I was assigned to this dentist before I adopted my now daughter. Not once did she have X-rays done nor a proper cleaning. Every visit was no more than 5-10minutes. The most time we ever spent with the dentist and/or tech was maybe 3 minutes. The last time we went they gave us the toothbrush with fluoride to do ourselves. My daughter would sit and be compliant with any procedure yet they chose not to do anything. We were also rudely told only one parent could go in, when both of us had gone in on multiple occasions. read more

They were very nice, except.... It is just a shame that they don't listen to patients when they ask for certain procedures to NOT be done, and do them anyway. Then to find out that $1,422.18 later that insurance won't cover the thing you asked them not to do, and now I have to pay it out of pocket. read more

Did an okay cleaning on my kids teeth. The staff were friendly, though overall I feel they were just trying to up charge more than give quality care. I eneded up getting 2 other opinions, both with much higher reviews, and as it turns out childrens primary completely missed a really bad cavity on one of my kids, one that was visible to the naked eye. My opinion, pass on this place and get better quality care, even if that means driving further. We go to Pediatric Dentistry of San Diego, 5 star ratings and the ladies there are all amazing to work with. read more

I gave them another chance after my last review (dumb mistake), and again it was a terrible visit. My daughter was crying because she was in pain and the medical assistant literally rolled her eyes and took a deep sigh!!!! Seriously??!!??? Why are you even working around children?? It took so much out of me not to say anything and cause a scene. -0 Stars read more

I originally booked appointment for a different location and they were able to get me in last minute. Ainet, from the front office, was super helpful. Overall it was a good experience. read more

This office lacks communication and basic customer care. It was explained to me that they do not use their 888 corporate phone number, which is the very first phone number listed on their website. This caused the office to lose my son's appointment, though they did find it after MUCH unnecessary searching & digging. The exam was fine and the doctor (Dr. Tonie Ruvalcaba) was kind, honest and far from judgmental. My child was going to be transferred to a hospital that our insurance works with and to expect a call in two days. This did not happen. It took me three calls to the office to finally reach our dentist. During these calls, I was promised a returned call that day or the following day. On the final call, it was almost a surprising reminder for the front desk that I called and that the doctor was in. Unfortunately, I was barely able to get a word in. I was interrupted the entire time and unable to express my frustration. Basic customer care is to listen, empathize, and offer solutions. None of those were rewarded by the front office. The communication cleared up when talking to the doctor. At that point, the efficiency became stronger, but only because I was talking directly to the doctor. If there is a saving grace to this dentistry, it's only for Dr. Tonie. This is a compliment towards her, not this business. When I asked if she had received any notes or communication about my calls, I was informed that she had not received any. Once again, this is a fall on the front office staff. read more

Very unprofessional. Office staff did not get approval from a MINOR's legal guardian for authorization to proceed with out designated adult present. Not okay! read more

I've been taking my children to this dental place for about 5 years or so & decided to find a new dentist after my daughters last visit. My daughter is a bit uncomfortable when it comes to the dental visits & I never felt that the doctor or dental assistants did much to help her feel more at ease. Last visit dr was actually rude& that's what prompted me to find a new dr. Unfortunately the empathy & kindness has gone downhill here. Past 2yrs or so it feels like appts are rushed, place feels dirty & call backs for quotes on cost for dental procedures are almost never returned. read more

don't go here . staff is rude, unprofessional and unorganized. every visit there always some type of problem . they simply don't care, nor ever try to resolve issues they caused . read more

Horrible horrible experience. If I can give 0 stars I would!!! I took my 12 year old for his yearly check up along with my 3 year old for his first dental visit. Upon arriving front desk staff were extremely kind and made me feel welcome. The unprofessional experience started when we stepped into the back. While X-rays were being done for both of my children, I handed the assistant HEADSTART paperwork that needed to be completed for my toddlers school. After X-rays my 12 year old was instructed to sit in a dental chair while my toddler and I were asked to sit in a bench right across from my oldest. While waiting, one of the assistants comes out and asks which child is the Headstart paperwork for, as if 12 year olds go to Headstart? I was astonished but proceeded to inform it was for my 3 year old, as it was HEADSTART paperwork. While my oldest was getting his cleaning , an assistant approaches my toddler and I and states she will begin his cleaning. I was confused as I thought he would also be put in a dental chair. I asked "the cleaning will be done in this bench?" As to what she respond "yes". I was confused but allowed her to continue. The assistant opens a tooth brush, brushes his teeth for about 2 seconds and says "done". My son at this point is left with his mouth open with excessive saliva and dental paste in his mouth drooling out. I immediately inform the assistant "my son needs to spit he's drooling all over his clothes" the assistant replies "he can go ahead and spit in the trash". I was SHOCKED. No tissue was offered, my son was not wearing a bib, not in a chair, no dental instruments were utilized. The trash can which he was asked to spit in was full to the top with dirty gloves, used bibs, dirty napkins. I was upset! I informed the Dr when he arrived and he had nothing much to say. To top it off when I was on my way home, already upset, I realize my toddlers school paperwork had been filed out incorrectly! Apparently they had filled it out with the information of my oldest, they whited out the name and wrote my toddlers name on top. The ink smeared on top of the white out and the DOB was never corrected. I now had paperwork with my toddlers name but the DOB of my oldest. Very very unprofessional!!!! I took the day off of work for the most horrible visit I have ever had!! Never going back. read more

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Went to this dentist one time for my kid, never again am i going. Do not recommend, they lack communication. They were removing my child's cavity and he wouldn't stop crying. I told them multiple times to stop, they ignored me. 3 dentists were holding my child down while he was crying and screaming. Trash service and arrogant dentists. Do not go to this dentist. read more

There is not a time when I call and the receptionists are in a good mood. They are clearly over worked or not skilled enough to answer professionally. The place is very old and because of being old the stuff looks very dirty. When they call they never leave messages, again very unprofessional especially being a corporate location. Being a dental assistant you try to understand but with all the other stuff you see it's impossible to even empathize. If I could give 0 stars I would. read more

The dentist clinic was not clean. The doctor just seemed in a rush when explaining the procedure my son needed. They wanted me to schedule his procedure under anesthesia. I looked at the dental X-rays the X-rays didn't even show the roots of the teeth, so not sure how they were able to diagnose my sons teeth, the front staff was nice, and the person in charge of the financial part of it as well. read more

DONT EVER TAKE YOUR CHILDREN HERE !!! 1 ...I had taken all my kids here for the past 15 years ... around July 2022 I had a appointment for my little one , the place has changed for the worst...when I took her the last appointment, I went to use the restroom and when I came back I caught them picking up a dental utensil from floor and was about to put it in her mouth! the floor it's dirty , run down, staff was rude , dentist was rude and not helpful when asked questions. 2. They also hide information from parents and lying about appointments .This place is garbage and nothing like before. 3. They know I don't consent to treatment on my child and yet they don't care I'm her mother and still argue with me about treatment.. I already reported they for the 3rd time to the dental board and business. read more

Thank you, Andrea, and the whole team, for making the dental visit experience a breeze. The Dentists here are so nice and patient. My children love everything about this office. As a parent, I love the communication, care, and professionalism. We will continue to be part of the Children's Primary Dental family for as long as we can. THANK YOU. read more

Dr.Marichris and her assistant Juanita are awesome. Front desk Maria and tonie are awesome as well. Thank you all for taking care of my grandson. read more

Took my children here for the first time. They were previous patients of the Super dentist (which are horrible) so I was hoping for a better experience. There was nobody at the front desk to check us in, so I was just standing there... waiting for approx. 10 minutes. Finally, a young lady arrive, she was polite then she checked us in. Again, we waited another 20 minutes before we were called back. The dentist assistant was very nice. The dentist was nice however I felt she was a little rushed in explaining my child's treatment plan. This I did not like at all. Overall, the office front and patient care areas were extremely clean, which is a plus. It was quite easy to make an appt over the phone. Short hold times. Open availability. Parking was great, no problem getting a spot. Overall it was a positive experience. read more

The following has happened to me 3 times now with this specific office. I call, it rings at least 10-15 times while repeatedly playing the same message about how they cannot take my call at the moment every couple rings or so then it rings about 10 more times with this weird little beep at the end of the ring then I hear a busy signal. So I call back and this time, hear the recording stating that they are closed... after reciting their hours are Mon-Fri- some time in the morning until 5 pm and something different on Saturday. Closed... at 1:00 pm on a Monday afternoon.. it then goes on to inform that if an emergency is occurring that a number should be called . said number is their after hours number and is answered 24/7.. allegedly...I hung up and called this "emergency" number, as I had a legit matter that needed immediate attention pertaining to my daughter and after 2 rings a man's voice is played stating that he is indeed the representative for this office and his name was Michael I believe. After he states that he is not available to tend to the "emergency", I'm routed to another recording that just bluntly stated that the mailbox is full. After a swift and robotic "goodbye" I hear a busy signal again. I don't think I have to elaborate any further on this one as it speaks for itself. Moving on... My daughter has special needs and gets all her dental work done at Rady's. We visited this office a month or so prior to these phone calls due to my daughter expressing that her mouth was soar. Her tolerance for pain is abnormally high so if she is complaining about pain, I tend to take it seriously and not waste any time because I just know it must be pretty brutal if it's disrupting her. We got to the office on E St and 4th and without taking X-rays, a doctor takes one quick look at her mouth and writes a referral to a place in Vista called Dream Dentistry. Then I'm told that she needs a root canal and that this place in Vista is the only place that'll do it under anesthesia in their office. We drive to Vista from our house in the East Lake/Otay area in rush hour traffic only for them to tell us after 5 minutes that they will not take my daughter due to her diagnosis and that we should have never been referred to them. Now I'm gonna lay the rest of this out as quick and to the point as possible... They ended up seeing her at Rady's after giving her some antibiotics in the meantime. Dr Lamm informs me that she wants to pull 2 teeth now (after the other doctor saying that it was one tooth) because the "money from the insurance isn't worth all the work a root canal entails"....especially since my daughter has a special needs diagnosis and needs general anesthesia. Not enough money? I have no words for this part, you get it... so after seeing her at Rady's for a full set of X-rays and "buying some time" by tempering the teeth in question she "oh -by -the -way's us with "I see something in there that isn't a tooth but looks rooted into her sinus cavity.. I'm gonna refer to an oral surgeon" She proceeds to refer us to an oral surgeon who after 2 minutes on the phone with the office I'm again told that they shouldn'treferred us to them as they do not have hospital privileges and with my daughters diagnosis they won't do the work without being in a hospital setting.. This call lead to about 3 or 4 others and researching a list that is long enough it will hopefully produce one decent oral surgeon who can help us... then all this lead to the phone call i detailed at the beginning of this... I'm disappointed, frustrated, and angry for reasons that I'm sure you guys could probably identify and understand. This office has let us down and tossed us just any old number to get rid of us instead of doing their jobs and helping my daughter. It's sad that a doctor pulls this kind of stuff with a patient who is clearly in pain and now has some unidentified thing that's rooted in her mouth. Not only does she not even bother to identify it but she carelessly passes us off to yet another place that in the first few minutes asserts that they should not have sent us there... I guess Dr Lamm and friends over there don't feel as if the price is right from the insurance for helping my daughter... I will find a real doctor who exhibits some sort of real bedside manner and doesn't just blatantly state that they want more money to help my daughter... when I'm positive that they have all been over compensated for what they've done, (Dr Lamm especially) ...the whole thing looks like a money grab at this point because they have literally done nothing but confuse us, ignore us, and refer us to places that we should not have been referred to just to pass the responsibility to someone else. What an eye opener this experience has been and I'd feel as if I was doing something wrong if I didn't share it. Thanks for taking the time to read, I know it's a lengthy one... I appreciate y'all and hope this helps someone. read more

Would not recommend: - Dr Massoumi crown work fell not even a month post op - i was terrified as a mom for putting daughter under GA, but to make matters worst they wake your child up and they cry a bunch because you are not by their side. Heartbreaking, my child was only 3. - anesthesiologist not even wearing a surgical mask!! - clerk in the front coughing and looking so sick but they had her come to work. And this all happened during the early times of the pandemic when everyone was being crazy cautious/scared. - mouth sore after coming back to get crown fixed, my poor baby was told it was "self injury!!" Good: - Gizelle was quick enough to get us approval to do our emergency procedure - Dr Capulong was really good with my child during procedure but was also the one had insisted that the mouth sore was self injury. They just gave us some gauze soaked in a solution. No antibiotic because it wasn't "infected." Overall, would not let my child suffer again by coming to this place. You save some money but go somewhere else where your children will be in good hands. read more

Children's Primary Dental - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - Chula Vista, California

*Actually a ZERO star review * 10 silver crowns on a 6 year old without my consent. Why silver? Do they want him to be picked on? Yes, TEN read more

As a mom of 2, I have taken my kids to other children's dentist's. This place by far is my favorite. DR. Moreno is an awesome, sweet, caring DR. It's very hard to find someone who cares so much about your kids. A lot of Dr.'s don't really go out of their way like she does. My mind is always at ease when my child is under her care. They also have play areas and tv's and iPads, To keep the kids calm and busy. Their Chula Vista office is located in a convenient location close to the 805. read more

Children's Primary Dental - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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Love this dentist n my kids love them as well you do have to pay out of pocket for the sedation which is 100 and if they have to put your child to sleep it's 150 but I soo recommend your child doesn't feel anything n you don't have to deal with the screaming n crying . I know for me as a parent with my too girls when they cry it breaks my heart n makes me cry. All the lady's are supper nice n welcoming they don't make you awkward or uncomfortable in anyway I'm glad I found this place a long time ago for my girls!! read more

Excelente atención. Gracias por hacer estos procedimientos más faciles para nuestros hijos. Mi hijo tuvo varios procedimientos este año y quedamos muy satisfechos con el trabajo de su dentista y asistentes. Gracias por seguir siendo el mejor lugar para llevar a mi hijo. Pedro Gonzalez- Iker Gonzalez read more

I took my son to this dental office few days ago for first time visit. I went to checked in, the lady was being really nice after I got the paperwork done. We waited for a while for my son to be called. One girl took his x-ray and everything was fine until up until she told me to sit at one place I can barley see my son. My son was really nervous so he wasn't being himself but he wasn't acting too bad either. When the other girl was cleaning his teeth. I heard my son told the girl how "it hurt" multiple times but she didn't stop. She ignores it. Then my son got up. She was being extremely mean and says to my son " you can't get up like this". Someone like her losing her patient so early in the morning. I wondered how bad she treats other kids after my son. If she doesn't have the patient to works with kids. She shouldn't works there. I paid for the service for my son to get his dental check up not for someone to be so mean to my child and he is only 6 years old. I wish I knew her name but it doesn't matter if her higher up wants to Hong out her name. It's not hard since she was on the schedule. The doctor was really friendly. She explained to me what kind of treatments my son needs but then when we went to checkout. The other girl was telling me how insurance doesn't cover anesthesia. I have to pay $1,000. I asked her how much does the treatments cost. She couldn't tell me. I told her I need to talk to my husband. I felt like she was being so pushy about me paying that $1,000 and schedule an appointment right at the spot. Im not going to pay the anesthesia and not knowing how much does all the treatments cost. If I paid basically at the spot they can say any amount they want for the treatments after they get the treatments done. I do not recommend to come to this place because of the girl was losing her crap and has no patient for no reason. You do not be mean to a 6 years old for no reason just because she chooses to ignores my son. Someone like her should get fired read more

I am so happy I found this location for my kids.The staff is great. Dr. Safoura is amazing with kids. I was lil worried about my 7 year old but she approached him so well and made him feel so comfortable throughout his treatment. I also wanted to thank Andrea she's so nice and works with you financially. I was worried about having to make huge payments but she made it affordable. I absolutely love this place. Thank you again! read more

Been coming here for 2 years . Staff is very friendly and always answer any concerns I have if any.

The service is horrible. A child with a toothache has to wait 2 weeks to be seen! Then doesn't get that tooth treated when he finally has his appointment. The worst outcome you can get and then getting put on hold over and over because the receptionists do not transfer you over to the person who can help. I will never return here again, in a capitalist system there are plenty of competing dentists who will give you great service! Shame on you factory dentists, who just take your money and don't worry about giving you the service you paid for!!!!! read more

We love coming here! My daughter was terrified in going to the dentists, but when I found this place they made my daughter feel like a magical princess! She is no longer terrified and loves this place! They really take care of you and make you feel like family!!! Love love this place!!!! read more

Children's Primary Dental - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Great experience with Primary Dental. Knowing my son was going to have to have anesthesia to get his dental work done was a lot to take in because of his age. The nurses and Dr Johnson we're very reassuring that my son was in good care. Within a 2 hours everything was done. My son left with a "high five" from the doctor and was good to go home! His after care, he was very sleepy through out the day and with very low pain levels. The whole experience was very good. And will definitely be back for future dental work/check ups. Thank you Children's Primary Dental :) read more

Took my son there today after being referred to a Dr. M. all due to the fact that the primary dentist didn't want my son to be traumatized and was advised to have him put under and have the procedure done without scarring him. My son needed two caps and two fillings. After the first assessment, Dr.M said no need to put him under, just require a liquid that that would make him a lil " woozy" like drunk and all will be done in 15 mins. Through out the whole procedure the Doctor was callous AND careless! After giving my son the injection to numb him...without even checking to see if it has taken effect, she started to drill right away. My son gave out a loud OUCH! Doctor kept saying "he's fine, he's fine". I said please let him speak and finally she did and my son said he could feel the pain. Then only she decided to give it a lil more time. I was extremely upset and angry , this Doctor did nothing to comfort or praise him, just threatening words. " if you keep crying, I will have your dad remove from the room"??!!.... Hell no! I had to comfort my son and told him I be there till the end. He choked twice and I'm really questioning her professionalism. And I'm wondering if I am the first parent to hear a Doctor saying, "your crying is so loud, I can't even work on you"??.... Really??!! Saddest part is when I got home, my wife took a look into his mouth and found some "cut marks" on his gums where the caps was done. It looks to us as if she had the caps pressed on the gums so hard before she could manage to slip it on to his teeth. We took some pictures. I would give ZERO star is there's an option for it. Please do not bring your kids there to be traumatized. read more

These low reviews are pretty ridiculous. This place was awesome. The doctors and dental assistants were amazing. Dr. Moreno was really nice and informative. My daughter was frightened to go to the dentist no matter how many times I tried to assure her that things would be fine. Well, Dr. Moreno put my little one and I both at ease. She was extremely gentile. I think the people who gave bad reviews don't take proper care of their children's teeth... Just saying. Leslie came in to clean my daughter's teeth and she was extremely sweet even though I was a little skeptical of everyone in the office from the first moment we walked in. The Yelp reviews almost made me pass this place up. And I am glad I decided to take a chance and check it out for myself. Leslie and Dr. Moreno are both outstanding at what they do. read more

Children's Primary Dental - My little one playing on the iPad as we wait. - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - Chula Vista, California

This place is amazing! The staff was very patient and helpful. They always greet you with a smile and answer all of my questions. I have come in more than a few times with my niece and nephew and they both love it here. The Dentist has more than exceeded my initial expectations, she is caring and very personable. I would recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a Pediatric Dentist. read more

Children's Primary Dental - Nephew getting his exam by awesome dentist - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - Chula Vista, California

I would give them ZERO stars if i could!!!! My son is 4 almost 5 when we first went they only did X-rays they sent me a TXT a couple weeks after saying i need to make an appointment for his cleaning. I called them made the appointment all good right... We get there (mind you i had to leave work early) They say you don't have an appointment i said yes we do you guys TXT me then i called you. So i then say ok just what's the next available one they give it to me. So we show up they need x-rays again second time i say ok they do his cleaning doc comes and says he has 4 cavities and needs a root canal. Ok i am trusting this person, they had a cancelation for the next day i agree to the oral sedation (again i miss work). Next day we come back my son wont take the meds so we had to hold him down while they had it to him he is crying kicking one lady says don't kick your mon that isn't nice, well I would be kicking too if i was being held down. Now to the scary part my sons meds hit and hit him good they tell me to bring him in which i did i also did not know they strap them down like wild animals oh and they had to do a third x-ray of his teeth WTF!! i went to use the restroom when i came back he was still crying i said no stop this we aren't doing this today. i grabbed my son and we went home. For an hour straight he was screaming , hitting me and kicking me. Mind you he couldn't walk for 6hrs after that medication i don't recommend it. At this point i wanted a second opinion which i got and turns out he doesn't need a root canal at all..... Ok now i am livid!!! i went in last Friday 02/03/2023 to get a refund on services that were not performed which they gave me, i spoke with a manager and told them what had happened about him not needing a root canal. I was told i would get a call from the Owner today 02/06/2023 yet to hear anything from her. Shame on you for having staff there that clearly shouldn't be in the field trying to do unnecessary work on a small child. I will never return to this place again i will be reporting to the Dental Association as well. My heart was broke for my child no root canal needed there for unnecessary meds were given. I would stay away from this place. read more

My son had a bad experience when he was younger by drinking the purple drink they provide . He panicked vs calling down which resulted in him being strapped down . Ever since then he has been terrified of the dentist . I took him again and he needed more work . I expressed my concerns to the dentist of the purple drink and his fear and she completely disregarded all my concerns attended me quickly and said he's older now we can try it again . She wasn't listening nor cared about my son as a patient. And to top it off my appointment was booked 6 months out . I looked for a different dentist in Chula Vista . Got a consultation expressed my concerns and was taken very seriously. We did two treatments and did NOT use the purple drink nor was he needed to be strapped down . We had a completely different experience and my son is not so scared of the dentist . Long story short if you're not comfortable don't continue to take them if they're not listening and taking your concerns serious go to a place that does . read more

The staff is amazing especially Vicky. They are all very welcoming and friendly. The dentist was very professional and informative on my chil's dental procedure. They provide excellent service and I will definitely continue coming for my child's future dental needs. read more

TERRIBLE!! They wanted to give my son a juice in order to relax him just for X-rays, they also claimed that he had a couple cavities. I ended up switching him to a different dentist and no cavities have been found till this day and no juice was needed to do anything. read more

My main issue with Children's Primary dental is the mask policy. I don't have a problem wearing a mask but I have a problem with the hypocritical staff members, specifically the girl in the front that checks you in. She is not wearing a mask as many other staff are not either. Most of the staff that are wearing them have them pulled off their nose. When we first checked in, the girl in the front handed me and my son masks and insisted we wear them. When I asked her why she isn't wearing a mask, she smiled and said, "I'm behind here (the small plexiglass shield similar to a cashier at Walmart). She then stated that when she goes to the back where the patients are at she will wear a mask. Well, I am sitting here in the back and here she is walking past me, nothing separating the air between her and I. She is not wearing a mask like she said she would. She looked at me and smiled because she knew she got caught in a blatant lie. The other issues I have with this place is the wait time is long. I've been here since 1:20pm for a 1:30 appointment. We are still sitting here one hour later, waiting for the dentist. Lastly, there is absolutely no shields, wall, privacy or anything separating the patients and their parents for the other patients. We are all in one big room. Some wearing masks, some are not. We will never come back to this place with their hypocritical mask policy and lying staff. read more

We love Amanda! She took the time to provide a visual explanation on what the tools do to prepare my son (the thirsty stick and water spray, etc). It made the experience less scary for my son and he did not cry! Thank you Amanda for a wonderful experience and positive association with the dentist! read more

After COVID i took my daughter to do a f/u and was told my 4 yr old have 9 cavities. My daughter doesn't even eat candy or junk and she brushes every night. I couldn't believe it so I took her to another dr for a 2nd opinion and that dr told me she only had one. He even pointed it out and showed me how a cavity looks. read more

I have been bringing my daughter to this location for over 6 years now. I couldn't be happier how friendly, the attention, professional care Dr and staff give my daughter. They always have an appointment available as early as two days. I also love the reminder call. read more