I have been coming here for over 30 years. One night my front tooth veneer got a quarter inch chip across the bottom of it from getting hit. I was able to get an appointment the next day. Dr. Christo Mallakis did an amazing job repairing it and matching the color. I can't even tell it's repaired. He had great communication and was very caring. read more

Great people and great service! They were able to fit me in the next day for a cleaning/checkup/x-rays. Everyone I came in contact with was so kind and knowledgeable. A problem I've had in the past with dentists in the past is feeling ashamed or feeling pressured. Which I didn't feel at all! They really make you feel like they genuinely care about your health. Thank you to the lovely ladies at Lifetime Smiles! read more

Every staff there (from front counter, to dental hygienist, to dentist) was courteous, professional and knowledgeable! Dare I say, even friendly! Unlike my previous dentist who had no respect for my time, Lifetime Smiles did not make me wait read more

Surprise bill for $1,000 I did OrthoFX with Lifetime Smiles and it was a long, expensive, and frustrating experience. Got my evaluation and aligners sent with a treatment plan of 15 weeks. I realize a refinement or two is likely, however it took at least 5 or 6 refinements, several of which had the same issue: My bite was consistently messed up the SAME WAY. My front teeth would connect and my molars would not, so chewing was extremely challenging. I don't know why it was always the same issue, but after several refinements then two of my front teeth were connecting uncomfortably. I still feel it wasn't resolved entirely but by this point it was clear they weren't going to change it with all the pushback I got when I brought it up. So now I still have a messed up bite. I was seeing Dr. Mc Donald until she retired, but got switched to Dr Milakis, who doesn't listen to patient concerns. I brought up the ongoing issue on the last few appts and he told me they "lined up correctly and there wasnt anything more he would change." Yet here I am stuck with an uncomfortable bite but he didn't care because it looked correct. Now it's something I have to live with. And I was told I still owed $1000 on treatment in Sept 2025 as I was ordering my retainers, and told they wouldn't order them without payment. So it's taken nearly two and a half YEARS and cost far more than estimated. I called insurance and they never even got a pre-authorization. I think a lot of this mess could have been avoided if they had bothered to do so and gotten an actual number from Delta, who only covered $1000. Trying to untangle the billing to understand their bookkeeping is a nightmare. One estimate has insurance estimated at $1500, another at $2000, neither of which were accurate. In the end, I am stuck with $1000 more than planned, and could have been avoided by getting a preauthorization and getting an accurate number from the beginning. Bottom line, avoid this place. You'll spend more time and money than they estimate and still be unhappy with the results. read more

Always great care. The dentists have always been patient, thorough and gentle. They have done a great job keeping my teeth healthy for years. The office staff is also very friendly. I have found many reasons to enjoy going to the dentist office since choosing Lifetime Smiles. I have had cleanings, X-rays, bondings, crowns, fillings, night guard, emergency appointment and whitening; I have never had a problem with any service at Lifetime Smiles. read more

Dr. McDonald is retired but I really like Dr. Padilla too. She is very attentive to patient comfort and explains the process really well. Mostly we see the hygienists for cleaning and they are all quite capable and friendly. read more

Every time I come into the office, the staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming. I always feel comfortable in the chair, and the experience is consistently great. I would definitely recommend. read more

If you are looking for a new dental office, then look no further. I've had many dentists throughout my lifetime but Dr. Mallakis is the greatest of all time. He's basically the Michael Jordan of dentists. He is always friendly and has done an excellent job on all my dental procedures throughout the years. I really don't feel comfortable with anyone else messing around in my mouth. The staff at the office is also extremely nice. Special shoutout to Ellie who must be an angel that fell from the heavens. She is always there when you need her and always finds a solution to the problem. Thanks for working with my insurance company and my busy schedule. I moved to LA but still drive 2 hours to come here. You should make this your new dental office. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. read more

Lifetime Smiles - General Dentistry Near Me - Escondido, California

Been going here a few years now, and love the staff, and feel well taken care of. Really like the atmosphere, just the vibe in general is friendly and excellent. Dental care is top-notch. I highly recommend! read more

I love Lifetime smiles. Their office is an anomaly in the dental industry. First, the office is smaller and looks like a house on the outside. Do not let looks deceive you from doing business with this practice. When you enter you're welcomed by an extremely friendly staff and dental assistants that have your best interest in mind. I can tell you this because the first time I came they informed me to always ask questions about any procedure they would recommend and they would gladly inform me specifically why I would need the recommended procedure. The office is very high tech with massage/heated dental chairs and TVs above every station so you can even watch movies as they work on your teeth. Yes, Fast and Furious is on them. I will never go to another dental office in Escondido. They are the best and they really give a personal touch when it comes to dental service. read more

Lifetime Smiles - General Dentistry Near Me - Escondido, California

We are so blessed to have found Lifetime Smiles for our family's dental care. Lifetime Smiles has provided our family with great service. Everyone that we have encountered in this office has offered us with great knowledge, guidance and amazing care. If you are in search for a new dental care, Lifetime Smiles is one of the best options out there. They are amazing! read more

Prior to my experience going to the dentist, I had a 10/10 fear. My experience with childhood Dentist made me never want to go to a Dentist again as I experienced trauma. I'm glad I made the decision to check up on my dental health as an adult. Lifetime Smiles has been inviting, caring, and makes me feel like I'm at home. Ive been here for Dental Cleanings and Teeth Whitening and each session has been great and seamless. Shoutout to Dennis for taking care of my teeth and for giving me advice on how to care for them. As well as Jamie and Tammy for all the easy scheduling for my future appointments. As long as I live in SD, I will keep going to Lifetime Smiles for all my dental work. read more

I'll start off by saying I do have a fear with going to the dentist based on some unpleasant past experiences (at other dentists) but I am so happy to have found Lifetime Smiles! I've been a reoccurring patient now for over a year, coming in regularly for maintenance and to have a chip fixed plus a couple of deep cleanings. Everyone is so friendly and they are aware that a trip to the dentist may not be a pleasant trip for many. They are welcoming and comforting. Plus there's massage chairs and movies! Grant (dental hygienist) checks in often to ensure I'm as comfortable as possible. 5 stars and will continue to come back! read more

The best dentist office I have ever been too, they are extremely kind in the front and back office. They actually provide ways to help your teeth. I definitely recommend them! read more

I've been with this Dentist and staff for quite a long time now, they helped me with a number of things from cleaning, bridges, crowns and gum problems. They have the most up to date equipment you can find anywhere. If your looking or needing a top of the line Dentist and staff I highly recommend Lifetime Smiles for your needs. And I also wanted to say Thanks to Dr Mallakis ,Tammy, Jamie, Dennis and Tony for helping for me with my problem on 11/6. read more

Best dentist I've ever been to. The whole staff is kind and knowledgeable and really walk you through each procedure so you feel comfortable the whole time read more

Amazing customer service, very attentive and very knowledgeable.The girls at the from always aknowledge you. Highly recommended. I got the teeth whitening at my cleaning and it brought my teeth shades down 5 shades. The hygienest went over the instructions with me highly recommend the whitening read more

Great dentist/office. Always friendly and easy to work with. Thorough explanations of all treatments, and gentle on your teeth/gums during cleanings! read more

So I moved to Escondido couple of years ago and left behind all my providers. I hated the idea of finding new ones but I also didn't want to drive 35+mins to keep seeing them. Plus- my previous dentist straight up retired, closed up shop and didn't say anything to his patients during the pandemic...ok Rude! Sigh. I digress. Anyhoo, I yelped reviews for a dentist and found this place. Pics made it seem a bit oldschool but luckily I love oldschool! I went with Dr. McDonald and found her and her team were cool af. Professional, clean, efficient, and skillful are adjectives that come to mind. Prices are reasonable and normal for dental work and the ladies at the front office are nice and friendly. They go over insurance coverage well and break down all that jazz. Clear and simple too. I like how there's an option for teeth whitening but make sure you ask for info so they get you in after a good teeth cleaning appointment. Been coming here now for over a year and I'm a fan. I can see how people coming here for years are treated like family. Peeps/staff are nice but also get business done right. Happy to have found this place. Yay for happy clean teeth! read more

Lifetime Smiles - Teeth whitening process- not long at all. - General Dentistry Near Me - Escondido, California

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So here's my story I moved to San Diego from Seattle where I had an amazing dentist. I had horrible experiences with the first 2 dental offices I tried out when I moved here, both recommended to me by coworkers or family friends. Third time's a charm!!! I was teaching up in Escondido and a coworker recommended Dr. McDonald. The whole office is full of caring, energetic, kind people. From the front office staff to the hygienists and dentists. The front office staff knows me by name, and whenever I come in they're so welcoming. It's a calm atmosphere, and you can just tell the vibe is really positive. What's really important to me is finding a great dental hygienist. Robin is the best! And even though I live in San Diego, I continue going to Lifetime Smiles and will stick with them!! Dr. McDonald's husband is also an oral surgeon so it's easy if you need any surgery work done, to get a great referral. Convenient & great, thank you Lifetime Smiles!! read more

The experience at lifetime smiles has been exceptional I've never had a dentist explain with so much detail the plan of care for my teeth. I'm really looking forward to my next visit I feel taken care of and the office is nice all the staff is so friendly. read more

I never thought I'd enjoy going to the dentist again, until I found Lifetime Smiles. After moving from LA to north county, I was a little nervous about finding a great place that cared about about their patients. Needless to say that my husband and I struck GOLD! Their entire staff and Doctors are wonderful, friendly, and easy going. Both Dr. Macdonald and Dr. Malakis are patient and are very thorough in explaining each step of the way with every procedure. Not to mention their state of the art technology equipment they use that just makes the process so much easier. Love the smell of fresh flowers in the lobby! Tammy & Jaime (at the front desk) always are there to welcome you with a pearly white smile! read more

In 2019 I received a flyer in my mailbox with an offer from lifetime smiles for a complimentary checkup of my teeth and a X-ray , I guess the intention was to get clients. I called and made an appointment. At the day of my appointment I figured the location of the office was bad , the staff wasn't friendly and everything was so old. The dentist, a slimy person, checked my teeth and made a whole list of all work that I need to make in order to have a good teeth and gums, the cost out of pocket was something about $1200 ! I declined it and moved on to my own dentist. Sometime In 2021 I received suddenly a bill in the amount of $235 from the office which indicates that I need to pay for the visit which was actually complimentary for the visit was made in 2019 . I declined to make the payment. Today it is sent to collection agency and I am reported . This dentist office are 100% scammers and I will pursue this case with an attorney. Scammers! If you don't have enough clients just do a better job! There are so many good dentists in the area , don't waste your time and money with this scammers . I was a new patient and on the coupon it did not say anything about insurance or complimentary for non insurance! It is a lie I never received anything from any insurance company. And you never contacted me ether , no calls no email and any mail till 2021. read more

What a great dental practice this is! It had been over 2 years since I'd seen the dentist due to the pandemic, so I needed a little help by the time things started to open back up. Dr. MacDonald and the staff at Lifetime Smiles has been so great! Even though I had a few cavities, I felt like I was in expert hands. I just had my second cleaning with them, and I can attest that the quality of service is just as great as my first time around. Today I did whitening for the first time ever. Tony really helped me feel comfortable and confident about the process. (I was scared it would hurt, but newsflash: it totally didn't.) 20 minutes later and my teeth look 20 years younger! It's also worth noting that Dr. MacDonald's spouse (a surgeon, dentist, and anesthesiologist...triple threat!) just did my wisdom tooth removal about a month ago. All things considered, that was a great experience too. (As much as wisdom tooth removal can be!) I'm so pleased to have found this practice. Good people and good vibes all around. read more

Dennis did my regular dental cleaning .very helpful and knowledgeable .the whole crew of lifetime smiles is very kind .so I recommended this dental clinic for whole family and friends. read more

Hands down the most comfortable, honest dentistry I've ever experienced. From the front desk to the treatments it's all been premium quality. A cleaning is thorough. Is it possible to feel cozy when you're getting a crown? Oh yes, they did it! (Most beautiful bathroom ive ever seen in a medical building. ) Topping the appointment off with beautiful complimentary fresh lemons, limes, and grapefruit!!! Bravo! read more

Cleaning and whitening This clinic is so awesome. They have advanced technologies, the staffs are very professional and knowledgeable about what they're doing. Very friendly and supportive to your goal regarding your dental health. They are not pushy about selling their services but they will educate you about what your dental health needs. I am with this clinic for about 3 years already and definitely recommend to all my friends. read more

I've been going to lifetime smiles for awhile and this is the first dentist office that is so welcoming and honestly goes Out of their way to make you feel comfortable. I used to hate going to the dentist office over past experiences and I still don't "love it" but I don't get the anxiety like I used to. I had to have a crown and cavity filled at once and i was in and out with my permanent crown. No going back and having to wait! I highly recommend this dentist office! read more

This was my very first experience with Dr. Mallakis. Both the staff and physician were exceptionally kind and professional. A full exam and plan were completed on visit one however as a patient I have NEVER experienced such red carpet welcoming in all my years and I am no spring Chicken. I give the entire group a five star plus review!!! I look forward to each visit and a new smile that will be functional after a long period of recovery due to impact trauma. Thank you so very much for your detailed care and concerns!!! I left feeling appreciated. Jeannie Mcgruder read more

I have been going to Lifetime smiles in Escondido for over 10 years, probably more like 15 years. The moment I walk in I am greeted by Jayme and Tammy which is always makes me feel right at home. Before I know it, I am checked in and Grant has come by to take me back for my routine cleaning and X-rays. After that Dr. McDonald came by and reviewed the Xrays with a Sharp eye. Luckily for me today she didn't see any concerns. And like that I scheduled my next appointment for 6 months from now, and I am out the door. If you need a dentist, I highly recommend you check out Lifetime Smiles in Escondido. read more

All the staff members are super friendly, and the cleanings are thorough and quick. Can't ask for more in a dentist office. Clean, homey and welcoming. Sometimes they have citrus even to take home! Very glad my family found this office. read more

Our family has been coming here for years . Dr MacDonald and her staff provided cutting edge dental services in a warm and comfortable environment. Come once and she will be your dentist for life. Lifetime Smiles read more

When I called this office to verify that I was covered at 100% through my Delta PPO, the receptionist assured me that I was. When my daughter and I went in for our appointments, the quote they gave us was at 50%. I let them know that this was incorrect according to the information I was given over the phone, that I am covered at 100%. I'm a teacher and have been covered at 100% for the past 25 years, and I always make sure to verify that the dentist is in my network. They proceeded to do the work and then mailed me a bill for over $300. It turns out that this office gave me incorrect information, and that dr. McDonald is a delta premier dentist, not delta ppo. I was very disappointed that this office was unwilling to rectify the situation, so a grievance was filed with delta dental. read more

I'm so happy to see my Dental Care Team. The girls at the front desk are always smiling and make me feel welcome! Dr McDonald is so personable, and her technique is very soothing! Always a pleasant environment. read more

Went in for a teeth whitening session and had a wonderful experience. From the lovely ladies at the front desk to Tony and Dr. Mallakis everyone was friendly, welcoming and very professional. My teeth turned out great. Would recommend. read more

Update to my original review. I want to thank Ellie for working with me to find an in-network FEDVIP dental insurance plan that Lifetime Smiles accepts. They have earned a five-star review from me, and I'm now a happy customer! This dentist's office goes above and beyond to earn your business and trust. Thank you, Lifetime Smiles! read more

Been a patient here for roughly 5 to 6 years. Excellent staff. Very happy My favorite dental hygienist, my favorite front office, my favorite dentist. Would absolutely recommend read more

Another enjoyable visit at Lifetime Smiles. Just love how they make you feel like family. Never thought I'd enjoy the Dentist but they make it just to easy. read more

Not only is my dentist awesome for the last 15+ years, the physical office is totally comfy and they have the very best support staff. This duo (Tammy and Jayme) at the reception area is the most welcoming, amazing and truly helpful support staff anyone can have. As a bonus they always have free lemons or some other type of fruit. Oh and they have the coolest gadgets for dentistry. read more

I've been a patient at lifetime for 15+ years. Excellent experience with cleanings, cavitities, and whitening. Highly recommend!