UCSF Orthodontics Faculty Clinic

We had a similar issue with my 8-year-old, not knowing which treatment plan was the right one.  We got a consultation with the orthodontic faculty clinic at UCSF. Because they are a university, I felt confident in their recommendations and especially that they weren’t trying to upsell us. They were only a little bit cheaper than private practices, but the peace of mind I got from having a consultation with a non-profit was invaluable. We did go with them for the treatment, which is not convenient but we’ve been very happy with them and the interest-free monthly payment plan.

For complicated reasons, our 16-year-old didn't have her braces installed until this past February.  On the recommendation of a friend, her work is being done at the UCSF Benioff Orthodontic Clinic on Parnassus Street in San Francisco.  Why?  Because you can get top-of-the-line treatment there for half the price of a private orthodontist. The work is done by young orthodontists who already have their degrees (they are all called "Dr."), but who must work as "interns" for two years before becoming credentialed.  

Their work is always checked -- at each visit -- by a senior orthodontist, and so you you know that you are in good hands.  Our teen is being treated by Dr. Campbell, and we could not be happier with her, or with how her treatment is progressing at the six-month mark.

FYI, once the work is underway, the appointments are (nearly) always on a Friday.  I choose 11:00 a.m., because that way our kid doesn't have to miss her 1st period class.  I pick her up at 9:30 a.m. and we get there in plenty of time to find free parking on one of the nearby residential streets.  (I could pick her up as late as 10:00, or even 10:15 a.m., as I've never had a problem with traffic.  However,  you never know what might happen on the bridge.)  She does homework or snoozes in the car while we wait for the appointment.  

After the appointment -- which lasts from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on what needs to be done --  it's become a tradition to stop by the Jamba Juice on Irving Street for a smoothie -- a deserved reward! -- and then we drive back to Berkeley with almost no traffic at that hour.  

So... don't let the "distance" put you off -- except for perhaps one initial appointment, you'll never going during rush hour traffic, and it's fun to have a regular opportunity to drive across beautiful San Francisco Bay in the middle of the day.

Feel free to email me with any questions you may have.  I've taken a lot of photos so that you can get an idea of how wonderful the facilities are! 

lmorland [at] gmail.com