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Walnut Avenue Dental At Walnut Avenue Dentistry, the health and well-being of our patients, dental team, & community is our top priority! We have implemented a Safety and Protection program to ensure the health of our team and patients. We follow strict guidelines in infection control, as outlined by the CDC and we exceed these precautions to further help maintain a safe environment for you.

We have installed Medical/Dental Grade Hepa Air Filters & UV technology in in All treatment rooms as part of our safety program. The Swiss made IQAir HealthPro Filters contain HyperHEPA filtration technology for superior airborne particle removal.
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Reviews (21)
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Nick Porter
Feb 23, 2022
Words can't express how bad my experience has been (actually maybe "living nightmare" can). It started with an exam that got rescheduled four times within a 24-hour period. The exam itself went well until the hygienist took over, she lazily grazed the polish across my teeth and quickly bounced around with floss -- this turned out to also be one of the ladies that works the front desk, which brings me to the next topic -- the ladies at the front desk (primarily Rowie and Pam) are the worst front office dental staff I have ever met.

The day after my exam, I called to get a copy of my treatment plan. I forgot to ask a question during my first call so I called a second time. Rowie answered the phone "Hi Nick" (I guess she has caller ID), and then continued with "I guess you get to bug me today because I was bugging you yesterday" (referring to the four times she moved my appointment).

A week went by and I never got my treatment plan. I asked multiple times via phone, email, and text. I finally got a handwritten copy of my treatment plan, along with two scheduled dates for the services that were needed to be done. After that, I asked for my X-rays because I was considering changing dentists due to the horrible front office staff.

The X-rays never came. I asked over and over (they had an old email on file from when I visited the office in 2010), I gave them my new email multiple times but they never updated my record. I FINALLY got an X-ray of ONE tooth a week later. A few more emails and I got the full mouth. I decided to keep my original appointments for the crown work I needed done, planning to switch dentists after the crown work.

I never got a call to confirm my appointment, so out of curiosity I called to make sure I was scheduled (today, I've been waiting a month for this appointment). Pam never scheduled the appointments even though she confirmed I was scheduled for 3pm on 2/1 and 2/8. Now I have to start all over with a new dentist. Save yourself the frustration and go somewhere else. Yuck.
Sarah B.
Feb 03, 2022
Dr. Martinez and her staff including Dr. Bhansali have been the best oral health care I have ever received. They are keen on detail, have meticulous care when it comes to both cleanings or any repairs plus they have always gone above and beyond to find an appointment for me due to my hectic travel schedule. They are by far one of the most honest dental clinics in San Diego, they also have a wide range of insurance acceptance as well as their own programs if needed. I 100% recommend their office to anyone in search of a new dentist!
Henrik C.
Jun 13, 2021
Recently moved to Bankershill and after COVID had to find a new dentist. This is a fantastic place. Dr. Martinez is very friendly and there is no waiting. Went for a general check-up and got a great review of the state of my teeth and gums. Very efficient and informative. Had to go back for a filling and a partial deep clean. I was in and out in less than an hour. Nice. This is by far the best dental experience I have had.
Ma Ga
Feb 02, 2020
Walnut Avenue Dentistry is such a wonderful place! The entire team is wonderful and amazing - both the dentists and the support team! I feel so lucky that I found this office! I would not hesitate to refer family and friends here - and actually already have! Thank you so much Walnut Avenue Dental! I wish there was an option to give them more stars! P.S. It's at 305 Walnut Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 - on the corner of 3rd and Walnut just south of Hillcrest.
A. S.
Jul 22, 2019
Wait! Was that the dentist office or a day spa that I just went to? In all seriousness, Christie Martinez and her staff have defied what's possible for the dental patient experience. I've never had a dentist so passionate about her work and so willing to include me in my own dental care processes and procedures. There's no "get em in, get em out" here. Dr. Martinez includes me in what's happening, tells me what she just said to the hygienist in a language I can understand, explains any issues or treatments to me.

And her staff follows suit: they talk to me, not just one another, and that's so empowering in a health provider's office. I love going to the dentist.who ever says that? But it's true!
Sara M.
Jun 12, 2019
Dr. Martinez has the best bedside manner, and I love how she explains everything with pictures to make sure I understand all the possible outcomes (when I don't floss). I also love the fact there's the option of watching television during my cleanings. If you are looking for a dentist with experience, and top of the line dental equipment Walnut Dentistry should be your first call!
Matt H.
Jun 07, 2019
Great little office with a personal touch. Not to mention TV's and headset while you are getting worked on. Everyone in this office is fantastic, with personal attention to make you feel at ease.
Iluminado D.
May 08, 2019
I used to be terrified of going to the dentist due to negative and painful experiences in the past. DDS Martinez changed all that. She's the most gentle dentist I've ever had and her staff is as professional as they come. If you're looking for a new, gentle dentist, make an appointment with DDS Christine Martinez. You'll be glad you did!
Maria G.
Mar 28, 2019
Walnut Dental is such a fantastic office w/ such fantastic staff! I'm so lucky I found this place and even took my mother there. Going to the dentist is never fun but I'm very lucky to have a place that is so competent and cares so much about their patients! Again, my sincerest thanks to Walnut Dental!
Vinny C.
Mar 21, 2019
Was given excellent care on my first visit. A plan was drawn up for what I needed. Everything was perfect.
Jeff U.
Jan 03, 2019
Christie and her office manager, Pam, are a true joy to work with. I highly recommend her office for anyone who wants their dentist visits to be a positive experience they can look forward to. From the scheduling, to the thoughtful billing, to the dentistry itself, they really do care. And as an added bonus, they always offer helpful health tips and fun conversation during every one of my visits, too.
Abby B.
Nov 29, 2018
I just love this place! From the extremely helpful and bubbly receptionist Pam to the sweet Dental Hygenists to of course the brilliant Dr. Martinez who is so passionate about her work but also really cares to make her patients feel safe in the Dentist chair, I for the first time don't fear going to the Dentist. I feel my teeth's health and best interest are truly always in mind, and the staff works with you to find a solution that works for your desires (all things considered). On top of this all, I love the cozy decor and good energy this place holds. Extremely grateful for having found these gems in San Diego. I'm a lifer!
Erin E.
Aug 01, 2018
Had my first visit to Walnut Street Dentistry with Dr. Martinez today. The entire staff were fantastic! Everyone was so welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable. Dr. Martinez took the time to review every x-ray with me and provide throrough education. I'm really pleased with the level of care that I received today.
Michael J.
May 09, 2018
Dr. Martinez and her staff are very friendly and professional. I've had both my teeth cleaned as well as several bondings. I highly recommend her!
Jenn W.
Apr 14, 2018
Dr. Martinez & her staff are amazing. Very professional and always make me feel comfortable, which helps ease the anxiety. Thank you for all you do!
Vu Pham
Apr 10, 2018
Fantastic dentists and staff who care. From the first contact and intake to repeat visits and procedures, the service, care, and facility are top notch.
Todd B.
Nov 30, 2017
I have been treated by Dr. Martinez and her staff for the last 4 years and I am grateful! Her care is compassionate, thorough, educational and proactive. I have referred several family and friends and they agree! Before seeing Dr. Martinez, I had ongoing difficulties with plaque build up and aggravated gums. Her hygienist taught me how to brush differently and my check ups and cleanings have never been easier. Call Dr. Martinez' office for an appointment today!
Joel B.
Nov 07, 2014
I recently had a very bad experience with a different dentist (I don't want to tarnish them by name, but they just down the street from Walnut Ave Dentistry), so I searched out Walnut Ave Dentistry for a second opinion. I had such a positive experience at Walnut Ave Dental that I felt compared to share how great they are! Pamela and all the receptionists were super friendly.

They quickly requested the x-rays from my "bad dentist" so that I wouldn't need to have more x-rays done. The hygienist, Lynn, was very thorough and professional during her cleaning. I didn't see Dr. Martinez, but was examined by a different dentist, whose name I can't remember. She was very friendly and honest with me. Best of all, she told me I had zero cavities.

This was a relief, given that my previous "bad dentist" had diagnosed 5 cavities, which had left me feeling conned. My whole experience with Walnut Ave Dentistry was very positive. They are good at what they do, honest, warm, and friendly. I will be going back and I will recommend them to everyone.
Carolyn G.
Aug 22, 2013
I moved back to San Diego and tried three dentists before coming to Dr. Martinez. I loved my old dentist in Laguna Beach! It was in a darling old converted house with a relaxing feel. Nice staff and relaxing environment were my top concerns and I have have found both at Dr. Martinez's office. Pam, the front desk gal, is very nice and doesn't make you feel pressured to spend extra money at all.

In my opinion, dentists can be like car mechanics or veterinarians and suggest procedures that aren't completely necessary. I did not find that here. Pam goes over your options and what your insurance covers and lets you decide! It's refreshing to not feel pushed into treatment I do not want or cannot afford. Dr. Martinez has a great bedside manner. She's friendly and always has a smile on her face.

I feel like she really cares about her patients. The office has a nice wall fountain that makes a soothing sound. It's a semi-small office, though, so don't expect to be wowed. They did good with the space they had. I am thankful to finally have found a dentist in San Diego!
Amanda M.
Nov 14, 2012
Before I found Dr. Martinez, I seriously had not been to the dentist in about 3-4 yrs. Saying I was terrified of the dentist is an understatement. After finally coming to terms with the fact that I needed to visit a dentist eventually, I called my insurance provider and found Walnut Avenue Dentistry. I went in for my first consultation and was very pleasantly surprised. Dr. Martinez was not only extremely friendly, but she taught me exactly what was going on inside of my mouth and how to fix it. Her staff is also just as amazing. Oh, and I am assuming that they have remodeled since the last person reviewed her because their office looks great and updated.
Geof M.
Jan 22, 2010
I'm definitely a big fan of the charismatic and the hospitality offered by Dr. Martinez and her staff! I was originally scheduled to go @ Uptown dental Design but due to scheduling conflicts I decided to be brave and venture out here. First impression: the office looks old, too much varnished wood, and could almost fail a city code due to numerours wires and extension chord wrap around the floor sometimes tripping the hygieniest.

I researched on their website and I was quite impressed with their website photos including the ceiling flat screen TV's. but I think those pictures were taken years back. I was a little disappointed that a hygienist was the first to see me, took my xrays and then performed the full cleaning. I was hoping to see Dr. Martinez first even to say hello and maybe if I'm lucky to actually perform the cleaning.

I know from research and from past experiences, dentists no longer perform their own cleaning and delegates that to hygienist/dent asst. But I must say that the hygienist was super gentle and pleasant and I actually enjoyed her taking time cleaning my teeth. I was then moved into a nicer room to see Dr. Martinez who actually went through all the details of the xray, results of the gum/bone probing depth.

She was very detailed and explained everything in lay man's terms. She would occasionally put her hand over my shoulder as she explains things, which I don't mind as a gay guy but would probably offend some people. She was very personable and seemed to really care for her profession. My whole visit took about 1 hour and 45 mins, and that's just for cleaning visit.

She really spent time explaning every detail and even possible dental plans without pushing to sell anything or without having her staff trying to sell me anything. I would definitelygo back to her in the future. I would love give her 5 stars, but her office as a whole could use heavy renovation and rewiring/hiding of electrical chords. Maybe 4.5 stars!