I was referred to Dr. Shelby by a case manager for my 7y/o son on the autism spectrum. It was his dental first appointment ever. From scheduling, to the moment I walked in I felt welcomed. Dr. Shelby had us come to her office for a quick consultation prior to starting services. Parents with children on the spectrum, (particularly on the higher needs end) know how anxiety inducing these appointments can be. I was a giant ball of unhopeful nerves. Praying my son would not be judged, or become too difficult to be helped. A staff member came in to assist/keep an eye on him for the duration of the consultation. My son jumping into this woman's arms at one point, and yet she showed no irritation, and reassured me as I apologized repeatedly. Maybe it was written on my face, maybe she is a part time mind reader, but Dr. Shelby sat me down in that office, looked me in the eye and assured me everything was okay, and my child would not be judged there. Embarrassingly enough, I broke down in tears. It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and I was actually seen. Although my child did not tolerate the check up well, as I expected, the Dr. was still able to get X-rays, and did so as efficiently as possible! I received so much reassurance, advice, tips and tricks to help. I truly appreciate Dr. Shelby and her team for the excellent service, care and compassion we received. Would recommend! read more

I would strongly advise against trusting this office with your child's care. After six years of being loyal patients, we were dropped from the practice simply because I asked for appointments after 2:30 PM -- even though their own posted hours are 9 AM to 5 PM. I was simply a mother, who hadn't had a job in over a year, asking for a small accommodation so I wouldn't have to miss work or pull my child out of school. Instead of compassion, the front desk clerk refused to even let me speak to the dentist -- someone we had trusted for years. I was so upset by how dismissive they were that I ended up in tears. One simple request turned into being completely disregarded, and it feels like something was said behind the scenes that wasn't true, because we were ignored and immediately dropped. When I respectfully mentioned I would leave an honest review about my experience, I received a letter dropping my daughter from care. They claimed it's their "policy" not to schedule young children later in the day, yet refused to show me any proof -- no signed document, no written policy, nothing. They also falsely claimed multiple attempts to contact me, but there was only one voicemail left. I returned the call and never received any follow-up. Six years of loyalty, perfect attendance, and a strong relationship thrown away over one basic scheduling request. This office does not prioritize patient relationships, communication, or professionalism. They will not advocate for you -- they will simply cut ties. If you want to be treated with basic respect and compassion, this is not the place for your family. read more

Shelby J Smith, DDS, MS - Letter sent that was not true and very unfair. - Orthodontists Near Me - Antioch, California

I had a very uncomfortable experience at this dentist office. When I asked if parents were allowed in the room during treatment, I was told no, but that they could give me a tablet to watch from the waiting area. I politely explained that I prefer offices that allow parents to be present so my child feels safe. Instead of simply respecting my preference, the receptionist told me I "need to teach my child independence," that I "can't go to school with my kid," and continued lecturing me. She also questioned where I planned to go next and even said that dentists don't like when patients "hop from office to office." A few days later, they mailed me a letter saying they were removing me from their system and that I was no longer a patient. Honestly, it felt extremely petty and unprofessional. Every parent has the right to choose a provider that aligns with their comfort level. The way this office handled the situation was unnecessary, judgmental, and disrespectful. I definitely would not recommend them based on my experience. read more

Dr. Shelby did great with my high needs child. However, I felt extremely harassed to schedule more treatment even after our insurance had maxed out. They suggested I put it on a credit card. They also canceled our next check up with no notice at all. We showed up to the appointment and they told me there wasn't one.. I had literally scheduled this appointment two weeks prior and drove an hour to get there. So disappointed in this practice and the money grabs they are reaching for. Just wanted to add, as soon as I returned home, our termination letter was in the mail with the envelope dated December 4 and the letter dated November 21. This also seems a bit scammy because the dentist is supposed to be available for emergencies for 30 days from the date of the letter.I should not have been able to schedule a new appointment if this was already in our file. I consider this practice to be very untrustworthy and unprofessional read more

Shelby J Smith, DDS, MS - Date the letter was mailed. Exactly one day before a scheduled appointment. - Orthodontists Near Me - Antioch, California

See all

This complaint is only to do with Kim, we have been with Dr. Shelby for about 7 years and have always had great service. Heather and Katrina were great and very understanding. Debbie is also great. I was very shocked with the service I received from Kim, she was very unprofessional and rude. Just wanted to warn other patients in case anyone else comes across her as well. read more

My 4 year old had her first visit here. Dr. Shelby was able to take X-rays and polish her teeth in a small amount of time. X-rays in the past were extremely difficult to obtain and polishing was never successful. Great staff and excellent doctor. The environment was clean, organized and professional. read more

My son is on the spectrum and I was really worried about how he would do visiting the dentist. From the first call the experience was wonderful to Dr. Shelby's warm welcome in the lobby to my little guy to the full care team and truly making it a good experience for him. Thank you to your team, it really made a difference for my little one who has a serious anxiety issue with doctors and mouth. read more

Shelby J Smith, DDS, MS - Orthodontists Near Me - Antioch, California

I don't usually do reviews but for parents sake I feel it's important they know Ahead of time. I took my 6 year old in for an appt he was nervous about, I clearly mentioned I wanted to go back with him and was told no. This is a huge red flag and not acceptable especially for a child this age. Given the fact he was new there and not comfortable they should have made accommodations. Very disappointing. This led to us leaving and going to a different dentist that has no problem letting us be with our children. read more

We have been going to Dr Shelby for 7 years for my daughter, since she was 2. We've just gone for cleanings and recently got braces. We've always loved the staff and Dr Shelby but today they were even more amazing! My daughter had to have two baby teeth pulled so her adult teeth could come in straight. They explained each step to my daughter, made sure she was comfortable and Dr Shelby came out twice to give me updates on how my daughter was doing. My daughter came out insisting she never even got a shot (novocaine) even though she did. She didn't feel a thing and said "Mom it was no big deal!" I highly recommend this office and trust them 110%! read more

Dr. Shelby is amazing! All three of my kids absolutely love her. My three year old even talks about her at home now! Her staff is friendly and efficient and we have never had to wait, even when we get there early! My five year old was in for a bunch of fillings recently and was excited to be worked on. Even the second and third time, knowing she was going to get a shot! She is super friendly and really down to earth. She makes me comfortable as a parent and takes the stress out of the situation. Best experience ever. Dr. Shelby is the best! read more

Shelby J Smith, DDS, MS - We love Dr. Shelby! - Orthodontists Near Me - Antioch, California

Dr Shelby smith and her office staff are absolutely amazing !!! Today I took my two year old in after getting 3 other dentists opinions. They all wanted to put him under Anesthesia or sedate him. I wasn't comfortable with that at all. I was also told from previous dentist he needed 6 teeth worked on when there's 4. I was told that he would need extractions if I waited (from previous dentist) Shelby ensured me that the decay wasn't even deep.. I'm very pleased I went and saw her. She made us feel very comfortable, her office staff is so welcoming. The kids love penny and Polly! She gave us another treatment option that no other dentist even offered us. No sedation or being put under. Thank you so much dr Shelby smith. This will indeed be my kids new family dentist !! read more

I took my 19 month old here for his first dentist appointment and it was a great experience! The office is clean, child-friendly, and very welcoming. Every single employee was so sweet to me and my son, making us both feel very comfortable. They have a cute therapy dog that the kids can hold and/or pet, which was a huge plus for us. Dr. Shelby took her time with us and was super patient in dealing with my fussy toddler. So happy we found this place and will definitely be coming back! read more

Dr. Shelby is amazing!! The dentist that I work for recommended me to her after my son needed some dental work done. Her staff is super friendly and welcoming and made my son feel comfortable. Even my daughter loved it there. My kids love Dr. Shelby's office and even ask when they can go back. read more

Dr Shelby has created a very welcoming dental practice, from the undersea waiting area, to the kind and receptive staff that she keeps. She even has a small dog called "Polly pocket" who is trained to sit in a little bag for kids to hold while being examined! This was HUGE for gaining the trust of my daughter with special needs. Dr Shelby was extraordinarily patient with my daughter's difficulties hold still. When we came in with a an emergency situation- a tooth that had been pushed back into the mouth after bonking a kid's head- everyone was very reassuring and helped calm the situation. The fact that you can get pediatric dentistry AND orthodontics done by the same provider helps make children more comfortable and confident. I can't give a strong enough recommendation for this dental practice! read more

There is no one else I'd trust my children with. Dr Shelby is the best around by far. The office is always immaculate, especially right now during Covid. Everyone is suited up from head to toe and you can just tell any and all precautions are being taken. They are truly going up and beyond to make sure everyone is protected. Dr takes her time, explains everything thoroughly and always makes not only the kids feel safe and loved, but also the parents. I always leave feeling like my kids are well taken care of. You will not regret your decision to bring your children here. I think the only thing I'd change is my age so that I can be a patient here as well! read more

We've been coming to this office for several years. Today we came in for the kids 6 month cleaning. They refused to let me go back with my kids.. what??? That's a red flag for sure.. The women at the front desk told us it's a HIPA regulation that's why we can go back. Then Dr. Shelby told us a different story and said it gets too crowded in the afternoon for parents to go back.. so what's the correct story??? There's other pediatric dentists that allow this.. I will always go back with my children you can't deny that!!! I'm very worried what you do back there to the kids.. read more

Our pediatrician recommended Dr. Shelby to us and we love her! Everyone there is so sweet. My daughter is usually intimated when we first walk in, but once the hygienist gets her back she's fine. I love how calm and patient everyone is. Dr. Shelby is amazing as well. She knows how to answer any questions I have and I leave feeling prepared and taken care of. I recommend Dr. Shelby's office to anyone looking for a great pediatric dentist. read more

I don't usually do reviews, good or bad but some 'professional' practices need to be made public. Doesn't allow parents, first red flag. Was having to pay out of pocket where I never needed to in the past with other dentist. 2nd red flag. Discovered they were an allowed dentist but not a Dentist in Delta's network which means you get less benefit amount and have to come out of pocket. They danced around that when I questioned and had to pay cash. 3rd red flag. I left BUT our next dentist takes xrays, fills tooth and Delta wont pay because Shelby filed a claim with Delta on that same tooth she never filled. The xray didn't lie-it was not a filled tooth and Delta wound up paying our new dentist for the filling that Dr. Shelby charged our insurance for but never filled. So not only did she collect on work she didn't do with Delta, we came out of pocket that year over $400. Be Fair Warned. A dog on your kid's lap and pony show does not a good dentist make. Never heard back from this dentist even after we left and had to call her office to figure all of this out. No apology for horrible borderline fraud practices and misrepresenting themselves where Delta Insurance was involved or for charging us with work never done. Too many other great options in the area to drive into this area in Antioch anyway. Save yourself the hassles. read more

Both my son and my daughter have had braces with Dr. Shelby. My son's teeth are PERFECT and my daughter still has braces on and is on her way to a perfect smile. Dr. Shelby is incredibly knowledgable and is always honest. Her staff is also always friendly, helpful and all her dental assistants are equally talented. As a testament to Dr. Shelby and her staff, my kids actually LOOK FORWARD to going to the dentist. My daughter is always asking me when her next dentist appointment is and counts down the days! My daughter had a small cavity and she didn't even realize that they were even filling her tooth...wow! read more

Absolutely the worst experience ever will never take my kids back there! Not only did they hold her down with out my ok but they scratched her chest an made her bleed an my 4yr old was telling me it burns!!! They traumatized her!! An then holding her down was not right!!! If I could I would put zero stars!!! But yelp requires one star! read more

Amazing kind and caring people! My daughter had her New braces adjusted and was in a normal amount of pain, but was very uncomfortable. So I texted Dr. Shelby and she texted me a few times that night with some suggestions and even texted me the next day to check in and see how she was doing. That is A+ service in my book! read more

We love Dr Shelby! Her whole staff is great. Dental services are done quickly and the whole experience is smooth and as trauma-free as possible. She is extremely gentle and patient with kids. Especially good with my daughter who has some pretty severe special needs. I can't imagine taking her anywhere else read more

I happened to take my niece to her appointment due to my sisters unavailability and was very impressed with what I walked into. Loved the office décor and the staff was warm and friendly. Dr.Shelby was pretty awesome with my niece and she was able to make her comfortable with her procedure and not scared. I can say my experience there couldn't have gone any better!!Love Dr. Shelby and will be switching dentists for my daughter!! read more

Excellent care and service. Dr. Shelby and staff are excellent at what they do. They even have a cute service dog in training to help calm kids. My daughter wants to hold 'Polly' every appointment. I would highly recommend this dentist. read more

Shelby is the best! My son has not been able to be seen by any other dentists and she put him right at ease. The environment was extremely kid-friendly and my son had FUN at the dentist. Thank you! read more

I am not going to lie, she is really good with kids - however, due to a couple of missed appointments they just simply let you go - I booked an appointment with them a few weeks ago and because we were running late they called and scheduled one for this morning. I showed up with my kids and they tell me we do not have an appointment - apparently they sent me a letter saying they recommend we go elsewhere! Really? just for missing 2 appointments but I had rescheduled it - I did not have any outstanding bills but for them to not want to see my kids just because of appointment issues is very discerning! I took time off work for this morning to take my kids in just to be told to go elsewhere and refused us of their future services! HORRIBLE!!! read more