About Endodontic Arts of San Francisco

A specialty endodontic practice built on one principle: your natural tooth deserves every chance to be saved—and the expertise and technology to make that possible.

Our Story

Rooted in San Francisco Since 2011

Endodontic Arts of San Francisco was founded by Dr. Vladimir Shuster—a San Francisco native who earned his dental degree from Harvard School of Dental Medicine and his specialty certificate in Endodontics from UCLA. He returned home to build the kind of practice he believed San Francisco deserved: one where advanced technology, specialist training, and genuine patient care come together under one roof.

Since opening, the practice has grown from a single location to two offices—Union Square and Laurel Heights—and from one endodontist to a team of three: Dr. Shuster, Dr. Jay Ko, and Dr. Dhruvi Patel. What hasn’t changed is the founding commitment: use the best available technology, deliver honest diagnoses, and do everything possible to save your tooth.

What Sets Us Apart

Specialist Focus

We do one thing, and we do it exceptionally well. Our entire practice is dedicated to endodontics—root canal treatment, retreatment, apicoectomy, cracked teeth, and dental trauma. That singular focus means deeper expertise and better outcomes for every patient.

Advanced Technology

Every treatment room is equipped with a dental operating microscope, CBCT 3D imaging, WaterLase laser, digital radiography, and ultrasonic instruments. This isn’t a technology wish list—it’s what we use on every case, every day. See our technology →

Patient-First Care

We know you’d rather be anywhere else. We respect that—with honest communication, thorough explanations, gentle treatment, and sedation options for patients who need extra comfort. We treat every patient the way we’d want our own family treated.

Two Convenient Locations

With offices in Union Square and Laurel Heights, we’re accessible from throughout San Francisco. Both locations are fully equipped with identical technology, so you receive the same standard of care regardless of which office you visit.

Meet Your Endodontists

Our team includes three endodontists with training from some of the nation’s top programs—Harvard, UCLA, University of the Pacific, and Nova Southeastern.

Dr. Vladimir Shuster

D.M.D. — Harvard · Endodontics — UCLA

Meet Dr. Shuster →

Dr. Jay Ko

D.D.S. — UOP · Endodontics — Nova Southeastern

Meet Dr. Ko →

Dr. Dhruvi Patel

Board Certified · Endodontics & M.S. Oral Biology — UCLA

Meet Dr. Patel →

Experience the Endodontic Arts Difference

Whether you’ve been referred by your dentist or are seeking a second opinion, we’re here to help.