also gonna try to get JC to call me back. I also left messages and I called JC Underwood today myself.

David Hobson

Excellent. Parking isn't fun, but great dentists, facility, everything.

Carolyn Robinson

I always feel like family at DFP. From the doctors to the technician’s.....They listen to what you are saying and make sure you completely understand what is going on and what all the options are. Great work! Additionally, everyone at the front desk are always very knowledgeable and helpful, especially Mrs. Sabrina Evans. She makes sure everything is handled efficiently and in a timely manor, and always with a smile! I have been to multiple practices, and DFP is the best!

MarshaW

I was referred to the UNC DENTAL practice by my dentist. I was seen on July 16, 2019. It is now September 12...I was told I needed a biopsy & I would be called by the Oral Surgery dept. I waited 2 weeks, nothing. I called, receptionist said she would give the dr. the message. Waited another week, nothing. This has gone on now for 2 months. My dentist has called twice, I have called four times even my husband has called, we have talked to 3 different people. My mouth is painful everyday. I even told them to please tell me another place to go. How can they just keep telling you lies over and over and not be embarrassed about it?!! I am at my wits end. If this is the way they treat patients that are in pain, I don’t want them to help me. HOW CAN I TRUST ANYONE THERE WHEN YOU ARE TREATED LIKE YOU DON’T MATTER? I would have given a — ⭐️ if I could! OH!!! BUT THEY HAVE NO PROBLEM SENDING ME A BILL, which I got today. Can’t wait until someone calls me to collect, when they do I will tell them ...I’M ONLY PAYING FOR WHAT I GOT! NOTHING!!!!

larissa biggers

Hygienists and dentists are great, if you can get in to see them. I found a new dentist elsewhere after my routine cleaning was cancelled THREE times. And on the day of.

Robert Powell

The dentists at this site are excellent, as one would expect at the faculty of one of the best dental schools in the US. Their telephone and secretarial interface with the public is the worst I've ever encountered, and has been for several years. If you want to make or change an appointment, be prepared to spend at least an hour on the phone. 2

Aubrey Bailey

I'm coming from years of happy service at the UPenn faculty practice and this place is the night compared to their day. Pros: Gives a $20 discount to UNC employees on their first cleaning. Was able to schedule me quickly. Cons: This discount does not extend to insured family. Was not able to schedule my wife quickly (one month later). She scheduled an hour before me. Does this really painful version of gum prodding thing that they teach here. Nowhere else teaches it this way. It hurts a healthy person for NO REASON. They do not "accept" insurance. They will happily file it for you, but this means a really awkward exchange where you hand them $300 and hope that they do their filing correctly. You get checks for most of that amount in the mail a week later. Novocaine shots here are -painful-. I don't know if they are using a cheaper, larger-diameter needle, or whether they are going too quickly but I never felt this at my old dentist. Too cold Facilities are -old- and institutional-looking Desk staff are -slow- and critically unhelpful. There appears to be in-fighting between the doctors and staff that seems to have been going on for a long time. Had to wait 30 minutes after an appointment time to be seen. Staff speaks in loud whispers about patients and faculty. Worst: Service is sloppy and they have no care for patient comfort or bedside manor. I have never had the wash-water end up on my eyebrows, or have paste-marks on my cheek when I finished a cleaning before. I have also never had anyone drill into my lip before, but this happened to my wife. She apologized, of course, but this is not a thing that should -ever- happen.

Adam Shaffer

I am a disabled combat Iraq veteran my teeth slowly started to fall apart when I came home from my deployment. I raise 3 kids and have a wife and also struggle with PTSD from my service in Iraq. So we don’t have extra money. The reason I am contacting you is to see if you would do any pro bono work on my mouth. I only have about 8 teeth left and they need pulled also. Could you please contact me back with your thoughts in this?

Rick Johnston

re: 1st time calling for appt for dental implants. Using the number appts I found on Google, I selected ext. 4 for dental surgery questions/info. Since this is type of work is the UNC Faculty Practice (i.e., Dental College faculty profs, no students, do all dental work), ext. 2 would have also worked. Apparently, the few posted reviews critical of Duke Dental's Front Desk for scheduling & general info. resulted in big improvements: the person answering my call professionally and nicely provided answers to all the info I asked about, plus the caution to be prepared to pay upfront for the initial eval. And, as other reviewers warned, Duke gets paid 100% first, by the patient, then Billing will submit the costs to insurance/Medicare. 4 Stars, not 5, as the very first opening is five weeks away.

Meredith Farmer

The Dental Faculty Practice just same-day cancelled on me for the fourth time in my last eight visits. When I called back to reschedule the woman I spoke with was awful instead of anything even vaguely resembling apologetic, and when she said "I'm sorry" in an almost sarcastic, vaguely hostile tone I said "I don't think you're actually sorry. You don't seem to care at all." She replied: "yeah, I don't." The hygienists at this practice are incredible, but the staff is just terrible, and often you're made to feel uncomfortable for calling to schedule appointments, for asking for any time other than the first one they offer (usually months into the future), or for asking any questions when you're there—even checking on the time after you've been left to wait for more than 30 minutes with no advance warning at all, which is increasingly common. I've gone here for a decade, but this morning's hostility was the final straw for me. Why pay more and deal with parking at a hospital to be treated like you've done something wrong when they cancel your appointment at the 11th hour? Which they appear do at about a 50% clip?

Gordon C. H. Drake

Excellent in all regards. I have sworn by “teaching” doctors for years whether at UCLA or UNC, there is no downside!

jim wilson

I had a noon appointment on March 14 for a teeth cleaning at the UNC Faculty Dental Practise. Considering the drive, construction and an always packed parking garage i allowed a full hour and arrived a few minutes early. I checked in and a young woman told me: "your wife cancelled your appointment" which was impossible as my wife didn't even know that i had an appointment. When i told her this was simply not true, she sloughed me off and moved on to the next patient. No concern. No empathy. No suggestions. No nothing. So i drove an hour back home and told my wife the story. She was so upset she called UNC Dental and left a succinct phone message. Over 30 hours have transpired and there has been no response. I suspect we will not receive one. Tomorrow i will search for another dental facility- a practise that actually cares about its patients. Going forward, i will not recommend UNC Dental to anyone. Period. Jim Wilson Fearrington Village Pittsboro, NC

Bleek Bleek

Went in for an appointment to get braces for my daughter. Caitlin Busbee told me everything was great she’s respond to every text with no problem. Went in for the next appointment and she did a mold and I made a payment again she said everything was fine and my daughter would be able to get braces. Several weeks went by and no call or text from Caitlin so I call her and she doesn’t respond so I text her. She texts back a week later saying she has given my daughter to some guy named Steven because he doesn’t have anybody to put braces on. I didn’t agree with it so she eventually told me I could rethink getting my daughter braces or Steven can put them on. I told her ok and she told me he would have them on in May and if I got her to do them it would be June so I said ok and I called Steven. He explained to me the best he could of what was going on and he told me he would need some info from my daughters primary dentist so I gave him the number. I felt like I was given the run around so I asked to speak to JC Underwood and Steven gave me his number. JC apologized and said he’ll take care of it and if I had anymore issues or concerns to call him. Once again weeks went by and no call or text from anyone so I decided to call Steven and he tried to explain everything to me and he said it was his fault and he apologizes and he said he’ll have JC to contact me. That was two weeks ago so I call JC Underwood and I leave him a message and he hasn’t called me back yet. Today I call Steven and he didn’t answer so I kept calling back to back and he said he was also gonna try to get JC to call me back. I also left messages and I called JC Underwood today myself.

David Hobson

Excellent. Parking isn't fun, but great dentists, facility, everything.

Carolyn Robinson

I always feel like family at DFP. From the doctors to the technician’s.....They listen to what you are saying and make sure you completely understand what is going on and what all the options are. Great work! Additionally, everyone at the front desk are always very knowledgeable and helpful, especially Mrs. Sabrina Evans. She makes sure everything is handled efficiently and in a timely manor, and always with a smile! I have been to multiple practices, and DFP is the best!

MarshaW

I was referred to the UNC DENTAL practice by my dentist. I was seen on July 16, 2019. It is now September 12...I was told I needed a biopsy & I would be called by the Oral Surgery dept. I waited 2 weeks, nothing. I called, receptionist said she would give the dr. the message. Waited another week, nothing. This has gone on now for 2 months. My dentist has called twice, I have called four times even my husband has called, we have talked to 3 different people. My mouth is painful everyday. I even told them to please tell me another place to go. How can they just keep telling you lies over and over and not be embarrassed about it?!! I am at my wits end. If this is the way they treat patients that are in pain, I don’t want them to help me. HOW CAN I TRUST ANYONE THERE WHEN YOU ARE TREATED LIKE YOU DON’T MATTER? I would have given a — ⭐️ if I could! OH!!! BUT THEY HAVE NO PROBLEM SENDING ME A BILL, which I got today. Can’t wait until someone calls me to collect, when they do I will tell them ...I’M ONLY PAYING FOR WHAT I GOT! NOTHING!!!!