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Zimmer Joseph Dr We provide the most evolved form of dentistry available in a pleasant and personal setting. Dr. Zimmer is a traditional dental provider who is one of a few in Seattle that is Board Certified in both Dentistry and Implantology. We offer a variety of preventative and restorative services. In the event that a specialist is required, Dr. Zimmer has strong working relationships with professionals in the Medical-Dental Building.

Our twenty eight years in this location attests to our reliability. As lives get busier and time more valuable, we work hard to serve our patients in an efficient and caring manner.
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Dr. Zimmer has been practicing in his downtown location since 1988. He received his doctorate from the University of Washington in 1986. Since graduation he has served as a clinical instructor in three departments at the University of Washington and is currently part of the Department of Oral Medicine.
Reviews (29)
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Carrington Moore
Apr 23, 2022
Have I found the best dentist? I think so. I've been coming to this office for 5 years and prior to that bounced around from dentist to dentist, mostly due to moving. As a patient who takes great care of my teeth but has a giant red "hard to numb" flag on my chart, I have found that Dr Zimmer made a minor filling feel like a spa treatment. If you are hunting for a great dentist, you found it. I come downtown from West Seattle just because this office is so good.
MiMichael
Mar 08, 2022
This clinic cost your money in abuse and doesn't provide compensation even the service is not good. I did a crown surgery and the doctor gave me a temporary glue and guaranteed it could last two month. However, the crown dropped off just after two days. Furthermore, I was charged with another build-up crown tooth for almost $200 and extra glue fee when I went back to re-glue my crown tooth. The service is really bad there.
Eddy R.
Apr 09, 2021
Dr. Zimmer is just amazing. My and my wife have been seeing him for over 10 years and usually just do cleanings with the assistants with no problem. However, when things have gotten hairy, he has saved the day. I had a wisdom tooth taken out with him and no problem. I had two root canals and also no problem. One of his junior dentists was having problem with the crown and he stepped in and fixed it in a jiffy.

My wife has had to have some protective gear and micro-surgeries and if there are any issues, he fixes them at no cost. You also have to love the art work in the ceiling! ha ha.
Matt Clifton
Apr 05, 2021
Had a first time appointment with Dr. Zimmer after moving from New York and it was overall a shockingly good experience for a dentist appointment! The office was unique, clean, and made me feel comfortable. It had been a year since my last cleaning and the hygienist did a great thorough job cleaning and checking in on me throughout the process. Also a killer view! Getting to see the sunrise while your teeth are being cleaned? A win win situation.
Min Wang
Mar 23, 2021
I have many major dental problems and scheduled a consultation with Dr Zimmer. I got to see Dr Zimmer the next business day. Dr Zimmer spent nearly three hours with me tackling each issue patiently. Dr Zimmer knows his areas very well, is very kind and understanding to patients, and his office is equipped with quite advanced technology to help him to do the diagnosis.
Mihaela Constantinescu
Dec 27, 2020
Doctor Zimmer helped me getting the smile I always dreamt of, but life was keep getting in the way! I am visiting this cabinet for about 2 years now. I had some cavities to treats, cleaning, tooth surgery and Invisalign. Doctor Zimmer and his team, always make me feel welcomed and not pressured while I am there for my treatments. Going to the dentist was always a traumatic experience for me.

I get some sensitivity, followed by strong gagging reflex, but I was always given space to calm down and relax. Come to think of, I am loving my visits there and I actually go there by pleasure and not stress. I know I benefit from Dr Zimmer's years of experience, best materials and treatments for my needs. Front desk is super helpful and always works with me to get the best appointments! The hygienists and everyone else are beyond nice! I will keep going here for everything I will need, because I feel safe and well taken care of. Thank YOU!
Connie T.
Nov 18, 2020
I cracked my tooth and I know I needed a crown. I was referred to Dr. Zimmer by my manager, made an appointment and wahlah! One-stop service. Got my crown in one-day! I highly recommend Dr. Zimmer should you ever be in the same predicament. He has a lovely office as well. I am a very happy girl!
Miha S.
Sep 25, 2020
I have had years of horrific experiences with dentists - even having the wrong tooth drilled once. However, after only one visit with Dr. Zimmer he managed to reassure my anxiety. He is very patient, and kind, as well as an excellent doctor. His staff is equally accommodating and wonderful.
Seattle Area Native J.
Mar 19, 2020
Hands down, the best dentist in the state of Washington. I trust all of these people with everything and they never try to upsell/provide a service you don't need, which I found at many other dentists. Brittany is absolutely wonderful and always so cheery, Zimmer is absolutely incredible and provides patients plants (what dentist does that) and the best service/cleanliness/trust you would want in a dentist.

The office is a treat in itself considering Dr. Zimmer is an art collector too!? Can't recommend anyone enough to go here- I've done wisdom teeth, Invisalign, teeth whitening, cavities, cleanings, everything! All executed with total excellence by their entire team.
Mary C.
Dec 20, 2018
We moved to Seattle from the Eastside last year. A friend of mine recommended Dr Zimmer. My daughter now loves going to the dentist? They are very professional. The front desk is nice and on the ball. Waiting time is always short. The dental hygienists and Doctors are excellent. Plus, the office is so cool it doesn't feel like a dentist office. I recommend!
Lana E.
Sep 23, 2018
I have been going here for a long time! Probably close if not at least to 20 years, but seems that DR Zimmer isn't there much anymore. Everyone is ok and the drs I've seen ore ok. Still enjoy the convenience so till I find a place close to home I'll continue to go here.
Lola B.
Jul 19, 2018
After a disappointing interaction with my usual dentist, I sought help from Dr. Zimmer's practice to perform a root canal on a tooth that had become infected and abscessed following a routine filling three weeks ago. Several of my friends had been seen here and had nothing but wonderful things to say. I called Tuesday afternoon around 4 pm and after speaking with a very kind receptionist, I was told to come in at 8 am on Wednesday.

After being given the run around by my other dentist's office for several days, this was wonderful news! It was great to be able to fill out all of my paperwork online before going in. When I arrived, the staff were all very efficient and caring. I had been in terrible pain for about five days by that point and so I really appreciated their concern.

I only waited a few minutes before being taken back and having x rays, and from there, Dr. Zimmer came in to introduce himself and begin my treatment very quickly. He was very concerned with my comfort and never got impatient the way some dentists do when I said I needed to take a break or that something was too painful for me. He explained everything very thoroughly, and made a very uncomfortable and painful procedure as pleasant as it could possibly be.

They were also able to arrange a payment plan for my treatment, which was a huge help. Also: the surroundings are lovely, the artwork is top notch, and there's an office dog (Nikita!) who helped distract me from my initial pain and nervousness when I arrived. By far, the absolute best interaction I have ever had at a dental office even though it was the worst dental treatment I've ever had to undergo. I will be going back and I will tell others to see them, as well.
Cecilia C.
Jul 18, 2018
I had my wisdom teeth removed here three weeks ago. Before the procedure, I was talked to about my options and decided to be sedated. Zimmer assured me that it would be quick and painless with the sedation. I was told to take a pill before bed the night before and arrive an hour before my appointment at 9am to take another pill which would help with the sedation.

I arrived at 9 am and waited for FORTY MINUTES before someone came over to administer the pill. About five minutes later, I was instructed to take another pill. My suspicion is that after waiting for so long, they wanted to give me two pills so the medication would take effect sooner. Shortly thereafter I was brought to the room and nitrous was started.

The nitrous caused me to vomit right away (likely removing most the medication administered shortly before from my system). I fell asleep and slept through the first tooth (which was tiny and I was told I wouldn't even notice) but, awoke during the first bottom tooth and remained awake. I know that complications happen and cannot be avoided at times but what happened was honestly traumatic.

I was crying out in pain for the remainder of the procedure. I was literally unable to speak as something was jammed in my mouth to hold it open. The experience was so painful and traumatizing. I was somewhat out of it, but I do not recall being communicated with or my comfort being prioritized. I know that once it was started they had to finish but, I was grossly disappointed after paying $600 out of pocket to be sedated and instead being awake and in pain during the majority of the procedure. Zimmer suggested that hopefully I'd have some amnesia from the nitrous which felt somewhat backhanded and as though he was aware of how traumatizing and painful the experience had been.

Like I said, I was a bit out of it from the nitrous which made matters more frustrating after the procedure because I was unable stand up for myself, ask questions or explain how unhappy I was with the procedure. After the procedure I was told that I may have to pay more out of pocket than what was explained to me because of "complications". This felt odd as I had xrays before the procedure and they should have known how attached to the bone my teeth were.

This was especially frustrating considering that the sedation which, again, was quite pricey was INEFFECTIVE. I was told they were unable to process my payment at that time and would send me a receipt. Again, I was loopy from the nitrous and unable to question this. This was on Thursday, I did not receive a receipt until I called on Monday to inquire.

I also let them know my that experience was awful to which they basically responded with 'sorry' and that was it. Honestly, it seems like they don't care as long as they get their money. I asked for the doctor to call me back but it has been over two weeks and I've heard nothing. I never even received a follow up call which I overheard the receptionist making.

I am disappointed in their customer service especially after expressing my displeasure. I researched later and found that sedation is often just used to relax the patient and does not guarantee you will be asleep through the procedure. This information was not presented to me, as I was assured I'd be asleep and I wouldn't feel anything. Likely to get me agree to paying a higher cost which benefits them. I'm healing as expected but, I would not return to Zimmer. It's difficult to say if my experience would have been different elsewhere but I can say I would have felt different about my experience if medication had been administered when I was asked to arrive, if the possibility of me being awake during the process despite sedation had been brought to my attention, and if there had been more communication with myself or my partner who was there as my advocate.
Martin M.
Jun 07, 2018
Been a patient here for years and for most of those, this was the best Dental practice I've ever visited. But now, Dr. Zimmer himself is pulling back from the business and the place seems to be going downhill. You get a different hygenist every time, they make errors in scheduling appointments and the front desk staff is not very patient friendly.
Pepe B.
May 31, 2018
Finally a great dental clinic. I truly enjoyed the online checkin, efficiency of the staff and work, as well as how hip the office decor is. I'll def be back.
Daniel P.
Feb 16, 2018
Easily the coolest and best dentist in town. The hygienists are nice, knowledgeable, thorough and gentle. The facilities are awesome, and Dr Zimmer is great! Smart, caring, consultative. he's what you're looking for. For background, I have been seeing Dr Zimmer for years. Services received include cleanings, one filling, night brace fitting, and cosmetic whitening tray creation.
Moxie L.
Feb 07, 2018
I consider myself a special needs patient and Dr. Zimmer is the best dentist I've ever had. I'm not merely "anxious" or just "afraid of dentists." I experience deep ptsd when I'm in the chair, even for cleanings, and Dr. Zimmer and his staff are more patient, kind, and genuinely empathetic than any other dentist I've had in my life.

They simply get it: they don't shame or judge me, they don't minimize my experience, they don't try to make me feel differently. They are gentle, open and responsive. They take things as slowly as I need to go, they are warm and reassuring, and they listen to me when I tell them how I'm doing, and when I ask for what I need. In addition to all that, they do great work.

My crown (made while I waited so I didn't have to make two visits!) is lovely and holding up beautifully. Honestly can't say enough good stuff about them. The best. P.S. the space is great, the art is unique (and sometimes peculiar), and the views are spectacular.
Regina L.
Dec 04, 2017
I have a lot of dental anxiety. I was essentially a dentist's nightmare as a child; constantly freaking out in the dentists chair every time they had to polish my teeth. Cavities were the end of the world. Aging helped, but even as an adult it's hard not to bolt from the room when the drill comes out. Dr Zimmer's office is the only establishment that has made my dental appointments something I look forward to.

Everyone there is friendly and so calm I never have any doubt that things will go well. Dr Zimmer himself is the most competent dentist I have ever visited. He recently did an extraction and implant while I had a mouth infection from traveling, and did the whole thing within 30 minutes and with zero pain. I really recommend this place. It's also a cool spot- Zimmer has great taste in art :
Jenni P.
Nov 27, 2017
So impressed with the facility as well as the staff. For someone who often gets a little anxious about visiting the dentist, they made me feel comfortable and at ease. Plus, they have great taste in art :
Emily Gander
Jun 23, 2017
Best dentist I've ever been to. I have pretty easy teeth, so for people like me who just need a regular teeth cleaning, the environment is relaxing, the people are nice, and the location is really convenient if you work or live downtown. I also have several friends and coworkers who have had major teeth issues go here and they all say great things.

I even recommended Dr. Zimmer to a friend after a different dentist botched a filling. Dr. Zimmer was able to redo the work correctly and my friend hasn't had any pain since.
Dan Imhoff
Jun 16, 2017
Came to see Dr. Zimmer on a recommendation a couple years ago for an emergency crown, and couldn't have been happier. Have been going to him and his staff for all of my dental work every since. Their space is beautiful, inviting, and clean. The staff is excellent, and they really make you feel comfortable. Simply put, I would recommend them to anyone.
Sarah S.
Apr 18, 2017
Oh so happy to be back in Seattle so I can continue to see Dr Zimmerman and staff. The office in general is the best dentist office I have never been a customer of; and I've lived in 4 states. Everyone is personable and professional. Clean, inviting office space is always a plus, the view is always amazing. From cleanings, to fillings to a brand new crown within 2 hours! Who else makes permanent crowns so well in-house?!
Torrey Edwards
Apr 05, 2017
I still go to these guys even after moving from Belltown to Woodinville (my husband still works downtown), because they're amazing. (I tried someone else, but it didn't work for me.) Everyone I deal with is very pleasant and professional. I happened to mention in passing during my own appointment that my husband isn't fond of mint toothpaste, and when he went back in a few months later they made a point of offering a different flavor. And I love the environment of the office itself - open and bright. You can't beat the views!
Kenneth M.
Feb 16, 2017
Have been going to Dr Zimmer and his team since mid 1990s. Historically have had excellent results with yearly cleanings and maintenance. Always easy to work with as is his staff. Would also recommend for cosmetic dentistry. Great all around experience
Jennifer V.
Feb 02, 2017
I've been a patient of Dr Zimmer's for over 20 years. Although his staff has changed through the years I always receive top notch care. Dr. Zimmer takes good care of his patients and thoroughly explains procedures if extra work needs to be done. I highly recommend him.
Kari Dolezal
Dec 11, 2016
Is it weird to say I look forward to my semi-annual dental visits? Amazing staff from front-office to hygienists to the dentist himself. The office is beautiful with inspiring artwork as a bonus. Always a great experience. And no cavities!
Florina Lazarescu
Oct 29, 2015
I have been with Dr Zimmer for almost 9 years now. I always had the best experience possible; the entire staff is a pleasure to work with, very accommodating and pleasant. I am actually looking forward to have my cleaning done as the dental technicians are amazing and making this a relaxing experience. The doctor always takes time to explain each detail of the treatment and help make the best informed decision about next step.

I never felt rushed or pushed to make a decision especially when comes to expensive procedures. He is very detailed and ensures that each procedure is perfect. I am also very pleased to see how this office stays up to date with the latest technology and medical care available.
Johnny A.
Mar 20, 2014
I have been seeing Joseph Zimmer for nearly 2 years and never had a bad experience with him. Well, I didn't ever find the front desk staff to be friendly at all, which has always been a turn off from coming back. It wasn't until recently when I decided to get my wisdom teeth removed that I had the worst experience. I came in because I wanted to know what options were available to me.

They sat me down and I waited for over an hour, only to have Dr. Zimmer come in for 2min, looks at my teeth, and tells me that they need to be removed. His assistant then gives me a sheet of the estimated costs. 2 weeks later I get a "consultation" bill that I thought was outrageous, especially for making me wait over an hour to only see him for less than 5min.

If they are being shady with billing on "small" items like this, I can only imagine what this is like for bigger procedures, especially when they go bad. I ended up going with a dental surgeon instead and had such a better experience, with no shady charges. I've yet to decide if I am going to find a different dentist, this experience definitely put a sour taste in my mouth. From the sounds of other reviews, this place is perfect until something goes wrong, and then it becomes the worst place possible.
Rebecca M.
Dec 10, 2013
DON'T BELIEVE THESE FAKE REVIEWS! THIS IS NOT A DENTIST YOU SHOULD RISK YOUR MOUTH/HEALTH WITH! As of 12/16/16, Joseph R Zimmer's license has been indefinitely suspended by the Washington State Department of Health for unprofessional conduct and more. ===================== Do NOT ever step foot in this office. Joseph Robert Zimmer is negligent, and I have the mouth to prove it.

I visited his office every six months for cleaning and exams and always was told, "You have beautiful teeth!" but now that I finally switched dentists, I learned just how little Joseph Zimmer actually cares about his patients and their health and now it's going to take a couple of years to fix the damage caused by Joseph Zimmer providing inaccurate exams and careless dental work.

For example, Joseph Zimmer told me for years that my wisdom teeth were not coming in. I believed him until my wisdom teeth emerged and he still denied my wisdom teeth were in my mouth! I went to a new dentist who confirmed that yes, my wisdom teeth emerged and I need them out ASAP along with multiple of other issues that Joseph Zimmer flat out denied and lied about for years. PS - Mr. Joseph R. Zimmer has been investigated by the health department in 2003 for malpractice and in 2004 for failing to provide a patient with their medical records.

Check out his dental license status, it's pretty rare to have enforcement action taken against legit providers: https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch/SearchCriteria.aspx# He also has been a defendant in a number of medical malpractice lawsuits: http://dw.courts.wa.gov/?fa=home.namesearchTerms PPS - Joseph Zimmer likes to retaliate against patients he has neglected by breaking HIPAA violations as well.

He doesn't apologize for his failures but he will badmouth ex-patients who speak up about his poor ethics. TL;DR : **SUSPENDED LICENSE**, failure to diagnose, rushed procedures and exams, sloppy and painful work, inexperienced assistants, lack of courtesy, and zero accountability. Avoid, avoid, avoid.