Sami Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics - Modesto, California

Somaly M.

I have been taking my oldest to Sami Smiles for a few years now. Then I took my middle just last year. Today, I took my youngest. All 3 had their appointments today. Staff was wonderful with explaining everything to them, especially to help ease my youngest. My middle had some anxiety before going, but once we got in there, she did wonderful. I love that Dr.Sami doesn't sugar coat anything and tells me straight up what I need to do as their parent to help them take care of their teeth. I also love that he would like to see them in 3 months to check how their oral hygiene is doing vs waiting 6 months like other places, since my first two are the ones with some issues they need to fix. I'd recommend Sami Smiles over and over again. The place is spacious and clean, it's kid friendly. Staff are efficient, kind, and patient and Dr. Sami keeps it 100% transparent and will not recommend any unnecessary procedures.

CeeCee A.

They dismissed my special needs son that was sent to them because of having special needs, refusing all future care. The letter stated due to “clinical circumstance” they think we would be best served somewhere else. Clinical=treatment so I called to ask what treatment they were incapable of doing so I could let the future dentist know. Of course, the reply was “there isn’t anything we are unable to do”.

So …do I have any no call-no shows on appointments or have an outstanding bill? (because that’s understandable). Nope I had two appointments that I showed up to on time and I had no money owed.

This was all over me not communicating with them over a service they were going to do in the future. My autistic son needs anesthesia for treatment which hundreds of dollars that is due up front. The treatment he needed was not urgent or hurting him, so I told the dentist and hygienist this was unfortunately not something I could do immediately.

So the dismissal reason was not updating them about a procedure that I told them I would have to contact them about it at a later date.

Do they have a right to be frustrated/annoyed? Sure. But no one is required to keep you updated on their life circumstances in relation to a dental procedure. The amount of entitlement and self-importance it takes to create a policy around it is astounding.

SUGGESTION. If they had said since its been 90days, we have to schedule another checkup because we don’t want to do a treatment unless we are fully knowledgeable of the current condition, I could totally understand that, and that would sound like caring service.

I have never had a medical/dental professional throw a fit over me not following up. I have, however, had them explain additional services were required because the information isn’t as current as they would like, but never straight refusal of service.

The tactic on the letter, pretending that this is in the patient’s best interest, is supposed to be a tactic used after the consumer has proven they will waste time or fight about the worth of business and its services. Ie. a couple of no-call no shows, or outstanding bill. In this case I fail to see where their damages are over three phone calls in November and one letter in January. All of these were technically not required and are usually a courtesy.

I can’t imagine how your business has made people feel and the guilt or shame they must feel after being dismissed. If they don’t contact you, maybe it’s because they are STRUGGLING. Maybe it’s because they are carrying such a huge load, that many things are falling through the cracks. It’s lacks so much care and empathy on your part, and you would add to that burden because they didn’t get in touch with you and explain what was going on in their lives? Or have to explain to you when they could afford the service or when they could actually schedule it? Both bold and wrong of you.

My son was sent to you SPECIFICALLY because of his special needs. It hurts me for him that you would make a choice like this, because I didn’t respond in your timeframe. You might be inconveniencing me, but really you punished him.

You didn’t do this to me, you did this to my 5 year old son. Obviously we will find another provider, and I’m glad I got this early on so I didn’t invest time and money in your business. I am not angry and I respect that your business has the right to run things your way. What I don’t like that you present your business as kind and caring when there is no way a business who was those things would make this a policy. Three months is a flash in a parent’s busy life, and people get sent to you for specialized care. Non-communication is not about you. Decentralize your business in people’s life.

Maria M.

I brought my 2 & 4 year old kids here after leaving another dentist in the area that we didn’t particularly love, & I’m already so glad we made the switch. Everyone was so sweet & accommodating & made things fun for my kids. They literally enjoyed going to the dentist & are asking to go back! I would not go anywhere else!

Alyssa G.

My kiddos have been going here for years. My oldest had some traumatic dental experiences prior and now is not scared of the dentist. Thank you. The office staff is wonderful. The Dr Sami is awesome with the kids. I recommend this office to everyone.

Juanita S.

We started going to Sami Smiles when my son turned 2, we saw Dr Barbara Cretan. Dr. Cretan is amazing she explains everything in detail as well as the staff. I had to stop going because we changed insurance for 2 years but now we are back and it I was happy to see that Dr. Cretan was still there. I would 10/10 recommend this office to anyone. Also, they give kids the chance of winning awsome prizes when they are cavity free, it motivates them to brush those teeth.

Elizabeth J.

We love our dentist and team. They make my kids feel comfortable and do the extra effort every time. It's comforting as a mom to feel your kids are in good hands.

Nikki S.

I absolutely love this office. My son is on the autism spectrum so many things can be difficult and stressful however the staff and Dr. Sami are all so darn wonderful with him! Dr. Sami truly cares about his teeth and his expectations are high which is why I chose this place. I am serious about dental care and so is he but he also has the best intentions for my child which is what I appreciate. My son does get scared when he gets in any chair however the staff are always very sweet, attentive and understanding. They do their best to make him feel comfortable and his feelings are always validated. Dr. Sami is also wonderful and gets him to smile. I am so thankful to have found such an overall amazing office. Your children are in the absolute BEST hands here!

Jane U.

I love this place for my child. They are great at making sure the children have little to no anxiety in the dental chair. They way do things is amazing. I will continue going here for many years.
The billing department doesn't work with you at all. I wasn't use to the new technology at all and called about a bill where I truly thought I canceled. I was dealing with a lot with my little one, and they will say they are going to talk to the one in charge and get back to you, but never do. I work days they are open and now I have pay for an appointment that I thought I canceled with their new system. I was a one time oops.