We are sister doctors, specializing in pediatric dentistry, caring for infants, children and adolescents, including those with special needs. Both Drs. Hayder completed their undergraduate training at U.C. BERKELEY and graduate training at U.C. SAN FRANCISCO, and are Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (BOARD-CERTIFIED SPECIALISTS).
They have dedicated their careers to caring for your children as if they were members of their own family. I literally cannot say enough wonderful things about this office, and about Dr. Hayder. My two daughters, now ages 2 and 3, have been seeing Dr. Hayder since they first started going to the dentist.
They have dedicated their careers to caring for your children as if they were members of their own family. I literally cannot say enough wonderful things about this office, and about Dr. Hayder. My two daughters, now ages 2 and 3, have been seeing Dr. Hayder since they first started going to the dentist.
Services
Hayder focus on preventive dentistry and on tailoring treatment based on your children's individual needs. We pride ourselves on treating your children like members of our own family. We limit our practice to infants, children and adolescents, including those with special needs, and partner closely with you to instill the importance of healthy habits in your children.
Dr. May Hayder grew up in the East Bay, earning her undergraduate degree with honors from UC Berkeley, and her dental degree in the top of her class from UC San Francisco. She then completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the University of Southern California.
She completed her pediatric specialty training at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, where she was chief resident during her second year, and at the Kennedy Center for Developmental Disabilities at Albert Einstein College, also in the Bronx.In addition to private practice, she has also served on the staff of Children's Hospital in Oakland.
She completed her pediatric specialty training at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, where she was chief resident during her second year, and at the Kennedy Center for Developmental Disabilities at Albert Einstein College, also in the Bronx.In addition to private practice, she has also served on the staff of Children's Hospital in Oakland.
Our office was designed with your family in mind. We offer a safe and welcoming environment for children to receive dental care. We have taken care to incorporate special design features for children: toys and books, play areas, and TV monitors in every treatment room to help allay any possible anxiety.
Just as pediatricians specialize in addressing a child's medical needs, pediatric dentists are specially trained to address their oral health. They undergo an additional 2-3 years of specialty training after completing dental school--in areas such as child growth and development, child psychology, child behavior, and dental techniques for primary (baby) teeth.
Both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend children visit the dentist by age 1. Your infant or very young child will remain in your lap or sit with you in the dental chair, while Dr. Hayder gently performs her examination. This is a great opportunity for you to address any concerns you may have, and places the focus on prevention and on the early establishment of healthy habits.
Reviews (20)
Kristin D.
May 04, 2021
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This office felt like a bait and switch. Took my 4 year old here since he was 2. Had 3 successful cleanings and all was routine. On the most recent cleaning I was told he had significant cavities and would require anesthesia. The Dr. went on to say she'd try to "save the teeth" (two) but won't know until she begins the work the full extent. Completely caught off guard I asked why there was no signs of this at prior appointments and how could this be with no X-rays. She said they'd X-ray and do all the work in one go, once under anesthesia. Um what?! Why were routine X-rays
Alexey Nesterov
Jul 13, 2020
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Nicole Sutherland
Jun 20, 2020
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Horrible, horrible care! First off I am a dental professional ©and have worked in the field for over 15 years. My story- I brush my daughters (3yr olds) teeth daily and noticed she had a moderate sized cavity or hole in one of her teeth and it looked as if she may have a few smaller cavities starting. I took her to see one of the Drs here because the Dr I work for was not comfortable doing treatment on her because of her age. Who by the way is super cooperative and an excellent patient. At our appointment they did not once try to take any x-rays of her teeth. After waiting a good while the Dr
Ap N.
Oct 11, 2018
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Simply the worst experience at a dental office I've had here with Dr. May Hayder. What a phony. This place is a joke if they call themselves a pediatric practice. Dr may grew impatient with me as she didn't like my questions around xrays (maybe because no xrays translate to less $$ billed on our insurance) and insulted me in front of my kids as I was here for a cleaning appointment for my 5 year olds.Then it escalated with her being more irate with me through the process .. this dr. and some of her staff lack soft skills. Dr May failed to make one of my daughters comfortable enough to
Qingming Z.
Sep 21, 2018
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Shanne Lin
Jun 28, 2018
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Can give her negative star or 0 star, I would like to do that. It is a nightmare for us. My 4 years old daughter had some cavities on some teeth, she suggested us to do a big dental surgery one time using GA ( General Anesthesia) in late July She said it was impossible for girls at my daughter's age to cooperate for such a surgery on 6-7 teeth. I worried about the side effects of GA, so after visit to her office, we consulted another dentist and got the same opinion. Then we made an appointment with her and her GA for my daughter's dental surgery on Sept 11. We had to pay in early August $300 to
Jasmina E.
May 01, 2018
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This review is for the front desk and scheduling process..
I called in to make a first time appointment for my 3 yr old and the woman at the front desk was very helpful and polite. Our schedules are a bit crazy and she offered a variety of different date time options and allowed me the time to review my calendar while we were on the phone. I'm excited for our first appointment here soon.
I will update this review after our first appointment..
I called in to make a first time appointment for my 3 yr old and the woman at the front desk was very helpful and polite. Our schedules are a bit crazy and she offered a variety of different date time options and allowed me the time to review my calendar while we were on the phone. I'm excited for our first appointment here soon.
I will update this review after our first appointment..
Heather A.
Oct 25, 2017
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Dr. Hayder is extremely caring and professional. Our orthodontist recommended this office and we have been very impressed. Not only have we been put at ease during regular cleanings but today our son had an emergency- he had developed an infection in his cheek due to his braces causing an abscess. Dr. Hayder was able to immediately see him and quickly assessed that he needed to be treated in the emergency room to prevent the infection spreading to his eyes or brain due to proximity. Given her excellent clinical skills and referral he was immediately treated appropriately with strong antibiotics
Ted L.
Aug 29, 2017
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Such a great experience at this office . The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. I feel very welcoming when I took my kids in for their first time at Dr. Hayer office. We used to go to another office in Walnut Creek but didn't have great experienced so we decided to try another place . We found Dr. Hayder on yelp. Dr. Hayder is very good with kids. She takes her time of explaining all the tools before she starts cleaning their teeth. I'm very pleased with her professionalism and her kindness . If you are look for new pediatric dentist highly recommend to try out this office .
Maureen K.
Jun 02, 2015
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I love this office. The receptionist, dental technicians and Dr. May Hayder herself are amazing. The practice is owned by two sisters who are extremely committed to taking care of children's teeth. We have been going to this office for 4 years now and as my children get older, they are more and more comfortable in this space (even my 4-year old now happily goes in all by himself for his teeth cleaning!). Customer service is outstanding and all three of my children feel safe and taken care of by everyone in the office. I highly recommend this dental practice for your children!
C. E.
Feb 07, 2015
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LOVE this place. The receptionist is so kind and helpful- they do reminder calls and emails which is very convenient. Dr. Hayder and Ariana are so good with my daughter, you can feel the warmth when you're here- they both have great bed side manners and they make you feel at ease when they're taking care of their patient.
Great place to go for children! Just such a great atmosphere!
Great place to go for children! Just such a great atmosphere!
Winnie L.
Sep 25, 2014
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Dr. Hayder is an amazing pediatric dentist. She knows how to soothe and make my daughter feel comfortable, and actually enjoy going to the dentist. She is also very disciplined in dental care, which I feel is very important. Some dentists may be less strict, but because of Dr. Hayder's instructions, we've been diligent and proactive in preventative dental care. We appreciate her ability combine her soft skills with children, and her disciplined skills about dental care :)
Maria A.
Sep 04, 2014
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My 6-year-old has been coming to Dr. Hayder since preschool, and we just love it there! My daughter actually enjoys visiting. Dr. Hayder is thorough and gentle. I love that they have the Disney movies playing above the chairs also, I think that helped with my 22-month-old, who just had her first visit.
I was very surprised to read one of the negative reviews about the root canal on a baby tooth. I had asked Dr. Hayder about the skin above my daughter's middle teeth because I thought it looked a bit too connected. My sister-in-law is dealing with this issue with my niece and her dentist
I was very surprised to read one of the negative reviews about the root canal on a baby tooth. I had asked Dr. Hayder about the skin above my daughter's middle teeth because I thought it looked a bit too connected. My sister-in-law is dealing with this issue with my niece and her dentist
Joan H.
Dec 05, 2013
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She "found" almost a dozen cavities in my 9 year olds mouth, in only 3 months. Every time we walked in there, she had "found" another cavity that needed to be filled. And even performed a root canal on a baby tooth. I thought I was doing what was best for my child but now I question this. She is money hungry. Period.
We should have never left our old dentist. Now we owe an additional $333 after paying for each visit for things the insurance didn't cover. I do NOT recommend her unless you are also a dentist and can read an x-ray. I feel we were scammed!
We should have never left our old dentist. Now we owe an additional $333 after paying for each visit for things the insurance didn't cover. I do NOT recommend her unless you are also a dentist and can read an x-ray. I feel we were scammed!
Julee J.
Oct 02, 2013
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Dr. Hayder is a wonderful pediatric dentist. I've brought my 2 year old here a couple of times. Dr. Hayder is patient and calming. The hygienists are always super friendly as well. The front office staff always takes the time to explain the charges before services are performed as we pay out of pocket. Dr. Hayder is very conscientious about procedures and always errs on the side of caution with regard to anesthesia. As a breastfeeding mom she always has great advice that is both sensitive to dental needs and pro-breastfeeding. I know that Dr. Hayder will help build a good dental/dentist
Ari T.
Feb 19, 2013
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When I first went to this office I really liked their attentiveness but in subsequent visits I have found some issue with the office on the admin side. They have a 24 hour cancellation policy, which is standard, but you would think they'd give you a little bit of flexibility. I had a family emergency come up and had to reschedule the day before (22 hours in advanced, not the full 24) and they still charged me the $40 cancellation fee. Since it was the first time, I figured I'd pay for it and reschedule but they refused to even book another appointment unless I made a payment over the
E. E.
Dec 17, 2012
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Though I have no complaints about the quality of the dental care received by my children, I do have an issue with their billing procedures. I was recently billed for the application of floride as my insurance company only pays for this once per year and this was the kid's second cleaning. Having worked in the front office/billing at a dental office for 5+ years, I know that the dentist would never have gone forward with a treatment he knew would not be covered by insurance without first consulting the parents and getting approval. That is the responsibility of the front office staff.
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Tina D.
Oct 23, 2012
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The absolute best dental experience my husband and I have EVER had. Both Bessma and May are incredibly patient and kind and don't make you feel like you are in the principles office if there are dental issues that need to be addressed. They are respectful and INCREDIBLE with kids. My 5 year old and 2 year old actually manage to sit still and are very responsive to their instructions, as they definitely know how to get kids involved in the process and strive to minimize anything that might be "scary" to a child.
Now that I think of it, we took our kids there first on the recommendation
Now that I think of it, we took our kids there first on the recommendation
Tara L.
Nov 01, 2011
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I sincerely can not write enough postive things about Dr. May and Dr Bessman Hayder. They are absolutely fabulous!
My daughter who has not always had the best experience with doctors or dentist felt right at home. Being that my daughter has a very small frame and mouth, finding a great dentist that can work with her has been a challenge. Not only was Dr. May beyond patient with my daughter, she eased her anxieties about being small, was able to work with her, and made the experience extremely positive so she wants to come back. Additionally, when it was identified that my daughter has a
My daughter who has not always had the best experience with doctors or dentist felt right at home. Being that my daughter has a very small frame and mouth, finding a great dentist that can work with her has been a challenge. Not only was Dr. May beyond patient with my daughter, she eased her anxieties about being small, was able to work with her, and made the experience extremely positive so she wants to come back. Additionally, when it was identified that my daughter has a
Lily L.
Oct 01, 2011
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Our children are very shy. They don't like opening up for x-rays or getting their teeth looked at by others. You can't really negotiate with a toddler (aka big kid). Our family dentist recommended that we take our children to a pediatric dentist. Choosing the right pediatric dentist is very similar to choosing the right pediatrician. Almost all ped dentists are great at what they do--they've had years of training, but you need to find the one that works with your needs and your family. Dr. May Hayder is so patient with our children. She gets them to open up and say "Aah
