Soft Touch Dentistry

Dr. Bidabadi is one of the best dentists I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Growing up I was always terrified to go to the dentist — in general it’s not usually a pleasant experience — but after I started going to her my fears have almost totally evaporated. Dr. Bidabadi is gentle, kind, helpful, and extremely bright. She answers all of my questions calmly and thoughtfully. I find it utterly shocking, and somewhat angering to be honest, to read some of the below reviews — which I find to be completely untrue. I have never been pressured to do anything I did not want while in her care, nor has she even «taken advantage» of me (I’m not sure how she could even do this as she is a small soft spoken woman). The costs are all pretty standard as long as your insurance covers it — and if not, which sounds like was the below case, everything is expensive anywhere. That’s pretty obvious. I would recommend her to all of my friends (I already have to my entire family) — she is THE very best!!!

I’ve been involved with Soft Touch Dentistry for many years. They have such a pleasant office. reminds me of a local pub where everyone knows your name and treats you as if you’re their forever friend. The office has helped me with payment plans when I needed their assistance and has worked with me regarding my treatment plan. I highly recommend Soft Touch Dentistry.

Echoing an earlier review, beware the upselling of just about everything. On my first visit, Dr. Bidabadi claimed she was essentially like one of those expensive on-​call personal doctors, always available, but without the price. She was the exact opposite, as she usually handed me off to other dentists in her practice, and I gave her a small fortune. After a few years, I realized that almost every time I had been in, the patient before me was having a major billing dispute while I sat in the waiting area. I knew it seemed odd, but it eventually settled in that it was the office, not the patients.
The only way they treated cavities were with white composite resin fillings, because «we don’t do those awful silver fillings.» Read: «We only do the expensive cosmetic procedure that your insurance won’t fully cover.» Turned out, all they did was replace my silver fillings from my old dentist, although I never had any pain. I still supposedly had three cavities when I left them, and yet my new dentist (that was far more reputable) said I didn’t have a single one and that my teeth were some of the best they’d seen in a first-​time patient.
Soft Touch was so insistent I get prescription toothpaste, they ended up not taking my dodging anymore and just added it to my bill, sticking a tube in my goody bag without asking. Do you usually like spending nearly $ 30 for a single tube? The final straw was when they told me I had to see an oral surgeon to take out my wisdom teeth, and I told them that my last dentist warned me that I should be wary if a future dentist ever told me to remove them as my wisdom teeth were painless. Even with me saying that, they still set me up with an appointment, and I never showed up. Unnecessary cosmetic work is frustrating, but unnecessary surgery is dangerous. After that, I did a little research, found that Dr. Bidabadi had significant complaints that went to review in front of the Massachusetts Division of Health Professions Licensure, and I was done with Soft Touch.
I put up with the bleeding of my wallet for too many years. Just remember that if it feels like a dentist is taking advantage of you, they probably are.

I’ve been coming to Soft Touch Dentistry for about 7 years. The office has been nothing but accommodating and very friendly. My dental hygienist, Robin, is wonderful and always is very insightful with my questions/​concerns. Laura, who works at the front desk is great about following up with me when ever there are services needed. I dread going to the dentist but go every three months because I know I’m in such good hands.
For many years I suffered with jaw pain from clenching and did not want to spend $ 500 on a mouth guard. Aware of this, Soft Touch informed me I was eligible for a promotion they were running in which I could save $ 200… The promotion, however, ended up falling during a time I was out of town. Disappointed by the thought I would miss the savings, Laura came to the rescue and scheduled me early so I was still able to save! It’s 3 months later and my jaw feels great! Thank you Soft Touch!

Dr. Bidabadi can be pushy, but I just smile and nod and say I’ll get my teeth whited or my chip fixed later. I am annoyed I didn’t know the costs up front, and I thought I would be charged for one filling and two sealants, but I was charged, and apparently given, three fillings.
However, I want to make this review about Dr. Rabkin. I saw him when my tooth hurt and again for the fillings. I get very panicky and freak out a bit whenever I have anything beyond a basic cleaning done. Like a couple other reviewers, a simple filling will send me into a panic attack. Dr. Rabkin made me feel very comfortable and I think he did very good work. I’ve met a lot of dentists who are overly nice and abrasively friendly, especially to difficult patients like me, but Dr. Rabkin was down to earth, while still being calming and kind. He’s the first dentist I’ve ever had that I felt a friendly connection with. He explained to me exactly what he was going to do and how it would feel in a way I could understand without being condescending. He also let me pause for a break during the procedure whenever I wanted to. His voice and overall presence is very calming and I have never walked out of a dentist’s office happier!

I went to Softtouch Dentistry for longer than I should have, and I no longer trust Dr. Bidabadi. I am concerned for other patients of hers, and I hope that my review can shed some light on this dental practice. I used to trust their talk about thorough care, but I have come to feel like just a source of revenue for them.
The problems have been in billing, extra procedures, not listening to my concerns and pushy up-​selling. Many smaller things add up to a negative experience and a lack of trust, overall.
Extra procedures/​costs:
–They said that my gums were bad and that I needed deep cleaning, followed by periodontal maintenance (4 cleanings/​year), but other dentists and a periodontist said that this was not the case.
–Dr. Bidabadi said that I needed a filling, and I was getting suspicious, so I checked with another dentist, who said there was not even a cavity in that tooth.
–This office only uses white fillings, even on molars. I know that there are arguments for and against white vs. silver fillings, but a friend of mine who used to work in a different dental office told me that dentists get more money for using only white fillings, even though they do not last as long as silver ones.
Up-​selling
–While I was waiting for an implant, Dr. Bidabadi told me that I needed «a flipper» or a fake tooth implanted into a plastic retainer in place of the missing tooth. My periodontist said that flippers are just cosmetic, and that my implant timeline was short enough that there was no need to fill the gap in the meantime.
–She repeatedly said, over several years, «promise me that you will whiten your teeth», «you must whiten your teeth», and many other attempts to get me to whiten my teeth. Her language was sometimes ambiguous enough that it seemed like she wanted to imply that this cosmetic procedure was actually necessary.
Not listening:
–Years ago, she sent me to an oral surgeon to have a tooth extracted. This surgeon, during removal of an incisor, was visibly flustered and loudly cursing, and removed some of the bone around the tooth in order to remove it after he broke the tooth. I needed a bone graft after this to replace the bone loss. More recently, when it was time for another extraction, I told her I was uncomfortable going back to him, and said that I wanted to try a different surgeon this time. She let out a fake laugh, said, «Oh he is funny, he just jokes». I told her he was serious, and she told me, «now, you just go and see him.» I am still feeling the effects of that bone loss, and after she said this to me, I decided that I was finally through with her. I saw an independent periodontist to do my extraction and implant, and other dentists for second and third opinions.
Billing:
–They said they wanted me in for a deep cleaning, but did not tell me how much it would cost out of pocket after insurance until after the procedure. They also did not tell me that they would only do half my mouth at a time until after they were done with the procedure, and then they told me that I would need to come in to get the other half done later, saying nothing about cost.
–They refuse to use silver fillings, and did not tell me that my insurance would not cover the white fillings until after they already put them in.
–When I left the practice, after calling them multiple times and sending them a signed letter asking for my records to be sent to my new dentist, they waited a week and mailed me a bill for $ 25 to release the x-​rays.
For the most part, they have been cordial, except when I called to ask about the charges for sending my x-​rays (which the patient legally owns) to my new dentist. Their office manager said she hoped that she would never hear from me again.
I went to this office for about 5 years, and I feel like a fool for trusting them as long as I did. I want to warn all other trusting people about this office.

Place is awesome! All the staff make you feel right at home. Even before I arrived, the receptionist answering the phone was able to squeeze me in even though my schedule/​job is ridiculous. They started on time which I love and the hygeinist was absolutely wonderful. Very friendly and thorough. The dentist was also great and professional. Everything was explained to me and I felt super comfortable. I’m glad they took care of me and can’t wait until my next visit! and yes, this is the dentist I’m still talking about.

I’ve been going to Soft Touch Dentistry since my original dentist closed his practice few years ago. They try to up sell you cosmetic procedures that you don’t need (teeth whitening, braces for something who has straight teeth?!?) and send you flyers in the mail for specials like that as well. They refused to give me anything stronger than Novocaine when they pulled my 2 wisdom teeth and made me come for two seperate appointments to get it done rather than doing it all at once. And today came the last straw. I was set up to go in to have a sealant or something put on a tooth and when i got there they told me I was scheduled for a frenectomy (snipping the tissue that connects your gums to your lip). You don’t just surprise someone with oral surgery!
I feel like they’re in it for the money with no regard for the well being of the patient. They don’t do a good job of describing procedures or making sure that they’re pain free. I would avoid them at all costs and will be starting my search for a new dentist ASAP.

I have been going to Dr. Bidabadi for about 2 years now and they are not only the nicest staff, but they do an excellent job cleaning my teeth and making me feel comfortable. I had my first cavity ever last year and was freaking out like a baby when I saw the Novocaine needle, but the dentist made iit a relaxing, pain free experience. They explained each step and even held my hand when I was nervous. I even got to see before and after shots of my tooth after the procedure was done!

I have an EXTREME hatred for dentists. I usually wish bad things upon them (dramatized for effect, of course) … until i met Dr. Bidabadi. She is wonderful. beyond amazing. my hero.
She is patient with annoying people like me who have panic attacks over cavity fillings (no joke). I have been to many dentists over the years and she is BY FAR the best I’ve ever had.
I am typing this out hours after TWO cavity fillings and couldn’t be happier. I went in there a nervous wreck and i can honestly say the process didn’t hurt at all. I mean, sure, there was some pressure and loud drilling noise (the worst part), but no actual pain. none. not even the first Novocaine shot. NOTHING!
I am thrilled that I found her. A good dentist makes all the difference. i can not recommend her highly enough.
She is wonderful! and her staff are ALL great too.

I’ve been using Soft Touch for a few years now. Last year the dentist reccomended a deep cleaning (scaling) as it would allow for regular cleaning 4x a year covered by my insurance.
Sounded good, so I said yes. The first scaling (½ my mouth) was very painful, and then to add on to that, I got a bill for almost $ 200. I thought that crazy as the regular cleaning was covered, and so was the scaling. Amazingly, that amount was ABOVE what insurance covered.
I was pissed off, but finally agreed to get the other half done (why stop at half?) a month ago. Thinking that the origional 200 out of pocket covered everything, i went in and got the rest of the pain over with.
A few weeks ago I got a bill for $ 235…for the other half!!! I just went in because part of a filling fell out. Dr. Bidabadi put a temporary on it, as I was ready to just have the tooth pulled out. As I was leaving the receptionist reminded me that I owed $ 285 (50 bucks for the temporary).
I gave her my Flex Spending card, but it seems I’m down to only $ 50 left on that card (shocking isn’t it??). So that’s what I paid.
Today I get a call from the receptionist, asking what I want to do with the temporary filling tooth (pull it or get root canal and a crown)…Oh and by the way you still owe us $$$, when you gonna pay up.
I’ve never in my life had a medical professional do that. They don’t tell me what it costs up front and I don’t worry about paying it all off the first second I get some money in my pocket.
I think it’s time for a new dentist, one who thinks less about $$$ and more about me.

Unfortunately the dentist I loved passed away, so this practice took over his patients. I have great teeth, and never have had any issues. Anyway, my first visit was fine, office is cozy and staff is friendly. I needed a filling replaced and the process, although a bit expensive (they definitely charge more than my previous dentist) was painless and the results positive. Although I was seen by another dentist in the practice I think she did a great job and was very nice. Fast forward 6 months for my next cleaning, and I was seen by Dr. Bidabadi. In a matter of minutes she had a list of expensive suggestions that she said would make me «beautiful». Hello – I am already beautiful, I do not have $ 300 to drop on teeth whitening. I do not smoke or drink coffee, and was told by my previous dentist that I did not need teeth whitening. When I told her no, she kept persisting. Talk about a hard sell! Needless to say I am moving on from this practice. I am sick of the used car salesman approach to dentistry.

My husband and I have been going to Dr. Bidabadi for over 10 years. She is the best! She will encourage you to take steps to improve both the health and appearance of your teeth, but is never overly aggressive or sales-​y about either. Her staff is also terrific — friendly, helpful, and skilled. I hope that Dr. Bidabadi is in practice for many, many more years!

Okay, there is nothing fun about going to the dentist. That’s a given.
I found this place about a year ago… I think I called 1800 Dentist and this place accepted my insurance. (Who uses 1800 Dentist?) So I went.
My cleaning was very thorough… almost too thorough but that’s a good thing. I was convinced to buy a very expensive electric toothbrush and it’s actually really good. I’ve been going back every 6 months like a good girl and most recently had a small cavity filled (NO!) and that wasn’t so bad. I was told to think about a water pik (either I have nasty teeth or they just like pushing expensive teeth tools — I say the latter).
The doctor is good at what she does and so are the hygienists.
If you’re local to this area (or to the one in Newton) and need a new dentist, I’d recommend it.

I am a big wuss when it comes to needles being stuck in my gums and drills boring into my teeth. That’s one of the main reasons I’ve been a patient of Dr. Bidabadi’s for going on 20 years. All the work she’s done on my choppers – fillings, crowns, and even a root canal – has been problem-​free, and has been done with great care and attention to my comfort and, well, my phobias. She is highly skilled, well educated (graduated from BU’s dental school and currently teaches at Harvard), personable and caring.
A word about them needles: I hate needles so much that when I was a kid, I insisted on having a couple of (admittedly small) fillings done without novacaine, because I could deal with the pain from the drill better than I could deal with the skeevies I got from having the dentist (different dentist) jiggle a needle around in my gums. Okay, that’s undoubtedly more information than you wanted, dear reader; but I mention it because as a dental patient, I can be *that* big of a neurotic pain in the ass. Dr. Bidabadi’s expert skill, reassuring personality, and attention to my comfort has changed all of that. Well, most of it anyway…
Another pain I don’t deal well with is the pain involved in parting with money. Dr. Bidabadi’s office manager Laura is a whiz in dealing with my insurance, and makes sure things are done in a way to maximize my insurance’s benefits and minimize my out-​of-​pocket outlays. And in cases where the insurance is of little use (such as the aforementioned root canal), they’ve been great about making do-​able payment arrangements.
Anyway, the main reason I recommend Dr. Bidabadi is the end result: problem-​free teeth. I have recommended her to family, friends, and coworkers, and so I recommend her to you.