Banner Dental
Lael Banner, DDS:
Practice Profile Page

Hi fellow Yelpers, we meet again. If you’re like me, you’ll spend your time Yelping about an extra-ordinary experience, so here’s one about a trip to see the dentist. When I arrived, I received a friendly greeting, some friendly forms and had myself a sit in a sleek, modern and comfortable living room. Despite the 80-degree day, I appreciated the sentiment of a fireplace. I spent the next 10 minutes crossing out medical concerns, fumbling through my contacts for my emergency individual and, of course, discussing facial care. Standard “dentist stuff”, uniquely blending efficiency with competency-based procedures inclusive of thorough care, discussions and recommendations. If you’re looking for a team of knowledgeable, approachable and happy professionals, check out Banner Dental. Also note the location is central for the north end of Seattle, a quick walk to Green Lake and completely accessible in the Greenwood neighborhood.

I had my first appointment this morning for a cleaning. I was very impressed by how friendly everyone was, and Dr. Banner took his time to go over my health history and made sure that he understood all of my concerns. I have never had a dentist spend so much time with me. Afterwards, the dental hygienist Mackenzie took a full set of xrays, and afterwards, I met with the doctor again who took photographs. He used the screen above the chair to display my x-rays and photographs again taking his time to fully explain the condition of my teeth.  Dr. Banner then cleaned my teeth and measured the health of my gums, and Mackenzie came in to floss, polish, and and administer the fluoride. Overall, I was very impressed as it did not feel like they were trying to rush me out the door. I could tell they really cared about the condition of my teeth, and as an added bonus they accepted my insurance! And most importantly, I really loved the music playing in their office 😉

I needed a new dentist after my old one retired. It was great finding a new one so close and convenient to where I live. Upon walking it, one can’t help but notice everything is brand new. They really go out of their way to make the patient comfortable. I’ve never been in a private patient suite before. Dr. Banner and his staff were great: on time, efficient and handled everything with the utmost of care. His communication style is nice, too. As he’s talking to his staff, he was also letting me know what was going on and easing any concerns I may have had. Prior to my appointment, I was not sure if I would switch my family over to Dr. Banner, but after today, I have nothing but the utmost confidence that his practice will be where we go for a long time.

Seattle Public School teachers come here! They are wonderful. I thought I might need tons of dental work, and ended up needing a deep cleaning only. They are thorough, kind, and sensitive to your worries. Dr. Banner examined me and did not make me feel bad about the fact that I hadn’t seen a dentist in over 10 years. Shanna has cleaned my teeth twice and explains all needs and procedures. She patiently helps me understand my dental insurance and the prices are very reasonable. I appreciate this practice! Can’t say enough about how wonderful and efficient they are.

Dr. Banner and his staff are professional and friendly. It is obvious their top priority is that you are satisfied with your experience. I appreciate that they reviewed my insurance coverage as part of my treatment plan and I didn’t feel like they were trying to up sell me. This is very important as I’ve gone to a dentist I trust for the last 30 years. I would recommend Dr. Banner to my friends and family.

I *really* like this place, for so many reasons. First of all, I have some serious anxiety around dental work, so for me to give a dentist five stars is saying something. Dr. Banner is personable, knowledgeable, and immediately put me at ease with his relaxed, friendly manner, and his good listening skills, which is a must! All the staff are very caring and friendly. They are efficient and timely, but I never felt rushed, or that they were anything less than 100% attentive. I have been there three times now, so I can say that this is consistently so. I had some work done, which I was pretty nervous about… well, I starting crying on my third visit, so you get the picture. Dr. Banner was SUPER mindful of my anxiety, explaining everything as he went, and being very careful in every way he could to not cause me any pain. They have TV screens and Netflix, so you can watch something to distract you from what’s going on in your mouth, which is great for lengthy procedures. I chose to watch Jiro Dreams of Sushi, which I have been wanting to see for a long time. Watching someone slice through raw fish with razor sharp knives while you are having dental work done might not be the best idea though, so don’t follow my example… On my second visit, Darlene, the receptionist, helped me wade through insurance paperwork, letting me know what was what. Super helpful. On that same visit, I had a deep cleaning… under the gum line – see, that’s what you get when you have anxiety around dental work and don’t go to the dentist for a LONG TIME (remember that don’t follow my example bit?). The hygienist was so sweet – she actually reminded me of one of my nieces. She clearly knew what she was doing, and was kind and respectful of my nervousness, and did a great job. On my last visit, as I was leaving, I ended up chatting with Dr. Banner’s wife, who happened to be there, and Darlene, the receptionist, and it was lovely. They all have great senses of humor, and are kind. It was just a great experience, as far as dentist visits go ;-). And I love a family-run business. And by the way, they are all young, so I’m hoping Dr. Banner won’t retire for a good long time! Nothing but good things to say. I have found my new dentist.

Dr. Banner is the best dentist I’ve ever used, hands down. I’m so, so glad I found his office. The staff are incredible – very friendly and professional. Dr. Banner is super nice and takes time to explain everything in a way I can understand. I’ve been going to Dr. Banner for about 2 years now. I’ve been to several other dentists in Ballard/Greenwood and his office is hands down the best experience. The office is warm, clean, and welcoming. I love watching Netflix while getting my teeth cleaned. It makes the process a million times more comfortable. Banner has definitely earned my highest recommendation.

So you know after you go somewhere once and then you go again later sometimes your experience is different? THIS IS NOT ONE OF THOSE PLACES. 🙂 I had not been here since 2016-2017 and I moved away from WA and lived in 2 different states since my last visit. I just moved back and thought I had a cavity (ish)- So I called to make an appointment hoping they were still in business and hoping they were still as great as the last time I came in (YAY!!!! They were) – Keep in mind I HATE and have great FEAR of the dentist! You want to see a grown woman cry over needles and drills…I am that woman. This practice does not push anything onto you-they still do NOT do the upsell unless you absolutely need it-they make care recommendations and then tell you each step of exactly what they are doing. When I called to make an appointment the reception person was super duper nice (same as before), I reminded her of my absolute fear of the dentist-The woman that I spoke to was caring and understanding. I came in about 2 days later and when I checked in for my appointment the woman who took my appointment immediately recognized me and she was very understanding about my fears. They also did all the checking on my insurance before I even got there- The office is very calm and modern and doesn’t have that horrible medical feel- It has a spa kind of atmosphere-and don’t be scared about parking either, there is plenty- there are spaces in the front and there are some in the back as well. I waited about 2 minutes in the waiting room and I was placed into an exam room and got some x-rays and was seated back into the room :). The dental tech who did my X-rays was so nice! Very friendly- she was gentle and told me exactly what she was going to do each step of the way. I originally wanted to get my teeth cleaned but unfortunately for me there was really no immediate space but while I was there-there must have been a cancellation and so they were kind enough to offer me an appointment right after my check up. I took the appointment and the hygienist cleaned my teeth and now they feel squeaky clean. My teeth are really super sensitive so when I let her know there was discomfort when she started using the electric cleaner she immediately stopped went to her hand tools to clean my teeth (which I knew takes longer) but then there was little to no discomfort for me…which I completely appreciated. I apologized that she had to put more work into it-she said it was no problem and was super friendly about it. Now all I have to worry about is coming back in about 6 months for another appointment 🙂 Dr. Banner and his entire staff could’t be any nicer! And 3 years later nothing has changed- I am so glad on this move back to Seattle this is one professional I did not need to research again-Am I still afraid to go to the dentist?-Of Course I am…but am I less scared?- Absolutely. If you are sick of trying out medical providers…and looking for a fabulous dentist? Look no further- make this practice your new dentist office you will not regret it.

Dr. Banner is wonderful, as is the rest of the staff! I really appreciate how professional yet laid-back they all are. They took the time to also answer all of my questions and were very clear and candid about what was going on during my x-rays and cleaning. (This is a HUGE contrast to my last dentist, where I always felt rushed and pressured throughout my appointments.) I’m so happy they opened up here in the Greenwood neighborhood, and for once in my life I’m looking forward to my next cleaning!