Dr. Van has been my dentist now for several years. I now live out of state and still come to get my dental work done with him when I travel to California. I believe that speaks for itself. Overall Dr. Van is an excellent dentist and I don't believe I could find another like him. He has such a great bedside manner. He explains everything in detail as he treats his patient. I feel the most skittish dental patient has nothing to fear with him. His staff is wonderful too. The ladies at the front desk are so polite and helpful with patients in explaining treatment, insurance, payments, etc. Rebecca the hygienist is magic. She has such a gentle touch and is so kind that I promise you will look forward to your next cleaning! She is wonderful and makes you look and feel amazing. Overall Smilemaker Dental is the best and I highly recommend this practice to anyone who is looking for a superior dentist and shining supporting staff. Thank you Smilemaker Dental for taking care of me for so many years. ***** read more

I always look forward to going to the dentist because the entire team is fantastic and accommodating.

Dr. Van and his entire staff (hygienist, front office, etc.) are very friendly, welcoming, and make sure to make you comfortable for the entire visit. I have put off dental work due to lack of insurance and dislike of most dentists. I went to two other dentists before finding Dr. Van who both quoted me over $5000 dollars and they wanted to pull a tooth. Dr. Van and his team took the time to x-ray, take pictures and examine the issue and come up with a reasonable solution. Very cautious of cost, but excellent care, great work, friendly, and I did not have to lose my tooth. For the first time in my life I have a dentist and dental office I will recommend. read more

I've been Dr. Van's patient for about two years now. I really like that the office is small, so--as a patient--you build more of a close-knit friendship with the staff. Dr. Van is a great dentist; very kind, caring, and skilled. I never felt uncomfortable in his chair. He always genuinely asks for updates on the oral hygiene, any problems, concerns, etc. If you're a person with dentistry office anxiety--fear no more. This is were it ends! Everyone in the office is very kind and friendly. I couldn't have asked for a better place to take care of my teeth! One thing I'd suggest is updating their website; some more info on currently working staff would be very useful, and it would attract more patients for sure. read more

Absolutely love this place and the people who work there!! They make you feel so comfortable and are so professional. I am a very anxious person especially when it comes to seeing the dentist and they make all your anxiety and nervousness go away! I don't think I could trust any other place. read more

This is the best dentist office! The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Dr. Van is very knowledgeable and helpful. He's kind and explains everything to you. My entire family has been going to this office for 12 years. Only good experiences. read more

caring, gentle, very thorough , he inspects , explains and makes recommendations and gives you options . My family has been going to him for years and I highly recommend him . read more

Dr. Van and his staff is nothing short of amazing. They have always made me feel like they 100% care about me as a person and a patient. They have really gone above and beyond to build a professional relationship with me. Very thorough and transparent every step of the way. I appreciate this greatly as I've had terrible experiences in the past and Dr. Van has made up for the mistreatment of others. I truly wish him his practice and all the staff the very best . read more

Great dentist! Very attentive and patient. Will take his time to explain everything fully and make sure you're comfortable.

My family had been seeing Dr. Van several years and were happy with the services. Last week my son's crown on his front tooth came off. He had this crown less than 8 months. He was charged $50.00 to reglue the crown to reattach it. This is unacceptable. Our family will find another dental service as there are many to choose from in the Riverside area. read more

When I first saw all the 5 star reviews I thought this guy must be great. Boy is that an understatement! Dr. Van is amazing!! I've only been to one other dentist in my life (17 years at the same one until insurance changed) and it's the best thing that could've happened for my teeth. The receptionists alone are very friendly and informative. My hygienist was Rebecca and she's amazing as well. She talked me through it all and checked up on me multiple times to ensure I was doing alright (warned her of my dental anxiety beforehand). Dr. Van gave me his sole attention and spent much longer with me than I expected him to! I knew I had a few bad teeth based off the pain I've been having but I've always been too scared to have work done so I've been putting it off for a few years. I have a long road to healthy teeth again but in 2 months I'm confident I'll love the work that's been done. Will update after my first root canal and crown have been completed read more

Dr. Van has been our family dentist for almost 7 years now. We are so blessed to be in a great team. Dr. Van always take time to fully go over our dental health and presented several options for improvements. I would like to commend Rebecca, she is the best hygienist I've ever been to, as well as Viviana and the rest of the staff for a very professional and excellent customer service. Highly recommend Dr. Howard Van - Smile Maker Dental! read more

Dr. Howard Van and his Staff are the Best!!! If you are afraid of going to the dentist like I have been for years then you need to try Dr. Howard Van in Riverside. He and his staff make you feel comfortable even when you hate going to the dentist and are a big chicken like I was until I went to his office. Never thought I would say this about a Dentist, but would travel lots of miles just to come to his office. Thanks for being such a Great Dentist ! read more

Dr. Van and his team are nice and make you feel comfortable He explains everything and takes his time read more

These reviews are legit. Found Dr. Van from reading up on Yelp was a life saver. I am dreaded of having any dental treatment. However, I have received deep cleaning and teeth extraction here without any pain. The staff and the doctor are very caring and polite. They are also on point on how long the service would take so you could consider in scheduling other things accordingly. I am very glad to finally find a dentist I can trust. read more

They are a PPO that took me without a dental insurance plan. The front desk ladies were very kind and respectful. After being checked out and told the issues, Dr. Van asked what I wanted to do. All other dentist pushed me to get work done even when I was not having any issues. He is very methodical in his process. The most honest caring dentist I have been to. His hygienist is mutually kind and sensitive to what is to be done and will proceed only when you are ready. This is the dentist to go to. read more

My previous dentist had done some things that let's just say were questionable and the communication was lacking. I heard great things about Dr. Howard Van and figured I'd get a second opinion. Sure enough, I have some additional work to be done that should not have been put off. Medical opinions always vary, but there were some things that were plainly wrong that my previous dentist suggested or did not suggest. In any case, Dr. Howard Van is thorough, gentle, kind, and extremely professional. The staff is as well. I only had a consultation at this point but it was the most comfortable and informative consultation I have had at a dental office. The equipment is state of the art and they do a great job of giving you the whole picture regarding your dental health such as what steps to take next, options, and preventative care. This was something I was lacking as a patient elsewhere. The communication with Dr. Howard Van and his staff is impeccable. And communication is key to a happy, healthy patient. Your concerns are heard and he listens to you. We need more doctors like Dr. Howard Van in the community. I recommend this doctor to anyone looking for professional dental care. You will not be disappointed! I will update after I complete my additional appointments. read more

I just recently found Dr. Howard Van, this will now be my forever dentist. Because I have tried 7, yes 7 dentists. I've got to say today's experience at the dentist was not only the best ever and yes I had work done. I hate shots I feel most dentists rush, but not today Dr. Van is awesome at giving shots to numb you. He takes his time and is so gentle I just can't say enough. And he is really interested in your questions. If your afraid of the dentist like me, just give him a chance. He will change your thought on dentists forever. And yes the staff is so nice that you feel comfortable right away. So happy I found the dentist for me. Happy Girl read more

Found my new dentist. Just had a deep cleaning today and it was literally pain free. In and out within an hour. If you are apprehensive about going to the dentist then I would give them a try. They are very courteous and professional. Dr. Van gives me the impression that he really cares about my dental health. My two girls will be going to him as well. Just had my first crown placed by Dr. Van today and he has such a great disposition. Pain free as well. I was the patient who hadn't been to the dentist for over 3 years because I was always so apprehensive. Now it's no big deal! Thank you smile maker! read more

Wish I could give 10 star. The staff is amazing and dr van is beyond amazing. I have looked everywhere for a dentist a real dentist who actually cares about his patients and I will not go anywhere else. I have had to unfortunately have a tooth pulled, a deep cleaning and a root canal. Heard awful things about all these procedures and never once was I not a concern. I was made aware of every move and they all made sure I was comfortable. I was not pressured into extra work or unnecessary procedures. The staff is so friendly and on top of everything. Never thought I would say this but I actually enjoy going to the dentist now. read more

Dr. Van was super attentive if everything was ok and help me to re-cement my crown and made sure everything was ok and got me ready to head out to work that same day . Called and he made time and took me in right away . read more

This is the best dentist in southern California!! Truly, by far they are AMAZING!!! Dr Van is just the best on every level. Dr Van's team is just as amazing at everything they do. They communicate well, they make you comfortable, but most of all Dr Van does the best dental work. read more

Zoom laser! Sedation if needed. Excellent chair side manner. Dr. Van is "patient centered" & tells you options instead of making you do one thing for your cracked tooth. Speaks PERFect English. Went back for crown repair...again excellent work. Painless! He probably caters to cowards because he was really patient. read more

I'm really happy with my decision to try out this dental office. Dr Van and his staff are extremely professional and understanding. In the past dentist offices were painful and under informed when leaving. I had no pain what so ever and they explained to me on what they did to me teeth and also preventive maintenance I need to take to keep a healthy mouth. I am looking forward to my next appointment for the first time ever. Thanks!! read more

Dr. Van and his staff are simply amazing. I was in search for a dentist 2 years ago after having very bad experiences with other dentist. I found Dr. Van's office for my family and I. Now 2 years later it has been hands down the best decision I every made. Dr. Van's process of establishing a dental plan prioritized with health first is what separates him from other dentist. He provides sound advice with your dental health first as a priority. From the dental assistance, to the front office, to the dental hygienist and also the orthodontist, everyone treats you with great care and kindness. It truly is a customer first environment from top to bottom. Each time I walk out of Dr. Van's office I'm 100% confident the service and advice I received will help my teeth and gum health for years to come. If your thinking about switching dentist because of billing issues, or the work you receive is subpar, or the office you go to is rude, look no further than Dr. Van's office. You won't regret making the call. I'm an average Riversidian who didn't know this gem was hidden in the city until the last 2 years ago. read more

I wouldn't go anywhere else. I've been coming to Dr. Van's office for as long as I can remember. Dr. Van and the entire staff are very friendly and care about the well-being of everyone coming in. I can't imagine going anywhere else. I've had nothing but a 10/10 experience and would recommend anyone to come here. read more

As someone who has thoroughly despised going to the dentist, I feel so blessed to have found Dr. Van's office and his staff. Everytime, EVERYTIME I go in for my appointment, I am greeted with a smile and that goes for everyone I see that day. It may be something so simple, but it matters such a great deal to me to and is one of the reasons I actually like going there. My comfort level is always a priority for Dr. Van and his staff. When I found out that I needed a root canal, I was already preparing myself for some pain. I can honestly say that not one time during my root canal was I in pain. Dr. Van pays extra for the numbing gel that other dentists won't splurge for because obviously rubbing gel on gums to numb the area hurts a lot less than getting injections to numb. I still had to get one or two injections but it didn't even hurt because he puts the numbing gel where he is going to put the injection. All in all, I'm glad I took my co-worker's recommendation to check this office out. Best dental office I've ever been to! read more

I have known Dr. Van for a long time. Besides being knowledgeable, he genuinely cares about your well being. His staff is top notched and very friendly. read more

Excellent communication, staff, and top notch hygienist with Becca. Overall, an excellent dentist.

First BEST experience ever! After trying out another local dentist I already knew what work I needed but wasn't too pleased. My co-worker recommended Dr. Van and I'm so glad I took his advice. Needed a root canal for the first time so i was really nervous not knowing what to expect. Dr Van takes the time to explain what he is going to do and has such a calming demeanor that puts you at ease. He's also very gentle. I didn't feel any pain at all and recovered with very minimal soreness! My husband had a deep cleaning and tooth extraction. He couldn't get over how gentle they were with both procedures since previous experiences were no where near as great. The staff is just as friendly and wonderful as can be. My husband and I are so glad to have found a great dentist. Highly recommend! read more

I have been going to Dr Van for several years now. He is kind, patient, gentle, conscientious, and the BEST at what he does. He takes the time to explain and ask questions, and always asks if I am OK when he is doing a procedure. All the girls in the office are great! read more

Love this dentist I have very high anxiety and Dr. Van is so calming that I'm actually able to take of what I need too. All the girls that work here are amazing and the dental hygienist who did my deep cleaning was so gentle!!! I already recommended him to my family don't hesitate booking an appointment!!! read more

I loved the care I received during my first visit from the front office receptionist to the DA and Dr. Van, they are all very professional and caring. The DA who took me back and performed my X-Rays was very attentive to my needs, she knew I was a very nervous patient and she talked to me in such a way that I remained calm and felt comfortable in such a way I had never felt before in a dental office. Dr. Van explains everything in a way you understand. He is very thorough and also listens to your concerns. He answered all my questions and I was very pleased with everything. I have yet to go back for treatment which I am very much looking forward to! read more

I found this dentist on google from reading the reviews I decided to take a chance and make an appointment. I'm glad I found this place. Staff and dr van is nice they explain everything to you and care about their patients. read more

Dr. Van and his staff are really amazing. All of his equipment and techniques are very up to date. Much more then my last dentist who went out of business or closed down and didn't even send a note. No call, no warning and the word going around is that he just decided to retire. This is a huge change from my last dentist. I can't believe that I didn't know it could be this good. I have a huge issue with Dentistry. I'm guessing most people would say the same, no one really likes to go to the Dentist but my issues are on over load compared to the normal anxiety and dislike. I did not inform them of this, just figured I should suck it up and get through it. I'm more then surprised and very happy to finally have a Dentist I love and can trust completely. All of the staff are so professional and so sweet. I felt like family there and Dr. Van took a lot of time with me to explain every move, every recommendation and at every step of the way he made sure I was comfortable and okay. All of his staff did the same. They are very meticulous in making sure I was informed and comfortable and okay. I can't say how much I appreciate how every single one of them helped me through the process, leaving me feeling relieved and truly happy to have finally found "my" Dentist. I really hope he never moves. I've only been to his office twice so far and it would already feel like an incredible loss. Thank you Dr. Van! read more

This is the best place to come for dental care in riverside and I drive all the way from Los Angeles. I've been going here since I was a little girl. read more

Great to have Dr Van's team open and ready to serve. Visit was quick and to the point. Rebecca explained everything prior to doing the treatments. Was very comfortable and happy. Safety and health are their top priority. Thanks again. read more

Dr. Van and staff are awesome! My wife and I are moving out of state and he squeezed me in before our move to fill 2 cavities. We will miss their professionalism and warm, caring spirit. Thank you for always taking care of our dental needs! We will miss you all! read more

Im so impressed. He explains everything in detail and the staff is so nice and easy going. He went over everything in a way I could understand and I really felt he cared about my oral health. He gave great advice and gave me detailed advice. Definitely coming here fo years. read more

I recently moved to Riverside and was in need of a quality dentist. Using Yelp I actually found Dr. Van's office. Walking into a new dentist can be scary but I was immediately greeted with a smile and hello. After visiting the office 3 times, for the initial checkup, a deep cleaning and a cavity filling, I have come away highly impressed. I like that Dr. Van has a monitor and takes pictures to actually show the patient whats going on in there. He is very thorough, tells you the truth but is very kind and sincere not only to the patient but his staff as well. I would definitely recommend Dr. Van and his staff to my family and friends. read more