Berkeley Periodontist: Keith R. Chertok, DDS

The office staff is quick to give you advice on insurance payment policies, but then didn't take responsibility for that advice when it turned out to not be true. I was advised that for my post treatment cleaning, I could go to my regular dentist or their office and that since my regular dentist was going out of network under Delta Dental, it would be cheaper to go to them for the cleaning instead since they are in network. Turns out they submitted my cleaning as periodontal work and not just a cleaning, which was not clarified and a way for some offices to get more money from insurance companies. I was less than a dollar away from my max for periodontal work, so the cleaning was essentially not covered at all. I did all my periodontal work at Dr Chertok's office, and they submitted that work to Delta Dental, so they knew about the max. When I contacted them about what had happened, I got a very rude response from the office staff that basically said that it wasn't their responsibility to know my insurance policy. This is a pretty standard, heartless response from the medical community. I then persisted. Someone else looked into it and then replied with an apology about miscommunications and an offer to give me a payment plan, which is completely useless because I could have just gone to my dentist for less. I want absolutely nothing to do with such an untrustworthy business.
Jan 3rd, 2024

I had laser gum surgery with Dr Chertok in May, 2023. I was worried, but the pain control measures offered by this office worked! Bring your music and headphones, and leave the rest to Dr Chertok.
Dec 23rd, 2023

After prefacing this well deserved rave review by addressing quality of life; life as we know it, life as we want it, by those of us cursed with vanity, I might save words and tell you this: Dr. Chertok saved my life. Dr. Chertok is an unstinting perfectionist, an amalgam of matchless skill, ethics, concern, with the current knowledge you'd expect from someone graduating New York University among the top five percent of his class, updating and fine-honing ever since. He is also a most patient gentleman with a nonpareil staff. I'd considered a pair of topflight pros earlier, before I was ready. But when I met Dr. Keith Chertok, knew he was as good as it gets.
Sep 20th, 2023

I would recommend Dr Chertok without hesitation to anyone in need of advanced treatment - especially those of us with dental "trauma". Dr. Chertok successfully extracted a front tooth with a failed root canal and after 2 bone grafts replaced this upper tooth with an implant that is beautifully positioned. My experience with every aspect of the experience was a 5. The ambience throughout the office is calm, orderly, pleasant and personal just like Dr. Chertok himself. He has the kindest hands imaginable and instills confidence and relaxation. (The gas helped.) He explained all the possibilities and potential pitfalls carefully and clearly with out causing "alarm" or unreasonable expectations. I was happy to be part of the successful percentile! It was also easy to reach him outside the office in case of unusual concerns. Can't say enough good about him and his staff.
Aug 7th, 2023

I am very leery of dental work & dental pain. Dr. Chertok is the best thing that could have happened to me in this regard. Believe it!
Jul 21st, 2023