BIZNOTE: Dental chain announces closure of West Seattle office

| Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Added: Google Street View image)

Thanks to the multiple readers who sent word that they’ve received an announcement of Gentle Dental closing its office in the strip mall at 35th/Fauntleroy. Gentle Dental is part of a chain with more than 100 locations, mostly on the West Coast; the chain announced its affiliation with what was Smiles by Bond at that location in 2015. Today’s emailed announcement says the closure is effective tomorrow and refers patients to the Capitol Hill Gentle Dental office (206-757-2896) for account inquiries and “seamless transition of (their) dental records.” No reason is given for the closure.

Joan March 28, 2024 (6:17 pm)

I was stunned to get this email too today. I was a client for about 14 years. Now the super hassle of finding another dentist. Oddly, I tried to go to the Franciscan urgent care today and they had a sign saying it was closed today due to staffing shortages. Our health care system is seriously suffering.

Seattlite March 28, 2024 (7:41 pm)

Joan…I called Swedish yesterday to make an appt and was 40th in line to have my call answered.
- Joan March 28, 2024 (8:41 pm)
  
  I called my doctor today and was told she’s booked for months!
West Seattle Mad Sci Guy March 28, 2024 (8:01 pm)

Had my regular dental checkup today actually. Phillip Howard DDS hasn’t done me wrong after 8ish years. He’s next to QFC near Moto Pizza (42nd and Alaska) if folks are looking for a nearby recommendation. Don’t know how he compares to gentle dental practices but I’ve nearly fallen asleep a few times in the chair haha.
- Joan March 28, 2024 (8:42 pm)
  
  I’m searching around. I need someone in my plan network.
  - Deb March 28, 2024 (10:53 pm)
    
    I have Delta and drive to Burien to Town Square Dentistry. Very nice people. Most of the staff has been there for years.
    
    Town Square Dentistry
    
    610 S.W. 152nd St.Burien, WA 98166Phone: 206-241-2091
    
    Office Hours
    
    Monday- Thursday: 8:00AM – 4:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 3:00pm
  - Gentle Dental Patient March 29, 2024 (10:18 am)
    
    Joan, It’s not in west seattle, but I go to the Gentle Dental in Cap Hill and they’re amazing. Super friendly staff. I’ve never had trouble finding street parking right in front and since I only go to the dentist a few times a year, it’s no biggie to go up there. They’re also open pretty late so it’s easy to make it work with my schedule. My husband has always gone to the west seattle location, but he’ll be switching to cap hill now.
    - Joan March 29, 2024 (3:36 pm)
      
      I went to the Cap Hill office a few years ago for a root canal and the endodontist was super. He is not there now, not that I need another root canal! It’s a possibility, but I will try W Seattle first. I recall I parked in a garage at Cap Hill. It might have been free for patients.
Paul March 28, 2024 (11:40 pm)

Dr Garrett Reed on California Ave S is wonderful
- Tony March 29, 2024 (6:58 am)
  
  Can confirm. 👍🏻🦷
- PatWS March 29, 2024 (9:24 pm)
  
  My husband and I both love Dr. Reed! He’s kind, smart, thoughtful, and responsive to any questions.

jissy March 28, 2024 (8:35 pm)

Gentle Dental – the biggest oxymoron in business names ever! I laugh every time I see one!

Cindy March 28, 2024 (8:39 pm)

I was a regular patient here, and then at some point (2019? 2020?) they stopped answering their phone during business hours or responding to voice messages. I’m surprised they’ve stayed open for this long, tbh.

aa March 28, 2024 (8:48 pm)

Christine Kirchner DDS across Fauntleroy from WS Thriftway

Terremoto March 30, 2024 (12:18 pm)

I’d second Dr Christine Kirschner. Across from Thriftway.

Don’t forget to floss! March 28, 2024 (10:46 pm)

Highly recommend Dr. Yi in the junction! https://alaskajunctiondental.com/

my two cents March 29, 2024 (5:08 am)

Loved the dental work – to so much for the front office service,
Joan March 29, 2024 (3:37 pm)

He has not been accepting new patients for a few years. Just called to reconfirm that. Forget him.

Kimmi April 1, 2024 (9:10 am)

This was so bizarre. I literally called them the Wednesday before regarding money they owe me and the next day got the email. So Wow! They had to have known as they were talking to me on the phone. I wish I knew the story behind such a sudden closure.

Sorry, comment time is over.