James A Pasternak, DDS

Dr. Pasternak and his staff make coming to the dentist a true pleasure. I have been a patient for many years, but my most recent appointment has prompted me to leave a Unilocal review. The ladies at the front desk are always welcoming and genuine. His hygienist, Laura, is thorough and takes the time to educate me about proper brushing technique and gum care. I always leave feeling like my teeth are clean and fresh. Dr. Pasternak is also wonderful. He is friendly and excellent at his job. On my most recent visit, he made me an invisalign device. Already in less than a week of wearing my appliance I have noticed my teeth moving and becoming straighter. I would recommend Dr. Pasternak to anyone who is looking for quality and caring dental care.

The short version:
— Highly skilled and knowledgeable
— Extremely caring
— Very friendly
CHOOSE DR. PASTERNAK AS YOUR DENTIST
The details:
Dr. Pasternak and his team are some of the nicest people you will meet. I don’t fear going to the dentist office here. I’m always greeted with such a warm welcome. Even on the phone they know exactly who I am and remember the little details, like the fact that I just got back from vacation. Everyone is so compassionate, they know the dentist’s office is not your favorite place to be but Dr. Pasternak always smiling and sharing funny anecdotes, which makes for a much more pleasant experience. His extensive knowledge and high level of competency, however, are what really put me at ease. The hygienist, Laura, is also wonderful! She’s extremely thorough, answers my questions before I’ve even asked them, and is great to chat to (between the brushing and flossing). Both Dr. Pasternak and Laura have a way of making the conversation flow even when you can’t really talk. :-)
Bottom line, I have been a patient for over 6 years, I’m very happy with all of the work they have done, including a most recent crown, and wouldn’t consider going anywhere else.

Dr. Pasternak and staff are awesome. Fantastic service. Patient, kind, gentle, understanding. Warm and friendly environment. Have been a client for 10+ years. Have recommended friends and family. All have been happy. Price point is fair.

Genetically cursed with teeth like those of a crack whore, but blessed with great insurance, I can go anywhere I want for dental care. I choose to go here. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, they always tell me before each procedure what my out-​of-​pocket costs (if any) will be after insurance ded/​copays. The office is clean, and I’m never kept waiting. Dr. Pasternak does it all, from general, to cosmetic, root canals to veneers, I’ve had it all done here. Oh, and get this, even though many of my procedures were pretty intense, I can honestly say, I never felt a thing. So, thanks to Dr. P. and crew, I finally have that Hollywood smile I always wanted, and I’m there every 6 months to maintain it. If you love your dentist, great! If not, try mine!

Hands down the best dentist. I have been seeing Dr. Pasternak since I was a child and I never want to go anywhere else. He never does unnecessary work, and when it is necessary, I’m not in pain. Plus, his office is clean and sanitary. The staff is friendly, and the hygienists are wonderful; they do such a thorough job. I will always recommend Pasternak’s office.

Our previous dentist dropped Delta Dental and we had to find a new dental practice. After reading the reviews and filtering out the noise, we signed up as new patients. Dr. Pasternak’s office is nearby and convenient. We were welcomed by Kim and Lee who were both very accommodating and helpful, not to mention cheery and very positive. Laura, the hygienist, has a very soft but efficient touch. The dental assistants were very professional. More importantly, Dr. Pasternak made me feel like we have been his patients for a long time. He’s very knowledgable about a variety of subjects — helpful in keeping patients entertained during procedures — and very detail oriented in the performance of his work. In addition, part of the paperwork included a patient partnership contract. Rarely do you see practitioners signing a covenant regarding the services rendered. We hope to be patients as a family for a long time.

Wonderful people! Great customer service!!! I recommend 100% for all your dental needs.

I’ve lived in the SFV for over 40 years (I’m 45 as of May 5^th). I’ve seen my fair share of dentists. Through sports injuries, inherited family traits, and a lot of stupidity on my part, I’ve gone through dentists from Santa Monica to Canyon Country. I’ve run the gamut so to speak. I’m sorta new to Unilocal,and I rarely take time out of my day to ever pay anyone a well deserved compliment. Today, I made the time.
I found Dr. Pasternak when I had a dental emergency. It was well over a year ago. I’ve had several visits to his office, and each time, I’m awestruck at what people like me, who are nervous about dental work are really missing. Let me explain…
When you pull up to his practice, you won’t have to pay for parking, and there’s always a spot. You’ll be greeted by one of two (or sometimes both) of the friendliest ladies that with a smile, will make you feel at home. The office is clean, really clean, and you’ll soon realize you’re in the right place. I’ve never waited for an extended period of time.
Dr. Pasternak sets the standard of how dentists should be. As a matter of fact, the American dental Association should send dentists who have just graduated over to his office to learn HOW to become a dentist. I’ve been to dentists who have no problem placing their certificates and diplomas on the wall, yet have absolutely NO CLUE on how to treat a patient. Dr. Pasternak is a genius. He’s a craftsman, a comedian, and super nice guy to boot! Today, I came in for a Root Canal. A topical numbing agent was applied under my lip, and then the magic began. I finally realized what makes him, and his staff, the absolute best in the business.
I felt no pinch from a needle, but I knew what he was doing. He manages to keep a conversation going and with his quick wit and sense of humor, he had to stop a few times for me to finish laughing. Big deal you say? There’s a hidden blessing behind this. He managed to do his work, with precise craftsmanship, and his entertaining «monologue» kept my mind off everything. Is this psychology? I don’t know. Is it a tactic he uses to keep my mind off the procedure? Well, he sure didn’t have to because I was numb, and he made sure I didn’t feel a thing. He talked about movies, politics, owls, baboons, one-​liners, music, Hebrew, Spanish, pig Latin, you name it… before i knew it, it was over and done with. All the while, he gave me updates as to what he was doing, and how much longer, which really put my mind at ease. The time before last, it was in the evening and I had some friends over when my cell phone rang. It was Dr. Pasternak «just checking to see how I’m doing». My friends overheard the conversation and when i hung up, they were amazed that he followed up on my care. That’s MY dentist for ya!
I’ve read some of his reviews regarding his prices. Honestly, I don’t know if they are higher than average or not. What I do know is, I’ve sat in a tattoo artists chair for hours and paid top dollar for an artist’s professionalism. When it’s your mouth and your smile is at stake, would you want the best and pay a couple of more bucks? Well, if you’re like me you would. Like the saying goes, «you get what you pay for». I honestly felt I was undercharged for the quality of care I received.

Love this office and especially Dr. Pasternak. They are professional and and respectful of the patient. Been going for 34 years now and will recommend this practice to everyone I meet. Great caring staff that makes going actually fun, yes fun.

Dr. Pasternak is the most professional, expert, & caring dentist my family & I have had for the past 30 years!!!
He is simply the best dentist around!
He has always been using the latest technology. His knowledge & skills are second to none. He has taken great care of our teeth for all these years! I called his office at 8 p.m. on New Years eve & he returned my call within few minutes & saw me the next morning at 8 a.m.
His assistant Diane is very caring & sweet.
His Hygienist Laura is very knowledgeable, thorough & really cares for all her patients.
Lee & the staff are amazing & will do anything to make sure your visit is a pleasant one!
Thank you guys, I really appreciate all you do for my family and me! :)

Great, professional, and caring dentist!
It was New Year’s day, and I was in absolute agony. Everyone was closed. After a quick online search, I called Dr. Pasternak’s office and left a desperate message. He called me back literally within 5 minutes. He offered to meet me at the office that day (New Years day). I decided to give it another 24 hours. He even called me later that day just to see how I was doing.
I went in the next morning. The office was clean, modern, and the front office staff is friendly. They gave me the rundown of their prices for the specific procedures I needed before they started. Prices were very reasonable (especially given the fact that I was an emergency patient).
I was expecting the procedure to be painful given how much pain I was already in, but he had a very gentle touch. He guided me step by step through what he was doing, and gave me all my options along the way.
BY FAR the best dentist in the valley.

Dr. Pasternak is an excellent, talented, and personable dentist. I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my teeth! He made me feel very comfortable (not a usual feeling in a dentist’a office) and made sure to educate me regarding my treatment options. I’ve had several cleanings and a few fillings done in his office, and the quality of work was superb. The rest of Dr. Pasternak’s staff was also very accommodating and pleasant. Overall, this is the best dental office in which I’ve had the pleasure of being treated.

I have been a patient of Dr. Pasternak’s office for over 20 years. The first thing you get from his office is HEART! From the front desk to hygienist to having his assistants caring — to HIM! First, he listens! When you have problems (and we do as we get older), he knows you’re worried and puts his concerns & personal care for you in front! I have called with emergencies probably more than most and his office is always at the ready for me! His work is wonderful and he always wants you to be comfortable & at ease. Dr. Pasternak makes the effort to call his patients to see how they are doing. I recommend this office to all — you will be very happy with this team of folk!!!

I have been going to Dr Pasternak’s office for 7 years. I am very pleased with all the work he and his staff has done. His staff is excellent and very professional. They have me as a liftime customer. Thank you for everything. Henry P

I have been going to Dr. Pasternak for years. I have teeth that are prone to plaque buildup. My mouth is very sensitive and I had terrible results with other dentists or hygienists. I have fibromyalgia and arthritis. My mouth breaks out in terrible sores when undergoing any stress. Laura is the only one I will let touch my mouth for cleaning. She gave me a plan to get my gums healthy again and it has worked! No more bleeding, painful sensitive gums or teeth! The entire staff at his office are outstanding. When I have major work done, such as crowns, I can get up as often as I need to and they have all kinds of things to make me feel more comfortable. I can’t say enough good about this dentist.

Dr. Pasternak and his staff are the most professional group of people I have had the pleasure of presenting my oral health to. Yes, pleasure at my dental office! They have created a comfortable, friendly environment meant to relax the most timid patient. Dr. Pasternak and the back office staff will make sure that you are comfortable while working on you and if you feel the slightest twing out comes the pain relief.
Several years ago, I had to find another dentist as my work insurance changed. Believe me when I say that I did not want to leave my wonderful dentist. I went to this horrible place that destroyed my oral health with lousy cleanings. Then, I had a couple of teeth loosen and endured months of agony and discomfort while they pulled teeth, filed them down, and put in a bridge. I finally got fed up and paid the extra money to go back to Dr. P. WORTH EVERY PENNY!!! And, I was welcomed back like an old friend.
Dr. P. has done everything he can to keep my teeth in my mouth, not just yank them out. Laura takes special care when cleaning. She is very professional and highly educated. Laura has answered all my questions about cleaning and oral health care. When I came back, my mouth was in bad shape. Now I’m doing great.
Also, I’ve never had any problems with billing. People really need to educate themselves on medical expenses. The cost of seeing doctors can be very high, but the cost of poor health is higher. I know, i lived it. And, who doesn’t know that X-​rays cost extra? If you don’t have insurance, EVERYTHING costs extra. Don’t blame it on the doctor. Blame yourself for ignorance.
Lee and the front office staff will quote prices. They will check with your insurance company before work is done. These people are not out to «get you». They are out to help you have a successful experience. Anyone looking at getting major dental work done should get a quote. Anyone without insurance should get a quote. And ask questions-​lots of them.
Please leave your crappy dentist behind! You won’t regret it.

OK… this dental practice is AWESOME. I was visiting Chatsworth on business and unfortunately my crown fell off on the plane on the way from Boston. I called Dr Pasternak’s office and the said… «come right over, we’ll take care of it right away». They did, and their charges were reasonable. Not many dentists would see someone on an emergency basis immediately. They were welcoming, warm and took care of the problem with professional aplomb. I HIGHLY recommend Dr Pasternak. If I lived here, he’d be my dentist !!

I have been coming here for around 10 years. Very professional Dentist and staff. I would highly recommend them.

I do not recommend this dentist. After he «Fixed» my tooth it broke a few days later. I mean the whole side fell off and went in my gums, and YES it hurt very bad. Jesus now I have to get a root canal. He also got me for the $ 250 X-​rays. If you are searching for a dentist Right now, keep searching. You will regret going here.

Let me first say that based on my last visit (2007) I wanted to give them a lower rating, but Dr. Pasternak’s professionalism, manner and initial first impression on my first visit warranted the extra star.
My first visit to their office had a kindly gentleman greet me, hand me my paperwork and even answer a couple of phone calls. I didn’t know he was the dentist until I went back to the cleaning chair and here he comes to clean my teeth and examine me… Dr. Pasternak himself! What a hands on dentist! He was friendly, and professional and gave me the old school doctor feeling… you know, the kind of jolly doctor that would make housecalls and give you a lollipop when your appointment was over.
My insurance didn’t cover this dentist, but since I only needed to come 2x a year for a cleaning, I didn’t balk at the prices even though they were pretty high-​$ 85 for a standard cleaning.
On my last visit in 2007 I was told that I needed to get a recent set of xrays. The office manager didn’t tell me there was going to be a cost involved, and no one brought me a quote or mentioned anything about cost, so I assumed it was a standard thing and that it would be covered in the cleaning appointment cost I knew I was going to have to pay. Imagine my shock when I finish and go to pay the $ 85 and my bill is $ 250. WHAT!!! Are you joking?
The office manager woman didn’t apologize or anything but just said, «yeah you had xrays and they are x amount». I was so heated and said, «well why didn’t you tell me or give me a quote so I could have the option NOT to have xrays??» She had no reply. I mean come on! It’s like if you went to a restaurant and you ordered a burger and the waitress asks if you want a bun and you roll your eyes and say yes and then you find out later that the bun is extra. Not cool.
They wouldn’t lower the price or waive it or offer any apology or admit their shady business practices. So I paid, left and never went back. The moral of the story: Dr. Pasternak is a nice and competent dentist, but the billing/​office practices leave MUCH to be desired.