1/29/26 update - Today, I paid for, out of pocket, and received Invisalign from a local orthodontist. Emile waked mentioned in his reply, "two faces to the same story" yet he used emails from himself as reference but did he include my emails in the reply? Our communication was via email so what did he mean when he commented about how I communicated pertaining to phone calls? read more

Dr. Waked put in three teeth that fell out within 3 weeks. 5,000.00 dollars spent. He said I broke them. How do three implants and crowns break in three weeks? Poor workmanship! He did not say let me fix the problem. Never heard from him. Now spending another 5,000.00 to get it done right! Very Upset! read more

The front desk staff, the location, the Dentist, the dental techs and the high tech equipment...all top tier. They make crowns while you wait. Will text you appt updates. The only Dentist I've gone to that is never annoyed with my anxiety. He ensures that it's as good an experience as he can make it, being that going to the dentist is usually never fun time. I'm so thankful for this office and its staff and the care my family and I receive. read more

I had my first appointment today. It was great. They were very nice and helpful and Windy did my X-Rays, she was very good

Seems I sent my review with the wrong email and Dr. Waked had it removed. Luckily I expected he would try to have it removed as he has done to others, so I screen shotted it. Here it is in its entirety with my correct yelp email. I have a mentally ill adult daughter who needed a couple of years worth of dental work. We saw doctor Waked during this time because of the Yelp reviews. I even went to him for my check ups. When you have an adult mentally disabled daughter, it's sometimes hard to find doctors who will take their behavior into consideration and not expect them to be adults when they have the cognitive ability or a child. I love Jenniter at the office statt-she understood because she too has a special needs child. So, the gist of it is, we saw Dr. Waked for almost two years as her teeth are in terrible condition from years of medical treatment for both her mental and physical disabilities. Her teeth will randomly break off. She had complained about his chairside manner from the beginning.. bordering on verbal abuse. So I went to him for my cleaning. Again, Jennifer was awesome and since I didn't have insurance, she even got me signed up with a free plan that paid some of my expenses But I too experienced his horrible attitude and his rudeness to the patients. Plus, when I was done with my cleaning my teeth still felt dirty and it was so fast that I've never experienced such a poorly done cleaning. I later had to have a tooth removed and he immediately jumps to implants. I don't want implants, I would have been happier with a cap, but he just took the whole thing out and never discussed with me what I wanted. So now ljust have a missing molar. I think he's a technically good (not great) dentist, but either his practice is too busy and he needs to bring in another dentist to help him, or he just hates his job. We kept going there because my daughter as part of her mental disease does not tolerate change well and because a known danger is better than a perceived danger in her mind. They also offered nitrus for her because she is very anxious around men from being kidnapped when she was a child. The office knew all of this before she started seeing Dr. Waked. Well, she saw him twice in the last 6 weeks--both for teeth that broke off. The second to last time she told him she could still teel the paln (I Can attest myselt that he Is stingy with the local anesthesia when pulling teeth), and he told her that maybe she should see a pediatric dentist in the future. This really hurt her psyche and I called and talked to Jennifer about what he said and told her that I understood, and if he felt she really needed to see a pediatric dentist, to just let us know where a good one would be and we would happily leave. I didn't want her to continue to be berated by Dr. Waked any more. I felt we were bevond tolerant. Then, when she came in again, she once again had the nitrous-which I pay extra for. Dr. Waked got mad and felt she was "drug seeking." Really? For nitrous? This is a kid with a musculoskeletal disease that requires her to take actual morphine each day for the last 20 years. Nitrous does nothing but calm her nerves to deal with this verbally abusive dentist. He then came out and announced to the entire waiting room for Jennifer to NOT schedule her anymore because she was too difficult a patient. I was furious, but it wasn't Jennifer's fault. Dr. Waked cannot handle special needs patients. He verbally abuses them and doesn't seem to understand that some patients are very scared of him due to the way he treats them. I would absolutely stay away from this practice if you have a neurodivergent loved one or you want someone to actually discuss your course of treatment BEFORE they remove things from your mouth that they can't put back. To be fair, I think he has the technical knowledge, but the caring aspect is completely lacking and he seems to just go from patient to patient with a certain number or minutes in nis mina to get his work done witnour concern tor the actuar patient. i think nes Tine for adults who don't care if they get a say in their treatment or not. DR WAKED'S: ORIGINAL REPLY: Dec 15. 2025. "Thank you Sandy (a HIPPA Violation since I am a patient also) for your review, we have been constantly yelled at, cursed at, mistreated by your daughter for years without a complaint, last appointment was unacceptable and asked her not to come back." (At this point I have the rest of his comment on my work computer which I don't have access to at this moment but will update--but the gist of it was that he questioned me about discussing this on a public forum and said he would happily discuss it with me in person. The entire reason I used an alternate Yelp email was because this one was my regular Yelp divulges my entire name and for HIPPA reasons And Patient Shames her for her mentaI disability. My ORIGINAL Response: to Dr. Waked's Reply: Screen shots shown below because I ran out of room. read more

Smiles on Clark - Cosmetic Dentists Near Me - Santa Maria, California

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This is an excellent dental office. Friendly, clean, efficient, up-to-date. Conveniently located in the Albertsons shopping center in between Albertsons and Giovanni's Pizza. Dr. Emile Waked trained in Paris, France and at UCLA and subsequently taught for a number of years at UCLA as well. He is kind and thorough. Some dentists will do unnecessary work. Not here. Come in and see the difference! read more

Smiles on Clark - My 9 year old boy is a champ and Dr Waked is a pro - Cosmetic Dentists Near Me - Santa Maria, California

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If I could give zero stars, I would. Dr. Waked does decent dental work, but fails to explain anything or answer any questions. I did 6 months smiles treatment (similar to Invisalign) with Dr. Waked and after my final check in with him, he told me to keep wearing my final aligners and come back in for a night guard later. I explained to him that I am a serial teeth grinder and I will probably wear down the aligners before it is time for my night guard. He said it was not a problem and to just call and request replacement aligners from his office. I later call to request replacement aligners and Dr. Waked's office refused to order them for me. They told me that people's teeth shift and move and they needed to do new scans of my teeth. This is very different information than what I was previously told. Also, the point of doing something like 6 month smiles is so that your teeth stay in place and do not shift and move. They told me the aligners would not fit me anymore, which I found very funny because I just wanted them to order the exact same aligners that I already have and wear every single day. But nonetheless, Dr. Waked's office believed that they were able to do an X-ray over the phone and peer into my mind to tell me that the aligners I was already wearing would not fit me. For reference, I am a law student, incredibly busy, and did not have time for this nonsense, so I told them I would be transferring dentists and I asked for all of my dental records, including my 6 month smiles treatment information. At this point they lost their s**t, and have been throwing a major tantrum like a 5 year old child. I have been trying for WEEKS to get my 6 month smiles records but they refuse to release the information to my new dentist. At first Dr. Waked's office said "the doctor can not do that because it has all his personal information on there" and then I did some research, and with the help from my new dentist, we discovered that he just needs to sign a release, there would be no transfer of his "personal information". Now they saying that "the doctor just doesn't want to do that". Because I am a law student I am very intrigued by Dr. Waked's behavior and how he is handling this situation, so I decided to read the entire Business and Professions Code and realized that what he is doing by withholding my treatment records is ILLEGAL! I have wasted so much of my time trying to resolve this matter. Dr. Waked has been paid lots of money by my family for dental treatment, and he chooses to say farewell to me as a patient by screwing me over one last time (ILLEGALLY)?! Oh h*ll no! I don't think so! I am contacting the Dental Board of California to discuss the matter with them so we can get Dr. Waked's dental license revoked. Then, I will be taking legal action to force him, by court order, to release my dental treatment records. PLEASE do not go see Dr. Waked as a new patient. I highly caution you against it. Not everyone has the knowledge or resources to handle legal matters such as these and if he would do this to me, he will do it to you! If you are currently a patient of Dr. Waked, I highly suggest that you get out now! Leave quickly and quietly so you do not trigger a major tantrum and violation of your legal rights. Trust me, you do not want to be a patient of a dentist who has their license revoked. I will provide updates on my progress with this matter. *UPDATE* 5/25 Smiles on Clark just tried to have this post on Google removed. You can not treat people like this and then silence them when they try to speak the truth! read more

Dr. Waked is great! The front desk is great! The dental hygienist is great! They're all very welcoming and sweet. Everything is very clean and orderly. I'm so grateful that they were able to squeeze me in years ago when my fake front tooth chipped (from another dentist). Also, a couple months ago I got hit in the mouth by my son accidentally kneeing me and developed a cyst on my inner bottom lip. The front desk was able to get me in within a day and didn't make me feel gross over my situation. Dr. Waked explained why he had to remove the entire pocket and what to do after the procedure. I've been going here for over 8years and have nothing to complain about, they're wonderful! My husband and oldest son both go here as well. Also, I transferred our two young kids to Smiles On Clark because we had a bad experience at a pediatric office and they've been very accommodating. read more

Went for consultation for implant and was quite surprised by the dentist's arrogant and almost rude attitude. Maybe he was having a bad day but I'm not going to make excuses for his unprofessional behavior. I'm not going back! read more

I called in this morning completely panicked because my crown fell off over the weekend (work I got done by a different doctor) The staff was super understanding and made me feel at ease. Also had to visit during this whole Covid-19 pandemic and even at that they took the time to make me feel welcome. They went the extra mile in sanitizing everything several times in just the hour I was there. Felt completely safe. Dr. Waked didn't even question who did the crown or what I did to make it fall off, I felt zero judgement and totally safe. He, very kindly, cemented my crown back on and sent me on my way. They didn't charge me an arm and a leg either! Thank you so much Smiles on Clark!! highly recommend. read more

Very impressed how they run things here and up to date in technology and texting you to confirm your appointment few days prior and another friendly reminder the day of Shawna who works in the front such a nice lady and wonderful made my nerves ease and set and helped me understand my insurance and how to use it seriously nice lady As for the doctor he seemed nice I talked to him less than 10min haha but he was fast and efficient came in for a check up my tooth hurt he said I needed a filling and if I wanted it done now I said heck yes saves me so much time doing that!! got a quote for the price I asked how long will it take he said 40min and took less, he used a loooot of numbing stuff, which I do not mind rather have my face numb for 4 hours than feel anything Seriously impressed it was so fast I still made it on time for work, I will be coming in for my every 6 month cleaning as well, thank you! read more

Smiles on Clark - Cosmetic Dentists Near Me - Santa Maria, California

Not clean, didn't put things they were putting in my mouth on sanitized surfaces, the technician didn't know what she was doing-kept hurting me during xrays, saved my xrays under someone else's name, had to keep getting help, ...took 3 hours just for X-rays on my first visit-no cleaning, no dr check, just xrays-I never went back! read more

Wonderful experience. EExtremely happy with the results of the work done on me yesterday. And now waiting for two weeks to complete the work that I've waited two years to do. Would highly recommend this dentist and his staff. Five stars!!!!! read more

I walked into this office a nervous wreck. I had a bad experience somewhere else and have just been ruined by that when it comes to the dentist. Anyways, Dr Waked and his staff are all above and beyond. From check in to everything happening in the back.. the staff is professional and encouraging. I had an exam and cleaning done last week and was pleased with the professionalism there. The doctor doesn't see a need do to needless work and it shows. He isn't sitting there making recommendations for extra services or telling me I need things I actually don't. He not only takes xrays but also pictures of the teeth.. so when it came up on X-ray I had a cavity, I didn't have just his word (because I don't read X-rays) but I also saw that my tooth was a bit gray and it was obviously needing some help! That gave me the peace of mind that I was indeed in need of the work and wasn't being tricked or anything. Today I had the filling done and although I was nervous the doctor and his assistant were quick! They worked together very well, he didn't even have to ask for things, she had them in hand ready for him at all times. Probably the quickest filling I've had once the doctor sat in his chair. Very pleased with the work! read more

I went for my first visit and it was a great experience. I will say that the xrays were the worst I've ever had. They use some bulky camera that cut the roof of my mouth and took forever. My husband had the same experience. The X-ray tech was very nice though. The machine itself was the problem. But the dentist was super kind and friendly. He didn't make me feel pushed into doing unnecessary dental work. He made nice conversation and I am definitely happy I chose this place. I feel like he is trust worthy and cares about his patients. Steve the hygienist was absolutely amazing! Best cleaning I've ever had. It never hurt once and he knew how to use the water and suction tool without making it choke me or spraying water everywhere. He was also very friendly and shared nice conversation. The ladies at the front were also friendly and I didn't have to wait long. I will def be back! read more

I have cried two times in Dr. Waked's chair. It never happened before February 2023, but that was when I had a very difficult root canal that took over two hours. I was only numbed once. After the first 45 minutes, I couldn't stop flinching. Instead of addressing my obvious pain and discomfort, Dr. Waked held the tiny tool he was using, covered in blood, in front of my face, upset at me, that if the tool broke because I was moving, my tooth would have to be pulled. I had tears streaming down my face for an hour. Further into the procedure, there were more complications. He never explained to me how the root canal was coming along or what the problems were. He said something under his breath so I tried asking what was wrong. He began yelling at me. "Do you want me to stop and explain everything to you? It's terrible. Horrible. The worst case scenario. Everything that could go wrong, has". How could I not be panicking by now? Dr. Waked was able to finish the procedure and walked out of the room without saying a word to me. I was left throbbing, feeling like I practically experienced a root canal with no pain management, as if I were an unconscious patient. I did not want to come back to have a permanent crown placed, but I was told a dentist would be reluctant to finish another dentist's work, so I made the appointment and let them know that I was bringing my husband for support and would want to talk to Dr. Waked after everything was finished. I never got that chance. This appointment, he never made eye contact and left without saying a word again, leaving me with his assistant to finish up. His assistants and staff were very friendly and comforting, but the treatment by Dr. Waked was absolutely disrespectful and unprofessional. I could never trust him for any dental work and would strongly discourage anyone else doing so. Nobody should ever have to experience that. There are better dentists out there. read more

Unnecessarily replaced two crowns. Couldn't get the height of the new crowns correct. Very bad experience.

The fact that I was reached out to and the dr is just amazing. I truly believe orcutt couldn't ask for a better dentist in the area.

I have been seeing Dr Waked since he was the director of UCLA Venice clinic and he has done amazing job for me and his recommendation were always great. I have continued to see Dr Waked even after he left UCLA and established his own practice in Orcutt. The drive from LA is a bit long however knowing that me and my 4 year old son are in safe hands is much more important then that. I highly recommend Dr Waked he is great and patient with what he does and his staff are extremely helpful and professionals read more

I'll be upfront and honest here, I don't even like going to the dentist for a cleaning. That said, I was very stressed when Dr. Waked told me I required a root canal. The procedure was quick, relatively comfortable and painless. read more

I've had many experiences with different dentist and I've always been afraid to go. For starters the techs usually leave the equipment near my face which then creates scratches and I'm bleeding. Next, the staff can be horrible and unfriendly and the dentist at times can treat you like a number than a patient. When I was searching for a dentist, I wanted a dentist that I enjoyed going to. My brother told me about Smiles on Clark and how they're the best in the area. I called and gave them a try. At first, the appointment was far out and the staff would call me for an earlier appointment due to availability. I had to say no a couple times due to my work schedule, but I still saw Dr. Waked earlier than anticipated. The staff is super friendly and Dr. Waked is courteous, answers questions and concerns and takes the time with you without feeling rushed. I honestly love coming here and would recommend Dr. Waked for your teeth needs. read more

Got my wisdom teeth pulled here and I absolutely felt no pain whatsoever. I also had no swelling and I was able to drive my car right after my appointment. I was so impressed with how fast the procedure was and the staff here are so friendly and explain everything very clearly. The best dentist I have ever been to. read more

Son had tooth pain. Called in the morning. Got worked in. Very helpful, been coming here for dental care for years. Will keep on coming back. read more

I love this dentist. Dr. Waked is great with my kids. He is able to do procedures painlessly and the cost has been reasonable taking into consideration our poor dental plan. I will continue to use him for all my familys dental work. read more

I used to hate going to the dentist until I found this place :) I don't even live in Orcutt but prefer it by far over any others in my town. Everyone is super friendly and welcoming, I and my husband were remembered since the very first day we walked in. Super great working around your schedule and your needs. Theres never a wait. It alnost feels like you are the only one there. Thats how quick it ia. I always walk out feeling bigger brighter smile :) literally. Highly recommended! read more

I have a ton of anxiety about going to the dentist. As a kid I had an accident that resulted in an extraction and I also had tons of torturous orthodontic work done. Did I mention that i had to have my wisdom teeth extracted with only local anesthesia while pregnant? See the cause for the anxiety? I've procrastinated a lot and now, I'm paying for it. Fortunately, my mom recommended that I come to Smiles on Clark and I can honestly say I look forward to coming to the dentist now. Theresa was super gentle during my cleaning and explained everything she was doing. Dr. Waked was also very gentle and understanding. The office staff, Jennifer and Shawna worked wonders to squeeze me in during an emergency. They are all wonderful. I will continue to drive 1.5 hours to come to this office, they are top notch. read more

I hadn't been to the dentist in 20 years before last month but when I came down with an excruciating tooth ache I finally had to give in. I'm terrified in the dentist hence my long absence. After my root canal and extraction today I can't recommend Dr Waked and his amazing staff enough!! Dr Waked was very gentle and friendly and I had a pain free experience. I have no apprehension about going back next month for the crown!! read more

I had always held off on going to the dentist, until I found this place. I love the staff and Dr Waked is very friendly. Now my daughter and husband goes here. We are all happy we found a place where we can feel comfortable and well taken care of. read more

Love this place. We no longer live in Orcutt, but continue driving there for my dental needs. Dr. Waked is amazing both as a dentist professional and a person. He is very personable and his manner is very soothing. I like that he has high standards for himself and will work until he is happy with the results - it translates into high quality work and patient satisfaction. Oh yeah, and their equipment is insane - I got to watch my permanent crown being made in front of my eyes in under 20 minutes! I also like the reminder calls from the office - my life is hectic at times and it is nice to be reminded that a cleaning is due, etc. read more

My children have been going to Dr. Waked for awhile and he is wonderful with them. They always look forward to their appointment. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. I finally decided to make an appointment for myself. I had to get a root canal. I was scared and anxious. Dr. Waked understood and explained everything in detail. Took my fears away. It was the most pleasant experience (considering what I was there for). He was fast but efficient. This was the first time I didn't have to ask for more shots to numb the tooth. I did not feel a thing. I definitely will continue to see him and refer him to my friends. read more

Our daughter was in desperate need of braces and after prior visits to other dentists with different procedural advice to address the needs of our daughter, we found smiles on Clark to be the perfect place to have her braces done. No surgery, no hassles. Friendly staff and a great dentist. We'll definitely recommend smiles on Clark to anyone in need of a great dentist. read more

Smiles on Clark is the BEST! The Dentist and staff are so friendly and are really good with nervous patients like me! :)

No one likes to go to the dentist, but....This a new kind of dentist. No wasting time in waiting room. Staff is ready to see you at appointment time. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Dr. Waked makes sure you're numbed up before procedures. The office is clean. Easy parking. Get to watch planet earth while in chair! Dr Waked makes his own crowns on site, so no waiting two weeks to return. One painless visit for crown. Son had wisdom teeth pulled using "laughing gas" instead of IVs and heavy sedation. Much better for him. No nausea, far less pain than his sisters that had their teeth pulled the other way. Far less drama and cheaper. Dental hygienist is great too! Would recommend Smiles on Clark to any age patient! read more

Dentists are very low on my Christmas list, always seem to enjoy my pain and love my wallet, but... I've found the best in Doctor Waked!... Doctor Waked is very personable, professional and extremely knowledgeable... He and the office staff treat you like they care about you, the person and you're not just another patient... Oh, and the rates are very reasonable as well... I need to revise my Christmas list... read more

MOST AMAZING DENTIST EVER. As a child into adolescence I experienced a few traumatic events with other dentists that made me terrified of going to the dentist. The result was I neglected my teeth for many years and suffered dental damage. Although I live two hours away in Monterey, when the time came I could not neglect my teeth any longer I went to Dr. Waked because my mom lives in Orcutt and I have had nothing short of an amazing experience. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY PAIN ANY TIME while under Dr. Waked's care and have had a root canal and other procedures that with other dentists were traumatic. I live humbly yet can afford his prices and as long as he is in practice I will continue to travel just to have him as my dentist. read more

I must say that the Dr Waked himself, is good, and the Dental Hygienist, I believe her name is Lori, is wonderful, she helped me so I wasn't so nervous and when I was done, it was the first time in a long time that my teeth felt clean after leaving a Dentist office. But what I didn't like was the older lady at the front desk, she was extremely rude, and you could hear her talking bad about her co-workers as well as clients. My wife and I don't feel comfortable about returning because of her, every time we have come in and she greets us, she is very cranky, and if she is talking bad about her co-workers and clients, who is to say she isn't talking about us. I hope something can be done about her. read more

If you need a dentist you need to go here. Doctor and staff are great and you wait while they make your crown so you don't have to go for another visit. You won't be disappointed with their service ! :) read more

When I walk in I am greeted by by warm receptionists. There is never any wait time, and the cleaning is very thorough. The staff and office is great, would recommend! read more

After trying more than one dentist in town, there is no one like Dr. Waked and his staff. I have years of dental work to catch up on and I wouldn't trust any other dentist. From his front office to his assistants, you won't find anyone better. I have a lot of anxiety with dental work and Dr. Waked is patient and kind, always making sure I am comfortable. I recommend Dr. Waked with complete confidence. read more

Great dentist, very nice office, best staff.