Dr. Anthony Needham

Dentists in Berkeley tend to cluster near the university, but not all of them feel like they’re part of the campus machine. Dr. Anthony Needham keeps an office on University Avenue, just far enough from the student rush to feel like a neighborhood practice. The address is 2136 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, a stretch where the sidewalks stay busy but the pace slows a little.

Routine cleanings, fillings, and the occasional crown are what most people come for, though the phone—(510) 548-3368—gets its share of calls about emergency extractions and whitening. The office handles the basics without fuss, which is what a lot of locals seem to prefer. No one here is pushing cosmetic work or selling membership plans; it’s just teeth, the way they’re supposed to be.

If you’re new to the area or just tired of the corporate dental chain down the block, the map will point you straight to the door. Directions are at this link. The block has a few cafes and a hardware store that’s been around since the ’70s, so you can grab a coffee or a new shower head while you wait for your ride.