The dentist and the staff here are remarkable. The office is always clean and vibrate. Upon entry, guardians will notice The "Under the Sea" decor helps create a fun and exciting atmosphere for everyone. There are video games in the lobby for the kiddos and a television usually playing something interesting. My children loved attending here and always enjoyed their experiences. Sadly, we moved to another state and have missed this place greatly! As a mom, it's been challenging finding any dental care that exceeds my expectations like First Step Dental did. I recommend FSD to every mother who wants peace of mind and the care and professionalism of this group. read more

Nothing but professionals. I have been taking my children here for over ten years and have zero complaints.

Worst care ever! Untrustworthy practices and horrible communication! We went the first time ever and my child was crying so we discussed with the dentist and They promised to use laughing gas For next appointment and to reschedule. We scheduled for another appointment so they can prepare for my child! When we got there they didn't even have laughing gas and then proceeded to go through with the procedure without telling my spouse that they didn't have it prepared! They could've easily communicated that they're not prepared and rescheduled but they made the decision to take her in without my Spouse knowing that they didn't prepare the laughing gas! Not until they started and my child was crying that he realized they didn't give her anything! So they did one side and stopped! THANK F GOD! If they proceeded and my child is in more pain and more traumatized, this could be a different situation! The way they handle business there is not Trustworthy and horrible care! They are working with children! I expect more compassion and thoughts!! And the dentist in there dare to say to my husband "oh my four year old can take this procedure with no problem." My husband got mad and told her, "every child is different!" Definitely not returning and I better not see this bill charged with the wrong procedure or products! read more

5 stars! We LOVE First Step Dental! We always have such a great experience in this office from start to finish. The staff is very professional and so friendly to the kids. My 2 year old loves to have the doctor count his teeth and the assistants are great at giving directions my child can understand. We recommend this office to all our friends and family! read more

First Step Dental - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - Merced, California

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Amazing dentist! We had a horrible experience at another dentist, also had a horrible time finding any appointments elsewhere. First step dental was very accommodating for our "emergency". Friendly staff, very informative. Nice place for children! we will definitely be making the drive from Los Banos ! Thank you so much Dr M ! read more

It was my child's first time going on to a dentist. She had a really great experience very friendly environment from the moment you walk through the door to the moment you leave. I definitely recommend this place to anyone with children read more

First Step Dental - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - Merced, California

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Fantastic office, Cheerful environment, caring staff, and skilled dentists who make kids feel at ease. Highly recommend for a great experience read more

Wonderful place. They make my son feel more comfortable by walking him through the steps. The play movies above the seat so that the kids can watch a movie that they like while getting their teeth done. It's beautiful and very professional. Never have to wait long for: appointment scheduling or waiting in the lobby. All around a very nice place. read more

Normally, KIDS + DENTISTS do not mix. Even adults and dentists don't mix! This is not the case at First Step Dental. I have taken my kids (now 8 years old and 11 years old) to this dental office for 3 years. The whole office is for kids. When you walk in the door, it's welcoming and fun with the decor and kid's movies and video games. My kids get bummed out when we do not have a wait time because they cant "play". The reception and staff are friendly and professional. The dentist & the dental assistants are stellar with my kids. The dentist always explains what's going on in my kids' mouths. Clear, concise. Can't ask for a better experience! read more

This is by far the best dental experience I have ever been a part of. Brought my daughter (6) for her first time at this location and I was impressed to say the least. The office is super kid friendly. Waiting area has children movies playing, video games are available and the decor is very neat, felt as if I was visiting an aquarium. We were blessed to have Jennifer assist us because she was AMAZING. She included my daughter in every single thing she did. I also appreciate how the leaded aprons protect the neck area. My daughter was able to pick her favorite color in cleaning paste, watch a movie of her choice while she got her teeth cleaned & was able to choose a gift afterwards. Just WOW! If you have little ones, you will not be disappointed. read more

I couldn't ask for a better dentist personnel for my son. Each & every visit, all of the dental assistants are a true pleasure. They always make my son feel safe & at ease about the dentist. His visits are always painless & they spend extra time reminding and showing my son how to brush correctly. I recommend them to anyone looking for true professionals to make time at the dentist office just a joy! read more

My child had an appt for a cleaning, we were there 10 minutes early. Children who came after us got called in right away. Close to 4pm still waiting, got a phone call from the office regarding our reservation appt. It's close to 4pm, plz call the office to reschedule. Went to the counter spoke to a different lady, informed her that we've been there. She checked the file order from the end of the desk and found my child's file. The lady said sorry..... she did not say anything to assure me like, please have a set and we'll get you in right away. Waited a few more minutes nothing, left the office, got a voice message around 4:12pm stating that we where checked in, but when the assistant called for us, not able to locate us....would had stayed if there were some communications! read more

Go somewhere else. This is a welfare type office where the dentists just come and go. I took my kids here for about a year and a half and in that time they saw 4 different dentists, each different one had left. So I decided to take my kids to an actual dentist office so they can get to know their dentist and I was bombarded with phone calls hounding me to come back and schedule. Once a week for 6 months! I finally called and asked them to stop since my kids were going somewhere else. Well, come to find out I had a $75 credit on my account. They asked if I would like a check back and I said sure. They told me it would take 4-6 weeks to get that in the mail....ummm.....ok sure, I'll wait. Well 8 weeks later I just called their office and they told me it will take another 3-4 weeks!!! Seriously?!!! I asked for their "corporate" numer since that's where they said the refund would come from. They said "oh I'm sorry, we don't give out that number". OMG they are completely taking my money! I'm sure that if *I* was the one who owed *them* money, they would send me to collections in a heartbeat. So, I guess writing my review is as good as it gets in sending them to "collections". Update: Not even 30 minutes after getting off from their phone call saying it would take another 3-4 weeks, they called back (not kidding, 5 times in a row and even to my work) that they have the check and will be sending it out this week. Yeah, right.....we'll see. If I get it...I'll update this message. But, wow.....shady as hell...now they suddenly have my check?! Doesn't seem right........ read more

Great place to take kids. The staff is excellent and the Drs. are wonderful, my children love coming to the dentist.

Had such a wonderful first time visit today with my 10 year old son! The office staff was very friendly to us all and they made my son comfortable. I am bringing my daughter her (1 year old) for her first check up and they will be working on my son again. I will update once we have that visit. As for now I could be more pleased with the service my family got. The dentist seemed a little rushed but it's understandable when they have more severe cases to get too. read more

This place is awesome! The staff were very very nice and they were so good with my child! I will be returning for her next appointment! Thank you First step! read more

We have had a great experience here. We were able to get an appointment quickly, and they made both of our daughters (ages 4 and 7) feel comfortable! read more

Amazing! My daughter was so scared to go back to the dentist and everyone here was just amazing! They explained each step to her and made her to comfortable. They were also very informative with myself and made sure I understood everything they were going to do as well. I highly recommend First Step Dental in Merced. read more

Horrible doctor. Great and friendly staff. One of the old doctors left and she was so good we now drive our kids two hours away to see her. The guy that took her place should not be working in pediatrics. He's so uncomfortable with the kids it's painful to watch. He might make a great doctor someday but it will be with adults. We haven't been there in 3 years and after telling them several times that we will definitely not be going there - they are still calling us. I just got a text from them to confirm my daughter's appointment for tomorrow!!! Really? Please stop bothering my family, First Step. read more

I had been taking my son there for years. Then I was told he had 11 cavities and he would need surgery that was going to cost close to $3,000 and he would be put under. I revived multiple other opinions and found out he had only one bad tooth and it cost me only $83! So glad I protected my kid from first step. HORRIBLE PLACE. read more

I been going to First Step Dental for over 2 years. I have never left with a bad impression. The Staff and Dr. have always been Kid friendly and knowledgeable. read more