Gary B Phillips, DDS

My experience in Dr. Phillips office was nothing short of wonderful despite the disappointing news about the state of my teeth. Two surgeries later I am still in for the long hall of procedures, but my temporary teeth are so fabulous I hardly understand why I would need the implants at all. Both doctors (Dr. Phillips and Dr. Gamarnik) are knowledgable, kind and thorough. Their staff is truly superb and I look forward to seeing them every time. I highly recommend this professional team as I get the feeling they truly care.

I lived in Long Beach, CA about 30 years ago next door to Dr. Phillips office. I had grown up in the Midwest of modest means and had never had dental care as a child.
When I went to Dr. Phillips, he advised me I had gum disease and some of my teeth were actually loose — he told me «I can’t bear to see you lose your teeth at age 21». He did multiple treatments and charged me very little as I was a poor college student at that time. I have taken care of my teeth since then and still have every one of them– thanks to Dr. Phillips. I have never forgotten him — What a great guy! Good dentist, good man. THANK YOU DR. PHILLIPS!!! I was amazed you are still in the same office.

I love these guys! Always professional and ALWAYS cheerful. I recently had some teeth bonded and Dr. Phillips did an excellent job of matching the color and shape of my teeth. The staff is always helpful and very good at what they do. I highly recommend them.

After talking with one of the receptionists for 30 minutes and 3 follow up phone calls in regards to my insurance and what would be covered, I had confidence about the dental office and was looking forward to my cleaning (if you can do such a thing). I was told they would give me the total prior to being seen by the dentist. Sure enough, on the morning of my appointment the receptionist told me I had a $ 25 deductible… fair enough. I had my cleaning and the dentist took full xrays. When I was leaving, the receptionist told me I had a total of $ 209. Apparently, she didn’t check with my insurance as she was supposed to have done and was wrong about the amount she originally told me. I am totally disappointed and would not recommend this office to anyone.

Here’s my plug for my dentist.
Staff here is always happy.
The dental hygenists/​assistants are top notch. There are two that are regular, one Asian and one white lady.
The Asian lady helps with the cavities/​root canals, etc.
The white lady does the teeth cleaning.
They ROCK.
Dr. Phillips has been around for a long time. He also has offices in the OC.
I have had his work (i.e. my dental fillings) evaluated by two other dentists (one of which is a friend of mine) and both say they are very, very good repairs/​restorations.
Look, nobody likes fillings/​cavities. Dr. Phillips and his assistants get in there, get your your shot, and get the job done, a good one, in as short a period of time as possible.
The office is a little outdated, i.e. could use a upgrade to the 21^st century (not the equipment, but the décor), but other than that, most definitely a good dentist you’ll find in the LBC. Located near the Wilson High School in Long Beach.

The Hygienist does such a great job. Takes her time and makes you feel very comfortable. No special tools used, just her pick and suction tool is all she uses. She is very old fashioned in technique, talks to make you comfortable in the chair. Plan to spend some time with her, she takes her time to do it right the first time. One thing to know if your insurance does cover the cleaning, then you will have to pick up the balance. No waiving the excess charges, you get billed for everything.

I can’t really write a review about the actual Dentist but the Hygienist is radical. Her favourite Holiday is Halloween and she’s so funny.