South Austin Dental Associates

I was incredibly nervous to go to the dentist last week because I was bad and had not gone to a check-​up in over two years. This entire office was so friendly and welcoming the entire time though! I didn’t have my insurance card on me and told them I needed to get an email back from my HR person, and they went ahead and took care of getting all info while I was in my appointment. They are also super intelligent and explain things in kindergarten terms for you. Dr. Butcher was one of the nicest dentists I’ve ever met and I won’t go anywhere else in Austin now.

I had my second cleaning yesterday, and I didn’t even break a sweat. I was happy to see Karina and she treated me just as gently as she did the first time. I can’t say enough about how happy and relieved I am to have found this office. My dental fears are GONE!

I decided to visit Dr. Chelkowski dental office recently for an initial visit/​cleaning since it had been about a year since I’d seen my last dentist for a checkup and cleaning. It was a leap of faith I had to take since my former dentist, whom I and my family loved and had visited for the past 20 years, had retired. I relied on Unilocal and what was listed as in-​network with my blue cross blue shield ppo insurance to pick Dr. Chelkowski office because his office seemed the most promising from what I gathered from the Unilocal reviews I read and was close to where I live.
My initial impression of «Dr. C’s clinic was that it was a bit drab, no big deal, and that the secretary at the counter was friendly and personable. The hygienist that I soon met and cleaned my teeth was also very friendly. However, one thing that I did make note of was that no-​one in the office ever bothered to request any of my dental records from my previous dentist office prior to my visit or during my appointment which I’m sure could’ve easily been provided. I found this a bit odd. That said, the hygienist that cared for me took multiple x-​rays of my teeth, seemed thorough enough, and had a gentle touch during the cleaning. After my cleaning I waited to meet with Dr. C to hear the verdict on some of the cavities/​dental work that I knew I would be needing and certainly wanted fixed.
When I met with Dr. C we exchanged superficial pleasantries and he then went into evaluating the x-​rays and the condition of my teeth. One of the things I found immediately offsetting was the patronizing tone he took with me when he started remarking on how worn down my teeth were from a teeth grinding issue I have in my sleep. He asked whether I had ever been recommended or fitted for a night guard, and after I replied yes he asked why I hadn’t ever used one, which more came out not exaggerating as «what did you just not feel like doing so, why not??» and an expression on his face that was not very friendly but more like a smirk. He then recommended that I purchase a temporary guard off amazon that he’d be happy to instruct me on getting a proper fit for but then made another remark about how that guard might not even last a week based off the wear on my teeth. I’m sorry, I know my teeth certainly aren’t perfect and need some work which is why I was visiting his office in part, but thank you for the subtle insult Dr. C. Also, to be honest I know a mouth guard is necessary for my issue, this isn’t something new that hasn’t been suggested before, but they also with good dental insurance run well over $ 500 and are pretty damn uncomfortable to wear and so no, I haven’t invested in a mouth guard and and I don’t appreciate being chastised for not using one. This certainly isn’t a good way to keep a new patient, thats for sure.
My impression from that point forward was that I don’t think Dr. C really had any further interest in keeping my business. He went on to talk about how I was going to need multiple crowns and that he’d like to see me back in his office in the near future to start on the dental work he was looking forward to gouging me on.
I waited several weeks to get an estimate on the dental work he claimed was needed and wound up receiving a bill just for my cleaning that was $ 92.00. I’m sorry, but this dentist was listed as in-​network and I’m pretty sure that the Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO insurance that I have isn’t generic low level coverage. What I do know is that I never had to pay anything out of pocket for a cleaning at my previous dentist office and really wonder why, if this dentist is considered in-​network, that his office is charging $ 92.00 above what an in-​network provider should charge.
After getting the bill for my cleaning I then received a pre-​determination for dental care from Blue Cross showing that for the 2 crowns and «Occlusal orthotic appl» which I’m assuming must be related to the crowns, that his office claim total was $ 1233.00 above what my insurance would agree to cover. Yeah, thanks but no thanks.
To me, this experience feels like a classic case of lets extort as much money out of a new patient as we can scam that I’ve certainly heard about but never encountered till now. No, I do not recommend this dentist on any level, you’d be better off taking your mouth and your business elsewhere.

I’ve never liked dentists. Not due to the physical discomfort of the dental work, but due to the fact that most dentists I’ve encountered seem to be money hungry, make-​ailments-​up-​out-​of-​thin-​air-​for-​extra-​compensation professionals.
I’ve been going to South Austin Dental Associates for about a year now, and I can’t describe how grateful I am that they’re in business. I live in Round Rock, and I drive ALLLL the way down to south Austin to see Dr. Chelkowski and his hygienist, Karina, because they’re just that good (and they’re the highest rated dentists on my dental insurance). They’re very conservative in the services they recommend to be performed, gentle and attentive, and just all-​around great people.
I’ve never felt like I was being shaken down by Dr. Chelkowski or his staff. I’ve finally found a dentist that I go to regularly, and my teeth/​gums have never been healthier than they are now. I can’t recommend SADA, Dr. Chelkowski, or Karina highly enough. As far as I’m concerned, they’re the best dentists in Austin.

Dr. Chelkowski and his staff have been great to work with for my crown. When a problem was noticed it was immediately rectified and made right without hesitation. As a small business owner, I appreciate the level of service and high quality care I get from a small, family owned dentist. Their biggest concern is making sure you are happy with your care!
Highly recommend!

After getting new insurance, I found this right in my neighborhood and called to make an appointment. It was going to be about a month out, but I made it anyway and hoped for the best. Can you get a same-​day appointment somewhere else? Absolutely. Dental office group chains run amok in Austin, but please believe, it’s well worth the wait.
First off, the office was in constant communication with me — I received multiple calls to see if I wanted an appointment before my scheduled one due to cancellations — as well as a day-​before reminder call. Once there, the staff was friendly and professional, taking care to review my medical history and paperwork. The cleaning itself was a breeze and I was especially impressed with meeting Dr C who gives out a business card with his cell phone number on it for any after-​hours emergencies.
All around, this place is a class act. It’s rare to find a great dentist’s office with equally great customer service.

Dr Butcher and his crew have been working in the same spot forever. They are the best. I hate going to the dentist but his team makes it as pleasant of an experience as going to the dentist can be. I originally saw Dr Butcher to get a second opinion on a reasonably expensive procedure that another dentist office had told me that I needed. Dr Butcher was straight up with me and told me that I did not need the procedure and I would be wasting my money getting it. Sure enough, Doc was correct. He saved me over fifteen hundred in medical bills not to mention two hours in a chair! I will never use anyone else.

I recently saw Dr. Chelkowski and his hygienist, Francesca, for a routine cleaning and initial oral exam. At first glance, the office seems a little old, however the staff obviously does a fantastic job keeping things clean and running very well. Dr. C and Francesca both have great bedside manner and are very thorough in their work. I would, without a doubt, recommend this office to anyone seeking a new dental care provider. Thanks, Dr. C!

Dr. C, where were you all my life?!?
I will admit, I’ve only had one other dentist in my life, but Dr. C’a office rocks my socks. The dental hygenists here are always so sweet and never judge me like they did at my previous dental office. Lets just say I LOVE Iced Tea, and sugar, but they have never berated me, and even gave me tips like what gum to chew so I wouldn’t have to floss as much (anything with Xylitol — stops cavity growth!).
Dr. C is über concerned with the comfort of his patients, and always makes sure you are comfortable and have plenty of pain meds to take home with you. He remembers me and my family each time I come in, and had made going to the dentist mostly bearable for me!
Thanks, Dr. C and Associates :)