I can't believe how patient these women are! They are totally helpful with my three Rugrats running around! They are so calm and kind and loving towards my children even though they were just being kids... I really love Dr. Mauer. I appreciate the parent consult and he gives me the run down in a calm non surprised manor. The front desk lady was back to being her really friendly self today! They are very organized. We all love the Hawaiian Decor! read more

Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry and Orthodontics - Front of the building - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - El Cajon, California

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My kids love going to the dentist b/c of you guys and their experience. Pleasant, positive, fun and required. How many kids can say that? Thank you for not making it a nightmare visit. lol! Y'all are the best!! read more

I've been taking my son here for 14 years. The dental office is kind and has done a wonderful job with my child, that has special needs. They've been flexible and willing to work with me. Dr. Olen is fabulous and honest and encouraging for my son. His expertise has kept my son's mouth cavity free as well as calmed me if I had any concerns. They are friendly, direct and honest. We couldn't ask for a better pediatric dentist. read more

If I could give zero stars I would. I took my daughter in a few weeks ago. She is only 21 months old. The initial impression is that the office is very nice and friendly. They do not allow parents to go back with the kids which I find rediculous. I told them I was going to go back because my daughter is just a baby. When we met Dr. Olen he spent about 2 minutes with my daughter, then told me she had 10 cavities. She is not even 2 years old, and only has 15 teeth. REDICULOUS!! They took an xray, maybe to try to "justify" themselves. However, that xray was a total blur because my daughter wasn't still when they took it. He told me that the "shadow areas" were all cavities. THE ENTIRE XRAY WAS A BLURRY SHADOW!!! They ended up giving me 2 estimates for her work that needed to be done that ranged from $800-$1600. I went to another dentist 2 days ago to get a second opinion. This dentist spent a good 10-15 minutes in my daughters mouth. The result... NO CAVITIES! I will never go to Dr. Olen again. I advise you not to go either. They are running a very dirty scam at that office. Who is disgusting enough to take advantage of a baby? Who would drill out a childs teeth when it is completely unecessary!? STAY AWAY FROM THIS OFFICE!! Also, on another note, her appointment was about a month ago now and I still have not heard back from them. They are supposed to be calling me to set up her appointment to fix her teeth. You would think that if a child really had that many cavities, they would want to get that child's mouth fixed. AWFUL PLACE!! read more

My wife went to them when she was young and had only positive things to say. We took our two sons 8months and an almost 3 year old. Was a great experience. They made us feel welcomed and my older son loved the toys, x-ray, and cleaning experience so much that he wanted to go back. We told him not until awhile and he started to cry lol. Overall recommend this place to anyone with kiddos read more

I went to Dr. Olen for 17 years. He's very gentle and I was never scared as a youngster to go to him. I got my braces and had a multitude of work done from teeth pulled to cavities filled, etc. Very pleasant office and the workers there are really friendly and I enjoyed talking with them. One fond memory that I remembered as a kid is I would get to pick a prize out of the treasure chest (if I was good). Well I was always a good kid and never cried or threw a fit so I always got my pick of the goodies out of the chest. My favorite that I will never forget is a heart bracelet that had pink and blue hearts. I sometimes wonder where that bracelet is and wish I could beam it back. Last time I went to Dr. Olen, I was in my late 20's I believe and too big for the treasure chest (darn it, I really still wanted a keepsake). They still had that treasure chest there. I was tempted and looked inside of the chest diverting my eyes real quickly before anybody noticed lol. Oh why can't we be kids again? Anyway, I recommend this dentist very highly. He's a good family dentist and very caring. read more

Rotten service! The recpetionist told me the "doctors" would not want to see a 1 year old in the afternoon. I work from 6am to 2:30pm so afternoon is the only time possible . Not sure how they can claim they are a pediatric dentistry specializing in infants and children. What a joke. read more

I went to Dr. Olen for about 18 years, and my little sister still goes there. I personally have a very difficult dental history, braces, appliances, fake teeth, the whole works - so if anyone knows the aches and pains of the dentist its me, and I can highly recommend this dentist. Unfortunately they didn't get the giant flat screen TV's till I was too old to go there, but they are great for keeping kids entertained while in the dentist chair. They even have grape flavored gloves! The technicians are the nicest women around - as is the office staff. They were always willing to work me in in an emergency. As long as you don't mind a little humming (ahem, Dr. Olen), this is the place to go for pediatric dentistry or orthodontics. read more

Wow! I thought it was just me. I was referred by a friend and had been taking my daughters to Dr. Olen for three years. I recently decided to find a new dentist when I owed money on a routine check-up that should have been completely covered by my insurance company. Also, my kids have "needed" fillings after every visit. Wanting to take care of any problems, I've always gone on the dentist's recommendation and had fillings done. It cost me about $300 each time, even after my insurance company paid. I started wondering if they were overcharging me and thought it was odd that my girls needed more fillings right after fillings were done. Anyway, I'm kind of relieved to read that I'm not imagining these shady dealings and feel confident in my decision to take my children elsewhere. read more

DO NOT TAKE YOUR CHILDREN HERE! This place is a "cattle call" more interested in padding their pockets with your money, (or your insurance money) than your child's teeth. Dr Olen actually looked me in the eye and said that my 8 year old son had tooth decay. Good thing we took him to our family friend and dentist (who also does forensics for the city of san diego) for a second opinion. My son had NO TOOTH DECAY! We've only been here a few times and everytime we've come, the office is full of unsuspecting kids and parents, not a sign that they're good, just a sign that they make too many appointments and spend too little time cleaning and caring for their patients. My son was inside the office for less than 7 minutes getting his teeth cleaned, x-rayed, (for the second time in 6 months) and floride treatment. I was always up sold on expensive sealents, seditives, (valuum pudding), fillings, drilling and other unnecessary treatments. Between the valuum pudding, ($200.00), laughing gas, ($60), and other inflated treatment options, it's no wonder this office has more one star reviews than I've ever read about any business. The final straw was making an appointment with his parter to have my sons teeth drilled UNNECESSARILY. Luckily, my wife and I had the common sense to get a second opinion. Don't be fooled by the games and video monitors, these guys are just out to make a buck at your child's expense. read more

Dr. Olan and Dr Maurer are wonderful dentist! My husband went to them as a child as well. The office staff are so friendly and knowledgeable. They're always punctual and we never have to wait. I like the fact that they do not allow parents in the back, it allows the children to not be babied by their parents. We have had two kids in braces from start to finish and were so happy with the results. I fully trust Dr. Olans recommendations. read more

I take both my nine-year-old and 11 year old daughters to this office. They used to hate the dentist until they met Dr. Olen. Now they actually want to go to the dentist and look forward to their cleanings! My nine-year-old even had to get her tooth pulled and still said it was painless and would do it again if she had to! I couldn't believe it! There is definitely a reason that he keeps being nominated by his peers for best pediatric dentist in the area. We love Dr. Olen and will continue to go to his dentist office. read more

I was nervous about taking my 4-year-old, Max, to his new dentist, Dr. Olen. Dr. Olen was recommended by a good friend who said her children always had great experiences at his office. I was so relieved when Max actually enjoyed the visiting with Dr. Olen, who obviously has spent years working with and charming children. Since our visit, Max has been so much better about brushing his teeth and asks when he gets to go back again. Everyone there was so nice and it was such a great positive experience for Max and I know it will help me continue maintaining his dental health. I strongly recommend Dr. Olen! read more

Took my grandkids to see Dr. Olen. The doctor and staff were GREAT with the kids. They made the kids feel not afraid to see that dentist. I don't see why anyone would go else where. I would highly recommend this place. read more

I took my son for his first dental visit here. The staff are friendly but it really bothered me that I wasn't allowed to go back with my son. After a long talk with the dentist, I let my son go back for x-rays, and when the dentist came back out he told me my son had multiple cavities and that he could tell my son would need braces. Really!!! He hadn't even lost his first tooth yet! They ended up giving me an estimate for almost $1,000. They wanted to give my son something to sedate him, which I did not agree to. The bottom line is that they made me uncomfortable so I looked for another dentist and requested a second opinion. The new dentist told me my son indeed had 2 cavities and I only paid $140 for the whole procedure (and he did not have to be sedated). I do not recommend this place. read more

The atmosphere and lobby are nice. It stops there. I feel like the minute we are in there that we are part of an assembly line. After 3 visits to get all my son's stuff done to get his braces on, they decided to tell us to be referred out and that they didn't want to do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will say and in that time I saw the actual dentist 2 times. The time he told me they couldn't do my son's braces I saw him less than a minute. The face to face personal service is horrible. I was referred to another ortho from him. I didn't go to that one and have found one over here that is 100% satisfactory and very friendly. read more

I have been going to Dr. Olen for about 5 years, my mother recieved a recommendation from a coworker. Now that I am over 18 I realize this dentist was horrible. He never spent more than 5 minutes with you the patient and the staff that handles all your braces needs are extremely rude. On more than one occasion I witnessed them yelling at the other children and I learned more about thier personal and home lives than I ever needed to know. The last time I was there the blonde lady at the front desk was too busy with her facebook account to sign me in. The ladies that book the appointments however are extremely sweet. read more

I am a little surprised by the high ratings that this dentist received. I went there as a child but did not realize that when I brought my boys there based on a recommendation. Yes the ambiance of the office is very kid friendly but there are way too many negatives for me to ever bring my boys back. My first issue was one visit the lady did not see us there after we had signed in. She yelled at my 5 year old for being late. One, we were not late she just didn't see us and two, who yells at a 5 year old? Especially at an office geared for children! Then one of my boys had a cavity. The Dr told me it would be filled with white composite. He filled it with silver and then charged my insurance company for white....I hear this shady stuff happens all the time over there. I was complaining to a girlfriend about the office and she told me that she use to work there and to never bring my boys there again. She said the office is very dirty (which you feel a little grimy just being in there anyway). She said they do not properly sterilize their tools. My mom also told me she stopped taking us there as kids because the dentist were a little creepy and the office seemed dirty. There are way more important things to consider when you bring your child to a dentist than video games and TVs on the ceiling. We will not be going back. read more

Horrible service. Moved and had a balance of 105 called and let them know I had a legal matter with landlord and that I would send it in as soon as possible. I mailed in check with three month of moving and when I checked my credit the following month I had a ding on my credit from the dentist office even though the payment had gone through. Not one phone call or any notice and my number hadn't changed. This after already paying over $1000 for the work my daughter had done. Just rude and uncalled for. Mess up my credit and didn't even call me on top of the bill was paid and it's still on my credit. Never will I go there and j would not recommend them. read more

The staff is great the dentist is great, what's not great is that parents are NOT ALLOWED to join the children. As sweet and gentle these ladies seem I just can't wait in the lobby while my child is in the back and not see what's going on. Unfortunately for that reason I will search for another dentist. read more

I was not happy with this dentist because my 2 year old had a small bit of decay on his front 2 teeth and Dr. Olen said he needed to give him anesthesia and completely put him out in order to fix this. I took my son for a 2nd opinion at a dentist located in the Medical Office Building at Children's Hospital (San Diego) and the dentist gave me a topical fluoride to use instead. The new dentist said we'd monitor the decay. The decay never progressed and my 2 year old is now 7 with those same two front teeth. Also, my older child had 1-2 cavities everytime I took him to Dr. Olen. Since we have switched dentists, my child hasn't had one cavity. I find that odd since he's brushing the same as before and we always flossed. Perhaps it was since I didn't have dental insurance and paid cash for all these services? One other thing of importance - Dr Olen DOES NOT let parents go back with their children. I find this very strange. Do you let your child go anywhere else with out you? Does your child go to their pediatric physician without you? Our new dentist encourages parents to accompany their child through the entire process. read more

This was my children's first dentist. We started there for the first few years. All was fine with basic cleanings until the day they tried to push 'two phase orthodontics' or 'early braces' on us. My wife and I were both initially hesitant because we had never heard of such a thing. The dentist told us that our daughter needed to start phase 1 early orthodontic treatment at age 8. Like any parent, we wanted to learn more before making a decision. We never heard of starting braces at such a young age and for so many years of treatment. I had seriously crooked teeth as a kid and got braces as a teenager but I had to wear them for only two years and my teeth are still super straight till this day. So I definitely had many questions. Like, why do we need to start so early? How do you do braces when she still has baby teeth left? etc... Oh, he didn't like us questioning his opinion. He told us that she had 'lots of crowding', and they needed to do this to make room. Yet, they had already pulled three baby teeth from her in a previous appointment for the same reason, 'to make room'. The more we asked questions, the more he just got annoyed and came on stronger. He commented that, if we didn't do this for our daughter, that she will grow up with a self esteem issue about her appearance. He went so far to predict, that if she didn't get braces, she will probably turn into one of those ladies that gets Botox to enhance her looks!!!!!! No joke parents. He said that my 8 year old will be getting Botox in the future. I don't know if he was having a bad day or if he thought he could just roll over on us. We felt very uncomfortable with his comments and the way he tried to pressure us. So, we got outta there and found a new family dentist. It has been two years since, our new dentist has never mentioned braces, early orthodontics, or the need to preemptively pull any baby teeth from any of our kids. We have talked about this experience several times to friends and family who also have kids. I should have put this on Yelp earlier, to help any parents that might have been pressured by him in a similar way. Just make sure you get a second opinion before making any major decisions with this dentist. read more

For years, the office continually either called or sent postcards reminding us that it was time to make an appointment for my children. I appreciated that. 1) Was going to do braces for my daughter. Staff called my insurance company. Came back and told me what my out of pocket costs would be, and at that time, I could not afford it. I told them, "I can't afford this." They could not get off the phone with me fast enough. THEN THE POSTCARDS AND THE PHONE CALL REMINDERS FOR MY CHILDREN'S APPOINTMENTS STOPPED. That really made me feel terrible. They didn't offer to work out a payment plan with me, they didn't offer to structure things that would allow my child the orthodontia she needed. I didn't ask for anything for free, no special treatment, just got verbally scared at a balloon payment. Unfortunately, I can only deduce that it was the payments they cared about more than my child's dental health. I found a GREAT orthodontist who worked out payment plans with me. They could not have been nicer about it. Patients are people with real circumstances, most of us don't want to take advantage, and treating people as more than just dollar signs would be a great improvement. 2) I have noticed a Bible in the office. Many people follow different faiths. If you're going to cleverly place the Bible under the monthly parenting and gossip magazines you have on the tables, perhaps you should also consider adding other books of faith. Or none at all. If you choose not to add other books of faith, but still wish to offer the Bible, put that in your business materials or paint in on your office windows, so people have an option to choose who their payments go to. read more

Great service and kids have know problems when coming here big plus much recommended.

Several years ago, I spent a great deal of time selecting a dentist for my two daughters, and finally settled on Dr. Olen- and to this day our whole family is very happy with the choice. My girls are growing up being non-dental phobes, something I wish I could have been blessed with. Whether it's check-ups, cleanings, fillings (Kylie has had two fillings, and Marissa one, but it required a partial crown), or even when they had to have a couple of baby teeth removed, our visits were pleasant, reasonably priced, and most importantly painless! Both Kylie and Marissa have had no complaints about ANY of their visits to Dr. Olen's office. Dr. Olen and his assistants always made sure both girls (and their dental-phobe single dad) are at ease- I actually think they have an easier time going than I do! Where were dentists like this 40 years ago?!? I have referred several of my friends with children to Dr. Olen's office, and will continue to do so. I am VERY happy with the office, and the extra miles it takes to get there from our house have always been more than worth it. read more

We've brought my children here for the past 13 years. My children don't want to go anywhere else. They have always treated all of us with respect. The office staff is really on top of it! They have always helped to work out any questions and payments with us. They call with reminders which is always helpful to busy parents. No interest payment plan for daughter's braces. Thank goodness!! read more

Bringing my child to Dr. Olen and Dr. Maurer's dental office has been a pleasure. We appreciate that he goes back for his appointments on time and the staff is always friendly. If you are looking for a kid friendly dental office, this is the office you want to come to. read more

Always friendly, very professional staff. My daughters have been going here for years--never a problem. We've had orthodontics, tooth removals, cavities, and plain old cleanings--everything has been done very well. We'll continue to go here for the foreseeable future! read more

We have been taking our kids here routinely since they turned 2. they are now 6,3,2 and love going to the dentist. They office staff has always been very helpful to me and friendly. We always get in and out in a timely manner. I wouldn't take my kids anywhere else. read more

The are an average dentist. They do an ok job although one time I had to ask for a cleaning again because my sons teeth still had tarter on them after the cleaning. They don't advise on orthodontic work until certain teeth have come in, even if it's a severe case. They don't allow you to go back with your child when they are getting a cleaning. read more

Phenomenal office! The office is neat, clean, and decor is inviting to not only little kids but teenagers as well ( beach theme). The doctors are so kind, gentle, humorous, and extremely knowledgeable. You can tell they've been doing this forever. The staff is extremely friendly! We feel like family here. They know my kids by name and have developed and incredible rapport with them. I have been taking my kids here for over 15 years now and have always had the best experiences. My daughter has been through braces here and my son is about to have his braces put on. My daughter continually receives compliments for her amazing smile, and I have complete faith that my son's smile will be just as gorgeous once Dr. Olen has worked his magic. Thank you Dr. Olen, Dr. Maurer and staff! We love this office and all of you and plan on staying here forever. read more

First, like many parents (I'm surprised I can't say all parents), I did not like Dr. Olen's rule of not allowing parents to go back with their child. My son is only 28 months old. I've never heard of that policy anywhere else. But a friend recommended, so I decided to go ahead. Long story short, I was told my child was "too much of a brat" to be seen there. What kind of "pediatric" office is this? I took my son to another dentist and everything went just fine. I say stay away from Dr. Olen! read more

I have been bringing my son to Dr. Olen's for a couple of years now for teeth cleanings as well as getting cavities filled. Dr. Olen & his entire staff are amazing and caring. They make it a fun and comfortable environment for my son. We have had some bad experiences in the past at other dental offices & this office has been by far the best. They also call us with reminders for cleanings & text as well which is very convenient for my busy schedule. I feel very comfortable referring my friends and family here. read more

Dr. Olen and his wonderful staff are simply amazing. We have taken our son, Louis, who has Down Syndrome, to Dr. Olen for many, many, many years. Louis loves Dr. Olen and his staff so much that it has been impossible to change from pediatrics to general dentistry. And, Dr. Olen has graciously allowed us to stay with him. Everyone at the office is so kind and gentle and professional. Dr. Olen is truly magnificent; he always consults with us, post exam/cleaning, and lets us know exactly how Louis is doing. We will miss them all so much when we finally have to make a move. Thank you Dr. Olen, and everyone at this marvelous office, for always putting kids first, especially ours! (And a shout out to Sandy at the front desk...you are the best!) Love, Flam Family read more

Took my son here for an emergency...I was told I could go back with him during procedure but when it was time I was NOT allowed in the back...when we went back 6 months later again I was not allowed in the back but again he needed $1000.oo of work...I took him to another dentists !!!!! I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS Dr. ....Why arent parents allowed in the back!!! In this day and age I dont trust ANYONE alone with my child!!! ANYONE!!!! read more

For a place that says they offer specialized services for "specially challenged children", it leaves a lot to be desired. My son has ASD and we were not able to get his teeth cleaned because he was nervous and would not sit still. I know my son and what works to calm him down and I was trying to help but they didn't have anything to offer in terms of distractions like TV or a book or anything. Then I came to realize that we were segregated from the "normal" kids that have video games and a video playing on a huge flat screen because my son was "louder" and they thought he would disturb or scare the other kids. This dental office needs to take an ABA therapy class to learn how to deal with Autistic kids and also learn how to take charge of the appointment, not be intimidated by a nervous child. Thank goodness my son is too young to realize when someone is humiliating him, even if I'm not. If I knew how to clean teeth with that machine, I would have done it myself. Instead, I chose to leave with my dignity and not make a follow-up appointment, ever. read more

I LOVE LOVE this dentist for my daughter! The staff is very friendly and the place is clean. My daughter is almost 4 and is NOT afraid of the dentist. I highly recommend anyone with kids to go here! read more

I've taken my 6 year old daughter to this dentist for routine visits the last year and a half. I didn't mind overly much not being allowed in the back for routine items. She liked going of course because they have video games for the kids to play. Her last routine visit it was advised that she have her two lower front teeth extracted. My daughter asked that I stay with her. On the day of her tooth extraction I advised the dental hygienist that for this visit, I would remain with my daughter. I was flat out denied, even when I said we would be leaving if I couldn't remain with her, with her citing some excuse about the area being too small. I stopped listening and I gathered my child and left. My daughter stopped me outside and told me it's ok, she wanted it done that day (I'd been hyping her up on the procedure with thoughts of tooth fairies and coins all week). She went through with it, but I'll be shopping around for another dentist and I refuse to set foot back in that place again. There is no care or consideration for the thoughts and feeling of their patients or their patients parents, both of whom may be feeling anxious about something like having teeth pulled. read more

My son was a patient of Dr. Olen for many years. My son baby teeth never fell out so his permanent teeth grew behind them. He had double teeth like a stark does. He had to have his baby teeth pulled which was no fun for him. They made it as easy as possible to pull his teeth, kept him distracted. Next we got braces. Today his teeth look great. I see people on here not liking that they could not go back while their child is being worked on, They have lots of stuff for them to play with back there. It helps the kids relax, instead of listening to their Mom's reaction as they get worked on. I love that they had a payment plan so we could have the dental work he needed and the braces. Dr. Olen is the Best, the office staff are friendly and have always worked around my schedule. I highly recommend this dental office. read more

The dentist here is not very friendly at all! I came here only for convenience since I live in El Cajon. My kids have 1 cavity each but i have been putting it off because I dont want to entrust my kids with this dentist. Its literally like a job for him, no passion or comforting to the kids on his end. Do not take your kids here! HORRIBLE, Im currently in the process of looking for a new dentist! read more