Lorraine O’Connor, DDS

Compassionate, skilled and a perfect place for the dental patient who wants a little more than some technical application. Its like having coffee with the director of a movie peoduction team. We do a read through to make sure we are all on the same page. Flexible and sustainable

I only went to Dr. O’Connor for less than one year, but was extremely satisfied. I had not been to the dentist in several years. She did both a regular and a deep cleaning as well as replaced some bonding that had fallen out/​separated over the years. She explained everything thoroughly and was always kind, accommodating, and professional. I highly recommend her!

Dr. O’Connor is an awesome dentist!

I’ve been very satisfied with Dr. Lorraine O’Connor since I started going to her office about a year ago. She is very professional, friendly, and truly cares about her patients.
I recently had to deal with a cracked tooth that was causing me all kinds of issues. She was always good about talking me through my different options and helping me understand what’s going on with my teeth. I originally chose to do a root canal treatment (instead of removing the tooth altogether and inserting an implant+crown), because I wanted to salvage the tooth if at all possible. But when I was still feeling some weirdness in the tooth several weeks later, I called their «urgent/​emergency line» (even though it was more of a safety precaution for me) and they were great about scheduling me for a new appointment ASAP to see what’s wrong. I ended up having to remove the tooth anyway, but at no extra cost to me and I’m feeling great now. What could have been a very scary and drawn-​out experience ended up being as pleasant and quick as possible given the circumstances. During this process, she also let me know her personal mobile phone number in case of emergency — I never ended up having to use it, but it’s nice to know she’s willing to take patient calls at any time of the day/​week to make sure they’re okay.
I usually schedule my appointments in the mornings, and in my experience there is little to no wait at that time FYI.
She enjoys conversing with patients, and though there are amusing moments when I physically cannot respond because my mouth is wide open while she’s looking at my teeth, in general I found that it helps take my mind off the procedure and puts me at ease.
Her receptionist and assistant are also great as well. When I had some novice insurance questions, Kinsey (sp?) the receptionist was very friendly and understanding in explaining what’s going on with my insurance and payments. I especially appreciate that considering that in the past, I’ve had some very bad experiences with other physicians who were very condescending and dismissive when it came to payment and insurance issues.

I don’t know what’s going on in this practice, but I tried twice to make an preliminary appointment. The first time I called, I got voicemail. I never received a response.
The second time I called, I reached a person who apologized for my not getting a call back initially. They said things had been busy, and that they’d call me back again shortly. They never did.
Perhaps Dr. O’Connor is a good dentist. I’ll never know — in my book, two strikes and you’re out.

The Swedish clock ticks away in the quiet waiting area. Then: She suddenly appears to greet you, all in gossamer blue: A lovely, cheerful, fairy dental mother. (Never have I seen anyone wear scrubs so elegantly — she could almost be at a fancy ball, rather than consulting about your teeth) After gliding you into a pristine room, x-​rays are swiftly taken and studied, the results of which she shares with you while she offers you the most thorough, gentle exam and cleaning of your life — thus revealing that beyond the fashion and charm, she is a sure DDS of brilliance and compassion. You are not talked down to — the mystery of your mouth is shared in layman’s terms, never scolding, and in language that will inspire you to take exceptional care of yourself from that day forward. She is the dentist you’ve been waiting for all your life, and you mustn’t wait another minute. Go see her now.

For someone who never writes Unilocal reviews, I had to write one today. I don’t like going to the dentist as the next person (who didn’t have childhood tooth trauma?) but if I have to go, I’m glad its here. For one: she’s really sweet, personable and professional. She always has stories and makes you forget your in the dentist chair. Bonus.
They moved locations within the last year and today I headed to the older location a few minutes before my appt started. I called, and they told me they were on Valencia now. Oh no! I caught a Lyft and got there a few minutes late.
To apologize for the confusion, they paid for the cab, and then some, which was extremely generous. I mean, who does that?! Add to the great experience before, and I left smiling (which probably doesn’t happen usually when coming out of a dentist office). Double bonus.

I’m a horrible dental patient. I had my first root canal at 17, others followed, as did a really finicky crown on a molar that 3 different dentists fiddled with to keep from popping off unexpectedly.
I started seeing Lorraine 6 years ago. Super friendly, very detailed, and very effective at fixing up the sins of my prior dentists. (From looking at the crown she knew one of my prior dentists had been trained on the east coast… creepy… anyway, she stopped it from being a trouble spot years ago.) She enjoys her patients’ company so much she has a bad habit of not letting her hygienist do anything.
Don’t see her if you’re a sticker for punctuality — If it’s not 9am she’ll doubtless be a few minutes behind schedule making sure her earlier patients are in good shape.
Do see her if you appreciate demeanor and customer service, or if you think you dislike dentists (you’ll find out you were wrong all these years).

Dr. Lorraine took her time with me. I haven’t been to a dentist in the bay area and she totally was gentle and made me feel at ease. Dentist visits are not the most favorable but the way she treated me made me feel very relaxed. Can not wait to go back in a few months.

Lorraine is a nice dentist, unfortunately everything is pretty slow, including the almost 45 minute wait every time for your appointment. I was satisfied with everything, even okay when Lorraine’s hand accidentally slipped and she drilled my lip, but I got a crown today, which is supposed to last almost your whole lifetime, everything was great… and 2 hours later it just fell off and I almost choked. It was already 6 pm, I called the office, they were closed and the message machine was full so I couldn’t even leave a message, the urgent telephone number is always out of service, so have to wait until Thursday to make an appointment to fix their mistake.
Very unsatisfied and should I mention that I will not be able to eat until Thursday? And there is nothing I can do about it. Terrible. So if something goes wrong during non business hours — you are screwed.
EDITED:
I appreciated that Dr Lorraine O’Connor and the staff took my comment seriously and did everything I could to improve, I never saw anyone look after their reputation so much, so now I know that it’s a keeper. And as I mentioned before dentist-​wise I was and am very satisfied.

I can’t say enough how much I really enjoyed my visit to see Dr. O’Connor. She’s super cool, thorough, and trustworthy. Her staff is terrific as well. Seriously, don’t waste your time (or money) anywhere else… just go to her, you’re in good hands.

If you’re searching for a dentist, I highly recommend you visit Dr. O’connor and her staff. Trust me, you’re in good hands.

Dr. O’Connor really is fabulous. I really can’t say enough about her. She is extremely sweet and friendly. Dr. O’Connor will not judge you if you don’t floss and goes out of her way to make you feel comfortable.
On a side note, because of Dr. O’Connor, I have been cigarette free for two years now. How many people can say that about their dentist?

Dr Loraine is the best dentist I have ever hand hands down! She is so gentle all the time I sometimes have to remind her I like it rough! Doc takes the time to understands each concern and sets in place a program to make sure all the items are taken care of. I have no hesitation in recommending Dr O as the best dentist ever!
S

I hate going to the dentist.
I have respect for Lorraine as a dentist. I find her patient and caring. Her work is some of the best dental work I have received. She knows how to calm my anxiety.
I will continue to see her as my dentist until she tells me not to come back because I am a pain. I recommend Lorraine O’Connor. She is the only dentist I have ever recommended.

Just to start, this review is long overdue. About a year and a half ago, I broke a tooth. This was horrifying mainly because I hadn’t been to a dentist in 13 years (I know!). Not only was I scared of the dentist, but I had to face the fear of being judged or talked down to because I had been so irresponsible with my own health.
Luckily, I stumbled onto Dr. O’Connor. She didn’t judge me, or even ask how long it had been. Our first visit, she noticed how tense and terrified I was and prescribed me Ativan for what would be the many visits to come. She is a life saver! I don’t know how many times I had to see her, but my teeth are finally normal and it was painless.
Just some things you might want to know before going in:
— Dr. O’Connor is extremely friendly and talkative. That includes when she has instruments in your mouth.
–The receptionist (I really should know her name) is wonderful and really good about explaining insurance issues.
–Dr. O’Connor takes her time with patients which means you might have to wait a bit before she gets to you. If you hate that sort of thing, get the first appointment of the day and you’ll be fine.

Lorraine O’Connor, DDS is the BEST thing that ever happened to me!
I lost my beloved dentist ages ago when they stopped taking my dental insurance and I’ve been on a quest ever since to find THE perfect replacement…
I’m a complete fanatic about my teeth. I believe in preventative care and not messing with something unless it hurts. I believe most dentists are just out to make a quick buck doing unnecessary work and I went through a number of flimflam dentists who gave me lousy fillings that fell off/​out after a couple months, who tried to get me to buy a mouth guard (the biggest sham EVER!) or who left me sitting out in their waiting rooms for 20 – 30 minutes after my appointment time!
Then I stumbled on Dr. O’Connor! After reading all the posts here I gave her a shot, and everything everyone positive has said is true!
I’ve been to her office twice now and both times it’s been clean and attractive (I like the butterflies on the ceiling!). She’s been on time both times. She is cute as a button and we have great talks! She herself does my cleaning (I really, REALLY like that!) and I feel she goes the extra mile to get rid of the staining I get from the copious amounts of coffee I drink! No guilt trips (like someone else said, it seems like most dentists can seem to always find SOMETHING you’re doing wrong!), she ASKS if I want to fix anything cosmetic and doesn’t get huffy when I say, «no thank you»… The both times I went to see her I left feeling great, and not like I’d been through some sort of medieval torture!
Parking is not bad in the Castro during the weekdays either! Which really helps!
Do yourself a big favor and book an appointment with Dr. O’Connor!

A perfect match made in heaven. Now I know why unstable women fall in love with their therapists.
Lorraine O’Connor has got to be my favorite dentist by far. I used to go to a particular dentist on Montgomery St. Who shall remain nameless (last name rhymes with Semen) that was always up charging me and trying to sell me everything under the sun. $ 1000.00 night guards anyone? Lorraine’s office runs a tighter and more honest ship. I always feel calm and safe when I’m there and her work is impeccable. She lets you know exactly what you need and nothing more. She plays good music and before you know it your done. It also helps that she is full of conversation the whole time so the procedures just fly by.
When your done you get a gift bag to take on your way and a a mouthful of clean teeth to show your friends and family!

Every experience I’ve had at this office has been pleasant and comfortable — Dr O’Connor is quick, thorough, and most importantly, gentle!
One of my favorite aspects of this dentist is that she does not guilt the crap out of all of her patients. Even though I take great care of my teeth, other dentists still manage to find something to make you feel bad and dirty.
I always feel good about myself when I leave her office, so I never hesitate when making my next appointment.

Still 5 stars. I forgot to update this before, but I’m definitely not on vicodin now, and still feel the same way. Dr. O’Connor’s very nice, and amusingly chatty while she’s doing work. Although the office is very clean, and she’s very organized, with an efficient staff, it doesn’t feel sterile.
Still a happy camper, and still my best recommendation for a dentist.