Sarah Baldwin DMD

Dr. Baldwin and her staff are great– they were able to squeeze me in for a teeth cleaning right away as a new patient. She is knowledgeable, friendly and the office staff is too! I would definitely recommend going to Dr. Baldwin if you are looking for a new dentist– or just moved to the area like me!

Dr. Baldwin saved a tooth that was RUINED by a dentist in my early twenties before I went to study abroad. I had a lot of work to be done, and he was eager to do all of it at once, in one sitting, I was young and uniformed… and I should have RUN away, I even had great insurance at the time and could have gone to anyone. Anyhow, he lazily filled a huge cavity that should have been a crown and eventually the entire half of my tooth chipped off after about a year or so. I went to a couple of dentists, one said she would have to pull it, another said he could save it at a huge expense but it was risky. I didn’t have insurance anymore, so instead they put a huge filling in to protect the roots, and I basically haven’t been able to chew on one side of my mouth for 2 years. My roommate recommended me to Dr. Baldwin, and she is a God send (as is her assistant Alex). Dr. Baldwin is thorough, she is professional, and she is EXPERIENCED. Just because she is young, female, and attractive, does not mean she should be discriminated against for not having experience. Even the endodontist that did the root canal on my very difficult tooth was skeptical about it’s fate. And She said «well, if Sarah thinks she can save it, she can save it.» And she did… thank you, Dr. Baldwin!
A post script note with regards to finances… as the old adage goes, you get what you pay for. The first Dentist that caused huge problems in my mouth recommended me no pesky treatments, filled all of my cavities, charged my insurance everything without even so much as a co-​pay from me… what a great guy, right… NOT… :)

Went to check out this dentist bc she had great reviews and was close by. Mixed experience here — technician was super, really gentle, took her time and sweet. Dr Baldwin was straight forward and personable. She Seemed to know her stuff but proceeded to tell me in a very brusque manner (no discussion of options) that…
1. I needed ALOT Of work done that I had never been given any feedback about before! She wanted to do a Deep cleaning requiring anesthesia and multiple visits plus several preventative sealants on molars, even tho I have had 2 cavities in my whole life.
2. when I asked her what my insurance might cover or what these procedures might cost she scoffed that she has no idea what costs are and that’s what she pays the front desk people for. Ok… Hm.
3. Since my new insurance has a waiting period for major work like she recommended, the out of pocket cost was going to be around $ 1500. Wow!
4. When I asked her (via her front staff) if I could instead opt for a regular cleaning for now — it took two days to get a call back and I was told, she would do it but I would have to sign some waivers.
Meanwhile… And perhaps most enlightening… I make an appt with an AMAZING dentist with many more years experience, excellent reviews and a wonderful, down to earth demeanor, a great staff and total transparency. He did a second exam and basically blew all that out of the water — given that I have NO pockets etc Etc and take good care of my teeth daily, there is certainly no need for this procedure in his opinion. He mentioned that a lot of dentists lately seem to be pushing these overkill procedures to increase revenue… Yuck. Ultimately I had an awesome experience with him!!! Buyer beware!

I can’t say I «enjoy» my visits to Dr. Baldwin’s office… but since you HAVE to go to the dentist, you might as well go to the best! Dr. Baldwin and her incredible staff have a professional, caring manner and take excellent care of my teeth. She’s helpful and provides relevant follow-​up tips and referrals. Strongly recommended!

Staff, dental hygienist, and Dr. Baldwin were all very kind! I haven’t seen a dentist in over a year, and was fully taken care of at Dr. Baldwins office. I highly recommend Dr. Baldwin, she’s great and knows her stuff! Happy to call her my new dentist.
I did have a hard time getting ahold of someone via phone to change my appt-​kept getting a recording-that’s the only reason for 4 stars!

My wife and I are so glad to have found Dr. Baldwin. Our appointments were for 3:00 and, our cleanings started at 3:00. This certainly cannot be said for all doctors’ appointments. Throughout our appointments, Dr. Baldwin and her staff were extremely thorough and explained everything they were doing. Finally, they positively encouraged my wife and me, explaining how we could better our dental habits. I would highly recommend Dr. Baldwin to my friends and family.

Dr. Baldwin and her staff are consummate professionals. Dr. Baldwin is genuine, precise and knows what she’s doing. I went in for a filling and to replace a crown and the process was smooth and efficient. The reviews on here are on point — if you’re in Oakland and want a great dentist experience then definitely go to Dr. Baldwin’s office. You’ll never search or need another dentist.

I moved to California two years ago, and have been putting off going to the Dentist since the move. This summer, I finally decided I needed to take some responsibly and find a local dentist in Oakland. I started looking for dentists via my insurance website and Unilocal.I read a lot of horror stories of people being charged outrageous amounts, being double billed and having incorrect work done. Whenever I saw Sarah’s page I was instantly excited about all the glowing positive reviews. So I called and made an appointment.
Dr. Baldwin’s office was very welcoming, friendly and most importantly prompt and organized. They asked me to get to the appointment 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork. When I arrived, Dr. Baldwin greeted me– this was a nice change to the usual «wait 2 hours to meet the doctor.» As soon I was done filling out the forms, one of the dental hygienist called me back. I literally spent no time waiting in the waiting room, which was a nice contrast to the often endless reading of Highlights magazines while staring at the clock.
The dental hygienist did several X rays. She was very thorough, nice and friendly. Then Dr. Baldwin came, looked at the X Rays and my teeth, and discussed what areas of my teeth needed work. Unfortunately (though not surprisingly) I had several cavities and a crown that needs fixing. She explained to me what work would be needed and that it would take several appointments. Dr. Baldwin made me feel very comfortable and was easy to trust. She was extremely professional and detailed oriented.
Next, I went to discuss making the next appointment with the office manager. The office staff gave me a breakdown of how much my insurance would cover at the next appointment, and scheduled me.
Overall, I was nervous about going to the dentist since it has been two years. However, I was very impressed by the staff at Dr. Baldwin’s office and am excited to go back and have a regular dentist in Oakland.

I rarely write any reviews and believe it or not, this is my first ever Unilocal review. The reason why I think I need to start is because I’ve had such a positive experience with Dr. Baldwin and her office. As a child, I remember having some of the worse dental experience ever, it felt like torture every time I went. For that reason I was always afraid to visit the dentist and kept off going for a long time. As an adult, finding a dentist is always a challenge and relying on online reviews could always be subjective.
However, I think the reviews here for Dr. Baldwin are correct. From my very first appointment to my latest one (yes I had to make multiple visits), I felt at ease every time I went. She has an amazing personality, has a great sense of humor, and is always ready to strike up a conversation. How many other dentists do you get that kind of experience with? At the same time, you can tell that she really knows her stuff and is really gentle with her approach. I never felt that any of my appointments were ever rushed or felt uncomfortable with the procedures.
The support staff is also amazing from her dental assistant to Rylene (spelling?) in the front who is really helpful with explaining the billing and finding an appointment that works for me.
Overall, I’ve had a wonderful experience with Dr. Baldwin and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her as a dentist.

I am glad to say I found my local dentist since moving back to California, and Oakland specifically. Went in for the typical visit and service was great!
I found Dr. Baldwin on Unilocal and saw so many great reviews, and now I understand why. She was very detailed in her exams and went through everything for me and how I can better my habits. I didn’t feel like I was being rushed out and the support staff was really friendly.
Definitely recommend her office!

I went to Dr. Baldwin shortly after Dr. Vijeh sold her practice to her.
I wanted to start with a cleaning and exam. The first thing I saw after sitting in the chair was a poster all about «deep cleaning» on the wall next to me. I noted it as odd. Too prominent. (Dr. Vijay never mentioned this procedure to me, nor displayed the poster)
I do have receeding gums since 25 years ago when I didn’t floss. Since then I have flossed and brushed every day diligently. Additionally, I have had regular cleanings and very good dental care I do not and did not have swollen gums, bleeding, or an infection.
Dr Baldwin measured the recession and commented that it was significant. Then, Dr. Baldwin looked at my x-​rays and told me that due to the receeding gums, and «deep pockets», I needed a deep cleaning. As I questioned her, she suddenly said … hold on… and went to the receptionist in the front. She came back and said that unfortunately, I don’t have insurance and it would cost $ 1200. Im still foggy in the chair. Who told her to go look up my insurance? Then the receptionist came back with the authorization form and a pen. She handed me both. Duh?
I said «please just do the conventional cleaning and I will consider the deep cleaning». They refused, saying that it would not do any good and would be a waste of money.
As I was getting up to leave, Dr. Baldwin made the comment «do you wonder why you have heart trouble»?; implying that the lack of deep cleaning and the bacteria that are harbored can cause «heart trouble».
This comment alone is ridiculous. A medical professional should give compassionate advice not sarcastic rejoinders. Also, the link between periodontal disease and coronary artery disease is only suspected, not proven. Further, I have Atrial Fibrillation, not Coronary Artery disease, nor Peridontal disease.
So, I had to wait several months to get an appointment at another dentist.
Today I had my cleaning and exam. The dentist acknowledged that I have receeding gums, but said they are NOT swollen, DON’T bleed and are NOT infected and that I DO NOT HAVE DEEP POCKETS. She said I had been doing a good job with oral hygiene.
I specifically asked her about «deep cleaning». Do I need it? «NO» she said, you have NO DEEP POCKETS, swelling, bleeding or infection.
Here is an additional tidbit I learned from one of the early Unilocal reviews: Dr. Sarah Balwin used to be Dr. Sarah Salman at Elegant Smiles. The reviews for Elegant Smiles are consistent with what I said above.

Dr. Baldwin and her staff are professional, personable, kind and very efficient. I started seeing her this year because I was tired of how long I had to wait at my previous dentist’s office. I was able to initially get my first appointment with Dr. Baldwin pretty quickly, and have seen her both in the morning and after work and I am always taken right away. I have Delta Dental insurance, and I pay much less out of pocket than I did at my previous dentist. I’ve had my teeth cleaned and also a couple fillings by Dr. Baldwin and couldn’t be happier. If you’re shopping for a new dentist, just go see Dr. Baldwin. I wish I had switched sooner and it’s like night and day compared to my old dentist. And I always find plenty of free parking a block down on Sunnyside, so you don’t have to worry about meters and the general craziness on Grand Ave.

I came to Sarah Baldwin because she was well reviewed here, and because I was tired of having my previous dentist try to push thousands of dollars of services on me every time I went in for a cleaning.
This practice is perfect. Very professional. Dr. Baldwin discussed my x-​rays with me and a couple of teeth they have placed a «watch» on, and notably did NOT try to convince me I needed three or four crowns to the tune of thousands of dollars. The hygienist was very thorough and yet gentle. Knowledgeable front office staff. Everyone friendly. I am a happy camper.

Today was my first time with Sarah Baldwin. Since it was my first, I had all the xrays and check up done. She was very thorough and the hygienist took great care of me too. Everything was on time so there was no wait. My last dentist I had was always very quick and didn’t feel like he did much at all. He always loved to talk about himself and all the stuff he did and cool stuff he has. Sarahs team just took care of me and made sure the job was done right. I’ll have to wait another 6 months to give a more detailed review of my impressions.
Unilocal made it really easy for me to find a great dentist that was within 5 minutes of my apartment. That is also a plus.
The parking is metered though. I am sure it is hard to find parking in the afternoon but I was in at 8AM so that was so problem at all.

First, I must give praise to the wonderful receptionist who was able to help quickly in a critical situation as a new patient.
Dr. Baldwin and her team were awesome. As soon as I sat down they immediately made me feel comfortable and I actually left the office smiling.
I no longer dread going to the dentist!

The doctor was truly lovely and did a fantastic job. She was knowledgeable, personable, and was the most gentle dentist I’ve ever had.
The office manager, Reyline, was really sweet and personable, but really was frustrating to work with. I don’t think I will return. She underestimated the cost of the procedure, was disorganized, the correct technology hadn’t been ordered, so I had to make another appointment, she changed my appointment the day before «so I wouldn’t have to wait», then asked me to come at an incorrect time. I got there and the whole staff was out to lunch, she loudly talked on the phone for almost 15 minutes, and told me to sit and wait. I was frustrated with the many mistakes and didn’t want to be called, «honey» and «sweetie» at the end of the day.

I have been to many many dentists over the years because of an injury I sustained in high school that resulted in several crowns, a titanium implant, two rounds of orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry, and I have to say that Dr. Baldwin is one of my favorites. The staff is all very friendly and competent, and Dr. Baldwin is sharp and personable. I feel very comfortable in their care and happily recommend her to my friends.
My only criticism is that the office could use some decorative updating, but its clean and bright, so not a major issue, and frankly, I think this is consistent with dentists in general. Get with it dentists!
Anyway, I’m not there for design ideas, I’m there to take care of this expensive mouth and I have to say that I highly recommend Dr. Baldwin’s practice!

I’ve seen her twice and she is very nice and gentle. Office is modern, clean. Receptionist seems friendly. The metered public parking is on Grand Street and can be difficult.
My real review is for the periodontist Jeff Takai who floats into her office weekly. The implant estimate he provided for me was ASTRONOMICAL, in the range of $ 6500 per implant. I almost fainted. Seeing my shock, he made some noise about «adjusting» the estimate but I think that was BS, haven’t heard back. Unsure of his skills except in patient billing. Unless you are very wealthy, avoid this man. Implants do NOT have to cost this much, unless you are paying for the doctor’s very expensive student loans. Sadly, this upsetting interlude will end up costing the Dr. Baldwin a patient, unless they are just happy to cull out the blue collar patients.

I saw Sarah for the first time today. She’s very professional and has a nice personality — asked me how I was and all — very open to chat/​consult you and very attentive to detail. She gave me a full mouth exam and took my x-​rays, good news is no cavities, which is what I was expecting. I came here from a dentist of 10 years in Chicago, so I am looking forward to getting quality care with Sarah and her office.
Also, my hygienist, who’s name i cannot recall, was very patient and answered all of my questions. She was very thorough and offered me some advice on how I can keep my oral health better — this is key from a hygienist, telling you what you can do better!
Thank you!

EXCELLENT! I’ve never been to the dentist and actually enjoyed it.
I had pain coming from my wisdom teeth area and made several calls to local dentists that took my insurance. Most of them were Western Dentals and were making me wait until the weekend to be seen. Sarah Baldwin DDS was next on the list. I called and told the receptionist my issue and she immediately pushed me in within the next hour! Sweet!!!
Reyline was the sweetest (receptionist)! Very helpful, easy going and considerate of my needs. The dental assistant was very warm and made sure I was comfortable, and even provided me with the book I was reading in the lobby. Dr Baldwin is by far one the best dentist out there. She made sure I was informed of everything and went through step by step on what I needed to do to ensure health on my teeth. I felt very comfortable there.
Unfortunately, I’m going to have to get some wise guys removed from back there and get braces but so far, I’m not too scared if I’m getting services through this office.