I chipped my front tooth over the weekend. It was so conspicuous that it was embarrassing just opening my mouth. I've been a regular patient at Santee Smiles for 3+ years now, but have never had any cosmetic bonding done there. I called the office Monday morning and was given an appointment with Dr. Bach for that same morning. I was nervous about getting a front tooth bonded, and had never met Dr. Bach before. As usual, the office got me in right on time so that I had no need to wait to go back. As soon as I met Dr. Bach, she put me at ease. She was very confident that she could take care of my tooth, and that she would get it done in a short amount of time. She went beyond my expectations. She did such a beautiful job matching my tooth color and shaping my tooth. It truly looks as though nothing ever happened to it. She was so kind and concerned that I was pleased with the result. I highly recommend her for any kind of cosmetic procedure. She's an artist! I recommend Santee Smiles for anyone looking for a good dental experience. The doctors are so professional and personable. All of the staff are friendly and efficient at their jobs. I'm happy to have a dental office with doctors and staff who put patients first. read more

I had an appointment scheduled and waited over 45 minutes, and it felt very clear that someone was taken ahead of me. By the time they brought me back, it was close to closing, and everything felt extremely rushed. The X-rays were done very quickly, and the process was actually painful -- something I've never experienced before. The cleaning was also done very fast. After the appointment, I was told I had two cavities, which shocked me- i have never had cavities and I take really good care of my teeth. I decided to get a second opinion from two other dentists, and both confirmed that I have zero cavities. Because of this experience, I felt uncomfortable with the level of care and professionalism. It honestly felt more focused on treatment costs than on my dental health. I will not be returning. 2 stars because it was clean and the chair I was sitting in for almost an hour was comfortable. read more

Beware - Second opinion needed on anything they recommend!! I was told by Dr Ferguson and their periodontist that I needed a front tooth removed due to bone loss and possible root issue. Wait, what? I had a deep pocket at the gum of the tooth, my tooth was strong, not broken and not loose. They made me believe this was my only option and proceeded to explain that an implant would be the way to go since a bridge wouldn't work due to the root issue. The implant procedure would be 8-9 months and I would have a flipper during that time. It was going to cost me $9k for one tooth!!! Can you imagine the anxiety and stress this caused? I decided to get a second opinion. I researched best periodontist in San Diego and after his thorough examination and panoramic X-rays he was shocked and dumbfounded as to why Santee Smiles periodontist wanted to pull the tooth, he saw no bone loss or root issue. All I needed was a minor gum surgery called Guided Tissue Regeneration that costs $1500 (claim to insurance) and get this, once he was done with the procedure he confirmed no bone loss or root issue!!! Be very careful to believe their treatment plan and get a second opinion. I am changing dentists, don't even want my teeth cleaned here, it always costs me something extra... just a money grab. read more

Do not walk away from this place RUN! This office will say you need a laser deep teeth cleaning that they want you to pay $600 out of pocket for. Seems like a familiar game plan to other people who have left reviews. Also familiar with other reviews patient needs a root canal we were told the same thing. Quoted $1300 for cleaning and root canal on first visit. Day before root canal appointment called to see what the fee would be after root canal was told $1700. Canceled appointment will find another dentist. Got scammed out of $600 but will not be scammed out of an additional $1700. Take it from me please stay away from here. Your pocketbook will thank you. read more

Make sure you ask for an estimate for their work. In addition ask that they provide the estimate/authorization from your insurance to see what is covered prior to any work. That way there are no billing surprises after your work is done. Also know that they will up-sell you at any given chance. Did not appreciate having teeth extracted and then told I would need the balance of my teeth extracted at a follow up. Splitting the procedure out to 2 extractions instead of 1 cost me thousands more. read more

DO NOT WAIST YOUR TIME HERE!!! Yikes!!! Please read all the negative reviews I've had similar experiences. The first time I went I thought it was a one off but this office is full of professional scammers. Everyone including the receptionists, dentist and hygienist are expert price gougers. I walked in and the receptionist was not at the desk to check me in. She must have been busy trying to talk another patient into paying for outrageously priced procedures. 10 minutes later she checks me in and I'm not called back for X-rays for another 10 minutes. The X-ray tech was obviously new and learning, which I don't mind. I think it's awesome that young professionals are getting an opportunity to gain experience. She takes about 10 minutes to do my X-rays. 30 minutes after my scheduled time to see the dentist I finally get to meet the dentist. She looks at my X-rays and proceeds to tell me that I needed a "special" cleaning procedure and that someone will be in to discuss the cost with me. The receptionist walks in with 3 or 4 different sheets filled with codes and tells me my procedure that would cost $600 after insurance. I said no thank you and that I would prefer the $59 dental cleaning advertised on the window. She said the dentist did not have time to do that today and that I would need to schedule another appointment. We began to walk to the front, when the receptionist told me that the hygienist "just happened" to be available and might offer me a discount. I thought okay I'll hear her out. The hygienist looked at my chart and said "yea I have time for this! Let me ask my manager how much of a discount we could offer you". She returned saying she could help me and charge me $250. I being easily scammable, thought "oh wow! What a great deal!" After deep cleaning and laser treatments I was stoked! This second time I returned same exact thing happened. No receptionist to check me in, another long wait in the waiting area, student X-ray tech took my X-rays, quick over view from the dentist and review of my care with the receptionist, except this time they wanted to charge me $900. I was out of there! I came on here to write the review only to be disappointed that I had not taken the advice of the other reviewers. Run away from this place. read more

I recently scheduled an appointment for an exam and cleaning after not going for over a year. I was hesitant to go, but Dr. Ortega and her team made me feel comfortable and took great care of me and assisted with scheduling my ongoing care. read more

I had oral surgery set up for today. That they have had to push back a week .they gave me instructions to be dropped off and picked up for the surgery. Got dropped off only to find out they won't do it because they need someone to sit in the office the entire time . So now have to reschedule read more

I went to this dentist with a referral from my father, and they excepted my new insurance. I was impressed by the fancy new machines and how nice everyone seemed. They took X-rays and pictures of my teeth. Took me in room for exam. Told me I needed a deep clean. I requested just a regular cleaning, which they refused to do. They wanted to charge me $500 over what my insurance says should be a free cleaning. Recommend a crown for $1300, with my insurance stating crowns should be $195. This place is a swindler and will take advantage of everyone. They are nice until you say you want to think about it. Month later I received a bill for over $400 for the exam, X-rays and pictures they took. Not even a cleaning. I work hard pay my insurance and this company takes advantage of people including my elderly father who was absolutely taken advantage of. Unbelievably unethical practices. BEWARE ! Find a dentist you can trust! read more

I needed an emergency root canal on one of my front teeth a couple of weeks after I had a septoplasty surgery, just days before the splints were to be removed. I knew that my 6 front teeth inevitably would need crowns placed so it wasn't surprising to hear that news following the X-ray. They were able to squeeze me in at another location that same day with an endodontist. The infection was so bad that I was experiencing flare up pains for days, and in my concern, I made repeated visits insisting something wasn't right. Dr. Bach was endlessly patient, sympathetic and extremely kind towards my situation and reassured me that I wasn't imposing or becoming a nuisance. Today I finally was able to get my permanent crowns placed, which Dr. Bach was very confident about from the start, and now that they are in, I can safely say that she was absolutely right. They look fantastic and the feel fantastic. Dr. Bach is honestly an artist with how much precision and care she puts into her work, and you get the feeling she genuinely loves what she's doing. The staff are universally wonderful, as well. Everyone at the reception (I wish I could name them) always made me feel valued with each visit. This location and its staff are all fantastic. read more

The dentists and staff here are fantastic--But then there's Jan at the front desk, she's the plot twist nobody asked for. When I needed help to look up a past appointment and payment transaction, Jan's "assistance" was more of a theatrical performance, complete with dramatic sighs and a less than creative lie of I can't do that, we don't keep those records. No. Thank goodness for the other front desk assistant, who swooped in like a dental superhero to save the day with actual help and a smile! She was able to quickly find our previous appointment and transaction so that we could get our daughter the care and treatment needed. So, if you need great dental care, this place is a gem--just prepare yourself for a front desk experience with Jan who didn't even try to be helpful and provided more "drama" than "customer service." read more

I want to thank RACH and EVERYONE from the check-in front desk employees to the back of the office technician that did my X-rays to my NOW dentist he is the best. You all made me feel confident again and at home. You put me first and my concerns were and are just as important to all as they are for me. You all made what I needed approved you ALL MADE SURE I WAS APPROVED and wouldn't take NO on one of many approvals you needed to get me my perfect smile back. Love you ALL. THIS OFFICE IS A TEAM FUNCTIONAL LOVING PERSONAL ATMOSPHERE.. LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU ALL. AWESOME STAFF read more

I've been coming here for 6 years and Dr. Ortega is amazing my ongoing care has kept my smile smiling! Love all the staff here!

I came here for wisdom teeth removal. I was referred here by my dentists in La Mesa. So I can only speak of quality of surgery care, not actual dentistry. But this office was so so wonderful. Everyone was kind, caring and made sure my husband and I had everything we needed. When I arrived I did my paperwork, paid my bill, and then they came out and talked to us about the process, and then I was taken back. They hooked me on an IV, blood pressure cuff and everyone else I would need so they could monitor me. Every person that came in was so friendly. The only names I can remember is Danny, and doctor Sami who was my surgeon. There was another lady who took me back in the beginning and took my X-rays who was also very nice. Doctor Sami was so kind and explained everything to me and answered any questions I had, as well did the other people who cared for me. Someone also came out and spoke to my husband about caring for me. Once my surgery was done they wheel chaired me out to my husbands truck and we were on our way. My only negative regarding this office, was that the lady who scheduled me at the office told me I was okay to drink water when that was actually incorrect.. luckily I didn't have enough to cause issues for surgery. Other than that, a great place to receive surgery especially since I was really nervous and scared. Thank Santee Smiles (: read more

This place is so ridiculous. I was told I needed a bunch of procedures done that were not covered under my insurance United health care. They wanted to charged me 2000 dollars out of pocket when calling my insurance I only had to pay 100 dollars. They use all icd-9 codes that are not covered under insurance plans and tell you that you need a deep cleaning and have gingivitis, but I went to other dentist and that is not what I have. I agree with these other reviews this place is a total scam. Do your research before you come here read more

this place sucks. total scam and rip off, been told I need things done that I ended up not needing do not waste ur time or money here they will tell you lies for your money. the blonde dentist used to be really cool but last time I came in she referred to me as a teenage boys mouth which pissed me off because for one i'm a girl and two you're a lying bitch telling me I need a root canal. Everytime I left there the bill was always not what it should've been because my insurance covers most of everything. read more

I had a dental emergency and was in extreme pain. I was able to Book my appointment through their smile App for the same day. I was also able to submit all my insurance and check in all through the app. I don't like talking on the phone and this was a huge plus for me. They did call to confirm my appointment which is appreciated because I know it all went through on the App. Everyone was super polite and friendly. My doctor was very nice and answered all my questions. They were able to find me a place that could extract my tooth the next day. It was at North Park Dentistry who I am very happy with and will do a review on them. I was extremely happy with Santee Smiles. They asked me if I wanted a consultation about an implant or Bone graft. When I declined they didn't push any further. They made me aware that a cleaning appointment needs to be scheduled by calling instead of the app. I read some of the reviews that claimed they were upsold to a deep clean or had to reschedule to get an actual cleaning. It seems that they took the criticism and fixed it. My kids come here too and have had major work done. They are never scared and never complain about anything. read more

If you have DeltaCare/Kaiser insurance, CHECK FIRST with insurance and Kaiser what your co pay should be. I was quoted 1299 for a crown, and then I called Delta and Kaiser, My COST should be 317 for a crown! IF they add a different material, they can charge an extra 150. They are HOPING you don't know what you are supposed to pay! ALSO you get TWO free cleanings a year, but they refuse, and then won't put in writing why they are refusing. You get word salad about why you don't get the second cleaning. I moved my insurance to another office in LaMesa, and first estimate for crown was 1000 until I said Insurance told me 317. My estimate was changed to 500 for a crown. SO OLD FOLKS, beware. YOU need to check first with insurance and Kaiser how much your co pay is for service, because THEY won't tell you. DO NOT PAY WHAT SANTEE SMILES, OR ANY DENTIST QUOTES YOU BEFORE YOU CHECK WITH INSURANCE, especially your DeltaCare with Kaiser, Medicare Advantage. I give this dentist a big fat ZERO Stars. And get this, their estimate said I would be paying 872 for Xrays if I didn't have insurance! I just had xrays at the new place and they said "we don't charge for xrays." Problem here is that in Santee, you have two choices to use Delta Care and they are BOTH owned by same owner. My new dentist found a decayed tooth that their dentist didn't find! How did she overlook the worst cavity in my mouth? I HIGHLY recommend you find another dentist, but mostly, check with your insurance FIRST about benefits and what your costs are. BECAUSE they know, but they won't tell you! read more

Dr. Rebecca Ortega is the best. She is very kind, gentle and has a very calm relaxed demeanor which is very helpful especially when you have a phobia of going to the dentist. The office staff are very nice and make you feel welcomed and answer all questions you have or will find someone who can answer them if they are not sure themselves. I'm not gonna lie even with insurance the prices are still very high, but not as high as they would be if you did not have dental insurance. Dr. Ortega takes the time to listen to your concerns and does her best to make you feel at peace so that you feel confident , and all the procedures that will be done. read more

BEWARE, this place is a SCAM. My partner went to this office as he got new dental insurance through his employer & needed someone in network. He wanted to book an appointment for a cleaning but they insisted that they needed to do a consultation first. At that appointment he had the same experience that many others in the reviews seem to have. They told him they were unable to do a regular cleaning (which would have been completely covered by his plan) because he "needed" a deep cleaning, insisting he has gingivitis (which he does not), which would cost around $1000 as well telling him he needs to get his wisdom teeth removed even though they've already come in with zero issues & other dentists have told him this isn't necessary. Like many other patients of this practice he experienced the car salesman tactic, trying to upsell him to things that are not covered by his plan & not medically necessary. While he was there they mentioned to him that they accept payment plans for their services. He asked how that worked & they looked up for him how much he would be approved for. Fast forward a week or so & a CREDIT CARD shows up in the mail with his name on it & references to the dental practice. This dental office signed him up for a credit card without his consent. Pretty bad, right? Well shockingly it gets worse. My partner decided to hold off on having any dental services done here until he could get a second opinion elsewhere. Bear in mind that he hasn't had ANY work done at this office... we just received a bill in the mail stating that the office charged this new credit card for $800. EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS for ZERO work done. There is no explanation for the cost, no explanation of supposed services rendered, simply a statement that we now owe them $800. It's incredibly unethical to "prescribe" patients services that aren't medically necessary or covered by insurance. It's even worse to sign a potential patient up for a credit card without their knowledge & then charge said card $800 with no context & no dental work done. STEER CLEAR OF THIS PLACE. THEY will do everything in their power to scam you out of as much money as possible. read more

Howdy! I've been a regular at santee smiles for years, their costumer service is always professional. Jerressa took care of me last time and I can't recall my teeth looking this good. She is great and my teeth weren't even in pain when she took care of me. I'm not the best client by far but they always serve above and beyond! Couldn't recommend more! read more

This place is a part of santee kids dentist. Santee kids dental told us that my son had out grown our insurance and now had to see an adult dentist. They sent us here.. We brought our son in for a cleaning and exam, the dentist that saw him seemed like she just did not want to do any work at all, she looked at his teeth, had x-rays done and said my son had bad teeth and he needs tons of work! She continued on to say that it was so bad she had to refer him out. The place they referred us to did not except our insurance.. After some research we took my son to a dentist we had found, they did an exam and two fillings later and about an hours time my son's teeth are doing fine.. ( not to mention the other dentist was much cheaper as far as cost) Do not recommend this place are there children's place on santee.. read more

The care is okay, but their billing quirks can cost you. They billed my one insurance for years, but somehow got my other insurance in their system and will now bill that so I cannot use it for visits elsewhere. They won't switch, so I've had to leave them. Also, I don't recommend asking for a periodontal review. The doctor was 30 mins late and suggested expensive treatments that my other dentist said were unnecessary. read more

The dentist said my problem required a specialist and referred me to a doctor who was not a member of Delta Dental, so I would have to pay for it. When I checked with Delta, it turned out they do not have anything except "General Dentists' ANYWHERE in our large city. I think Delta Dental is extremely unethical. read more

I have moved around a bit and never posted a review for a dentist but Dr. Rebecca Ortega has been my favorite dentist by far! She is extremely professional yet caring and has a very calm and confident presence about her. I always look forward to my visits with her and leave the office happy. Most recently, she replaced a crown that was done 4 years ago from a different dentist in another state. I had been very unhappy with it over the last year because it started to look gray. I really didn't want to go through the process of having it redone, but I'll be moving again and knew if there was anyone I would trust to redo my crown, it was Dr. Ortega. I'm so glad I moved forward with replacing it because it looks amazing and I can't thank her enough! As for the office itself - it's clean, professional, great customer service, wonderful staff, friendly environment! read more

Do not go there. For over 20 years my husband had had regular cleanings and never once was told he needs a "deep cleaning" for over a $1000. They also recommended procedures for over 10K out of packet with insurance. This place is crazy, like a car dealership offering you procedures you do not need. What a scam. X-ray Pictures cost $1600 they took panoramic photos that no one needs unless you have surgery for something. He saw Dr. Bach Elya I guess she is very aggressive trying to sell everything and anything your mouth can handle. Do not go there. read more

Time to change dentists - crown they did went bad , now dealing with bone graft . And implant . Was there for 3 hours but didn't have time for teeth cleaning - A few other issues not worth mentioning but missing dr jadali read more

Bad service and they don't care about your health, only up selling and what goes into their pocket. My wife called early in the morning because she was in pain, possibly needed a root canal. They make her fill out the forms, gets scheduled for an appointment, we get there, and guess what, "The doctor isn't in today, but we can give you a crown or sell you some pain meds. Oh yeah, and if you wanna get the procedure done, it'll cost you $850 out of pocket even though you have insurance," I mean come on! If you knew the doctor wasn't gonna be in then don't schedule! What a waste of time! read more

Wow. Could this office get any worse? It used to be fine and I could get an appointment within a month or so. Customer service was good etc. Now a days you can't get an appointment until 3 or more months out. Additionally, their waiting list is huge too. They keep on accepting new patients and not taking care of there longtime customers. I am not happy about it. They want as many patients as possible but do not have the staff and schedule to accommodate them. I am going to look for a new dentist. This place is unacceptable. Do not even waste your time. read more

Absolutely do not go to this dentist office. I moved from out of town and was a new patient at this office. At first everything was fine they took X-rays everything was normal. I have never had a cavity in my life and my wisdom teeth came in fully so there has been no real rush to get them out (iv been told my whole life since getting braces until now) after my X-rays I was ready for the cleaning that I had booked and they moved me into a new room to get cleaned I presumed. The "doctor" came in to sit down and show me photos they had taken of my teeth a few moments prior to say that I have eight cavities on both sides of my mouth. When I say picture, I mean like an iPhone picture she did not show me my x-rays and point out exactly where my cavities are which was my first red flag. Nobody measured my gums or even touched all my teeth to see if I had cavities. This was a huge shock to me, on top of that she said it was urgent to get my wisdom teeth out and even worse NO ONE CLEANED MY TEETH. I just wanted a cleaning and left with a $1200 quote (with insurance) to do all the procedures I was "needing". Concerned I went to Dr. Brown up the street in the shopping square next to Janet's cafe to get a second opinion. THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL he sat with me and showed me my X-rays and had absolutely nothing to say about cavities or my gums or anything. Don't waste your time here they seem like they just wanna squeeze out every nickel and dime from you. Dr. Brown up the street is the place to go I already have my second appointment later this year scheduled. read more

If you're in Santee and want a great dentist visit, (nobody paid me to write this I swear lol) I highly recommend without a doubt- head on over to Santee Smiles... it's conveniently right near Sprouts for your shopping pleasure...! Great 5 star experience. I'm so thankful to live close to this dentistry. Everyone is so professional and very kind. I had an array of issues with my teeth that needed to be addressed before I could get clear aligners from my orthodontist. If my mouth can be compared to under the hood of a car , well it was indeed time for a tuneup... (I think the battery was dead! And some parts needed to be ordered) (Car talk) Embarrassed to admit it had been YEARS since I've seen a dentist... 5ish. Aaah! Getting back on track, I bit the bullet and booked a well needed visit. I was able to get a deep cleaning with red laser therapy for my inflamed dirty gums (sorry for the graphic language), a crown for my cracked tooth - I had no idea that was cracked - YIKES! And they were able to make the crown there faster than I could bake a cake, and various filling treatments later done in one 6 hour visit. Yes it was like having a new mouth in one visit. Wow I had "all hands on deck" geez they probably were exhausted! LoL I'm so thankful I was able to get this taken care of in one visit. (They offer great insurance if you need it - I did and it was very reasonably priced) big thank you and shout out to all the sweet ladies working there that day! Lisa Ferguson - looks like the tooth fairy (it's my highest compliment I promise!) Jeressa B - omg I'm so sorry I called you Jessica - she's adorable. Shana, and receptionists at the front desk all you ladies ROCK! It was defiantly a girl power kinda day. I know I hate reading long reviews too... UUHh! but hopefully this 1 was fun and useful. read more

They don't charge an arm and a leg...they charge both arms and both legs and then provide mediocre service. Listening skills equally bad. The next time I need oral care, I'll take my tool bag down to 7-Eleven, buy a beer and let the friendly clerk behind the glass partition have a go. Heck, I might even pick up a lottery ticket while I'm there. read more

DO NOT GO HERE. The office has NO CLUE what they're talking about. I unfortunately picked the wrong dental insurance through my work's open enrollment and my normal dentist isn't "in network." I was trying to find a location to just get a routine cleaning to hold me over until I can switch back my insurance next open enrollment. I scheduled a routine cleaning on the website. Someone from the office called me the day before the appointment, with LESS THAN 24h NOTICE, to say "I saw your note that you want a routine cleaning but we can't do that." They proceeded to tell me they'd have to take x-rays and do an examination to "diagnose" what type of cleaning I needed but that they had no hygienists available that day to do the cleaning. I asked why the website allowed me to book a routine cleaning then, and why they couldn't give me the courtesy of at least 24h notice to let me know. They of course had no answer to that. I had already rearranged my whole work schedule to accommodate for this upcoming appointment, so was pretty frustrated. I also said I don't consent to any x-rays, but was assured that "we don't bill insurance for x-rays or charge you." I found that hard to believe but she was standing by that statement. I asked to speak with an office manager who said they most certainly do bill insurance and charge for x-rays. The office manager went on to tell me that that they don't have any hygienists available that day, but that the dentist, NOT the hygienist does the cleaning. But they don't know if the dentist can do the routine cleaning until the diagnose me. Now, I've been going to the dentist my whole life and NEVER had a dentist do a routine cleaning, as opposed to the hygienist. Needless to say, this company has no idea what's going on. Their website is terribly designed. They provide misinformation. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME COMING HERE!!!! Go to Alvarado Dental instead (right hear Alvarado Hospital)... trust me, you'll be glad you did. read more

I changed to this office recently and was very impressed by their top quality equipment and was dissatisfied by my second visit they are a large corporation that doesn't explain the service or money your expected to pay for a simple extraction or cleaning they wanted to put me under anesthesia for a routine molar and wisdom tooth which would of been a couple thousand dollars and then my next appointment for a cleaning ended up being a deep cleaning which I've never been told in all my years of two times a year cleaning was going to cost out of pocket 600$ plus needless to say I'm changing dental offices and I do not recommend this corporate company. read more

Sitting in the parking lot in tears. This dentists front office sucks. Twice now I have come in for my schedule appointment and have been turned away because they have miscommunicated something. First time while I was booking I told the girl I was pregnant. She said congratulations I'll let the doctor know. I come into the office and they turned me away because I don't have a medical release from my doctor. So I rescheduled for a month or so out with the release and had my exam. Fast forward to today, I originally had an appointment in December but had to reschedule and the first available was over 3 months later. I get here and the front desk tells me it'll be $60 I asked why if my insurance covers two cleanings a year she tells me that they said I need a deep cleaning, although it was suggested to me I just wanted my normal cleaning she said sorry we don't have anybody available to give you a normal cleaning you're gonna have to schedule another appointment. They don't value your time and frankly they're rude. It's a big bummer because I will miss Dr. Ferguson, but will certainly not miss the front desk staff. read more

I am a new patient and had a laser cleaning on sep 19th on my right side only. I was given a card with a return date of 10/1/19 to do the left side. When I showed up for my appt they have nothing about an appt today and stated we did your whole mouth last time. I think I would know if my whole mouth was done however now I wait for a call to find out. I also have upcoming oral surgery on oct 24th that I requested paperwork about etc and was told there is none and I will receive a phone call the night before. I am not happy I took off work to get the remainder of my cleaning done only to be told it was done. I hope this gets cleared up or I will not be getting surgery as I am not a satisfied patient. So happy to report they called me back and everything is fixed. I am now a much happier patient. Thank you! read more

I reported them to BBB six months ago and never got a response, so I am going to post that report here. Hopefully it'll save someone else the stress that Santee Smiles put me through for months. No smiles here! On May 25, 2022, I received an emergency dental exam. I was quoted a price of $59 on the phone, which I paid that day. I had a follow-up appointment on June 2nd for a cavity filling/dental impression for a night guard and an additional appointment on June 20th to pick up the night guard. I paid a total of $700 on June 2nd for the filling and night guard. Between the 2nd and the 20th, I received a bill in the mail for $71. It had no details about what this charge was for. I took the bill to my appointment on the 20th for clarification, and was told by the receptionist that this was likely a mistake, probably because they had been changing computer systems, and I should ignore the bill. Over the next few months, I kept receiving bills with the same $71 charge, so I called and was given the same explanation, that this was a mistake and I should ignore it. At the end of October, I received a letter from AmerAssist, a debt collector, saying that they were attempting to collect the $71 debt. I immediately called Santee Smiles again, but the receptionist said that the manager was not available and asked for my information so that she could call me back. I was also informed that the manager was busy and that I might have to call back myself. I never got a follow-up call. I called three more times over the next month, and each time they collected my information and said I'd get a call back. I still never received a follow-up call. The fifth time I called (still during business hours), but I was only able to reach an automated call system. After navigating to billing questions, the automated system said that someone from billing would contact me, but yet again, I did not receive any follow-up calls. I put in a dispute with AmerAssist on November 25th so that I wouldn't take a loss on my credit score, and kept trying to contact Santee Smiles with no success. I finally reported them to the BBB on December 12th. After that, I didn't receive any more bills from them or from AmerAssist, so I can only assume that they realized that they screwed up and dropped the charge. However, they never contacted me to try to take accountability or figure out what went wrong. They just completely ghosted me. I find it hilarious that they respond to negative reviews advising patients to call them when the manager is completely unreachable. From the other reviews I've read, I'm amazed they haven't been sued out of business. Stay far, FAR away! read more

Dr. Ortega and her whole team is amazing! They went above and beyond to help save my tooth from a root canal. She was so careful flit ensure I was never in pain and everything was perfect. Thank you so much for amazing work. read more

Had a great first experience at this dental office. Jessirae was able to answer all my questions and the cleaning was pain free! The office was very clean as well. read more

The car dealership of dentists. They try to update services you don't need in hopes you don't know that, so get a second opinion. The front desk girls are not pleasant. They are requiring masks still, no problem. I didn't have one and the sign said they had them available so I asked for one and the lady was so rude about it. "I'm helping someone else right now (nobody there) so have a seat and I'll get to you". I just wanted to make sure I had the mask they require before I sat down next to other people waiting. Appointments get taken back late, so if you need to be to work make sure to plan for that. When open enrollment comes around, I will be choosing a different plan to avoid these low end dentist offices. My fault, lesson learned. read more