I am writing this review so other parents can make an informed decision and ask detailed questions about pricing before scheduling an appointment. I brought my daughter to Elgin Pediatric Dental for what I believed would be a basic cleaning before she got braces. Unfortunately, I was not informed of the costs of the services being provided, and I was shocked when I later learned that the visit used $624 of the $1,000 annual dental benefit available through my insurance. The charges included: Oral Exam: $160 Dental Cleaning: $140 basic tooth brushing used no tools or floss. Fluoride Treatment: $67 Two Radiographic Images: $78 Panoramic Image: $200 What was most frustrating was that the panoramic image, which cost $360, was not something I understood would be needed, and I did not realize the cost before it was performed. Had I been informed of the pricing beforehand, I could have made a more informed decision about my daughter's care. When I called with concerns about the bill, I found the business manager to be extremely rude and dismissive. Rather than addressing my concerns about the unexpected costs, I was told it was my responsibility as a consumer to know the charges in advance. While I agree that patients should understand their insurance coverage, I also believe providers should clearly disclose costs before performing services that can significantly impact a family's benefits and out-of-pocket expenses. My concern is not with the dental care itself, but with the lack of cost transparency and the response I received when I tried to discuss the charges. If you choose this practice, I strongly recommend asking for the price of every service, exam, X-ray, and treatment before it is performed so that you do not encounter the same surprise that I did. This review is simply intended to help other parents understand the potential costs and to encourage them to ask detailed questions before their appointment. Dentist was nice but not as detailed as we have had in the past and at a surcharge of 420 dollars for the same services I would do as the business manager told me to do know your numbers. read more

Dr. Karsten has been treating my children since my 19 year old was a toddler. He was the first dentist to be able to actually get my son (on the autistic spectrum) to sit through an entire cleaning and even X-rays. Dr. Karsten was the fourth pediatric dentist we saw and I am so thankful that a friend recommended him to our family. Fast forward a bunch of years to my second and third child, they have never felt any anxiety about going to the dentist and are always happy to go. My third child has Down syndrome and as her teacher describes her, fiercely independent, she is always happy to visit the dentist and has shown no fear at all in any of the procedures that she has undergone, including having two baby teeth pulled while using only a bit of nitrous gas. (It was truly amazing how well she tolerated the whole experience!) Dr. Karsten and his team have always been amazing. We have seen the other dentists in this practice and they are all exceptional and amazing with my kids. You will not go wrong with having Kids First Pediatrics as your child(ren)'s dentist. I am truly happy with the care they have shown all of my children and always refer any of my friends to them as well. read more

I recently visited the Elgin location and had the pleasure of working with Natalie. She was very thorough and so kind to my child. In addition to Natalie, Bertha too was so helpful with explaining the insurance aspect of our visit. Highly recommend read more

Loving the new locations still! These offices and the addition of the new dentists is a great upgrade! It's still great to have Dr. Matt see my son, but all if the dentists are cut from the same kid forward cloth. We really love this office! read more

Kids First Pediatric Dentistry - Already decorated for the holidays! 11/22/23 - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - Elgin, Illinois

We've been bringing our 3 kids here since we moved here 2.5 years ago and we're finally done. We cannot stand this place. They are the rudest, most condescending dental office I have ever visited. They try their hardest to separate parents from the children so that parents don't know what's going on during appointments. If you ask questions they make you feel stupid and talk down to you. They tell you that you have to use their "lingo" in the office and now make you sign a paper agreeing to it! For example, If you say "pulled" tooth or ask questions about the procedure their eyes get big and they get visibly angry. On one of our visits the dentist finished the exam and then casually said, "we're going to send that tooth to the tooth fairy." I was a bit taken back and said, "I'm sorry, does that mean you think you need to pull this tooth?" And he snapped at me and said, "what do you THINK that means?!" I have never, ever been treated like this by a dentist before and after 2.5 years of dealing with interactions like this by their entire staff, we've had enough and don't trust any of their recommendations. Definitely go elsewhere! read more

We've been coming here for over a decade and once again I am leaving feeling so grateful we have this dentist! They all take great care of my kiddos and always make them feel comfortable and safe. Because of the care they have taken with my kids, my kids are prepared when they need something more than a cleaning. They know they are in the hands of someone who cares for them. We are truly blessed by Dr Matt and his amazing team! read more

Dislike this place. Specifically one doctor in particular. He was condescending and rude. Wont return.

The hygienists are lovely. Very understanding of kids who are young, special needs, nervous, etc. Dr. Gil was wonderful. Just hope you don't need a procedure and he's unavailable. Dr. Matt is an arrogant, rude, liar. We had a three year old who needed an extraction, and a bit of a parent schedule juggle. I attempted to explain the parent shuffle, but was immediately talked down to, talked over, and bullied into leaving my 3 year old alone for the procedure. Dr. Matt at least visited me twice to tell me how great she was doing. No tears. Nothing. All well and good until she informed me that she was "crying and crying and the nurse got me water to calm me down while dr. Matt left." So not only was he a bully to me, he actually left my daughter alone crying so he could come out and tell me she wasn't crying. I'm not even 100% convinced the tooth needed extracted, but after he was so rude from his first word to me, I never even got a chance to ask for a second opinion. Gotta love the guilt I feel every time I look at her gap-tooth smile... My favorite may have been when he told me how he has to be good because he has patients with autism... guess he forget to glance at the notes that my son is autistic before delivering that condescending line. We will NOT be back. read more

Place should be called "Kid's First Mugging" These people told us that my son needed to have 4 teeth pulled that were loose due to natural aging; because otherwise he might swallow them and choke. By that logic there should be millions dead every year from tooth inhalation injuries. This resulted in a surgery under general anesthesia that generated a $9,000.00 bill. Maybe one of them needed a new car or wanted to hit Paris for lunch or something, but saying this seems highly unethical is being kind. This was completely unnecessary and done solely to gouge fees, IMO. They put my child under general anesthesia and yanked out 4 teeth solely so they could pad their wallets as far as I'm concerned. I cannot believe that this is a one time occurrence. They should be investigated. If wrongdoing is found they should be prosecuted, shut down and everyone involved should have their licenses revoked. What 'medical professional' performs unnecessary surgery. On children. Monsters, that's who. Do not subject your child, or your wallet, to these people. Neither is going to fare well after being run through this place. read more

We have been going to this office for at least 10 years and the staff is great and always makes my daughter feel comfortable and she actually likes going to the dentist. The dentists are high skilled and compassionate toward patient and the parents. I would highly recommend anyone in the area looking for a pediatric dentist to visit this dentist office read more

It was my son's first visit. When I was scheduling the appointment I've been told that a maximum cost without insurance will be $300 ( X-rays, teeth cleaning, doctor consultation) . So, we did it all and the total was $600 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I asked why, they told me they needed to take more pictures on X-rays. So disappointed, they should've asked before. Such a fraud !!!! read more

Nina was amazing. everybody was super friendly and made our daughter feel comfortable on her first dental visit.

I had two appointments here for my 5 year old daughter. We were referred here by my dentist who missed multiple cavities on my daughter who now needed extensive dental work. My daughter had a broken molar due to a cavity and we were super excited at how fast we got in here, but after that our experience wasn't very good. The first dentist we had here was kind, but he was pushing putting my daughter under general anesthesia to complete all of her dental work. My daughter pretty much had a ticking time bomb in her mouth that can pain her at any given moment and the soonest we could get in was the end of January or even February to put her under. So, I decided that I wanted to attempt actual dental work in a chair with "candy air". The next day we came in to meet with Dr. Amanda to try to fix her tooth. She would not even come in the room until my daughter was laying down with a mask on, which made matters rather tense. My daughter started to get more anxiety because she could sense the tension. After about 5 minutes, she pulled me out and told me that we were done here and that she needed to go under to complete the work. She never even made me or my daughter feel comfortable. She NEVER talked to my daughter directly. She was extremely forward and told me tons of stuff that made me feel like an AWFUL parent and made my daughter feel like a failure. She acted like my daughter's teeth meant nothing to me and threatened me with what could happen if I ignored this issue. Now I'm not a dentist, but I do have my Master's degree in Psychology and I think I know exactly what they're trying to do here. They try to absolutely scare you into thinking that putting your child under is your only option. She told me that I will traumatize her if I make her get this done. What do you think will happen when I drag her into a hospital for dental work and they start poking her and then they take her away from me?!?! She will be completely traumatized!!! After I met with the surgery coordinator, something just was not sitting right with me after I found out that they are putting kids under EVERY FRIDAY for dental work!!!! I know that sometimes that is your only option, especially for kids with disabilities, but not for ALL young children! When we left my poor daughter had one of the worst melt downs ever. She actually started crying in the office before we left. She is such a strong girl and she felt like a failure because the dentists here just want to make more money!!! Please do not think that you have to pay some huge bill and put your child under to get dental work done. I found an AMAZING dentist in Hoffman Estates, Dr. Varghese at Once Upon a Smile. She has already completed some of her dental work all while under "candy air". She is amazing at what she does and has the best patience with kids! My daughter left there so proud of herself and she cannot wait to go back. The dentist even told me that she could not believe how strong and brave she was. That's why something just does not make sense at this place! read more

Dr. Matt is phenomenal, however, an office is only as good as the staff. The receptionist Bertha, I believe, is one of the rudest people I have ever encountered at any office, medical, dental, or otherwise. As the first person a client meets when entering, I would have expected at least a smile and /or a friendly greeting. Nope not here!! Maybe it was a bad day, but I have never been there before, so I don't think I was the source of irritation. Plus, hippa laws, must not apply here as your medical business is blasted through the waiting area. If you prefer to be treated as a person, this front office staff does not fit the requirements. Plus, actually answering the phone rather than letting it go to voicemail, does not seem to be a requirement, here. read more

My daughter met with Dr. Matt to have a cavity filled for the first time. Dr. Matt's behavior was extremely inappropriate during her filling. I was shocked at his reaction when my daughter who was calm but whimpering said she could feel the drill. He stopped and said to her I can tell you don't want this I am going to stop. He took everything but the laughing gas off of her. She started to cry and said please finish. I do not want you to leave. He then turned to me and said she needs a break. I said I am confused. He then got upset with me and said we were not connecting. He LEFT the room. After drilling her tooth. He made my daughter feel as if she did something wrong. My 8 year old daughter was crying. He finally came back after about 5 minutes as if nothing happened and finished filling her cavity. This man should not be working with children...I think he needs a break. Think twice before having him work on your children especially if they are nervous. read more

My 5 year old son was referred here for three cavities that needed caps. I feel horrible because my son loved going to the dentist and after three appointments here, he has anxiety going to his regular dentist. The dentist gave him numbing medicine and then a shot- ok, so far so good. Then within ten minutes returned and started going in. I saw my little guy jumping in his seat and asked if that was ok. He said yes. Then he put the cap on by standing up and pushing into my son's mouth with all his might. Then I asked if that was necessary and he said yes to get it right. My son was ok but then the second appt was worst and by the third appt he would barely sit in the chair, so I left and never came back. Which if I had trusted my intuition the first time, I should have left at that point. This is an in and out machine and for being a kid's dentistry they seem to not have the patience to wait for the numbing meds to take effect, effectively create trust with their little patients and/ or get the proper size cap. read more

I had to make an emergency appointment because my 1-year-old cracked his tooth on the bathtub. They were able to fit me in very quickly after calling first thing in the morning. All the staff and the doctor were very friendly and sympathetic to our situation. The doctor was able to work very quickly to assess my son's chipped tooth as quickly and painlessly as possible. I was very pleased with this office and found our new dentist for my son! read more

In and out in less than 30 min for 2 kids. The kids love going to to the dentist because you make it fun and speak to them like adults.

Alaya always looks forward to coming here!! We drive an hour to get there and wouldn't go anywhere else. Everything is so smooth from scheduling with Jacquelyn, Krystal, and Brandi. Miss Jess is always so gentle with Alaya, and so is Dr. Amanda! You can tell they love what they do and really care about their patient! read more

They are amazing with both my kids and have been since day 1! I would t go anywhere else! All the staff is patient and kind and helpful! They make Sure all of my questions are answered and that the kids are taken care of! read more

My children are 7 and 5, they were treated so kindly and were so mindful that they were nervous. They were patient and very gentle! My kids had a wonderful experience and I was very impressed with Dr.Gil, he really knew how to handle my 5 year olds nerves and I could tell how much he cared about each child. Very happy to have found them! read more

My 3 year old son fell off our coffee table and shattered his tooth. Called the office right away and they got me in within an hour of calling. Doctor Matt and all his staff are phenomenal. My son ended up having to get the rest of the tooth out and the one next to it pulled. Doctor Matt made sure to take the time to explain to me what exactly is going to be happening and gave detailed instructions for it. My son does have sensory issues and they were able to help him in every way possible. I am so thankful for this dentist office and we will definitely be coming back for all his dental appointments. read more

Dr. Matt Karsten and all the staff at Kids First are the absolute best! Talk about an amazing human being. Dr. Matt not only knocks it out of the park with kids in general but he is truly unbelievable with kids with special needs. My daughter has Down Syndrome and was very worked up about going to the dentist to have her two teeth pulled that weren't coming out on their own. Dr. Matt treated her as if she was the only patient in his office. When your child is in his chair, he is truly devoted with his whole heart on only your child. I can't thank him enough for taking an experience that would have been very scary to her and making it into no big deal. Thank you for being there for her and keeping her completely calm. You are truly one in a million! Grace loves Dr. Matt! read more

Absolutely disgusted with this place. We had an appointment for our twins on a Friday at 12:30pm, received a text 2 days before to confirm our appointment. The next day we get a text saying our appointment needs to be rescheduled because the office will be closed in the afternoon. So I called the office and was literally told "the Dr doesn't want to keep the office open for only a few appointments so we need to get them in earlier." I told them we have a meeting with a school at 9:30am and we had to take off work and change plans with our babysitter to make our original appointment even work. She said she would relay that to the Dr and then came back and said "sorry, we have to cancel your appointment." I'm furious with this place, I was already told this place has been going downhill the past year but I didn't want to believe that but I guess it's true. This place should understand 99% of people aren't just stay at home moms and dads with nothing to do. We have jobs that require us to be there. It's not easy to make appointments like this work from the start. AVOID THIS PLACE!!!!!! This Dr only cares about getting out early read more

Yesterday was our first visit with Kids First Pediatric Dentistry. (First dental appointment for my daughter.) the staff was incredibly warm and welcoming. They made my daughter feel special. The visit was thorough, but quick, which was helpful with a toddler who wasn't quite sure about the whole thing. They definitely answered my questions and made me feel comfortable as a parent. Would definitely recommend! read more

We went to visit Dr. Matt today for a tongue tie revision for our 3 month old daughter. After he examined her we were told it wasn't needed. Said he could do it but would make no difference in her eating or speech. Was happy he didn't take advantage of first time parents and do a procedure that didn't necessarily be done. We will be back when our baby has teeth for pediatric dentist visits! read more

I'm not sure what is going on in this office, but getting and appointment seems short of a miracle. The answering message is the longest most confusing one I've heard and when asked to press 2 to make an appt. it takes you to a VM. I've left two messages and still no call back. I took my son there twice, but I'm moving on. They gave me a hard time for not wanting fluoride used and now it seems no appt. can be made. read more

We will not be returning to this office. The front office changed our appointment time without actually speaking with us and confirming that it was ok to change the appointment time. Upon arrival, the women at the front desk were unbelievably rude that we were "late" for an appointment that they changed, yet we did not know was changed (we actually arrived early for our originally scheduled appointment). Then both of our kids were crying that they had to go back to the room by themselves, when we had never been forced to do that at prior appointments (they are 6 and 7 and were very uncomfortable with the poor attitudes displayed by the staff upon arrival). To top it off, the dentist then pulled my husband aside to critique our parenting, saying that we needed "a break" and that he has 5 children and pushed that we need to lie to our children to keep them from getting upset, and leave them with him unsupervised. Everything was handled so horribly inappropriate this morning. I do not recommend using Kids First Pediatric Dentistry in Elgin. They are a hot mess in the office, the doctor is very inappropriate in his communication. read more

We love Kids First! They do a really good job of making the kids feel comfortable while providing excellent care. Always recommend them to anyone looking for a pediatric dentist. read more

I love this place! I had the best visit and my 8 year has never looked better. She had been so scared on broken upper and lower front teeth. Of course the teeth were adult teeth and needed to be repaired. Dr Matt was great in making my 8 year feel comfortable and not to worry. Dr Matt was able to rebuild the teeth and I have to say the teeth look better now than before the incident. If you are not going to this office you should your kid deserves the best. This office is the best! read more

Kids First Pediatric Dentistry - before - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - Elgin, Illinois

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My son has his first appt today and we had such a great experience! Dr. Gil was so friendly and good with kids. The hygienists were amazing too! read more

My boys have been seeing Dr. Matt for over 10 years. They are now 14 and 16. The staff is always pleasant. Dr. Matt is very knowledgeable and honest. He's a very competent dentist and I highly recommend him. We've gone to both locations in Elgin and Schaumburg and both offices are great. read more

We have been happy patients for near 9 years. This team, from the front office staff to the hygienists, are all wonderful. Appointments can be hard to come by but I think that speaks of the popularity of this practice. As for Dr. Matt, our experiences have always been top notch. We have had some cavities and procedures that are not something a parent wishes for, but our needs are always met with professionalism, compassion, skill, and transparency. For us, this is THE place to be for exceptional dental care! read more

We had a horrible experience here. It was our very first appointment there, and after taking x-rays, the dentist proceeded to tell us our older son needed quite a few fillings and that our younger son needed many fillings, possibly teeth pulled, under anesthesia. They quoted us $9 THOUSAND dollars. After one meeting. We got a 2nd opinion, and our new dentist said our oldest only needs 1 filling and my younger needs a couple, but no anesthesia and definitely no extractions. Just horrifying that a dental practice would place a child under anesthesia for surgery he doesn't even need. Stay far, far away from this place. They want your money and that's it. read more

My daughter was terrified of the dentist, we came here and everything went so smoothly. From the moment we were called back she was comforted and reassured. I would recommend this place 1,000 times over. read more

Don't even think twice about it-Kids First is THE place to take your child for dental services. I literally have nothing negative to say about them at all. At all. Our family dentist missed so much on my 6 year old daughter and gave mis-info about care for her. She ended up with 2 cavities and we were referred to a ped. dentist b/c she was so scared to get fillings. The office is so cozy and home-like, even the doorknobs have been lowered to a child's level! The waiting room has lots of fun toys and there are always new kids' movies playing in both the waiting room and the actual treatment rooms. They do have a rule that during treatment, children must go by themselves. I was very worried about this, and concerned that my child would not comply. The assistant came out and got down on her level, and before I knew it, my baby took her hand was walking away from me willingly! On our 2nd visit, she didn't give it a second thought to go by herself. They frequently communicate with parents and do allow you to go back there at times, but during actual treatments, the child is doing it themselves, which I completely understand as we all know our kids act differently when we are around ;) The staff are all very kind, understanding, professional and down to earth. Dr. Karstan frequently comes out to communicate with me how it was going. They care first and foremost about my child and its a close second to make sure that the parents are doing fine also. Both Dr. Matt and staff are knowledgable about insurance, which is a huge plus. I can't find enough good words to say about them, and my only regret is that I didn't find them sooner. Too bad he doesn't treat adults too, I would be first in line with my cool sunglasses on watching Disney movies in his chair :) read more

I'm telling you--if you have a child with dental anxiety, this is the place to go!!! My daughter was screaming her head off over toothpaste (of all things) because she absolutely HATES it. I always stay in the room with her, but today, it just wasn't helping. I left the exam room (yes, they had to move her to an exam room because she was THAT worked up) and let them work their magic. It felt like HOURS, but in reality it was after only a few minutes of leaving. They called me back in, and what I saw was not what I left. My daughter was laying there with her mouth wide open letting the hygienist clean her teeth while she used a giant tooth brush to brush "Dino's" teeth. She was calm and HAPPY. She was pausing and asking for a rinse or a drink, and they stopped for each request she made. This happens at every appointment she goes to, and every single time, their patience, caring attitude, and understanding amazes me!!! If you are looking for a dentist office that will cater to your child's needs, Kids First Dentistry is the place to go!!! We have seen Dr. Matt, Dr. Kim, and Dr. Cory, and they are all great!!! The hygienists and assistants are awesome as well. Best ever!!! Worth the drive (we go to the Elgin office)!!! read more

Kids First Pediatric Dentistry - Happily brushing Dino's teeth. You'd never know she was having a melt down just minutes before. We love everyone here! - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - Elgin, Illinois

This office is perfect for children. They're friendly, professional and personable. They make my children feel very comfortable, which is great considering the dentist can be so "scary" at first! I highly recommend this practice to everyone I know with children. We have seen both doctors and both are again HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! P.s. Their new office is gorgeous! read more

I stumbled upon Kids First Pediatric Dentistry while looking for a second opinion for my 5-year-old son after we were told he needed extensive work from another dentist's office. Kids First Pediatric Dentistry was able to get us in the very next morning for a consult. To my disbelief my son's dental issues were far worse than the first dentist's office had discovered but we left Dr. Matt's office that morning feeling comfortable and educated in what was needed. The staff then went above and beyond to coordinate so that Dr. Matt could discuss the treatment plan with my husband who was not at the appointment. Today we went in for his 1st of 4 treatment appointments and we couldn't be happier. Kids First Pediatric Dentistry goes above and beyond for their patients, my son walked back to the treatment room with no hesitation and within 45 minutes he had received 2 fillings, 2 caps and 2 extractions with no discomfort (and no mom present ). The doctors and staff take time with their patients and parents to make sure every question and concern is addressed from the time you check in, during treatment and they make sure everyone understands the at-home instructions. I am confident that my son is receiving the best care available and we're grateful to have found Dr. Matt and his office. (Need more convincing, check out Dr. Matt's bio - you can't beat his education, credentials, experience and love for what he does) Because of Dr. Matt and Kids First Pediatric Dentistry today my son left the office smiling and excited that he got his teeth fixed and his little sister can't wait for her turn to visit the dentist office. read more

As a kid I always dreaded the dentist (actually I still do now!). My kids (aged 6-12) kinda LOOK FORWARD to the dentist now. They love playing video games in the lobby, getting special attention from everyone in the back, and picking from the prize box! Dr. Matt, Dr. Kim and Dr. Cory have all worked with my kids and we have zero complaints (and zero cavities on our last visit! WoOt!). I highly recommend them for kids of all ages. read more