James Formaker, DDS

Has to be the world’s nicest and best dentist.

I have been a patient of Dr. James Formaker since 1985! The first time I sat in his dental chair I knew that he was special. His manner, attitude, and caring were evident immediately. I had never known that dentistry could actually be done with such a gentle touch. Through the years I have had various dental procedures. I can honestly say that it is possible not to dread, but to actually look forward to seeing the dentist … but it has to be this dentist!

I make a point of reviewing my doctors and dentists, because how else are we supposed to know whether they’re good at what they do? I had dental insurance for several years and put up with mediocre services from a dentist on my plan, but then my insurance lapsed, and I knew I had a cavity I had to deal with. I remembered that a friend had told me about Dr. Formaker years ago, and I finally followed up and made an appointment. I LOVE him. Really. All the five star reviews are true. He is sweet, has a great sense of humor, he seems to really enjoy what he does, and he’s a perfectionist when it comes to his work. He took more time cleaning my teeth on the first visit, and then carefully filling two cavities on my second visit, than any other dentist ever has, and his office staff was uniformly great as well. Nothing that he did was painful and he really knows what he’s doing. I’ve seen bad dentists and good dentists and mediocre dentists in LA over the years, but Dr. Formaker is my favorite by far.

Was there last Friday. Perfect experience. While I was previously seen by dental hygenist Linda and Andrea, Lucia performed the cleaning professionally without any pain. Hope Linda comes back soon; however, all of the hygenists are great!

I’m lucky to live right around the corner from such a great, trustworthy place. Dr. Formaker cleaned my teeth himself on my first visit so he could get to know me and my dental situation. He was thorough, conscientious, and beyond friendly. He gave me great tips on taking care of my gums in between visits, and he clearly cares about his patients (while some dentists are happy to let people do whatever they want, then cash in on the expensive procedures that end up being necessary because of those habits). Thanks, Dr. Formaker!

I started coming to Dr. Formaker seven years ago based on a word of mouth recommendation that if I was fearful of dentists I would be happily surprised by James Formaker.
After seeing Formaker twice a year for seven years I can say that he’s honest, professional, a great communicator during sessions, reasonablely priced, has great hours including early morning and Saturday’s and always provided quality service.
For all of these reasons, going to the dentist is no longer something I fear, rather it’s something I look forward too.
I highly recommend James Formaker to anyone looking for a quality Dentist.

Dr. Formaker is probably the best dentist I’ve ever had. When I first came to him, I had a filling that was coming loose– a result of a previous dentist’s work. Dr. Formaker was very sympathetic, and apologizing on behalf of his entire profession, he fixed me right up. The cleanings by dental hygienists here are thorough and well done, and everyone is really great about putting you at ease, which is extremely rare for an experience at the dentist’s office!

I am very pleased with Dr. Formaker. I recently switched dentists and there were several problems that had to be fixed right away. He did an excellent job on 2 very important fillings (front teeth!). He is very personable and put me immediately at ease. The hygienist was great, the front office people are great, the X-​ray tech was great and choosing this dentist is one of the smarter things that I have done!
I highly recommend Dr Formaker without reservation.

It has been 2 years since I’ve been to a dentist. My last experience was a nightmare (2 words: bite wings). I found Dr. Formaker on the Cigna database, checked out the Unilocal reviews and made an appointment. I’m excited to say that I’ve finally found the dentist for me! Dr. James Formaker is extremely personable, funny, knowledgable and I immediately felt at ease under his care. His passion for helping and educating definitely shines through. Thanks so much Dr. Formaker. I can honestly say that I look forward to my next visit. YOU ARE THE BEST! :)

Going to the dentist is never a pleasant experience. Finding a dentist who makes you feel comfortable with any dental experience is a hard thing to discover. Had my cleaning done with Dr. Formaker and he was so pleasant and funny it made the experience so much better than any previous teeth cleaning procedure. I also recently had the misfortune of chipping a tooth. Was able to get an appointment with him immediately and the repair was great. The first try the repaired tooth was a bit larger than my other and he adjusted it same day no problem. Strongly recommend this dentist. Awesome experience and great Dentist!

I actually found Dr Formaker on Unilocal from all these amazing, well deserved reviews. I decided to wait 4 appointments, two years, to write this. I changed over dentists because my dentist was too expensive, hard to make appts with, and parking was expensive. I was very done with it. Dr Formaker’s prices are very reasonable and parking is free and easy. Better yet, I have received the best advice from this office — they are not here to hard sell anything, but offer good advice because they care. The vibe is very easy going and friendly. Doc recommended for me to use a night guard for teeth grinding. He didn’t try to sell me on any expensive night guard, which most dentists do, but handed me a coupon to get it over the counter first. Andrea, my dental hygienist is awesome! Probably one of the sweetest I have ever had, and does an amazing job. Andrea preaches the gospel of an electric toothbrush, which has highly improved my teeth and gums. She preaches flossing of course, well, yes, I could get better at that! The switch was a perfect one, couldn’t be happier going to the dentist — I highly recommend Dr Formaker and Andrea to anyone! PS the office is open on Saturday!

Review is long over due! We love this office. Dr Formaker is the best. My son was scared to death of going to the dentist. Our first visit here over 2 years ago changed that forever. Dr Formaker was so patient and gentle my son did not even realize he was getting novacaine. He took care of his cavities lickity split without a problem. Actually he did cry– and when Dr Formaker asked him what the tears were for he said «I am afraid of the shot» and Dr Formaker replied, «its already done!» My son laughed because he could not believe he had actually numbed him without him knowing. He now looks forward to his check ups and cleanings. We now live 60 miles away and still make the trek up here because we would not even try to find another dentist that could compare with Dr Formaker. We also love Pat who works the desk and sets our appointments– feels like coming to see family (the kind you enjoy visiting) They are a great team!

I have had a lot of dental work in the past and have now become religious when it comes to my teeth. I’ve been to a lot of dentists in my life and sadly, a lot of bad ones. I don’t trust most of them.
I’ve been seeing Dr. Formaker for years now and have always been happy with him and his staff. He’s super friendly and genuine and a great dentist. Everyone in the office is friendly, professional, clean, and personable.
Dr. Formaker fit me in on extremely short notice once when I had a painful abscessed tooth and needed a root canal. He sent me to the right dentist who specializes in that procedure. Now I have to have a gum graft and I’m sure the periodontist he referred me to for that will be excellent as well.
I can’t recommend Dr. Formaker enough!

great experience. First time there and was taken in right away. Got a teeth cleaning and a look over by James. All were extremely helpful and answered all my questions. Definitely going back

Just had my first visit with Dr Formaker. I was really impressed.
I have not been to the dentist in 5 years due to lack of insurance. Well huzzah I now have insurance and needed to find a dentist. I remember going to the dentist was a lot like going to a jiffy lube, all they tried to do was pack as much billable options as possible with zero customer service and treat you like you’re going to die if you don’t buy this treatment.
I found Mr Formaker on Unilocal because he was the highest rated for the area. Just like everything on Unilocal I was a bit hesitant. But it was worth a shot.
I called and a kind respectful gentleman answered the phone and asked me a lot of first time visit questions and squeezed me in. First thought was wow this staff is very friendly.
So today was the big day. First dental visit in years. The nerves are on high alert. I walk in and was greeted by the same friendly gentleman I talked to on the phone. The lobby was spotless and very comfortable. After I filled out my paper work they brought me to the back. The Dental assistant was a younger well spoken man who was very friendly and talkative. Made me feel comfortable. He continued to chit chat during the X-​rays. Then after a few minutes Mr Formaker came in and introduced himself and he was very friendly and had a big smile on his face and made me really feel like a guest in him home.
Being so over due for a cleaning I was expecting to get scolded but he very kindly showed me what 5 years will do and scrapped a big chunk of tarter off my inside bottom teeth. He kept me calm snapping jokes left and right. I was thinking «how can this be??? A friendly down to earth professional in Los Angles?»
After the scrapping water toucher (joking) we were all done and he showed me different flossing techniques. Then I was done. I was amazing how painless it was. I know it took him more time to scrap 5 years of filth off my teeth and I never for a minute felt he was rushing or thinking omg this is taking forever.
I highly recommend this place. He is kind and gentle. Now have to try to floss. I don’t want to disappoint him and mess up his great cleaning job. :)

Dr. Formaker almost makes me say I like going to a dentist! Personable, competent, nice, fun, not heavy handed but thorough. One less thing to worry for me about LA… :)

Anyone awarding Dr Formaker less than 5 stars probably needs to be consulting the psychotherapists section of Unilocal.Dr Formaker and his staff are complete gems.

Wow, cannot tell you how amazed I was at his service, professionalism, office staff, price, everything.
I called this morning at 8:00 am and asked his staff if there was anyway I could be seen. I lost my dental insurance, so I needed a new dentist, it had been a little longer than it should have since my last visit. I had cracked a couple of teeth, and one was partially dangling, and seriously, seriously killing me. I could not sleep at all last night. His office assistant asked if I could come right in. I was in my car immediately. Dr. Formaker was at the desk, said hello, and gave me the paperwork to fill out. After a quick bit of paperwork, his dental assistant got me set up, took x-​rays quickly (love digital dental x-​rays) and told me Dr. Formaker would be with me immediately.
After telling me what services I needed, he started numbing me. He kept telling me I would feel it a little, but honestly, I never did. He knows what he is doing. I was not in pain at any point. He is polite, friendly, non-​judgmental (which you sometimes need if your oral hygiene has not been perfect), professional, and boy was his office clean, and his staff followed cross contamination to a T. I saw so many glove changes, I almost felt bad for the guy and his glove bill.
Then came the part I feared. I never asked how much it was going to be cuz I didn’t care, I needed the service. To my shock, it was much less than I expected.
My brother has already booked a cleaning with him for this Saturday.
He is AMAZING, and his staff equally so. I have just found my new dentist, even if I get insurance through work in the future, and he is not in it, I will forgo it and pay out of pocket for Dr. Formaker.

Dr. Foremaker is an awesome dentist. He so comforting and personable. The two things I need when going to the dentist especially since I have an extreme phobia when I hear the sound of grinding in my mouth. He doesn’t scold you but he teaches you how to properly maintain good oral hygiene. and that’s what makes him and his team awesome!!! Glad I found him and I can gladly say that I actually like going to the dentist. and yes I don’t want to forget Pat, he’s awesome too! love his humor!
Parking has been ok so far. If you have an appt in the morning, you can easily park in the street. There is parking in the back for a fee though.

PROFESSIONAL — on time, excellent, detailed work. Completely trustworthy, unlike so many other places that seem to always want to upsell you on some service.
PERSONABLE — you’re not in a mill, Jim and his staff know your name and care about you. And they nag you to floss in the cutest ways. ;-)
ACCOMMODATING — they might be booked up, but if you have an emergency they will stay late to take care of you.
I’ve been going to Jim for about ten years now. The first time I went, it had been about ten years (and 20 dental visits to various dentists) since I had my braces removed. He removed cement from my braces that nobody else caught!
No other dentist for me! I live almost an hour away but it’s worth it because I care about my teeth!