Arlyn Heidi Donesa, DDS

Jun 2025

Absolutely amazing patient care. I came in after not having seen a dentist in over ten years. I knew we had a lot of work to do, but Dr Donesa has never once made me feel insecure about the state of my teeth. She has worked so patiently and so meticulously. Dr Donesa and her staff have given me confidence again. They also take the time to ensure you know your payment and what insurance will be covering. They confirm appointments and the actual location is very calming. The entire staff here is incredibly kind (and it’s an all woman staff which is mega bonus points in my book on comfort).

Nov 2023

I have been having teeth issues for about two years since my previous dentist ruined my teeth. I never had fears of any dentist but since getting treatment from Dr. Donesa those fears are gone. She's very nice, and very good. She really cares about her patients.

Jun 2023

I opened Yelp a few minutes ago, thinking that I'd post a review for North Marin Dental, as I was there earlier today. Oh - I already did post a review - in Jan 2016, after my first visit. Well, since that was 7 years ago, I'll submit an update! First thing I should mention is that the dental practice changed ownership a year or two after I started going there. Dr Goodlett retired, and the practice was purchased by Dr Arylyn Donesa. That's important because any Yelp reviews--good or bad--prior to 2017-18 (?) should be ignored, since this is a different practice in the same building, using the same name. I see a few negative reviews about bills for small amounts showing up a year or two after the change in ownership. That's weird, but it sounds like something that could happen when a business changes owners. The new owner "paid for" the old receivables, and sends out a few followups, hoping that some people might pay. So I wouldn't select or de-select a dentist based on this. The reviews I care about are the ones where people indicate that the dentist is over-treating, or suggesting dental care that's not necessary. I've worried about that my whole life since these are the only teeth I have. I tend to NOT trust dentists! I remember when Dr Donesa and I were just getting to know each other, and she said something about keeping an eye on 3, 4, 5, x, and y (I forget all the tooth numbers). Warning lights flashed - she was going to try to take me to the cleaners! The next time I was in (semi-annual cleaning) she mentioned those teeth again, and reminded me to take particular care there when brushing and flossing. That was it. Hmmm. I guess it wasn't a scam or upsell in the making - it was a way to tell me where trouble's were likely to develop. And over the years it seems the mostly minor work I've had has involved those teeth. So yes - whoever your dentist is, if you EVER have doubts about proposed dental care, get a second opinion - plenty of Marin practices have "new patient specials." That said, I happen to be quite confident that Dr Donesa / North Marin Dental places MY best interests above any profit motive. Thanks for that! My updated review: still FIVE STARS!