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Kailua Center For Progressive Located on the Windward side of Oahu, we promise nothing but the best for your teeth. From restoration and cleaning to cosmetic services, we'll help you achieve a smile that's flawless. Give us a call at (808) 263-6620 today. It's our goal to make sure your smile is something you're proud to show off. We offer a wide range of general dentistry services that will help make your smile whiter and brighter while preserving the health, strength, and functionality of your teeth. Stop by and experience exceptional service in our renowned, state-of-the-art facility.
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At Kailua Dental Care, we have spent years perfecting the art of general, pediatric, and cosmetic dentistry. Our team guarantees a job done right to help you maintain optimal oral health for years to come. Dental problems can appear at any time, especially as you grow older. That's why routine dental checkups are an important step to having great oral hygiene.
Everyone at Kailua Dental Care strives to be masters of their craft. As soon as you walk through our doors, our friendly and compassionate staff will be waiting to take care of you because here, patients are treated like family. Congratulations to our very own Dr. Jeffrey Sonson for making the 2019 Honolulu Magazine Best Dentists in Hawaii list.
As the leading state-of-the-art dental clinic in Kailua, HI, our dentists are committed to providing safe, affordable, and effective dental procedures to give you the smile you've always dreamed of. Regular teeth cleanings every 6 months play a key role in preserving overall dental health now and in the future.
To book an appointment, schedule a consultation, or learn more about treatment options and pricing information, call us at (808) 263-6620 or pay us a visit in Kailua. We accept cash, check, most major credit cards, and most major insurance providers, including HDS, HMAA, MetLife & MetLifeTRICARE, CIGNA, HMSA, Aetna, United Concordia, Delta, and Humana.
Reviews (35)
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Derrick Mane
May 21, 2022
Start to finish everything went well. When you walk in it's a nice waiting area. The staff are extremely kind and helpful. The care they provide for their patron is perfect. Like some dentist office I've been too it seemed like they were money hungry and wanted to charge you for stuff you don't need done this place actually cares about your finances and looks out for the best for you. Highly recommend this place for all your dentist needs.
Kat Novack
May 05, 2022
The front desk staff are awesome! My favorite dentist is Dr. Colon. He's smart, up-to-date on all the new equipment & techniques, very thorough and very easy to talk to regarding treatment options. They are also on-time for appointments!
Kiera Trickey TieDyeme
Apr 28, 2022
Beautiful office, but they never called me back for an appointment after saying I had 3 cavities. I called them back twice to set up an appointment and there was an insurance problem? Idk two months past by and the only response I got was a bill for the X-rays. By then I already found a new dentist in aiea who got me right. Super frustrating overall, hope I was the only one.
Megan Sells
Apr 21, 2022
Today, Hygienist, Ryan helped my son feel comfortable and made the experience fun; my son was in tears before the appt not wanting to go and when we left said he likes the dentist and wants to go back. Our whole ohana goes to Kailua Dental Care.
Mary Schumacher
Mar 13, 2022
I have been a patient at Kailua Dental Care for 8 or 9 yrs now and would never go anywhere else. All of the office staff, from the front desk to the technicians and dentists, are always cheerful, welcoming and highly skilled using the latest techniques and technology in dental care. I'd highly recommend you schedule an appt to see for yourself. You will not be disappointed. How many people can say they look forward to seeing their dentist?!
Herbert Dauber
Feb 27, 2022
Feb 6. I may have been a bit confused about my last minute appointment granted after advising that about a bridge having fallen out a day earlier, as a scheduled cleaning for Feb 9, was also wonderfully performed by Lisa on Feb 6. Dr. Sonson fixed and restored the bridge albeit possibly only temporarily. Kailua Dental Care goes well beyond normal treatments to ensure patients received the best care possible. They are great!
Sarah Wolf
Jan 29, 2022
The dentist was one of the best I've had ever! He was so good I didn't even feel the numbing shots Very professional but not judge mental Even though I didn't have dental insurance they made me feel comfortable and like a regular human being! I would definitely go back don't wanna work with anyone else!
Tom Lake
Dec 31, 2021
Very courteous and prompt receptionists, I felt valued. Dr Oak was very supportive of my needs and set up an excellent plan to get my teeth back in order. She's a good one to stick with long term.
Bunky Marcus
Dec 28, 2021
Greatest front desk people, friendly, caring, helpful. Some of the nicest people you'll ever find. They squeezed me in as a new patient. I can't stop saying how wonderful this entire practice
Christina Fitzgerald
Oct 29, 2021
Visited for the first time today, and it was the most thorough cleaning I've had in years. My teeth feel so sparkly! And because fall break, I called ahead to ensure I could bring my 5 year old with me. Not only were they accommodating, but they allowed her in the exam room with me, listened to all her stories, and even gave her a kid's toothbrush and toys when we left. Truly grateful to have found this place.
Mel F.
Oct 22, 2021
Dr. Erik DUNKELBERGER and his assistant Harriet are LIARS and CROOKS! We have dental insurance which Kailua Dental Care accepts. My son was supposed to see Dr. Sonson(owner of the practice)and he got Dunkelberger instead. It turns out that Dunkelberger was 'Out of Network' for our insurance and charged us a ridiculous amount of money. Beware of who you see in the office - Dunkelberger/Harriet will steal clients and charge a ridiculous amount.
Tori Life
Aug 13, 2021
Kailua Dental has taken care of my family for years. The office staff is friendly and caring and always communicative. The space is comfortable, safe, and private. And the doctors, nurses, and technicians are thorough and compassionate.
Melanie Ho Erb
Jun 25, 2021
Dr Ester Oaks is truly a pain-free dentist and a master at her craft. She did an awesome filling for me after my molar chipped down to my gum line. Thanks for fitting me into your schedule as an urgent appointment!
Ron Cummings
Jun 14, 2021
In my 72 years of life I have never experience a more detail oriented professional than Dr Dunkelberger. Gayle in the office is exceptional and goes beyond what is expected for the patient. They all have a can do attitude.
Sonny S.
May 11, 2021
I have the best dentist in Dr Esther Oak D.D.S. She is professional, kind, caring, understanding & compassionate. I recommend Dr Esther Oak D.D.S to everyone!
Louis Scheer
Apr 12, 2021
Today I had 3 teeth extracted at Kailua Dental Care. I was worried at first but Kailua Dental Care took me step by step through the process they were able to do and reassured me that everything was going to be as quickly and painlessly as possible. Their staff & surgeons were very kind, caring, knowledgeable & professional. I'm happy to have Kailua Dental care as my family dentist
Kilah K.
Apr 06, 2021
Another wonderful appointment today. The staff & ambience are simply fantastic. Ample parking in front & a cool, calm & friendly atmosphere. I like that they have evening availability as well. Always greeted ever so pleasantly by the receptionists & today my hygienist was Neal. He was amazing! Gentle & thorough, didn't rush & very passionate about his work. Looking forward to my next cleaning with my favorite dental team.
Vanessa G.
Mar 02, 2021
Gael, what a lady! The thing about a great dentist is there willingness to go above and beyond what is expected. I would not hesitate to call this place my second home because I'm always there because of bad teeth. They fix me up right every time and I know because I've been to hundreds of dentists. Yes, hundreds. This dentist reminds me of the dentist I had as a kid and the manager, Gael is like the fairy God mother with her calm demeanor and willingness to help. I moved to the big island but will gladly fly back just to see Ms. Gael and because Dr. Colon is A REALLY GREAT dentist.
Lindsay Wildman
Oct 11, 2020
They are extremely professional, I have been to many dentist having to get work done. They made me feel comfortable and informed me about everything I may be feeling depending upon nerve sensitivity. I would recommend them to anyone looking for an amazing dentist, and as an added bonus they also offer payment plans even if your uninsured.
May-Ellen Colon
Sep 14, 2020
I enjoyed my experience at Kailua Dental care. Not only is Kailua Dental care high tech and well equipped, but most importantly, the staff was friendly and helpful. And they took me at the last minute, since my tooth crown had just broken. I enjoyed the dentist, Dr. Ivan Colon, who worked on me. He is a tooth-artist, and did a fabulous job to fix the broken crown which was in the front, as well as to tweak some previous dental work from 40 years ago. I'm glad my crown broke, for now my smile is better than before. I'm not biased, but Dr. Colon is my son.;- HA!
Judy B.
Aug 28, 2020
Never go here! I had my tooth "fixed" today. Problem being they fixed the WRONG tooth. At the end of July I went in because the second from the back tooth, bottom left had been giving me problems. By the time I got in, it was only bothering me occasionally. I had had a crown done on the upper second to the back tooth so I mentioned that it also bothered me occasionally. Dentist did some adjustment on that.

Also did sensitivity test on the tooth I complained about as well as others. NEVER once did he say that tooth is NOT the problem. So I go back in after I got home and noticed it was the wrong tooth. Now he says it was the back tooth and he did find problems with it. And, it was in my treatment plan to have fixed in the future. Just so you know, I DO NOT do anything to teeth that are not giving me a problem! Oh, and he says that he wouldn't do anything to the tooth I complained about. DOES HE DO ANY ADDITIONAL TESTING ON THAT TOOTH? NO! So, now, if that tooth bothers me and I have to have it fixed, I have to pay to get it done. AND GET THIS, THEY CHARGED ME TO HAVE A TOOTH FIXED THAT NEVER GAVE ME A PROBLEM AND NEVER MENTIONED THEY WERE FIXING A DIFFERENT TOOTH THAT I WENT IN FOR! He did mention it was a month ago so he doesn't remember what he said.
Sunday F.
Aug 28, 2020
This was the least helpful dentist office I had ever encountered. Through my job- they were the only the one closest to home that I could sign up for, so I did. Didn't have to visit until I had an infection. So I call and call and they tell me no appointments available. So I'm in pain and I go to a different dentist. They managed to call me back couple days back and I was right on the footsteps when this Kailua DC called me to say they MIGHT have an availability for me.

Get this- the girl is Laughing (!) at me explaining how upset I am of their lack of availability and options. I just needed a tooth pulled out. She drags on our phone conversation and I had to explain to her I need to wrap up the conversation because I was in a different town. She brushes it off and it's just unprofessional and inappropriate behavior. GET THIS THO- I arrive and the dentist didn't fix it!

They prescribe medicine and a specialist who is in a different town further away from my home and it had to be on a different day! Even more I was upset. Dentist didn't try helping and neither did the staff. If you have an emergency or a simple toothache- Go elsewhere. It'll be faster and less waste of your time.
Rocca C.
Mar 30, 2020
Need I say more? "Life changing". Kuddos to Dr. Erik Dunkelberger! There is no other dentist that I would go to or recommend! When you find the best, you keep it!
George A.
May 31, 2019
I just had a filling and a crown replaced by Dr Calon today. The procedure lasted about two hours, had 3 needles to num the nerves. Never felt any of the needles going in and the entire procedure was painless. Dr. Calon is a perfectness, spent a great deal of time getting not only the bite perfect but also the tooth color on the crown perfect. great DR. and staff, Highly Recommend Kailua Dental Care Thank you George Arnott
Patrick M.
May 17, 2019
For having to have a molar yanked from my jaw, I couldn't have had a better experience, really. I came in for an exam + x-rays yesterday, and they were able to get me in for an extraction this morning. Dr. Colon is quite skilled, and very personable. I barely felt a pinch when I was numbed up, and was out pretty quickly. I have had a lapse in my dental coverage recently, and they have been extremely accommodating. And unlike EVERY other time I have been to a dentist, I didn't feel like they were out to get as much $ out of me as possible. 11/10 would recommend this dental office.
Haley C.
Apr 21, 2019
Kailua Dental Care is easy to find, and in a nice building. I walked in and was led back to a chair, and got the feeling that nobody working there wanted to be there. The hygienist saw me first, slightly odd that her greeting was, "I'm not the person you want to see, but will start the exam and the dentist will be in shortly." Sure, ok and your name is?

After some small talk she asked if I used a flouride toothpaste. I told her I did not, and she got a little sharp in the asking of why. Unbeknownst to her the reason I don't use flouride is actually medical in nature set by my physician, and not something she needs the details of. She got a little uncomfortable when I tried to back up my reasoning with some applied chemistry, and I could tell this visit was heading south.

She told me that is probably why I have had so many fillings and proceeded to clean my teeth with displayed frustration. I understand I may not have been the average patient, but here is where professionalism has to come into play and it was lacking in our interaction. She then asked if she could polish my teeth. Ok, sure and she did a really nice job there.

She finished an exited the room, a few minutes later I hear the dentist finishing with the other patient and presumably heading my way. Sounded like he was stopped by the hygienist, then I hear some very loud raspy whispering, "Heads up, she is really difficult." I may not have the best teeth but my ears work pretty well. At this point I was just kind of planning my exit, the dentist came in and introduced himself, I then introduced myself as "really difficult." The awkwardness was overflowing as he looked at my chart and went right to me needing extractions.

I thanked him for his time, and politely excused myself. Felt cold and had some severe headaches for 4 days following my visit, and had no idea why. Fast forward to my insurance contacting me about a flouride treatment I received from Kailua Dental Care. "Excuse me, a what?" The hygenist pulled a "Mother knows best, " and went ahead and "polished, " my teeth with flouride after knowing it wasn't something I use or am comfortable with.

I felt my rights as a human being were violated, and it kinda left me no choice but to submit this to my lawyer to prevent this type of negligence from occurring in the future. I wish the best for everyone working here, and I really hope you guys find some joy in your work life. To all the folks out there needing dentistry, use discernment when visiting Kailua Dental Care, as your health and happiness might not be the focus here.
Ka & Apos I. D.
Apr 05, 2019
I've been going to the same dentist for pretty much my whole life (the past 20+ years). After I moved to California I saw an array of dentists that either were sketchy, overcharged, or just flat out horrible. I moved home to find out my old dentist closed his practice - so of course I went to Yelp to find the nearest, best one near me. So far, I have not been let down!

This practice is so friendly, timely, professional and straight to the point. They helped me fix my problem filling that needed to be drilled down more (from my terrible previous Cali dentist), which I cannot thank them enough for. Everything is how it should be at a dentist!
Donna W.
Mar 09, 2019
While on vacation, my crown came off. Was able to schedule an appointment within 3 hours. Dr. Honda was outstanding! I left the office with a fix that allowed me to enjoy the rest of my trip.
Caitlyn V.
Dec 26, 2018
Due to a suspiciously outrageous diagnosis I received from Dr. Howard Carrico (also in Kailua) that would cost me $2000, I decided to have a second opinion from Dr. Erik Dunkelberger at Kailua Dental Care. After a comprehensive examination, Dr. Dunkelberger informed me that I had excellent dental hygiene and no dental work was needed on the contrary.

What a relief! Additionally, Dr. Dunkelberger demonstrated great attention to detail as he customized the mouthguard according to my bite so that it would fit as comfortably as possible. I felt cared for and left the office with complete satisfaction. Mahalo nui Kailua Dental Care for providing the best care for the patients!
Ragnar S.
Aug 31, 2018
Due to acute dental issues involving 3 cracked teeth and much more, I visited Kailua Dental for emergency repairs during my travels. Dr. Erik Dunkelberger and the outstanding staff at Kailua Dental provided the top-quality expertise, compassion, and professional care that I needed in a timely manner. Once I returned home, my dentist, a 35+ year veteran and clinical dental school instructor was thoroughly impressed with the excellent work Dr. Dunkelberger performed in my time of need. I can now smile again! Thank you Kailua Dental for excellent care and thoughtful service! Mahalo Nui Loa!
Christian R.
Jun 12, 2018
I have been a patient at this clinic for several years and have always had good experiences in the past. Very clean, bright environment. Front desk staff is welcoming, and the dental assistants are kind and gentle on me when doing my routine cleaning. The last time I went, I was seen by Dr. Erik Dunkelberger. He came off as very rude. Stuck up even.

We had a short "small talk" personal conversation when he first entered the room, like I do with most of my doctors, and as he responded to me, he made me feel as if I was inferior to him. He gave off this tone of "seriously? Your life is that sad?" Never before has a doctor made me feel down like that. When we talked about what I wanted to do about my dental situation, he seemed irritated with the choices I wanted to persue.

It was very upsetting and has bothered me since. It makes me question if I ever want to return to this location. This place can be great. As long as Dr. Dunkelberger is not your dentist.
K. C.
Dec 09, 2017
I REALLY like Dr. Wong. To me, she seems like a perfectionist which I like! She does great work! She explains what she is going to do to make you feel as comfy as possible. I love the way she corrects her assistants if need be. Harriet, the lady at the front desk is super genuine and full of aloha too. My only gripe is that the hygienists seem to be transient. I have never gotten the same hygienist ever which I appreciate. I hope to find a hygienist and then request her/him permanently.
Radharani L.
Mar 27, 2017
I have been going to Kailua Dental Care for years. Now I see Dr. Wong, and she is amazing! She is very considerate, always very careful and has gentle hands. The staff is so friendly, easy to work with, so unlike other dentist's offices, which are happy to charge for even a re-schedule. Kailua Dental Care has never charged me for re-scheduling or even cancelling appointments. I highly recommend Dr. Wong and Kailua Dental Care to anyone.
Brooke L.
Mar 01, 2017
I owe Kailua Dental Care and Dr. Stephen Sueda a review. I switched my silver fillings to white simply for cosmetic reason back in Minnesota. Worst mistake of my life. Ever since getting them re done I couldn't chew on either side because of piercing pain. I went to a dentist in Honolulu to try and get them fixed, and the price without insurance (I don't have dental) was SO much, so I walked thinking it could get better through time.

I came to Kailua Dental Care for second opinion. their vibe I KNEW I wanted to stick with them. Good people who aren't trying to scam you I swear. I immediately felt they were trying to solve problems and that's it! It was nothing about money. So I scheduled to get my fillings replaced with them. before my appointment I got such pain I had to go to another dentist because they were closed, I ended up getting a root canal and crown for almost $2,600! Kailua Dental Care would have been half that, but I couldn't wait.

I ended up going back to Kailua Dental Care because during my root canal a cavity was found. Kailua Dental Care waived my appt. fee and did my X rays for me. I just am writing this review to let them know how thankful I am in a hard time. Karma will come back to ya.
Randall S.
Mar 16, 2016
Official Kailua resident--official San Francisco resident, who splits my existance between Kailua's Lanikai and San Francisco's Dolores Park Heights neighborhood, reporting on Kailua Dental Care here. Woohoo! I have my teeth back! Well, it's not like I actually had any missing, but Dr. Colon and the competent staff of KDC have seen to it that I will be keeping the 31 teeth I still have in place (one wisdom tooth of mine was removed years ago) for the foreseeable future.

I came to KDC knowing that I had a number of dental issues that needed to be resolved before they became major issues, mainly a chipped front tooth and a tooth that had lost some composite bonding that had been placed in-mouth over 30 years ago, back when I was a virile, young buck in Chicago. Obviously, first things need to be taken care of first, and prior to the repair of the teeth that were in need of work, I had the highly recommended cleaning done about three weeks prior to this particular appointment. Dr. Colon knocked off the two major dental issues of mine in one sitting, repairing the chipped front tooth I had suffered, as well as restoring the lost composite bonding that had been in place on one tooth during this particular appointment.

All of this was adroitly accomplished, totally pain-free, in less than 20 minutes and without any belittling lecturing about how I need to take better care of my teeth, which many dentists always seem to feel that they need to dispense. Basically to paraphrase Caesar, Dr. Colon came, saw, and repaired. Really, that's all I want from a dentist.

It truly was wonderful, after all the dental work Dr. Colon had performed, to rub my tongue over the teeth that had issues and feel them issueless once again. I will be back soon to have some other minor work to be done in about a month. Of note: I love how the scrubs the dental assistants wear at KDC pay homage, through embroidery on them, to perhaps the most photographed offshore islands in the world: The Mokuluas, off of Lanikai Beach, here in Kailua. (They are seen in KDC's logo) Just another nice touch (among many) of a totally professional group working diligently to keep one's dental problems at a minimum.