Jacquelyn M Williams, DDS

Berkeley, United States

4.3

Open now

20 reviews

By Appointment Only

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 510-486-1813
Website:
www.optimalsmile.net
Address:
2522 Dana St Ste 101, Berkeley, CA, 94704
b/t Blake St & Parker St
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
630 ftTelegraph Av & Parker St
790 ftTelegraph Av & Dwight Way
0.2 miTelegraph Av & Derby St
Categories:
QR code
Download QR Image Download vCard

Map

Streetview

Activate map

Bussiness info

By Appointment Only
Yes
Accepts Insurance
Yes

Today

Today 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Open now
Local time (Berkeley) 12:05 PM Friday, June 13, 2025

Business hours

Monday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

At Optimal Smile Your Family Dentist in Berkeley, California, our staff is a highly skilled and caring team that does everything possible to make your visit positive. We have provided exceptional dental care for more than 20 years. As part of our commitment to our local community, we have volunteered with Colgate®, Bright Smiles Bright Futures volunteer program.

Our front office staff will schedule appointments that fit your schedule. We explain fully your financial responsibility for any treatment needed, and we will always receive your consent and file your insurance forms for you. We are pleased to go the extra step to make sure you are happy and healthy.

We want you to be comfortable during your visit, so our office is relaxed and bright. Our patients say the staff is friendly and that we explain everything completely. In fact, we were nominated as top dentist in the area! Please email us directly from our site for appointments or if you need to contact one of our doctors.

History

Established in 2010.

The Optimal Smile practice was founded in 1980 by Dr. Denise Alexander. Dr. Jacquelyn M. Williams worked for her as an associate for 10 years and then bought the practice when she retired in 2010.

Meet the Business Owner

Jacquelyn W.

Business Owner

Jacquelyn M. Williams DDS

Born and raised in the Bay Area.

Attended undergraduate school at Stanford University and UCLA Dental school. (note I am impartial at sports events)

General practice residency at Martin Luther King Hospital.

Associate Dentist for over 20 years including10 years at Naismith Dental Group and 10 years at Optimal Smile Dental Group before buying practice.

I decided to be a dentist because I wanted to help people, was good in the sciences and was artistic.

It was a good decision and I continue to embrace the practice of dentistry which involves learning new technique and technologies. But always keeping in mind that this is a patient centric profession and I am my staff are trying to help people keep healthy gums and teeth for life.

Related places

Explore similar places:
50
ft
Sonja K Garden, DDS
2522 Dana St Ste 203
50
ft
Bill T Cavalli, DDS
2522 Dana St Ste 207
50
ft
Craig Y Bloom, DMD
2522 Dana St Ste 202
50
ft
Herbert Harrison, DDS
2522 Dana St Ste 105
1
mi
David C. Yongue, DDS
2235 Channing Way
1
mi
Curtis Thos A,DDS
2300 Durant Ave

Vicinity

Near this location:
40
ft
Berkeley-Orinda Oral Surgery
2522 Dana St
40
ft
Bryan Krey,DMD
2522 Dana St Ste 202
50
ft
MOBATI DANIEL A DDS MD
2522 Dana St
50
ft
Berger Richard, MA DDS
2522 Dana St Ste 202

20 reviews of Jacquelyn M Williams, DDS

No registration required
Place rating: 5
Berkeley, CA
I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed being at the dentist until I had my first appointment with Jacquelyn and her wonderful team. Shout out to Rosie and Joyce!
Everything about the appointment was thorough, efficient, and friendly. They did x-​rays, checked my gyms, did the cleaning, and went over proper technique for flossing gums.
As a student at Berkeley, this is the best service I’ve gotten using SHIP.
The extra bonus here is that when you lie back on the dentist chair, your eyesight is in direct view of a window. So it basically feels like a dental spa.
10⁄10 would recommend to anyone in the area or students with SHIP!
Place rating: 5
Berkeley, CA
I have been a patient of Dr. Williams for 2 years now. She is very thorough in her job, so goes for all her staff. I went to her for general cleaning when I got to USA for the first time. She did x-​rays, deep cleaning and gave me all pointers for clean oral hygiene. In my other subsequent visits, she was always helpful and thorough in her work. I have recommended enough of my friends (studying at UCB) to her and they like her a lot.
The location is very accessible from campus and downtown Berkeley.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
They did an incredible job! They were so nice and comforting all the time. I especially appreciated the transparency regarding payments and necessary procedures to perfect my teeth. They kept checking on me during the cleaning as well, making sure I was comfortable. Thank you so much :) The location is also extremely convenient for UC Berkeley students like myself!
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
Very thorough job with general dental cleanings. They did four general x-​rays, measured the depth of my gums (forget what the official name for this was), the dentist herself did the cleaning (not the hygienist), and they also added a polish and fluoride. At the end, they also taught me the proper technique for cleaning and flossing.
The only issue was that I had to wait quite a while in-​between the x-​ray and the cleaning, because the dentist was busy with another patient. The whole visit took about 1.5 hours, which is extremely long for just a cleaning.
At least I got a quality dental kit to go with floss, toothbrush, toothpaste and a nice pouch.
To top it off, they emailed me my x-​rays right after the appointment for me to pass on to my next dentist!
P. S. They accept SHIP (student insurance)
Place rating: 5
16ème, Paris, France
Dr. Williams and her professional staff are brilliant! I’m a big chicken when going to the dentist and they always keep me engaged in such a friendly way that I am more at ease and less fearful during any procedure. Dr. Williams has a gentle touch, she is friendly and above all a true professional that always makes sure you are comfortable while completing dental work. I even look forward to seeing her and her staff. I highly recommend them for all your dental needs.
Place rating: 5
Boston, MA
Great team! The made me feel very comfortable and accommodated my busy schedule. Would highly recommend!
Place rating: 5
San Pablo, CA
I love this office and the staff is outstanding. My first review somehow got lost.
Dr Williams alway explains what she will be doing. This is the first time going to the dentist was an enjoyable experience.
Cannot say enough about her staff, everyone is so professional. Look forward to a wonderful relationship
Place rating: 4
Berkeley, CA
I just went to Dr. Williams for the first time because her office was listed as one of the in-​country dentists on my insurance. After having had some less than stellar experiences with other dentists in the past, I was pleasantly surprised: beginning with my first call to the office, the doctor herself was available to speak with me and help sort out the insurance questions, so when I arrived they were prepared and able to provide the appropriate service based on my dental coverage plan — 5 stars right there for good first impressions! The staff were all very pleasant and overall I had a wonderful experience, the work was thorough and the doctor took care to explain everything that was being done. The only reason I hedged down to 4 stars is because this was a first visit and it remains to be seen whether I’m satisfied with them long term. But based on my experience so far I would highly recommend them.
Place rating: 1
Morgantown, WV
If it was possible I would give it ZERO stars! Be aware if you’re looking for a good dentist this is not the place!
I have been treated by Dr. Williams 4 months ago and now I’m having everything that she’s touched in my mouth re done since she sealed cavity in and now I need a crown on one of the teeth she touched. It’s been the most frustrating experience I’ve ever had with a dentist! My new dentist got to the point where he’s simply taking everything out that she’s done and re doing because there’s cavity underneath everything and he said this wouldn’t happen only 4 months after my treatment with her. Also she used all the money my insurance would pay for fillings and now I’m paying out of pocket for everything!
Place rating: 5
San Dimas, CA
I have never had a greater dental experience than when I stepped into Dr. Williams office. The atmosphere is light-​hearted and caring yet professional and precise. Immediately as I sat down after checking in, a song came on and the receptionist was humming to the tune. Was then welcomed in after a quick few minutes (this being my first time) after I finished my paperwork and had my blood pressure taken with a nifty gadget I had not seen before. Had Joyce give me a full mouth x-​ray. She gave me the most caring and painless service I’ve ever had for getting x-​rays taken; making sure I was okay throughout the entire procedure. Dr. Jacob and I then met and noticed we were twinning and had almost the exact same shirt, except his were in different colors. We laughed and joked as he then went to put on his gear to treat me. I came in with fillings that were hurting for the past 2 months after getting them re-​done and he explained the reasoning to me thoroughly, explaining that the plastic within the filling with time shrinks and leaves room for micro-​debris to fill in and cause sensitivity. Immediately put a covering over it and checked for sensitivity. It felt 10xs better after he checked it with water to see if there was any difference. He then gave a thorough exam of my mouth, noticing every worry I’ve ever had but have not addressed to a dentist immediately because I thought it was common (such as having flaps where my wisdom teeth have grown in and the possibility of receding gum lines from brushing too hard). I could not stop smiling and laughing from the jokes that he cracked.
This is place is literally as good as it gets. Constant reminders of an appointment (a week in advance), high tech equipment, friendly staff. I will definitely be recommending friends to see them at their office. Best past yet is that they take student health insurance for students at UC Berkeley.
Place rating: 5
Fairfield, CA
I’ve been a pt of Dr. Williams for two years. Great service and information about the status of my teeth and gums.
Loved the parking behind the building.
The Free toothbrushes they give me after each visit are appreciated.
Tiffany the receptionist and Joyce the hygienist do thorough and careful work.
I referred three patient who asked for a good dentist over to Dr. Williams.
Place rating: 4
Berkeley, CA
I just moved away from Berkeley but I want to share this wonderful practice with folks out there. I lived in Berkeley for more than a decade and Dr. Williams was my dentist. To sum in four words: professional, warm, exceptional service.
I did mostly regular cleaning and they did a really good job with that. Dr. Williams also helped me fix a chip on one of my teeth, and I was pleased with the result. It is four star simply because the dental assistant that helped me with cleaning could be a luck of the draw. Some assistants were really thorough and good, but some were not. It seems that they’re also hiring new assistants/​technician, and the last one who cleaned my teeth, this Vietnamese woman (I’m sorry I forgot your name) was amazingly thorough and great!
The practice has evolved over the years, and I’m sure they’re going to continue to get better and better. They’re doing major renovation in the next year or so. I’m sure the place is gonna look great. However, one thing that has not changed since I started going is the warmth of the environment. Nice R&B is always playing in the background, and the place is always full of laughter and delightful conversations.
It’s going to be difficult to find another practice like this one. I highly recommend Dr. Williams and her wonderful staff!
Place rating: 5
Sacramento, CA
She did it again! Saved me from the worst nightmare ever! Her staff is like family at this point and she made a terrible situation turn out perfect. She always keeps me laughing, I highly recommend her and her staff.
Place rating: 4
Oakland, CA
Continues to be a 4.5 star place… Dr. J and her staff are very friendly and welcoming, making sure that I felt comfortable in the dental office. One of Dr. J’s other dentist did the cleaning and she made the time fly with her conversation and kind presence.
Always nice to hear the Dentists provide tips to keeping the teeth nice & healthy. Keep it up & Props to this office!
Place rating: 4
Oakland, CA
I have been a patient for several
Years now and through new jobs, moving, and several meetings with the needle, I’m happy. Don’t hesitate to try them out, customer service, tech savvy reminders, and great smiles make this a wonderful team to trust your smile to
Place rating: 1
Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA
Absolute worst experience I have ever had with a dentist.
I went in for a check up last year in Spring for a check-​up, X-​Ray, and cleaning. First off, the assistant that took my X-​Ray seemed completely oblivious to how to perform an X-​Ray. Literally spent over half an hour taking the X-​Ray since we had to re-​take so many of the shots, and was extremely forceful with the bridge to be placed in the mouth for the X-​Rays…
Then, the cleaning took place. The lady that cleaned my teeth, granted was nice, but cut my mouth multiple times and just an uncomfortable duration overall.
Finally, I met Dr. Williams, who seemed extremely unprofessional when speaking to me about my teeth, and informed me that I had a cavity to take care of… I have never had a cavity in my life, and take fairly good care of my teeth. I was so off-​put by the entire feel of the office, that I never came back to this dentist.
Just today, I went to another dentist covered under my SHIP insurance (for Berkeley Students), and had a completely different experience. Quick and efficient X-​Ray, professional staff, and NO CAVITIES, further confirming my suspicion about the Wiliams’ office.
Many of my good friends had a similar experience here, and have since warned me of this office. I can not believe that this office is still covered under Berkeley Medical Insurance. PLEASE REMOVE!
Place rating: 5
El Sobrante, CA
I have been going to my dentist here for about 5 plus years but recently have been keeping up with my dental hygiene a lot more this year. Anyway, I recently had a chipped tooth that needed repair ASAP! I had chipped it the night before and called the next morning to see availability. I called at 9 am and they were able to fit me in at a 12 o’clock slot the same day! I was so happy and also surprised that I was able to get in so quickly. I would like to think that I have a nice smile and cute teeth and Dr. Williams made my tooth look as good as new! I am so thankful not only that they got me in immediately, but they also gave me a small discount and made my smile look pretty again! Thank you guys so much! I really really appreciate it!
Place rating: 5
Berkeley, CA
This is definitely the place to go! They understand that as students we need to keep track just around a billion different things. They will give you lots of reminders, whether its via text or email.
The office is kept extremely clean and they always have the best music on! Best of all, the dentists are always more than happy to take the time to explain any concern you have or if you’re a curious person, any teeth related questions that’s been bugging you.
Finally, for pain wusses like me out there, they are very attentive and careful! So dontcha worry
Place rating: 4
Berkeley, CA
Came here a few months back to get my teeth cleaned and a retainer replacement. I picked it because it was close to campus and accepted SHIP, but that won’t be the reason I come back.
Dr. Williams was very professional and explained everything she was doing clearly and succinctly. It was the first time I had gone to see a dentist other than the one at home, but she made me feel completely at ease. My teeth felt great after getting cleaned!
The dental assistants were likewise friendly and professional. We had a bit of trouble doing the x-​rays because they were using new equipment, and it caused me a bit of discomfort, but it’s to be expected at any dental office. We also had a bit of trouble making the cast for my retainer (didn’t set correctly the first time), but the assistant and I had a good laugh about it, and the final result came out just fine. It’s better than the first one I had. They even offered to clean them for me if they got too dirty!
The thing that really stood out for me was their email reminders. As a student, it really helped me keep track of my appointments. Additionally, when I called, I never had trouble finding a good time to make an appointment. Great staff and great service! I’m sad I only found out about this dental practice so late in my college career.
Place rating: 5
Arcadia, CA
Great place to go if you have SHIP. It’s on the corner of dana and blake, so really convenient location for all those southside dwellers. I really appreciated this office because I got an unexpected chipped tooth one thursday night. Panicked all of friday morning trying to find a dentist who was even willing to try to fit me into their schedule. And even though their office had full appointments that day, they told me I could still come in and try to wait in between appointments for a quick filling. I didn’t wait long at all, and they did an exam, X-​rays, and filling all in a very short time! It was such a life saver. :)
I came in again two more times for teeth cleaning and a cavity filling. They were super nice and friendly every time, and it was overall a very pleasant, comfortable, and painless experience. The receptionist (i think tiffany) is really nice and I also appreciate the appointment reminders and confirmations since those kinds of things can slip my mind sometimes. By the way, this is coming from someone who hasn’t gone to the dentist in an embarrassing amount of years due to having a VERY BAD experience previously. But Dr. Jackie renewed my faith in dentists: P