McDowell, James A.

1447 4th St
San Rafael, CA 94901415-453-4720

Top-Rated
For Quality:	NO
For Price:	NO

19 ratings
74% gave a "superior" overall rating
$$$$ - Prices 23% higher than average
Compare 309 nearby dentists
"Dr McDowell, a dentist in San Rafael, CA is one of the worst dentists - to briefly comment, his assistant..."
Read More Comments

Consumer Ratings for McDowell, James A. — 19 Ratings

Percent of patients who rated dentist "superior" for: | = average for all dentists

Overall care what is this?

Arranging an appointment quickly when needed what is this?

Keeping down time in waiting room and delays in chair what is this?

Explaining and checking prevention methods (flossing, brushing, etc.) what is this?

Asking about symptoms or problems you may have what is this?

Discussing diagnosis, treatment options, and costs what is this?

Being gentle what is this?

Producing the results you expect what is this?

Fees for McDowell, James A.

Price comparison score

Consumer Comments for McDowell, James A.

Consumer from Belvedere Tiburon, CA
May 16, 2018

Dr McDowell, a dentist in San Rafael, CA is one of the worst dentists - to briefly comment, his assistant dentist was very rough, racing madly, barking at his assistant for not going fast enough, painful and worst of all, left a dental tool in my mouth which caused me terrible pain for 3 days. I called Dr. McDowell on the weekend but he did not return my call. My son finally looked deep into my mouth and saw it - I hadn't been able to eat or drink without severe pain. The next visit, Dr. McDowells chair assistant attempted to take a mold for the new crown and at one point, broke it into tiny pieces, three of which lodged in my gums. Again, intensive pain for 3 days until I finally begin to feel the pieces moving slowly towards the back of my mouth. The last straw was when Dr. McDowell himself lodged a pick in the roof of my son's mouth creating extreme pain and when my son screamed, he didn't even apologize, just jerked it out and then proceeded to do the same thing again!!!!! Unbelievabl that dentist who seems to be doing very well with big new offices, etc. could be so bad! We now use Dr. Leite in Mill Valley who was painless, gentle, and good. He made Dr. McDowell refund part of my money because he had to completely remove and redo the crown!

Consumer from SAN RAFAEL, CA
Sep 15, 2013

Very expensive and rather aggressive. High charge to long time patient for a full exam, although dentist only took a one minute peak at broken tooth. That charge was not even applied to the repeat visit to get tooth repaired. Some long waits in the chair.

You won't find anything else like Checkbook

Nonprofit and independent
Takes no advertising or referral fees
Ratings and reviews by surveyed Consumers' Checkbook and Consumer Reports local subscribers
Thousands of undercover price comparisons
Complaint counts from local consumer agencies and attorney general offices

Dentists Articles

Finding a Dentist Who Makes You Smile

The feedback we’ve collected from surveying consumers and dentists will help you find a tip-top tooth doc. We found substantial differences in ratings from dentist to dentist.

How to Take a Big Bite Out of Dental Costs

When choosing a dentist, you should care most about quality of care. But for many patients, cost matters, too. Fortunately, we found that many dentists who rated high on all aspects of care and service also had low fees.

Dental Specialties: Who Does What?

Endodontists and periodontists and prosthodontists, oh my! Here’s who does what.

Should You Buy Dental Insurance?

If you don’t carry dental insurance coverage, you can buy it yourself. But because, like any insurance, the companies that offer dental coverage take in more money than they pay out, carefully evaluate available options before you buy.

Teeth-Whitening Options

There are several options to lighten your not-so-pearly whites. Some methods are completely DIY, some are DIY with help from a dentist, and some are performed while in a dentist’s chair.

How to Brush and Floss Properly

You’ll reduce the length of time you have to spend in a dentist’s chair—and drastically reduce the procedures your teeth need—by regularly performing proper routine dental care.

Cavities: How They Form and How to Prevent Them

Throughout recorded history, tooth decay (dental caries) has probably caused more pain than any other infectious disease.

A Summary of Dental Treatment Options

Despite substantial progress in the prevention of caries and gum disease, most Americans’ mouths still bear witness to their ravages. The usual procedures for repairing and replacing teeth have not changed in many years but progress continues on most fronts.

Gum Disease Prevention and Treatment

As more and more teeth withstand the threat of caries, a second type of threat must be confronted: periodontal disease, the disease of the gums, bone, and supporting structures around the teeth.

McDowell, James A.

Consumer Ratings for McDowell, James A. — 19 Ratings

Fees for McDowell, James A.

Consumer Comments for McDowell, James A.

You won't find anything else like Checkbook

Dentists Articles

Related Content

Sign in

Don't have an account? Join