Called to make an appt. Xavier the Office Manager got me in immediately. He was friendly, polite and professional. Samuel & Alejandra took X-rays. They too were friendly, polite, and professional. Dr Kumar DDS was thorough, polite and professional with many helpful options. His Dental Assistant, Mayra was very helpful, polite and professional. This office is definitely 5 STAR. read more

August 3rd, 2026. I arranged to take 4 hours off of work to be seen by High Desert Smiles to establish care and get an overdue cleaning. After I checked in, I was then informed that the hygienist was not present - not a huge deal, but the office never informed me of this, and I would have scheduled further out when the hygienist was available if given the choice. I had x-rays and pictures taken, and I paid a $25 co-pay for one x-ray "that insurance doesn't cover". I later looked at my insurance plan and found that I should not have owed anything - all preventative x-rays are covered under my particular plan. I also was given a saliva test. The result was negative, but no-one bothered to read me the results. I later had to go to the MyChart app to get the results. Then Dr. Lee then told me that he had some concerns, including a potential cavity, and that I'd see the hygienist next time. August 20th - I booked another appointment for my cleaning. I took another 4 hours off of work to accommodate, and that's when I found out that this also wasn't a cleaning appointment: instead, it was a consult. Staff did say that they "might be able to squeeze me in" for a cleaning same-day, depending on what they were looking at. The hygienist then looked over my x-rays and told me I had bone loss in my jaw and that it would take aggressive treatment to prevent it from getting worse. I was never examined nor my dental pockets never measured; she came to that conclusion based on the x-rays. At first she said I would need a deep cleaning, then she relented and said I'd need a partial deep cleaning for each quadrant. I'd also need to go back every 3 months for a cleaning. I would also need to do a second saliva test - this one would tell me if I have really bad bacteria in my mouth - I don't remember if she said whether or not insurance would cover it. She wouldn't even examine me until I signed an agreement to pay $600 on top of what my insurance covers. I still have the printout for what I was quoted - I can prove it. I informed the office staff that I would be looking for a second opinion. I then went home and double-checked my insurance coverage - I have a $350 a year out-of-pocket maximum and the services this office insisted I needed are, in fact, covered. Today I brought my images over to a second dental office, who did an exam and cleaning the same day. The second dentist said that not only did I not have a probable cavity, but that he saw no evidence of bone loss or periodontal disease. He said I was in perfect dental health. All of this to say: if this office withholds care from you based on your willingness to pay them on top of what insurance covers, please get a second opinion. I don't think it's ethical or okay business practice to treat patients this way. read more

Do not make the mistake I made by coming here. It's places like this that will make you fear the dentist for the rest of your life In just six months, I have lost thousands of dollars, had a perfectly healthy tooth permanently shaved down for no reason, and am left with more damage, pain, and ongoing infection than ever before. What was supposed to fix a simple issue has turned into a traumatic, costly situation that has significantly worsened my dental health. I initially came in to have a 3-tooth bridge redone due to an infection. Once the bridge was removed, I was told the teeth underneath had deteriorated and that I now needed a much larger and far more expensive bridge. I was pressured to make an immediate financial decision on the spot or leave with multiple missing teeth. This all happened late in the evening, after hours, when the office was closing. What followed was one of the most distressing experiences I've ever had in my life. I became completely overwhelmed and broke down in the dental chair--crying uncontrollably in front of multiple staff members. I was confused, scared, and felt trapped. My bridge had already been removed, I was being told I could not get anything else done without committing to a much larger treatment plan, and I was suddenly facing thousands of dollars in unexpected costs and the appearance of my mouth without a bridge was a real life nightmare. I did not feel like I had the ability to stop or step away and process what was happening Despite my visible distress, sobbing, asking questions, my obvious confusion and clearly not in a state to make decisions--they proceeded to shave down my healthy front canine tooth that same night. I remember laying there in the chair crying while it was being done, feeling powerless and unable to advocate for myself. It was not just upsetting it was deeply traumatic. I left that appointment feeling shaken, violated, and regretting that I hadn't been given the chance to pause or understand or think clearly before irreversible work was done, that would all be for nothing in the end. After that, I underwent a root canal that felt rushed and unusually painful compared to others I've had. During the procedure, the dentist appeared frustrated, sighing and rushing through it, and I experienced a level of pain that did not feel normal. That same night, I had severe, unbearable pain and I knew immediately something went wrong. It took time for the office to acknowledge the failure, but eventually they admitted the root canal was unsuccessful and the tooth was damaged during the procedure. Since then, I've had a constant infection in that tooth, and I've now been told it needs to be extracted. Because of this failed procedure, the original bridge plan is no longer even possible. However, I still paid for it partially and am still being held financially responsible, not only for the failed root canal, but also for the shaving of my previously healthy tooth and the crown it now requires for the rest of my life. I'm even expected to pay for the extraction caused by the failed treatment. I am now facing significantly more extensive dental work, including the possibility of dentures, all as a result of treatment that was supposed to help me. This experience has been physically painful, financially devastating, and emotionally traumatic. I have never felt so helpless in a medical setting, and I would not want anyone else to go through what I experienced here. I am going to my old dentist an hour away, to get a second opinion. The manager here was completely uncaring and unwilling to discuss a solution to make this right so I feel like I have no other options than taking legal action at this point. Do yourself a favor and never ever come here read more

I am a new patient at High Desert Smiles. I was previously with Viewpoint Dental for many years. I think that High Desert Smiles is an excellent dentistry. Everyone was very helpful and knowledgeable and they were able to get me in for my first appointment within only a few days of calling them. I read some negative reviews about this place and I didn't find any of those to be accurate. The place was clean, parking was excellent, the staff was friendly, and they did not push any unnecessary work on me. The Dentist was friendly, professional, and a joy to talk to. My hygienist was Delara and she was great. I will be requesting her for my next cleaning visit. I found High Desert Smiles Dentistry to be very professional and I'm really happy to have them as my new dentist. I would highly recommend them. ----Update 09/09/26---- Well, it was a completely different story when my wife went in today. They told her she needed a bunch of extra work and they refuse to do a cleaning for her unless they did the more expensive work first. When I called to ask some questions, they were rude and condescending to me on the phone and acted like I was being argumentative when they were the ones that were spitting out analogies and examples that were not applicable. Very unprofessional. read more

I had such a great experience at High Desert Smiles! Easy online check in process. I came in for a cleaning and also found that I need a filling, and they were able to take care of both the same day -- just a couple of hours total. Donna was super friendly and made me feel really comfortable from the moment I arrived. Dr. Lee was very knowledgeable, took the time to answer all my questions, and gave reasonable, honest recommendations for my dental work. I really appreciated how efficient and caring the whole team was. Definitely recommend this spot if you're looking for a dentistry that is both professional and personable. read more

The office is not very clean & they try to push unnecessary work on you. I knew going in that I needed a crown and the price they quoted me was ridiculous. I went back to my previous dentist, who I know and trust but since my insurance changed is no longer covered, and as a CASH patient, the crown & dental work done by a REPUTABLE dentist was LESS than what High Desert Smiles quoted me WITH insurance. My mom had a crown done by them that had to be fixed by a different dentist! Paying cash at better offices seems better than whatever shady billing things they seem to have going on here..... read more

High Desert Smiles wtongly diagnosed my tooth. The Dentist told me I'd need tooth pulled- anesthesia- implant & a bone graft that may not work. I had an older crown and was told the decay was too extensive Thankfully I got another opinion. Truth is I had minimal cavity under the crown. No surgery needed Only a filling and a crown.! The stress caused by high desert smiles was very difficult for me. I don't recommend this office. read more

Been going here for a year and a half. Made an appointment for a cleaning 6 month prior. I showed up and waited 1 hour to be told they are not doing my cleaning. This was the 2nd time this happened. The first time I let it go but this time I told them I won't be back. I waited an hour to get seen and booked 6 month prior, they should be honest when they can't perform the whole appointment. They just want any money they can take at their leisure. read more

I had moved s so I tried a number of other dental groups. The contrast was overwhelming! I'd be referred to other offices every time I needed work and appts were weeks ahead! Like the prodigal I've returned to my dental even though it's a long trip. The Doctors & staff are patient, polite, professional, proficient and proactive. read more

This review is specifically about James C. Jun. If you want a periodontist to not read your charts and perform an unnecessary treatment then go ahead and book with him! He is not friendly, I didn't even get an apology. I tried to avoid writing a review here but a regional manager hasn't gotten back to me and it has been over a week. read more

all i can say is do not go here! 3 additional hours and still no 10,000.00 crown! it feels like they are all beginning at dental services! run. run. run read more

I had an 8:00 a.m. appointment and ended up waiting until 8:30 a.m. When I asked the receptionist why it was taking so long, she casually mentioned that they were preparing the X-ray room. If they knew about my appointment, they should have been ready on time. So, I just left at 8:35am. The restroom is so dirty too. This delay and lack of preparedness showed poor service, and the communication could have been much better. read more

Worst customer service. I was fitted for a night guard. Waited 2 weeks for my appointment. Went to pick up my night guard and sat in the waiting room for an hour. I went to the front desk 30 minutes in and asked how long it would be before I was seen. The girl went to the back "to check" and never came back out. 15 minutes go by. I ask the other girl at the front desk what's taking so long. She finally tells me they are running behind and will be another 10 or 15 minutes. 3 customers had been called back while I was waiting. So, after the third customer (1 hour past my appointment time), I got up again. The girl at the desk said I was waiting for a different person and this doctor or whoever only had 1 assistant today. Just then, a girl came out with my chartt and my night guard in hand and LITERALLY JUST HANDS ME MY NIGHT GUARD. I WAITED AN HOUR PAST MY APPOINTMNET FOR THEM TO HAND ME MY GUARD IN THE WAITING ROOM!!!! They seem to think they are royalty. And need to learn customers/patients time is just as precious as theirs. The convenience of a dentist in my area has proved not so convenient. ZERO STARS for this "service" read more

People Beware, billing is out to over bill you whenever they get a chance and they don't even have a conscience about it. They overcharged me and my Wife for the same procedure by $225. When brought to their attention they agreed but never reimbursed me,, so I had to appeal with the health network and got my money back. Make sure and check your dental schedule as they will try and rip you off. My Dentist Bautista was always amazing in her work. I don't blame her. I actually left this office and found this dentist working out of another office. Do not recommend this office go elsewhere and always check what they charge you against your insurance rates. read more

Their work was solid except for lots of pain after but definitely get copies of paperwork and read all the fine print. They tell you one thing and it ends up being more than what they said. I told them I couldn't afford teeth cleaning at the moment and the lady told me she would work it into my payments. I was so excited that she was able to work with me and she seemed sincere but when I showed up for the appointment they wanted over $100 out of pocket. They also up charge like crazy. read more

Horrible absolutely horrible, I was in an enormous amount of pain from a cracked tooth. I was seen at 11:30 and by 4:15 still no prescription was sent to the pharmacy. I called and asked twice when would the prescription be sent? I was in so much pain! Front desk acted as if I was annoying them. They said Dr was busy...lol I cant even make this up.... I ended up canceling all of my dental work and made an appointment elsewhere. Dentist is nice but in my opinion office is very unprofessional. I would not advise anyone to be a patient here. If I could give them zero stars I would! read more

Beware of this place many years ago they said I had 2 cavities I never got them filled nothing happened then in 2019 I went there for a checkup once again they said I had 2 cavities once again 3 yrs no pain no cavities then the grouchy lady in charge said she warned me about crack in tooth sent me off to another place with NO pain shot so I sat in the other place for hours in the most EXCRUCIATING PAIN I EVER FELT. For you sake do NOT patronize this place I can see why they are called SMILES they SMILE ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK BY DOING WORK THAT IS NOT NEEDED WHILE YOU HAVE YOUR TEETH DRILLED WHEN THERE ARE NO CAVITIES. read more

First visit to this dentist. Made a last second appointment for 11:15 and I was in the chair by 11:35. Ashley took my x-rays quickly and efficiently. She was very sweet and stuck by my side throughout my entire visit. My insurance coverage was very clearly explained after the initial exam. My options and the out of pocket cost were laid out before any work was done - a huge stress relief. Dr. Bautista is so incredibly kind and easy to joke around with. (Although I realize my dental health is no joke - sorry for waiting so long between dentist visits!) Her procedures were quick and painless. A dentist who truly cares about her patients. Mary also helped in assisting. Quiet at first (how do you make conversation with a drill in your mouth?). She truly shined when my trypanophobia took me and the staff by surprise. Honestly the hospitality I exhibited there from everyone was incredible. I was on a tight schedule but both Ashley and Rachel teamed up to give me a quick (yet thorough) cleaning at the end. The ladies in the office were also very kind and really helped me out of a bind with my expiring insurance. ************ Overall - I was a very worried about finding a new dentist after moving. (Reviews are all over the place - who do you trust?) My only regret is not coming here sooner. If any of the staff reads this - THANK YOU!!! I'll send a post card during my travels! -Tim read more

Went in for a cleaning and Denise was very quick and good when doing my x-rays. Staff is very friendly. Go in for the treatment and overall staff! read more

My husband has been coming here for a few years and he's always so satisfied with the service. Every time he leaves, I ask him about the visit because I am aware of the yelp reviews, but his answer never changes. I came in with him yesterday for the 1st time because his ankle is broken & I was equally as satisfied! Xavier took care of us from start to finish. He was very friendly at check in and very informative and thorough when it came to treat plan costs and options. They offer several different affordable & flexible financing options as well. I would recommend this place. Great customer service! read more

Very professional team! I felt safe and secure the entire time during my appointment! I travel from LA to Hesperia just to get treated with them! I highly recommend it! -Gloria P. read more

The general dentist told me I needed a root canal, He started the process and put a temporary crown on and I went back for my appointment to see the endodontist, he did his consultation and said that I did not need a root canal. At my last appointment they asked me if I could pay for my whole procedure up front and I did. Now it has been 2 weeks and I still have not received a refund. All they keep telling me is 'Gabby is not here and she is the only one who can do refunds.' I have heard that over and over again in the last 2 weeks. Today I spoke with Isabelle and she rudely told me "I will see what I can do but Gabby will not be here til monday'..I asked her when can I expect a callback and she literally said 'idk later'... Once they finish what they started, I will not ever return back! read more

I was nervous at first going in for a cleaning for the first time at this dentist and Denise was so gentle and quick with her X-rays. Denise also was very helpful with any questions I had. Her work is very quick and efficient. Good place for treatments and overall friendly staff! read more

Definitely coming back I'm a scary patient and high desert smiles Erick and dr. Ali is the best and definitely Johnny was really helpful I recommend them you won't be disappointed read more

The staff is friendly and accommodating. They will do whatever you ask so be kind and just ask. They print crowns on site so yes sometimes you have to wait but they always ask if you'd like to come back later. My appointments have been on time and the work on my teeth is so beautiful, I'm like a whole new person. There are trainees at this dentist but if you don't like their work, request someone else, it's easy. All in all I felt comfortable at this place even though I messed up my teeth so bad I knew it would be painful. read more

My first appointment at this practice and I'm so pleased! Isabelle up front is so kind! Dr. Kumar is great. Christina the hygienist is knowledgeable and communicative. So happy I made this change! read more

I had such a nice visit! The ladies in the office are all baddies also so nice and gentle lol they're very helpful, informative, and easy going. This is my permanent dentist for life! read more

This is unfortunately a terribly unorganized practice. Just to share my experience I scheduled an appointment for a cleaning, showed up for my appointment, was taken back, told I should buy a $150 mouth guard and then sent home because they had no one to actually do a cleaning which is the whole reason I went in the first place. Don't waste you time they are unorganized and clearly lack communication between their scheduling and the actual staff. Yikes read more

This dentistry is professional and offers great customer service. From the girls at the front desk to the X-ray tech to the dentist. Gabby the girl that handles the financial part was very informative and made a plan that I was comfortable with. Even the girl that did my mold was friendly and reassuring. I wish I took everyone's name so I could compliment them personally. I did see Dr. Kumar who gave me step by step details of my upcoming procedure and offered me options for my dental anxiety. He was very kind and helpful. I was very happy with my care and will highly recommend them. The dental office is clean and they are practicing social distancing as well as sanitation protocols. read more

Ive gone here only twice and both times i waited two hours to be seen, my first visit she never even cleaned my teeth. seems like their accommodating and favor regular clients, two people who came in after me were seen before me even with my appointment. so i don't recommend coming here if your new. i walked out my second time an got a refund. read more

Worst people EVER! Turned away my 87 year old -afraid-of-dentists mother who arrive 15 minutes EARLY for her confirmed 11:30am (I have a confirmation email) telling her she was late and they wouldn't take her. Office staff was rude and completely lacked compassion. But they were sure able to call me 4 times in the last week for her insurance information Probably a blessing in disguise If I could rate these people lower, I would. BAD BAD BAD read more

Called in and they charged me for my check up at 1:30 I even arrived early, I go to the front desk after waiting for 40 mins to see when I'll be actually STARTING my 1:30 check up and at 2:15 I here them tell a dentist that they need to get me in almost like they didn't even set me up at all, these people are nothing but a poor excuse for a dentist office, more ironic that they acted like they cared over the phone that I had an abscessed tooth but when I get here they don't give a single care in the world about there patients. My one experience here and everyone that walked thru the door was rudely told to sign the sheet at the front and go sit somewhere read more

Ive tried to give this company the benefit but they continue to waste my time. Huge wait times (like 45 minutes after appointment is when the even take you to the back). Make appointments (I have confirmation email) for 8 am & I show up and they say they rescheduled me for 3 pm (without my consent). They don't value their customers time. Schedule at your own risk. read more

I am very happy with the front desk and Dr Batista is wonderful......but the assistance I am left with to finish up, seem to be either still in training, or they think they are a Dentist already (and they ARE NOT). I am paying not hundreds, but thousands to have the work that I need done....I tried to justify being in the chair for 4 hours, to " We all start somewhere and learn everyday" ...but, this is a professional dentist office, not a dentist school. I am worried now about the final outcome, and that I have already agreed to pay on terms almost $7,000. read more

You never see the same dentist year to year. This office is some kinda training for dentist fresh out of school or something. I've been coming here 5 years now and they've changed people prolly 5 times. Its annoying and not all are good providers. I went recently and was told I needed a crown on a tooth. Ok I said I knew I hadn't been in over a year so that's prolly true. They do the work and put on temp crown. Now I can't chew on left side of mouth due to tooth sensitivity. Didn't have this problem before when I got crowns so I knew something was wrong. I go back to have them inspect they give me all these stories that don't add up. Saying that I must have did something to cause but never we may have done something wrong. So they replaced temp builded up thicker Saying it was really thin and tell me to try that until I come back for the permanent crown. It's been 3 days since and I still have great sensitivity when I bit down. I'm so made now I have to see an endontist to prolly have root canal which isn't in their office I have to go far distance. I'm never going to come here again once this is done. read more

I have a phobia of dentist. I get nervous and anxious so a dentist approach needs to be understanding of that. My sincere thanks to this dental office for taking me in with an emergency. I had an infected tooth that was spreading up my jaw to my right ear. Dr. Ali Pootrakul and his team made me feel relaxed and comfortable during the extraction of that tooth. The tooth pain was so frustrating because it was non-stop. So I hadn't slept well and not eating good. At my appointment I was exhausted. The dental staff were very nice and helpful. The extraction was quick. I felt no pain and it did not bleed as expected. Dr. Ali and his team's energy made me relax by how they spoke and talked to me during the process. It was very quick and I have no more pain. I would recommend this dental office because they made me feel comfortable. They didn't rush the process and they communicated clearly and effectively. Often a patient or client's loyalty to a business is how they are treated. I think they just earned my business. read more

Its been 7 months of late appointments 4:30 ends up to be 6:30 pm. I ask for early appointments but why ask you wont get one. This dental office is still not finished in completing my dental work. They are rude they reschedule due to Dr. Calling off. I dont want to spend months and evenings at the Dentist would you? My procedures was to be completed not stretched out for months. read more

Dr. Louis Stromberg has amazed a number of dental offices several in the High Desert Moreno Valley and Hemet. He has been able to do this by ripping off hundreds of unsuspected patients. I discovered that they were overcharging me a lot when I went to another office and the charge was less. When I confronted them they say that they were using a different code. They will make you wait at least for an hour or sometimes 2 hours when you have an appointment; but if you are 15 minutes late they will ask you to reschedule. On my last visit I needed them to remove some stitches from some work that I had done somewhere else (because it was $10,000.00 cheaper) and Linda one of the office personnel did not allow Dr. Kore to do it. Do not make this thief richer with your hard-earned money! read more

I will NEVER go back to this place. Two years ago, I went and wanted a teeth cleaning. They quoted me something like $2400 without explaining the need for this cleaning. Well I left and found a dentist who did it for $800 and also explained why I had to have this type of cleaning. Now I just went back last month Sept 2012 to get my teeth cleaned. I went in and had xrays and a consult with a new dentist. Before I left I asked how much and was quoted around $100. When I went in for my appt, they wanted to charge me $600.. and without AGAIN explaining. I said I was quoted $100..can't you just clean my teeth for $100. I asked, "Where is this $59 dental cleaning that is advertised and posted on your window." Of course, that cleaning isn't for me. Although they are very nice and pleasant, they tend not to EXPLAIN why they want an ENORMOUS amt of money for treatments. It's okay if you have insurance but for someone like me, who is self employed it is not. Also, there are cheaper dentists out there without all that high tech and huge staff overhead, that do just as good as a job without the ENORMOUS fees. So I just went over to Dental Village on Bear Valley and will be getting my teeth cleaned for a lot less and closer to the $100. I feel like I am at a Used Car place when I go there. They want me to get all this dental work done for an ENORMOUS amount of money and don't want to explain. So NEVER AGAIN! PS: This is the First Review I have ever left on the internet because I am still angry about it. I JUST WANT MY TEETH CLEANED!!!!! read more

This place should be called "High Desert Rip Off". I decided to use my dental insurance before the new cycle starts in December 2018. I scheduled for a crown and removallof wisdom teeth. I came in today so the dental surgeon could remove my wisdom teeth and proceed with capping the broken crown. Instead, the receptionist acted like she didnt know why i was there. Luckily i brought my price quote from my initial checkup there. The total procedure was prices at $1300. I wanted to pay them tosay with my insurance as we discussed last time. Instead they played games about having me pay up front for the crown first and just do a cleaning because the surgeon was not in. I was upset and they called me a liar until i showed them my quote from them. Basically these sharks want u to pay hard cash because the insurance firms take a while to reimburse them. That is not my problem and we made a deal. They were totally incoherent and unorganized. They are thieves that will rob you blind if you don't pay attention. They wasted my time and i lost a full day's work On top of that these morons refused to sign a slip to excuse my kids from school. I had to drag my kids with me since i was told it was a long procedure. I will drive 200 miles and see the dentists in Rosarito Beach mexico rather than waste time with these liars. Today i removed me, my wife and my 3 kids from their service and i am going to find a different dentist in the high desert. read more