I rarely leave negative reviews, but I feel obligated to share my experience because it has caused me unnecessary pain, stress, and additional expenses. I originally scheduled an appointment for a filling on one cracked tooth. Before my appointment, I was told my deductible would only be $17. The following day, while I was already sitting in the dental chair, Dr. McMahan decided to add two more teeth to the treatment plan, describing them as "small fillings." I made the mistake of agreeing because I was never informed that adding those fillings would significantly increase my out-of-pocket cost. At the end of my appointment, instead of paying the $17 I was originally quoted, I was charged $42. While that amount may not seem significant to some people, I was never informed beforehand that the additional fillings would increase my cost. I left paying more than I expected, only to end up in severe pain afterward. During the procedure, Dr. McMahan then decided he wanted to work on one of my molars. I specifically explained that this tooth was being pushed in by my wisdom tooth and that I already knew it would eventually need a root canal. My plan was to have that treatment completed after I give birth because I have a high-risk pregnancy and cannot simply undergo anesthesia or an extensive dental procedure right now. Despite this, I was told it would be "just a simple filling." After drilling into my molar, Dr. McMahan realized the tooth actually needed a root canal. At that point, he asked his dental assistant to pull up my X-rays from the previous year. Once the X-rays were on the screen, they confirmed that this was the exact same tooth he had previously identified as needing a root canal. Instead of reviewing my records before beginning treatment, he had already drilled into the tooth before confirming its condition. After realizing what had happened, he quickly sealed the tooth back up after creating the opening. Before this appointment, that tooth had never caused me any pain. I knew it would eventually require a root canal, which is why I planned to have it treated after giving birth. However, after this procedure, I began experiencing severe pain that I had never experienced before. I called the office multiple times to explain that I was in significant pain and asked if there was anything they could do to help. Rather than addressing the issue, I was repeatedly told to see an endodontist. I explained several times that, because of my high-risk pregnancy, I cannot simply undergo root canal treatment right now. That concern had already been discussed before Dr. McMahan began drilling into the tooth. As a result of this experience, I am now dealing with constant pain, facing an estimated $650 or more in additional treatment costs, and may have to wait until after my pregnancy to have the root canal completed because of the risks associated with my pregnancy. This situation could have been avoided if my previous X-rays had been reviewed before treatment began and if my concerns had been taken seriously. I am extremely disappointed with the lack of communication, the treatment decisions that were made without fully discussing the consequences, and the lack of support after I reported being in pain. I paid more than I was originally quoted, left the office in worse condition than when I arrived, and am now facing significant pain and expensive treatment that I didn't have before. I hope my experience encourages others to ask detailed questions before agreeing to additional dental work and to make sure they fully understand the risks, costs, and treatment plan before any procedure begins. I have attached the after and before the procedure! The first picture is after Dr.McMahan drilled a hole and then the second was before Dr.McMahan touched my tooth and I was not in any pain read more

Surfside Dental - Before Dr.McMahan drilled a hole into my molar - General Dentistry Near Me - Oceanside, California

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I don't even know where to begin. I have struggled with dental care my whole life, and have been to at least 10 different dentists around Oceanside. I don't remember how I came across Surfside, but I am so so happy that I did. I have left this dentistry office two separate times crying tears of joy. Surfside pushed me to get PPO insurance, and I have been paying significantly less ever since. Not only this, but I have received above and beyond care from everyone. They are all so kind and always make me feel comfortable. The dental work is amazing as well, I now have my fiancé and my mom going here as well. read more

Still a great dentist and very laid back and quick. I just wished he was still in network with Delta Dental. I am trying a new dentist due to him being out of network. I so wish he staid in network. read more

Office staff was nice and dentist did not make me feel pressure to get extra work done

I have been a patient of Surfside Dental for 5 years. This is the best dental practice that I have ever been to! In particular, Diane my hygienist is incredibly skilled with every part of her job! In addition, her compassion and humble personality is so refreshing and genuine! I use to not like going to the dentist, but Diane has changed this to a very relaxing, full service experience! She is the best of the best! Thank you! Gail K. Oceanside read more

Dr. Michael McMahan is the greatest! He and his staff are so kind and patient. I love it there. They are patient, knowledgeable and give great customer service from the time you call, when you enter (the place is beautiful and clean by the way), to when you check out and leave. I had a cleaning, they fixed a chip and even went back with no problems cause I'm a little anal about my teeth and he made it perfect! Thank you so much Surfside Dental family, you ALL were amazing! You won't be disappointed coming here, job well done! Happy Patient read more

The entire team at Surfside Dental provides TOP TIER service but this is a shout out to Dental Hygienist, Natalie. She takes the time to not only clean my teeth but also provides sensitivity to my anxiety during the process. If you are a nervous patient like me, be sure to request Natalie as she provides TLC with a smile! read more

Dr M and his Dental assistant are great. Been going there for 28 years, they're the best. The office staff gets you cost and insurance info promptly. They would get 5 stars except a simple cleaning with grit paste has evolved into something based on scraping teeth via something out of Marathon Man. What happening to teething cleaning with rubber tip and a grit paste. read more

Really like Surfside dental. It's right off Jefferson where the 78 and 5 meet. There seems to be a kids dentist with a panda logo in the same building. Anyway, the hygienists are both great but very different. The lady is intense and cares more about me than I care about me. The dude is super chill but gentle and through. Anyway, recommended! read more

Surfside Dental - In the ocean view Plaza building. It shows a children's dentistry on the outside but surfside dental is also inside - General Dentistry Near Me - Oceanside, California

I came across Surfside Dental about 5 years ago while I was on the hunt for a new dentist local to my area. I do my best to support local smaller businesses when possible- so that was a major factor in choosing Surfside. 5 years later, as a (proudly) returning patient, I just wanted to come on here and share what a pleasant experience it has been to be apart of this practice. I came to Dr. M in search of a place I could feel comfortable with- whether I was talking money/payments or serious dental work. I feel like I struck gold with this place/team! The Ladies taking care of the admin work- who are the same 2 friendly Women I speak to every single visit, are so awesome. Shout out to them! In a world where it seems that employee turn around is so high every where you go- this team has remained strong and consistent. That speaks volumes about leadership and how well Dr. M takes care of his team. As I was leaving my appointment today, I heard him tell his staff and hygienists "Great work today everyone". And they all wished each other well for the end of the day. It just gave me confirmation that I made the right decision become a patient here. Also, shout out to Lynn (Dental Assistant) she is the best! 5 stars for a warm, welcoming environment 5 stars for transparency and up front about costs/work needed 5 stars for fixing the problem 10/10 times read more

First, they severely cut my wife's tongue. Not very good at preauthorization of insurance. They moved forward with additional procedures without checking with insurance to get a required preauthorization. Then, months later, they want to bill us. They are friendly people, but they need to work on their business practices and dental skills. read more

I have been going to this dentist for several years...I had a dental emergency and they were able to squeeze me in....I have referred everyone I know to Dr McMahan..the office staff is wonderful, reception, billing, RDA's and hygienists and of course Dr McMahan.. In the past I have always had poor dental care provided by other offices..but this office and Dr McMahan are beyond exceptional...if you are looking for a dentist look no further, this is THE ONE!!!! read more

Christie did an excellent job on my cleaning today! The whole staff made me feel very comfortable. I think that if you're a person that isn't a fan of going to the dentist, going to surfside would make you feel a lot more comfortable. Great job Christie and the whole rest of the staff! read more

Surfside Dental - General Dentistry Near Me - Oceanside, California

Great staff!!! They are super! Friendly, welcoming- hygienists and the dentist are really understanding to needs of client. Glad I found them:) read more

If you decide to go here . There are things you must consider. 1). Get everything in writing however do not rely on it as their staff does not. 2.). Whatever "Lynn" in the office states verbally doesn't matter because she "works in the back office" and her management doesn't stand behind anything she says . 3.). Confirm everything before you go into your appointment as the staff **may** have sent you a text message erasing anything previously placed in writing and/or verbally . 4.). If you're smart enough to question all of this , it will be stated "you must have known" or you would not have questioned. This is the most amazing revelation about this office and how they conduct the business of dentistry . 5.) If money and truthfulness on the business side of dentistry is not a concern, highly recommend as the dentist is nice . 6.). If you are concerned about what you're told and by whom and have to verify everything with and without question, highly recommend going elsewhere. Thinking about this even more ... I came to the office was facts about the disparity of a quote and they had the audacity to say "you must have known." I didn't know or I wouldn't have called to confirm. They basically said I'm a liar which I'm not and that's what is so upsetting about this. read more

I've had 2 teeth pulled at this place and both times the process from start to end was amazing. Front desk ladies are helpful and the main doctor is very good at what he does. I highly recommend this place if your having tooth issues read more

Surfside Dental - Front desk ladies - General Dentistry Near Me - Oceanside, California

I've had a lifelong fear of the dentist and would avoid going because I would have a panic attack. My hairdresser told me that Surfside dental helped her get over her fear of the dentist and even though it is not close to me I felt like it was worth the drive. Long story short she was right and they are so phenomenal that I almost feel silly for being afraid of the dentist for so long. All of the staff is exceptionally nice and welcoming and in my 30s now I am no longer afraid of the dentist!! One thing in particular I appreciate is they are very skilled with administering the numbing agent that it doesn't hurt and at my prior dentist it was always very painful. They make the whole experience pleasant and easy and I could not recommend them more!! Also you must see Christie for your cleaning- she is THE BEST I will never see anyone else !!!! read more

Had my first cleaning since I changed to Surfside. Natalie did my cleaning and I thoroughly enjoyed it as she used tools that made it less painful and shorter. Instead of using just manual tools, she put a device in my mouth that automatically removed water and used a water drill (not sure this is correct name) that was less painful/annoying. I'm a faithful brushed so my gums are in great shape and I didn't need shots to numb my gums. Best cleaning I've EVER had! read more

Very nice people here, they did a thorough job with cleaning my teeth. It was stress free and I felt comfortable the whole time. I'm actually looking forward to going back in six months! read more

It's been a year and half since I last visited a dental office and I was really nervous going to a new dental office to get my long overdue teeth cleaning done. I had Christie as my dental hygienist and it was hands down the best experience I've had so far. She's gentle and communicates very well throughout the process. She keeps me in the loop about what she's working on & tells me about the condition of my teeth, instead of having me laying there in silence and wait in despair wondering when its ending (...past experiences). Not once I had to raise my hands to tell her I'm in pain or drowning in my saliva (again past experience...), she just manages everything so well and constantly checks in with me to make sure I'm not in any discomfort. All in all this place has exceeded my expectations. The receptionists were super friendly; the office was bright, spacious and clean. Definitely made teeth cleaning a pleasant experience for me. read more

Such a great experience! Dr. McMahan and his staff are truly something special. Everyone from the front office to the doc himself make you feel like you are well cared for. They are knowledgeable, talented, and friendly. I would happily recommend them with two thumbs up! read more

So very happy with my new patient visit the front desk staff super friendly and the dental hygienist was amazing Diane she is very knowledgeable and gentle very mindful during her cleaning. she would check on me if I was comfortable and doing good. Amazing job. Amanda was super sweet when taking xray it was comfortable. Great job. The Doctor was very kind and profesional. love how he was very conservative and would show me all the images taken explained his findings with me and provide me with a treatment plan. He made me feel really good to return. love how the office doesn't give added pressure to get your dental work done ASAP and are very mindful of my schedule and allow me to call back to schedule when I can financial afford my upcoming dental work. Lynn is amazing too read more

Surfside Dental is amazing. I went here for a new patient cleaning this week. The staff is so friendly and you can tell that they truly care about their patients. My cleaning was so thorough for the first time in a long time, they didn't try to pull me into any unneeded procedures which has happened before at a lot of other dental offices. Dr. McMahan was fantastic and very friendly! Can't wait to go back again. 10/10 recommend. read more

I have been coming here for maybe over two years! I got my filling done, my deep cleanings, and now regular cleanings. Thank you so much to Diane who is my favorite hygienist! I am saddened that I am moving out of state at the end of the year and will no longer see her. She is always a ray of sunshine and makes all the anxiety go away. Her quality of care is amazing and she truly cares about your oral health. read more

The staff is friendly and comfortable and Dr. McMahon is happy and always smiling, the warmth that you feel going to this dentist office makes you feel so comfortable. Today I got my teeth cleaned by Diane and I'll tell you the energy. This woman has just makes you so happy, and you can't help but leave their smiling read more

Been a Dr McMahan fan since my 20s. I'm now in my 50s and still have all of my own teeth. Mikes kept them healthy for years. He's a legend!!! read more

Went for my semi-annual cleaning and exam. I learned so much during my appointment and provided visuals for me to actually see what the doctors were seeing. Location: 5/5 lots of parking and very easy to find Customer service: 4/5 Prompt and friendly, front desk seemed slightly overwhelmed. The lady helping me during checkin was taking a call while talking to me about my paperwork. So she was jumping between the call and me signing papers. read more

Amazing staff and amazing dentist. My husband and I have been coming here every six months for the past three years. I would highly recommend Surfside Dental to anyone looking for a new dentist. You found it! read more

Today was my first day in this office, I have sent the kids and they all loved them!! So I figured okay it is time for me to go!! Granted I am so afraid of the dentist office every time I go to the dentist they always say you need a deep cleaning and you have periodontal disease so I figured I would need that today because it has been 2 plus years since I have been in to see a dentist Well so I get there and the front office is as sweet as can be, and then this guy Doug (I think that was his name) call me back he is the dental hygienist. He is so patient and gentle with me! He looks at my teeth and starts to take X-rays. Then he tells we are going to start your cleaning I am thinking okay he is going to numb me nope he says you just need a general cleaning!! I'm like surprised he did my whole mouth with out any pain and was honest!!! Love this place I am so glad I found them!!!! They are by far the best I have ever had!!!! Highly recommend them!!! Thank you all so much!!! read more

I am very happy with my new dental office. Dentist and hygienist are knowledgeable and the office staff just as helpful. very clean and professional team. Thank you read more

Love the dentist and the dental hygienist and the office staff is always kind and helpful.

Best experience I have ever had a dental office. Staff is super nice and helpful! I highly recommend this dental office.

I have been coming here since 2014. Amazing staff, always super friendly. My appointments always start on time. Really glad I found them.

Always professional, clean facility and friendly. They don't try to find things wrong with your teeth very honest!

So pleased with my visit to this office. Damaris, my hygienist was just amazing. She was sweet, knowledgable, and really made sure that my X-rays, scaling and cleaning were as pleasurable as could be. She also did a mouth and tongue cancer check, which I have never had done by any other office before. Dr. McMahon is kind and gentle and did not try to up sell me anything I did not need. In fact he had several solutions to issues that desperately needed attention, at a lower cost than another dentist had quoted me. So happy I found them and will suggest them to my friends and clients. read more

I love Surfside Dental! The staff is so friendly and gentle! I've referred 6 of my friends and family to them and they all are so happy with them! The dentist doesn't have to be a dreaded experience! read more

What a great clean office with a fun relaxing beach feel. I liked sitting in the chair watching the waves roll on to the beach on the eye level TV. The TV also was used to show me the X-Rays and work need to be done. Dr McMahon gives a professional, easy going vibe. read more

Like many people, I was terrified of dentist, but I forced myself to go out of desperation as I was in extreme pain. I went to Dr. McMahon because my boyfriend had gone to him for the same type of tooth problem and he had a good experience. The office is beautiful and relaxing, the staff is friendly and helps put you at ease almost instantly. Dr. McMahon exudes a serene energy, and he has kind eyes. I felt at ease. I had a cracked molar extraction. The procedure was quick, efficient, with no pain. My daughter has a cracked tooth, and I she has an upcoming appointment with Dr. McMahon because I know my daughter will be well taken care of. I never thought I would say this, but I Love Surf Side dental and I would recommend Dr. McMahon and his staff for your dental needs. read more

Brought my husband in for a toothache and they took great care of him. Everyone from the front office, the assistants and Dr. McMahan were all very nice and very professional. My husband was at ease. Thank you all for your wonderful customer service. read more

I have been meaning to write a review for Surfside Dental for a long time now. We have been patients for many years and are so grateful for the great care we always get there. We love Dr. McMahan and the whole staff, and would highly recommend them!! read more