This is our 3rd visit at jungle of smiles. Although we loved our previous pediatric dentist we moved and just couldn't make the drive anymore. Jungle of smiles came highly recommended by many local parents. We have not been disappointed. The office staff is friendly and professional and Dr. Sarah is great with our 2 kids! I would recommend this office for pediatric dental needs. read more

The entire team at Jungle of Smiles is FANTASTIC. The last few dentists we have seen over the years have claimed to be kid-friendly and definitely are not-but Dr. Sarah and her team took wonderful care of us. My son went in with an abscessed tooth that needed to be pulled. They checked my insurance the day prior to our appt and they were very upfront with the costs and honored the price quotes with no issues (also another plus as none of the other pediatric dentists we have seen have operated this way) and no surprise pricing. Anita at the front desk is a gem, as are all of the other staff in the office from the person that conducted the x-rays, the dental assistant Johnny, and Dr. Sarah. My son needed nitrous for his extraction and they have many techniques to help make the experience less scary (fun sunglasses for the bright lights, kid movies up on the ceiling tv monitors, and even a scented nose cover to encourage the child to calmly breathe in the nitrous for the pain). My kids and I have experienced much dental anxiety due to the offices we have seen in the past and I just assumed that that was just how pediatric dentists were, but what a world of difference at Jungle of Smiles. My four children will all definitely be new patients here and I am so relieved to have found a provider and team with no-nonsense billing and a warm and welcoming bedside manner for kiddos and parents. Thank you, Jungle of Smiles! read more

This was our second visit to Jungle of Smiles, and once again, it was an absolutely wonderful experience! I truly couldn't have asked for a better dental office for my kiddos, as they love the fact that they have many flavors of toothpaste and fluoride. And how they allow my kids to be in charge, as well as follow directions when it's asked. What stood out the most during my visit was witnessing firsthand just how caring and attentive Dr. Sarah is with her patients. There was a moment when a little one appeared to be throwing up, and immediately the entire team stepped in with calm, compassionate support. Dr. Sarah's kindness and professionalism really shined, and it was clear how much she genuinely cares about the well being of every child who walks through their doors. read more

We came here, mid extraction procedure...Yes, you read that right...I brought my 6 year old son here, directly after an appointment at another Dentists office that could not complete the extraction they started. Dr Sarah and her staff took us in immediately and quickly finished the task painlessly, smoothly and with an approach that kept my son calm. Jungle of Smiles gained a happy patient that day. read more

It was our first time visiting her office and while waiting in the waiting room, a young girl came out throwing up in a bucket. I've never seen that, but what was more shocking was the dentist's rather cold and apathetic response. Fast forward, my daughter gets a cleaning and we I just to ask the dentist a few questions, but she seemed unprofessional and yet again apathetic with my very basic questions. She seemed rushed and brushed my questions off with bare minimal answers. I would not recommend this place. Not sure if she was unhappy and irked that I didn't do all the xrays that their office recommended or what it was. Don't let the jungle decorations and external decorum fool you. They also didn't give me a price for a teeth cleaning and X-ray and based on the reviews, I'm expecting a big bill. They had me wait an hour to check on my insurance and still didn't give me a price. They pushed X-rays on me, which I declined besides one. I'm seeing from other reviews that she charges $300 for cleaning, which is x2 more than others. read more

I'm currently 20 years old and (sadly) aging out soon. I've been coming here since I was in preschool and I have never once had a bad experience. Dr. Sarah and her entire team are the friendliest and most courteous people I've ever had the pleasure to be seen by. They've never once steered me wrong and have always been so attentive and caring. My teeth cleanings are always perfect, and they've helped me get multiple cavities filled quickly and painlessly. My brother has been going to Jungle of Smiles for the same amount of time as me, and he has never had to get any extra procedures done, which makes me confident that when they tell me I need cavities filled or extra X-rays, they're doing it for my benefit and not just for some extra cash. I love Jungle of Smiles and always feel safe and in good hands there. read more

We swapped our kids dentist (our last stopped taking Delta Dental), and Jungle of Smiles was our first chosen and I wish we went here from the start! The kids absolutely loved the decor, games and "prizes"/toys afterwards. Something to note: the entrance is not through the main building, it's on the outside, in the front left side. When you walk it, it's a shared office, so Jungle of Smiles kids dentist is on the left (ortho is right). I took my daughter (4yo) and son (2yo). My daughter was happy as can be to lay back and watch the movie while her teeth were cleaned (she's never been a problem), but my son was NOT happy. It was his first time ever, and the staff did great! They had a few techniques that helped and it was quick. This dentist is unique even in the gifts received. Before our appointment, the kids were sent a book about their teeth - they love that! At our first appointment, we got a complimentary picture of them two of them in a frame - love it. And after we got cards in the mail - the kids were absolutely delighted to open the mail and see the card with stamps + hearing it was from the dentist. So awesome and we look forward to going back. Thank you, Jungle of Smiles! read more

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Wow I cannot say enough good things about this dentist office. This was my twins first dental visit and honestly because of the staff it couldn't have gone any better. The front staff was very welcoming and check in was a breeze. Lily and alix were so sweet and so good with my girls I could tell they were so comfortable with them and it put my anxiety at ease and theirs ! Dr Sarah was also so sweet and helped my one twin with getting rid of one of her stubborn baby teeth that didn't want to come out. She now says she feels so much better and is so much happier that it's gone and is eating normal again. They also got to choose a fun toy at the end. I'm so glad I found jungle of smiles !!!! Highly recommend read more

Great first experience! Friendly staff and they were very patient every step of the way. Definitely recommend bringing your child here! read more

Sarah I Mathias, DDS MS - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

Amazing experience! We got the reference special from our child's preschool. It has been 3 years since our child's first/last dentist experience (which scared them and wasn't as inviting) so we were apprehensive. But immediately coming in through the doors, the decor and ambiance set was a huge wow factor that got our child excited along with the welcoming smiles. The dentist assistants focused all of their time on making sure our child was comfortable and gave them a detailed step by step of how they should expect their visit to go. The dentist, Dr. Sarah, was amazing in working with the happiest attitude even with back to back patients. Will definitely come back and make this our continuing dentistry. We can't wait! read more

This is only for the tongue tie and lip tie procedures. We took our daughter when she was 1 month old to get it done here. Clean office and pleasant staff. Everything went fine. I was surprised that the post op procedure was non-existent, but didn't think much of it even though I had read online what a pain the post op exercises could be. This should have been the red flag. But I'm my first time parents state I was relieved we wouldn't have to subject her to the exercises. Fast forward, my baby girl is 10 months old and had a check up with another dentist (who is closer to us) and we were informed that her tongue and lip tie re-attached. And that this is typical when parents aren't diligent about the stretches. WTF I was livid. I called Dr. Mathias office and they said to send pictures so Dr. Could examine but that this doesn't typically happen and per the admin has never happened in the 10years of her being there. I also asked why they don't implement exercises to ensure it doesn't reattach and the response was that babies that age are constantly moving their tongues and mouth so they're naturally doing the exercises. We're going to pay to have it re-done, even though Dr. Mathias would do it for free (if she found it necessary since she's within 1yr of having it done), because the new dental office does a 1 week post op, 3 week post op, as well as a specific exercise regimen. Can't speak for other procedures but DO NOT DO FRENECTOMIES here! read more

Please do research before coming here! My son was traumatized by the experiences we received after the dentist gave my son a cracked filling. Not 1 day after the filling he complained of pain and then woke up with swollen cheek and his tooth became abscess from the bad filling work. We immediately went to the ER. The ER recommended going black to the dentist for tooth removal. Dr Sarah finally agreed to come in on her day off after waiting a day and sending in an assistant to assess the situation first,( even though we told her he was at the ER and we sent pictures of his whole swollen face and tooth.) Dr Sarah abruptly pulled my son's tooth with no warning, no laughing gas, no Novocaine. My 5 yr old son was traumatized to say the least. Dr. Sarah was also very rude and unprofessional. She did not want to take the blame for the bad filling. I do not recommend jungle of smiles at all. Thank goodness, we found a better dentist somewhere else and we've had a wonderful dental experience since then! read more

Amazing office staff and all great with my young son. We've been coming here since he was 1 and my son loves coming to visit the dentist!

this is the best place to take your little one to the dentist! they are so friendly with every child. they go above and beyond to make sure every child feels comfortable. the decoration are even awesome! read more

Sarah I Mathias, DDS MS - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

Dr. Sarah and her staff are Amazing! Being in the dental field myself for over 15 years, I observed the office really well and they have proved to be very professional, punctual, courteous and they all work together as a team. The office is beautiful and my kids enjoy all the games and prizes they have to offer. All the special amenities are great for the kids and add a special unique touch to the office. I trust them with my 2 kids and I know that they are getting the utmost best dental care around. They have moved to a new location which I personally am so happy about because it's more convenient parking wise. I would definitely recommend all my friends with kids to this office because they are simply the BEST! read more

Sarah I Mathias, DDS MS - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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The staff at Jungle of smiles is great. My daughter loves going to the dentist because she gets to pick a toy out of the treasure chest. This also encourages her to behave and do a good job. My son had his first visit and he did great. You can tell the staff has kids and are great around them. It is very rewarding to know my kids like going to the dentist and hopefully this will create a lifetime of good dental hygiene. Thank you Doctor Sarah! read more

Sarah I Mathias, DDS MS - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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I change my rating with a heavy heart, but after 1yr... I think it's fair to give an honest update. Pros: very kid friendly. My kids have been known to elope at dental offices and barely get work done. This place did it because of the kind and gentle hygienist and the awesome kid friendly decorations and play areas. The toys that are given are amazing! It's conveniently located near the freeway. Cons: You tend to question the ethics here. Usually when I get a referral, I will usually get at least two places to go to. When my 6yr old got his referral to Orthodontist, we only got referred to her husband right next door. Very convenient. Right? (That's another story, her husband recommended expanders. I went for a second opinion and I'm glad I did. He is only 6yrs old. My kid will need it but not right now.) Another thing... My kid lost his front teeth. The adult teeth are coming out but not fully erupted. She is recommending sealants for them. I don't know much about them and so I had to do my own research. Yes, my insurance is great, it covers a big portion of it. But his teeth are not even fully erupted and sealants are being recommend? And usually it's the molars that get it... And usually the tooth has to be fully erupted to get sealants. I got a call, but not from Dr.Sarah, but from her hygienist about scheduling his sealants. It made me feel like the pt isn't the special interest anymore. Rather it feels like sales. For any major dental work, always trust your instinct. Continue to get 2nd opinion. read more

Completely rude, snotty, unbelievably jabbing remarks to parents in front of their children. Especially, not knowing that child history etc.... I would not send my worst enemy to this dentist read more

Highly recommend--I brought my son that is almost 11 months. Let me just say we had such an amazing experience. The place is very clean and decorated so cute. The staff was so friendly and helpful! They give you lots of goodies for the kids and something special for the parents! I couldn't ask for a better experience at the dentist. They were so patient with my baby and took their time and ask if I had any question. This is a day I'll never forget, thank you! read more

I was recommended by Dr. Sarah's husband Dr. Bobby. I am fairly familiar with the staff and her assistants were just as nice as Dr. Bobby's. I didn't get to speak with Dr. Sarah at first because she was busy but I wanted to introduce myself. So I did and she came up to greet me. While I do not have a lot of experiences with Dr. Sarah, I can say that she has the MOST sweetest disposition ever! The saying sweet as apple pie applies here. I've had horrible experiences with dentist in the past and I'm so glad that we have found her. Also, it never appeared important to see a pediatric dentist for my son. After going, I do feel like I was educated on kids teeth for the first time. I do value being educated. Also, I was never pressured to do anything I wasn't suppose to. Charges and procedures were clearly explained. As a doctor myself, I can say that ethics and legal issues are a big concern with providers. This office is phenomenal with both. My son actually loves going to the dentist and so he isn't usually afraid. But I asked him about the assistant who cleaned his teeth. He said he liked her and that Dr. Sarah was nice. He's introverted and he didn't even appear so, as he was dancing in his chair and was very comfortable talking about his teeth there. So that's very reassuring to me. All in all, I highly recommend Dr. Sarah for your kiddos. And in my opinion, it's difficult to find a good dentist in Orange County. So happy we are apart of the Jungle of Smiles family!!!! read more

We have been going to Jungle of Smiles for a few years, and we always loved it. I recommended them to all my friends and even people on Facebook. Unfortunately, that has changed. Their covid restrictions are over the top. I had no choice but to take my children in during the pandemic, and I was forced to wait in my car. It traumatized my young child and we won't be coming back. We are finding a new dentist with better covid rules. read more

What a great experience! This is was 3rd pediatric dentist we brought our 5-year old to and it was, by far, the best. Her regular dental office blindsided us with a ton of work they wanted to do and they wanted to give her general anesthesia. The 2nd opinion recommended a little less wok but said she showed too much anxiety so they wouldn't work on her and referred an office that does general anesthesia. Jungle of smiles has a great, welcoming, very kid friendly office and a great staff. They were able to treat my daughter without general anesthesia and did only the work that was necessary.....saving me money but, more importantly, saving her pain and discomfort. My daughter's teeth are now fixed and she no longer fears the dentist office! read more

What a joke this dentist is. I took my son here because it seemed like a kid friendly environment, and it has nice decor and games for the kids, but the service there is horrific. First of all the "doctor" can care less about her patients and just worried about money. Did such a horrible job on my sons fillings they had to be redone. The sad part is that she can't blame it on him moving since they knocked him out. Had the time to do it right but just rushed the job or maybe she just doesn't know what she is doing? Either way avoid this place. read more

Dr. Sarah is great. We have been coming here for 6 years or more. 2 stars is because of front office, receptionists are so rude and condescending. The "new" receptionist actually argued with me telling me I didn't submit all.my forms electronically read more

Our 2 year old son had a growth in his gums and we had no idea what it was, and with x-rays and examination neither did the Urgent Care pediatrician. My wife and I were worried and stressed out so I called Dr. Sarah's office early in the morning with urgency. they quickly and easily made an appointment for my son within the hour around 9 in the morning. Once in, the staff immediately knew what was going on in my sons mouth and Dr. Sarah confirmed it and gave us options of what we could do. My sons procedure was surprisingly quick and went smooth. Jungle of Smile's specialty is children, and it is apparent when you first enter the office. The whole office is decorated (in detail) and there are several activities for your children to do in the waiting room. there are touch screen video games, huge stuffed animals, TV's and games. Dr. Sarah is very gentle and knows how to treat our children. The staff is readily trained to work with kids and it really makes a difference. Our son can get nervous at the doctors office, but he is always happy at Jungle of Smiles. Dental work is not cheap, but the staff was very patient and helpful when it came to trying to figure out our payment and insurance situations. I recommend this office to all my parent friends and look forward to our next visit. read more

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We have been coming to Dr. Sarah for over eight years now. We absolutely adore her and her entire staff. I truly believe because of their approach to pediatric dentistry; going to the dentist has never been a scary experience for my daughter. They also provide great information to support dental hygiene at home. I would recommend them to any family. read more

My kids been coming to Jungles of smiles since 2008. Always a friendly environment and excellent service.

My children have had only positive experiences at Jungle of Smiles! Thank you for taking care for them and their dental health! read more

Wonderful office, dentist and staff! We brough our 2 week old son for a laser frenectomy. As a dentist myself, I would only trust an exceptional and experienced laser dentist to do this easy but delicate procedure. No anesthesia required and our son's tongue tie was fixed in one visit and just a minute of treatment. I would highly recommend Dr Mathias and staff to anyone! read more

Jungle of Rip Off! I took my daughter there to check for cavities and potential maintenance work. After Sarah saw my child she mentioned that a few teeth needed some filling. Then I was given as estimate of $3100 with a lot more work than Sarah discussed with me. I asked the receptionist why the list grew so much and she said that they estimate the worst case and it will not come out that much. A month later we went for the operation and during the operation they kept adding more work without letting us know what the cost would be when we asked. After the operation I asked Sarah about the cost and she said there will be a slight increase, which tuned out to be $4400!!! 50% more!!! They also estimated the length of the operation wrong so we had to pay a lot more to the anesthesiology clinic, $2200. Who pays $6600 for normal tooth work for a 6 years old that is going to lose those teeth anyway. I called their office to adjust the cost due to failing to inform us about the added cost and also way off initial estimate, and they of course refused my request and I will be suing them!!! read more

Dr Sarah and her entire staff are very professional and friendly! We highly recommend the practice and appreciate you all, thank you!

I had nothing but great experiences here with my 1 1/2 year old son. We haven't had to wait long after getting checked in and the ladies at the front were very friendly to us. My son loved the jungle theme and was pointing to all the monkeys in the trees. The hygienist was sensitive, gentle, and patient during the cleaning, especially since my son wasn't as cooperative as I would have hoped. Dr Sarah answered all my questions and gave me some insight as to when the rest of his teeth would be coming in and what to expect. They gave us some goodies to take home and my son got to choose a toy after his exam. Overall, a wonderful experience and for us and well worth the drive from Anaheim knowing he will always be in good hands here. read more

Overpriced and unfriendly. The staff and place isn't that great. I was charged $300 for my 3 year old son clean. It's ridiculous. Worst part I didn't realize how much I was charged until I got home. No one bothered mentioning how much the price was going to be, since I was busy with my daughter. read more

Dr Sarah- you continue to charge me and we have paid you... that said, looking at our bill you charged me a 25.00 fee because of an appointment cancellation for both my kids. I called your office from the airport indicating the issue... my flight was delayed! You are that hard up for money? I'm disappointed in you, your staff etc. you will be reimbursing me. We are done with you and your husband ... not impressed with your business acumen read more

Dr.Sarah has been our dentist for 13 years if not more . My oldest son is 15 and he has Autism and developmental delay, & dental appointments are very challenging with him . Dr.Sarah and The whole team have been so amazing and understanding with him . I can not thank them enough . My other 2 boys also on Autism spectrum see her and same great experience as well . I will highly recommend Jungle of Smiles to all the families . Dr.Sarah is the sweetest and her staff are so great . read more

I was going to skip this review until the latest and greatest happened with this terrible place. I'll start at the beginning. I took my 6 year old for a check-up. The office is gorgeous and everyone was nice. I felt a little rushed by the dentist to leave though and that didn't sit well with me but I let it go because I thought maybe she was just busy. They told me a whole bunch of stuff about what I needed to do for my daughter in a really small amount of time, handed me my paperwork, and pointed me towards the exit. I made my appointment for the treatment and everything was fine. On the day of my daughter's appointment as I was checking her in I asked the girl at the counter about the nitrous oxide that was recommended. I asked her what the side effects were. Her response to me was, "If the doctor prescribed it for you then she obviously thinks your daughter needs it. I mean, if you don't want it we aren't going to make you do it but it's your choice." Um... hello. Was that even what I asked? No. I wanted to know how it would affect my little girl. She was very unhelpful. Not to mention sick. Why put a sick worker at the front desk of a pediatric dental office? Then they moved us back to the room where they would do her treatment. I went in with her and was ready to hold her hand like I told her I would because this was her first filling. The staff asked me to stand outside. I asked why and she said in the most condescending voice she could muster that in case there is a dental emergency they need to be able to exit the room. So I stood outside. They did offer me a chair but I was already anxious for my little one and I could not see her so I didn't want to sit. I stood and listened to her cry. Then I cried. Finally they asked me to come in and try to calm my daughter down. I held her hand (which is all I wanted to do in the first place) and she was fine. It was not painful but it was scary and she was afraid and they did absolutely nothing to help her to not be afraid. When it was over they left. They just left. No one said "good job" or even a simple "see you next time". They just walked out. It was at that moment that I decided to start listening to my gut and to never go back there. Their office is beautifully decorated and it gives the illusion of being child-friendly but they are the coldest bunch of people ever. So that was a few months ago, January I believe. I have since found a new dentist.. Happy to recommend to anyone who is looking for a good pediatric dentist in Mission Viejo. Anyway, the new dentist called Jungle of Smiles to obtain the x-rays that they took as well as the copies they have from our out of state dentist. They were going to charge me $15 each! Each. I get them charging me for the x-rays they took but they honestly were going to charge me $15 for x-rays that I had to send to them a few months ago? They didn't even do the calling to obtain those x-rays, I did and now they are going to charge me $15 for an email to send them to my new dentist? They are just awful. They just want you to pay them and then they want you to leave. They were nice enough as long as it was convenient for them but the minute we needed some extra TLC, they were not there for us. I would not recommend them to anyone. read more

My daughter loves going to this dentist. They said her teeth are looking perfect. This is a relief because she was a big thumb sucker and for a while her front teeth were kind of sticking out angled. This makes me trust them more that they said the teeth are fixing themselves and that everything looks great now. Anyways the staff have always been so genuinely nice and the place is really nice too!!! From reading the negative reviews I will keep my eye on anything thats feel unnecessary or over the top recommendations etc... but we only have wonderful things to say ! read more

Sarah I Mathias, DDS MS - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

Took my 4 day old baby to get a laser frenectomy to correct his tongue-tie. Everyone was so sweet and accommodating to me. Being 4 days post birth wasn't easy and the office isn't close to my house, but so worth it. The procedure was fast and my baby barely cried or moved. Would recommend anyone who has a child that is tongue-tied to see Dr Mathias. read more

Jungles of smiles is a fantastic dental practice for our children. They are very careful and following the rules and guidelines for COVID. I would recommend them to anyone and I have. read more

We have been coming to Dr. Sarah's for the past 10 years. My kids get excellent dental care in a fun, relaxing environment with competent hygienist, and doctors. My son just went in for a tooth extraction and everything went well. I wish adults had a Jungle of Smiles version of dentistry. read more