Alin N. Chera, DDS

Dr. Chera is the best dentist I have ever had. From fillings to root canals to infections to tooth removal he has given me excellent care and great results. The staff is outstanding and the office very attractive with excellent parking. Highly recommend.

Unfortunately I would not recommend this dentist anymore.

I have been going to this dentist for around 20 years.

This place has gone down hill the last few years...

The wait to get seen can be up to 6 months. This was the case when I had to reschedule. I guess they were low on staff or punishing me.
I don't know if it is because the dentist doesn't pay his staff enough or or what. But darn near every time my wife and I are in, he has new staff. A revolving door of new staff never seems to be a good sign.

As for Dr. Chera he is a friendly but not overly friendly person. He definitely has the feeling of being in a rush when he comes in the room. He is very knowledgeable and try's to connect your whole health with your teeth.
Very minimal contact with the dentist, on checkups he pokes his head in and looks at the x-rays pokes around in your mouth real quick gives a few notes and is OUT!
For the last 5-6 years he must be partially retired because he is rarely in the office to look at your teeth or X-rays. When he was in his old office before he bought his current location it felt like he was trying to make a name for himself and went the extra mile. He would go out of his way to stop in and say hi and chop up a little conversation. He was ALWAYS in the office. He didn't exude the feeling of being in a rush. The funniest part of him acting all rushed is sometimes his personal office door is open and he's just kicking back in his office. In a rush to get back to your solitaire game or something?
He isn't overly pushy about filling cavities that don't need, but his staff are not so much.
Example the Dr. Says we need to keep an eye on a couple teeth and I'm like ok, he says it's no rush like you need a filling now. The staff asks if I would like a quote, I was like sure may as well see what I'm getting into since insurance is a joke these days and doesn't cover the whole job!!! The front desk gives me a quote and then calls like every 2 months asking if I want to schedule the filling. Sheesh the dentist just said we want to keep an eye on it not that I needed it done.
Then I get a notice that they are dropping our delta dental insurance because they don't pay enough... sheesh I already have to pay the difference what else do they want! My wife calls them up just to be courteous and let them know that we will not need our dental appointments in the future. The lady asks why and then says we aren't dumping your insurance for another month, do you want to schedule those fillings before we don't accept your insurance... Hell no! We have been loyal patients for a huge portion of your working career and we are kicked to the curb?! You are still trying to push one last squeeze of our money before we go... Sorry the relationship is over. You aren't the nice family dentist that I reffered so many patients to. You are just resting on the existing clients and doing the bare minimum to keep the money rolling in.

It's a shame this place was great for 15 years!

We have been going to Dr Chera now for years and are sad to be moving far enough out of the area to need to find a new dentist. Dr Chera is available when needed for emergencies, thorough in making sure you understand options and very sensitive to patient needs while in the dental chair. Many times I can count him asking if I'm comfortable or if I need to take a break. His team of staff are efficient and to the point which I also appreciate. Highly recommend Dr Chera to patients looking for a dentist in Santa Rosa. The office is located downtown which central to so many great restaurants and shops.

This dentist took over/bought this practice from my old dentist who was amazing.

I had to reschedule an appointment at the last minute due to COVID exposure.. never cancelled an appointment with them before.
The receptionist Linda was clearly upset with me, (life happens) - I could not go for a dental appointment knowing I potentially had COVID...
But he did not care, in-fact the receptionist told me " the dentist said to just come in."

I got charged a cancellation fee even after being a loyal customer and excusing past screw-ups on their part.
Needless to say I am never coming back here, all they care about is the $$$ no customer service, the receptionists are rude, rude, rude,, and the dentist does not take any accountability/responsibility whatsoever.

I guess good help is hard to find. There is a saying:- "The Fish Rots From The Head."

My wife and I have been seeing Dr Chera for many tears and have always felt that his care has been excellent. His office is friendly and efficient and we would definitely recommend it to others

I haven't seen a dentist in over 8 years. They accepted me immediately and was seen and taken care within a week. They also was able to take both my kids. I really appreciate them and their work. Other dentists had a few months minimum waiting period. They are straight forward and no bs.

Always welcoming and friendly. Never try to up-sell unnecessary procedures. Previous dentist closed her office and referred clients to Dr. Chera. It has been 2ish years now and I don't hate coming to the dentist. Not quite as friendly and "family" as my previous dentist but that takes time.

I am always impressed with the staff. Everyone is friendly and professional . I appreciated being told exactly what was happening and what to expect next. I had a cap come off on one of my tooth. I called the emergency number on a holiday and Dr. Chera called me right back. The front office staff, Joni, called me the next day to schedule an appointment at noon to fix my tooth. No wait, no fuss, and all taken taken care of in one day. This office has taken every precaution and you will feel safe when you are here. Highly recommend Dr Chera for his patience and experience in top quality dental care.
Mr. M. Shea

I have big anxiety about dentists. I've never enjoyed going and I'm hesitant to say that I like going to the dentist. However this dental office has been incredibly easy. They're kind and refreshing to be around. I have no anxiety when I come to this office because I know I am great hands with the dental assistant and dentist. Would highly recommend to those who have anxiety about the dentist, as they make it really easy here.

Im disappointed to feel I need to post about the rudeness of Dr Chera's new front desk person. I think her name is Alyce. I have been going there for over 15 years and I've even stayed loyal by switching insurance providers because I had a great relationship with his old hygienist and receptionist - both of whom have left him this past year. Not to mention Dr. Chera himself is a good dentist.
Basically, I had an appointment scheduled 3/10/22 and when I called and asked for help in understanding how much I would be paying - after just a few sentences - I was hung up on over the phone. I was upset and didn't trust her to follow through so I went down to the office. When I got there Dr. Chera asked her for the "pre-auth" (basically a quote from the insurance provider for the work offered) and there wasn't one, just excuses. The painful part is neither Dr. Chera nor the new receptionist took any responsibility or accountability for her unprofessional behavior.
Now because of this interaction, I feel uncomfortable going back and will change my dentist.
So, if you're someone who wants to be spoken to respectfully (heaven forbid you have a question or need some explanation), I would avoid this office.