Robert M. Walley, DDS

I am a dentist myself and I choose Dr. Walley as my dentist.
Dr. Walley is a very experienced dentist, his office personnel is very caring and office itself is a state of the art.

I love Dr. Wally and everyone in this office! I used to hate going to the dentist and I was so scared, but here i always feel supported by their genuinely caring and intelligent staff. And my teeth are more beautiful than ever!!!

Im surprised to see all the people who love Dr Wally. It’s been 4 – 5 years since I had my tramatic experience and I still have issues with the particular tooth, which is why I’m doing a review years later.
I had a dentist I had been going to for years and at 18 moved back to the city. I got one of those free cleaning things in the mail and decided to go as a good way to test out a new dentist. The cleaning went fine but they wanted me to come back to look at a tooth that has had issues since I was 10 years old. When I came back for my appointment Dr. Wally decided I needed an emergency root canal. I was trying to get ahold of my mom and Dr. Wally continued to pressure me to talk about it later and just do it. When they were getting me prepped I was super uncomfortable then my mom finally called me back and we decided to go through with the root canal. While being numbed i was in so much pain. I’ve been numbed many times before and never, ever was it that painful, it felt like he was hitting my bone. Halfway through the procedure the clamp came off my tooth and everyone working on me was FRANTIC. Way to make your patient feel comfortable when they were already completely unprepared to be getting a procedure in the first place. After the produre I was told to make a follow up appointment for a week later. At my follow up I Told them i was having some pain in my tooth, they said it was normal. Fast forward about a week at about 9pm all the sudden I was in excruciating pain. I was damn near screaming and could not stop crying. My mouth was swollen and in a ton of pain to the point were my mom was willing to fork out like a grand to take me to a 24hr emergency dentist. We were able to get ahold of an on call dentist at an office down the street and they got me in the next morning first thing (south beach dentist i believe is who it was — they were fantastic) first thing they did was take xrays and they immediately could see the problem. I had a HUGE infection in the tooth with the root canal. I told them about the clamp falling off and they had to scrape their jaws off the floor when I told them Dr. Wally did not prescribe antobiotics and that I was told its normal at my follow up visit, they also said the job on tje filling was awful, there were holes in it that could have contributed to the infections. South Beach added to the filling, prescribed antibiotics and did another cleaning to be sure my mouth was extra clean while fighting such a nasty infection. Now it’s a few years later and that tooth still randomly hurts. I just want to get it pulled: l Thank you Dr Wally, I never had a fear of the dentist till you forced me into a root canal from hell.
And just like other people have said. He insisted I get my fillings replaced because they were «outdated.» I was supposed to have an Appt after my root canal follow up for the fillings and after the whole infection ordeal I did not show up to my appointment. They called me for TWO HOURS after my appointment time.

Dr Walley and his staff are great. They straightened my teeth and continue to keep my teeth white and healthy. They are very thorough and thoughtful in their treatments.

What ever they say! he is the best dentist in San francisco! no doubt!
i had an accident with a motorcycle 15 years ago, jaw fracture and more !
Monsieur Walley took care of me so well i could never forgot what he did for me !
So you hater, give us a break, finaly a dentist a real one!
thank you Robert, Wendy and all the staff, you are the best!
Jean Sebastien Oxner

Dr Walley is the worst! Stay away! He ruined my teeth by incorrectly filing my teeth into nubs for veneer work. He would not let his assistant hold my hand for the numbing shots. He did a lot of hard sell and the compliments he gave me were sleazy at best. One star is too much to give him. No stars at all for this.

I’m not sure if DIANA KHURIN, dental hygienist, still works here. She cleaned my and my daughter’s teeth a while ago. It was the worst dental experience I’ve ever been through in my life — not only was she rude, but she was also so rough on my teeth, and made me never want to return to Dr. Walley. I hope she has been fired by now, because I would never ever in a million years recommend this place due to her lack of professionalism. She also had really bad breathe — ironic working in a dentist office right?

I have been coming to Dr. Walley forever and have had nothing but wonderful experiences. I knew he was a great dentist, but it wasn’t until I moved across the country and had to see other dentists that I realize what a difference there is with a truly fantastic dentist!
Dr. Walley is great at explaining exactly what he is doing and why, he has a light touch during procedures, and most importantly, he does phenomenal work. In fact, since my return to SF much of the work done by other dentists has been replaced by Dr. Walley. And my teeth look so much better! I have had my share of dental work too — three root canals and accompanying crowns, several fillings, and all of my wisdom teeth removed. All the crowns done by Dr. Walley look exactly like my teeth and no one but a dentist would be able to tell they were crowns. (The crowns by other dentists were horrible and actually looked like fake teeth.)
The entire staff is absolutely wonderful — I just had the best cleaning ever from Ani. It was like being at a spa and not like a dental appointment — no pain or discomfort whatsoever. If you are afraid of the dentist, this office will really put your mind at ease. (With all the dental work I’ve had done in my life, I can say that with complete confidence!)
I get comments on my smile often and when I do I always tell them they need to go see Dr. Walley!

So, I have read many of the statement’s and complaints, and have come to only one conclusion. For the most part, you have teeth that are a «disaster» and are foaming or falling out, broken off or just neglected. What do you think it would cost to completely reinvent the wheel? Well, with years of neglect and lack of hygiene, it cost a lot. I have been going to Dr. Walley for 25 years, and I have beautiful teeth. Following is my list of 25 years of work,
14 vaneers, 3 gold crowns 1gold inlay, 3 times a years for cleaning. Can you really put a price on good hygiene? My teeth look great and feel great. Stop complaining about your bad habits and get to the dentist… any dentist, just take care of your teeth. You come to Dr. Walley’s office and expect him to fix your teeth that you neglected for free or cheap. REALLY??? Good Luck going anywhere and get this quality? Dr. Walley and his staff rock, I would not go anywhere else. Thank you, joy

Such a wonderful, happy, friendly, homey environment!!! Everyone made us feel so comfortable as soon as we walked right in the door! I brought my boyfriend to see Dr. Walley due to a postcard we received in the mail for a $ 1 checkup, exam, and xrays. We figured why not as he was looking for a new dentist. He needed a root canal and a cleaning and I was just there for moral support. :)
When we first walked in, Dr. Walley happened to see us first and he greeted us and said «You must be Allen» — most Dr’s don’t know what patient is up next and he knew the name right away — such a memorable start. The staff is super friendly, and while I waited for my boyfriend it felt like I had known everyone for a long time! I felt at home and at ease and I assumed that this would how I would feel in the dental chair.
For my boyfriend who *was* in the chair, I was able to check in on him and sit with him while the staff was working on him and they were very thorough and professional (but not stiff and harsh professional type). They take before and after pictures when they do work, which I think is VERY cool! You can see your whole mouth, top and bottom, while your in the chair.
After the partial deep cleaning and root canal, my boyfriend said that they handled things very well and he was extremely happy and pleased with everyone! He was so pleased that I chose to cancel my upcoming appointment with my current dentist and made an appointment with Dr. Walley for the following week… and I’m here now and about ready to test them out for myself!
We are so pleased we found this group of awesome people! :)

The most important thing I can say is that when choosing a dentist make sure you choose wisely. I have had a lot of bad dentistry and am now going through a bunch of trouble to have it cleaned up. Doctor Walley is the kind of dentist to get it right the first time. This is worth it’s weight in gold!
If you have read my previous posts, I have terrible teeth. Despite having experience with extensive dentistry, I still get every anxious about having work done. My most recent trip to Dr. Walley was to have another very infected tooth removed. The doctor was very gentle and calmed all of my fears. He did a great job making sure I was super numb and was quick and efficient.

I’ve been going to Dr. Walley for about 15 years and am absolutely happy with both he and his staff. Years of neglect in early adulthood left me with a mess of a mouth, and Dr. Walley has been instrumental in helping me maintain my oral health with an individualized regimen.
As someone who takes quite awhile to get numb from local anesthetic, I’ve had dentists in the past t get upset with me for taking too long before allowing them to drill, etc., and messing with their schedule., This has never been the case here, and any time that I am going to need anesthesia, his staff books me extra time to accommodate.
I’ve referred many people from work, and they all appear to be very pleased as well. I dread the thought of Dr. Walley ever retiring, as I would hate to have to find a replacement provider for the excellent care that I have and continue to receive. Kind, gentle, caring, conscientious, personal and personable all describe the care received here.

I was apprehensive about going, as I have HUGE anxiety about going to a dentist. Dr Robert Walley and his staff were just so amazing.
He (and his staff) took the time to explain what they were doing! More dentist’s need to learn that skill! Knowing what was going on, and there technology to show you, reduced my stress significantly. I’m not a fan of not being in control of what’s happening to me, but the fact that Dr Walley was literally explaining it to me step by step was a complete godsend!
While some of the parts (always money) are tough, it’s a fact of life. I have been the one that neglected my teeth for too long. We talked about options, and now have a game plan. Some of the reviews complained about used car salesman. I didn’t get that at all. Sure there are many things we could do, but he listened to what I wanted, suggested the things we could do right now, and then steps to take in the future.
And the person that said Wendy yelled at her? Wow, it must have been a different Wendy! ALL the staff, without exception were polite and friendly.
A definite recommend!

Dr. Walley and this office are basically a scam. They are here to sell Invisalign and that’s how they make money. Dr. Walley and team don’t listen, they don’t have good service, and when you are there you feel like you are at a used car lot.
They used scare tactics to up-​sell me and wouldn’t take no for an answer.
Double check any recommendations you get here.
* To address the comment below: I came in 2 – 3 times but then moved on to a great dentist nearby. Thanks.

I love the dentist I hate the office. I have been going to this dentist for over 20 years, I know need to go to the dentist, I avoid the dentist because the office staff creeps me out.
The support staff is a rotating cast of young graduates, alway female, that mostly seemed bruised (by the treatment they get on the job from a demanding work environment? or is it something more sinister?) churlish behaviour to underlings creates an atmosphere of your not good enough (to the staff) combined with we can fix this (whatever this is) but it’s going to cost you.
the office is well equipped with costly high tech gadgets, but the barracuda experience with the mgr behind the desk.

I image they take business seminars in how to maximize profit, great and necessary for business, but there is something profoundly creepy about the office staff. stepford wives was one earlier review.
too much skin showing ithat has alway made me uncomfortable. Perhaps they are shooting to cultivate only male patients?
great Dr funny office. would make a good TV series… but makes the overall experience too uncomfortable for me to ever go back.

Unethical, hustlers, disrespectful are some words that come to mind when I think of this place. Never in my life have I had an experience like this with any business. There is no lack of transparency in prices and they hustled me out of about $ 600 that I never agreed to. Scary thing is they would have got more had I not trusted my instinct and cancelled my 2^nd appt after the creepy first experience. I tried to report them to delta dental and to 1800 dentist but still couldn’t get any compensation. When I tried to dispute the bill with their front desk employee, Wendy, she literally said to me that my «teeth were a disaster» so I had to pay that much. She yelled at me on the phone, it was the most unprofessional thing I have ever seen. I am just baffled that anyone like that is allowed to interact with customers. When I finally got the courage to go to another dentist they said my teeth were fine and I just needed a good cleaning — for 89 bucks!
I have no idea how this place has patients. I really hope no one has to go through what I did although looking at the other posts it looks like this happens alot.

I called Dr. Walleys office with a dental er. I was told I could come in the next day and get my filling the fell out replaced. Much to my dismay, when I walked into Dr. Walley’s office I met Wendy. As soon as I walked through the door Wendy gave me «the eye check» and told me that I was not covered by my insurance. (which was not true she took my info wrong!!) Not only did they not treat my ER dental problem they have asked me to pay 150 bucks out of pocket to book the damn appt. I need! This office is not only unprofessional, poorly ran, but completely trashy. Too have a women that is twice my age judge the shit out of me, because yes I am educated and I have tattoo but I actually have GREAT dental insurance, somehting she probably dreams off.
None the less, I was not able to get the dental worked needed I still need the dental work and I feel as though I have been worked. I would NEVER refer a friend or family to such a terrible office ran by this awful women WENDY! Save yourself time and money and keep looking!

Today, I started getting both email and TXT spam from this office, trying to sell me Invisalign. Seriously, WTF?

Several years ago, I had just moved to the area and was referred to Dr. Walley via 1 – 800 Dentist for tooth pain. I feel compelled to share my story now because 1 – 800 Dentist never did anything to respond to my complaints, and it is obvious that he is still on their referral list and is practicing in the same manner that he treated me all that time ago. In short, it was TRAUMATIC. He is the reason that dental trauma is a real speciality in dentistry… those that deal with the wreckage from unethical practitioners like Dr. Walley.
I had never had any problems with my teeth before and had always had very caring dentistry. At the time, I was a financially struggling student and naïve. I felt like Dr. Walley was a used car salesman about giving me a root canal. I wanted a second opinion. He gave me no indication that I had a choice to leave without it, «saying that tooth is hot! it’s hot! It must be dealt with now.» I found out later from the dentist that actually took care of me in the aftermath, that this emergency response was not necessary.
He, nor his staff, did anything to ease my anxiety and in fact, he literally yelled at me to «STOP IT!» when I started to cry due to the extreme discomfort he was causing me and how afraid I was to be in his hands. He never stopped his procedure, despite the fact that my cries turned to sobbing. I sobbed for the entire procedure. When I came out of the appointment, I went to cough up what little money I had and told the receptionist how shocking the experience was and had never experienced anything like that. She just stared blankly at me and charged my card.
There are PLENTY of practitioners out there who have the intention and ethic of care in their business. I highly recommend you skip Dr. Walley.

I have been a patient since 2004.
I can agree with most of the reviews so far, the good and the others. Dr. Walley is an excellent dentist, yes, and knows every aspect of dentistry there is (root canals, fillings, extractions, straightening, and whitening) he rarely refers you to another dentist because he can basically perform any service. He definitely stays educated about new advances in his field, KUDOs for that.
Dr. Walley has fixed everything that has come up with my teeth, and I am still a work in progress. I came in with a mouth that hadn’t had TLC in some years (a mouth full of metal fillings and crooked teeth in which he always tried to convince to straighten I finally did when I had the dough).
Yes he can be a little pushy, preferring to service YOUR teeth in the ORDER he wants not taking into account 1) your budget or 2) what you want. He has gotten better I must say. And yes he will start to stab you with Novocain before even approaching about the cost, so you have to be proactive, speak up and kindly reschedule when it’s financially convenient for you or ask about service clarity before he gets started.
The staff is very friendly, almost too friendly sometimes but its good for first times to feel at ease. Veteran staff know how to deal with his perfectionist temperament. He does have a tendency to scold them in public and at times I was embarrassed for them.
Lastly.the office is very high tech and stays current with «scheduling and reminders which is great: they email you a confirmation and text you an hour before you must arrive».
I’ve been a patient for 7 years and their appointment slots stay full so he’s doing something right

My husband and I had just moved to SF and shortly thereafter one of John’s fillings fell out. A person I had just met said she went to Dr. Walley
and that he was a good dentist.
John made an appointment to have a new filling put in.
Dr. Walley said that he preferred to do caps. My husband explained that he did not wish to have the tooth capped and that he wanted JUST a filling. The doctor said «OK OK».
John made another appointment and at this time Dr Walley explained to John that on second thought he was going to do a crown.
John got up to leave; at which time Dr. Walley called him a «Baby».
John was 40 at the time.
John walked out and Dr. Walley proceeded to send bills; for services NOT rendered; along with Christmas cards.
We still can’t figure out which idiot recommended this idiot.
I hope that this review helps keep people away from this terrible dentist.
This man is not just selling you a shoe that gives bad service; he is in a position to give you a great deal of pain, ruin your one set of teeth, and exact a great deal of money at the same time.
THIS IS WHAT MAKES Unilocal SO GREAT!

I can see why this place has such mixed reviews. I was a bit skeptical too when I first came here. I was referred to Dr. Walley’s office by my coworker because he had invisalign and I was interested in getting them too.
It’s just females who work in this office and they’re all relatively young and attractive looking. The receptionists who work here are all dressed nicely and perhaps show more skin than needed (they look good, but its not your typical dental office yknow?). I referred a couple of my coworkers in and I got a free cleaning, and even the lady who cleaned my teeth (who was a little older than the rest of the girls), wore a skirt, stockings, and high heels. She had on so much perfume, it gave me a headache while she was cleaning my teeth.
The first time I came here, I walked out thinking — «What the heck just happened? I just signed myself up for invisalign». I came here with the impression that I would just get more information on it. They’re really hard sellers. They give you every reason to BUY and they put you on the spot. If you’re a pushover, you’ll probably end up getting all their services. They fortunately found me a good deal with my dental plan so the entire procedure was affordable, but I really didnt have that much time to think about it! It was also kinda weird and creepy that everyone in the office said I had nice teeth, I mean, everyone. One reviewer wrote a comment below that I agree with — «When one person gives you a compliment, its flattering, but when everyone compliments you, it’s just weird». and maybe fake? *shrugs*
PROS —
1. They are always on time. I always walk into their office right when my appointment starts and I almost never have to wait longer than 3 min or so.
2. They always remember my name. Everyone who walks by greets you by your name.
3. I’m in and out basically. They barely take a look at my teeth (I’m assuming because I was so good at taking care of them?).
4. Parking/​traffic became a pain, so I asked for more trays so I can come less frequently and Dr. Walley agreed.
5. They delivered. After 9 months (as they predicted), my teeth are straight. I’m happy.
CONS —
1. Parking sucks. You can park in union square or at the parking lot on Mason. The one at Union Square is much cheaper (but still expensive) and you have to walk 2 blocks.
2. Traffic sucks. Theyre not opened on the wkends so I have to go after work and by the time I’m done, traffic is at its peak time. I have to go south, so I’ve learned to avoid Stockton St. and just take Jones to 280.
3. They’re a tad creepy, but its okay.