Walter Tickner DDS

My husband converted me to the Tickner team a few years ago and now we have my 88 year old Alzheimer mother coming here too. Really great group. I have to say that Dr. Tickner is the KING of administering pain-​free Novocaine. Also, my husband has a lot of stress around going to the dentist and these guys are one of the few dentists that still offer nitrous oxide which really helps relieve my husband’s anxiety… for an extra fee. They are also quick to make things right if you are not happy about anything. Debbie is the nicest and gentlest hygienist ever… though at home we argue that Holly is the best (she cleans my husband and my mom).

Over my 60 odd years, I’ve never had a dentist as sweet & gentle as Dr. Tickner. He is an ultimate perfectionist. He will not stop until he knows your completely comfortable upon leaving his office. Mayra is his assistant and they work so well together. I never thought the day would come when I would look forward to going to see the dentist. I have been a patient of Dr. Tickner for awhile. I had to stop visiting due to my husbands passing. I had a number of other obstacles preventing me, but now I’m so pleased I returned.

For the last 15 years I’ve been bringing my ailing teeth to Dr. Walt Tickner and have consistently had the best of care. I say this as a person who has had an unusual amount of dental work over the years and several dentists of the highest quality.
Walt stands out as being the dentist who has been most consistently concerned about my comfort level and the most accessible for emergency visits, including once opening his office for me alone on a weekend.
I’m also impressed by the longevity of the several crowns he has fitted me with. This is no doubt due to his very meticulous work style.
Add to this a very efficient and pleasant professional office staff, the Tickner Tooth Team, and a visit to Dr. Tickner takes a lot of the pain out of my visits to the dentist.

In my previous review I gave the office 5 stars. Yesterday completely changed my view on the office. Marina called to confirm my appointment and I told her I would have to reschedule because of my insurance coverage. I tried to explain that my husband was between jobs and will be starting a new job soon and I no longer have coverage and wasn’t sure when I would be covered again. I even apologized for not canceling sooner. Marina immediately began to scold me and started cutting me off while I was speaking because I didn’t cancel sooner and even went as far as to saying THE VISIT WAS GOING TO BE $ 100 OR SO AND NOW THEY ARE IN A BIND WITH SCHEDULING. I wasn’t aware that the office depended on my one visit to make ends meet. Marina made it clear to me that the office is in need of money and is clearly about money and not their patients. Why would she even mention anything about how much the visit is worth?! She had a horrible attitude with me all because I couldn’t keep my appointment. Sorry my husband temporarily lost his job and I don’t have insurance. She even mentioned a cancellation policy of 48 hours but then said I had to cancel 3 days before. She said I wouldn’t be charged this time but next time I will, which is fine. The conversation ended and a few minutes later I get a missed call and voicemail from the office again. It was Thier (spelling), leaving a message saying she was calling because of the conversation I just had with her co-​worker. In the message she too was scolding me and repeated herself a couple times about the cancellation policy and the fees, and even stated that she recalls me telling her about the issue with my insurance. WHY WOULD I NEED HER TO CALL AND LEAVE A MESSAGE TO BASICALLY SUM UP THE CONVERSATION THAT I JUST HAD WITH HER COWORKER?! Are you kidding me?! Do they really feel the need to tag team on a patient all because of an appointment being cancelled that didn’t follow their cancellation policy?! By all means send the damn bill over for whatever cancellation fee. I just want them to stop with the harassment over a cancelled appointment. Two calls discussing the same thing and both employees trying to scold and give me a hard time is ridiculous. All of this because of a CANCELLED APPOINTMENT. Thank you again front desk staff for making it clear that your office is only there for the money! Now I understand that they are only friendly when you come in because they know they will be getting some money. Once you cancel an appointment they will give you hell because of money loss and the scheduling. I’ve been a patient here for years and Dr. Tickner has always been so wonderful but because of the front desk I for sure will not be returning to this office. Oh and one more thing, this is the first time that I’ve ever had to cancel last minute like this.

Dr Tickner and his entire team are very professional, considerate, kind attentive and caring. They take the time to make sure you are relaxed and comfortable. No pain no pressure and no stress during treatments and scheduling of appointments. He actually listens to you He and his team really care about you. They all are second to none. If you have dental phobia you won’t after being treated by dr. Ticker. They are Awesome!!!

Walter Tickner, DDS is more than a skilled, caring, thorough, experienced, and patient dentist. He is a gentle, sensitive, and warm human being who goes the whole 9 yards all the time. I have been seeing dentists since the 1950’s; and Dr. Tickner is the best ever. I have complete confidence in his opinion and his comprehensive work. The travel from El Cerrito is well worth my extra effort.

I met Dr. Tickner several years ago while he was volunteering his services at Lifelong Dental Care in Berkeley, CA. Dr. Tickner was truly a blessing from God to Lifelong. I truly admire him for taking out time from his own practice to volunteer at a non-​profit organization. Dr. Tickner was one of my favorite dentist at Lifelong. Over the years we were able to form a genuine doctor patient relationship, which still exist today! Dr. Tickner is very honest, professional, knows his trade and he truly cares about each patient. He goes above and beyond his doctor duties to attend to all of his patients needs. Dr. Tickner is truly missed at Lifelong Dental Care, but is still dear to all of our hearts. Dr. Tickner, continue to do God’s Will, by helping His little ones and He will continue to bless you and your practice. If you are in need of a great dentist, make it a point to contact Dr. Tickner I guarantee, you will be very satisfied!
God Bless you Dr. Tickner
Carol F.

Just had major denture work completed, Walter did a fine job!

Walter Tickner is a brilliant dentist; I should know, I’ve been to my fair share. First and foremost, he’s incredibly skilled, as is his staff of assistants and hygienists. Dr. Tickner is very thorough in the care he provides and explains treatment plans in great detail. I also, importantly, find Dr. Tickner to be incredibly kind, thoughtful, and calm in his demeanor, which are attributes I very much appreciate. I hold Dr. Tickner in the highest of regard and would recommend him to anyone. I hope he never retires!

If i could give more than 5 stars I would!!! Mouth health and going to the dentist can cause anxiety and dread but not when it comes to going to Dr. Tickner’s. I have been coming here for over 5 years now and each visit has been amazing. I switched to this practice after having not such a good experience and will not be going elsewhere. I always leave with a smile on my face. The hygienists are all great and attentive to their work and make sure you are comfortable every step of the way. Dr. Tickner is amazing and even with some of the not so exciting news about my teeth, I never feel bad or judged and leave feeling positive about my teeth and gums. Overall this practice is the best of the best professional, friendly, accommodating, understanding and knowledgable. You will not regret choosing the Tickner tooth team to take care of your oral hygiene needs :)

is it possible to give someone 100 000 000 000 000 000 000+ stars!!! oh my goodness the doctor and his staff are super super friendly, knowleagable and out of their way to make you comfortable!! i was reffered by family members and teeth that one dentist was wanting to take out, the dr. said it wasnt necessary and he would do all he could to save them! OMG i am so glad that i got a 2^nd opinion from dr. tickner and did not let the dentist i had seen earlier in the day extract any teeth. YES I AM SHOUTING YOU CANNOT GO WRONG WITH DR. TICKNER. HE AND STAFF ARE GREAT!!!

Dr. Tickner is awesome! His staff are fabulous, well educated, customer service oriented team of professionals. I am really happy with being a patient at Dr. Tickner’s office :)

I’m not at all surprised that the Tickner Tooth Team has a 5 star rating. I’ve been going here for the last six years (two cavities, periodontal cleanings about 3 to 4 times per year, regular annual checkups and x-​rays) and have always been 110% satisfied – because everyone in the office always gives 110% effort. Thank you Dr. Tickner, the lovely Robin, Brian, Marina, Holly, Debbie, Elsie, Tao… I’m forgetting some names but you all get 5 stars! Thank you!!!

I’m glad to see that the Tickner Tooth Team has 5 stars. If available, I would give them 10 at least. Dr. Tickner turned my son’s life around by fitting him with new teeth. The people in the office are exceptional but I must give special accolades to Brian, the most responsive business person I’ve ever had the pleasure of dealing with.

We have been going to Dr. Tickner since 1987. He is one of the kindest and most knowledgeable professional people we have ever encountered. He has a very gentle approach to his dentistry — no lecturing (just ask my husband). And his staff is by far the nicest and friendliest around. Don’t just let anyone treat your teeth except a pro like Dr. Tickner.

If a soft touch is something that is important to you, then Dr Tickner is the guy! His friendly, informative approach, with his crack staff, are worth the extra 7 minutes of freeway driving from Oakland!)
(San Leandro is actually not that far away… closer than Berkeley without the Maze!)

Spoke to Robin… total sweetheart. I also should not have commented on the «annoying» gal as she was only trying her best to do her job… and she did a great job.
I recommend everyone go here. Dr Tickner is awesome, the front staff is helpful as well.