I was a patient of Dr Van in 2016-2017. I don't know how to write a review that can describe how amazing he and his staffs are, and how high his work quality is. I did a few fillings and 4 crowns and had my BEST EVER dental experience with him. After a year that I moved out of the city I called him to ask a teeth care related question (crowns) and he called me back 3-4 times (my phone was silent) but he called me back again and he gave me his advice, super friendly and supportive. I'd say he is a beyond-our-time dentist, he belongs to the future. One step a head of any other dentist. Salute. read more

Today I went in and got a deep cleaning from their new hygienist! She was awesome and made me feel really comfortable in the chair. No pain at all and talked me thru everything that she was doing. I liked her so much I made my next appointment to see her. I hope Dr. Van keeps her around! As always, Olivia was nice and courteous and made check out really easy! I always look forward to coming here because they make me feel like I am one of their friends! I definitely recommend everyone to come here for their dental needs. read more

I love coming here, they are always on time and professional. It took me years to find a dentist that didn't hurt me and that I wanted to come back too. Even the staff are always smiling and talk to me like if they know me for years. If anyone was having a bad day you would never know. They are also on top of telling you the cost of any procedure up front, with or without insurance which I appreciate read more

I have nothing but good things to say about my visits here Dr Van and his team provide excellent dental care. The practice is beautiful and the whole team make me feel welcome every visit. If you are looking for a dentist this is a great choice read more

I don't review often, but any dentist appointment puts my anxiety through the rough. Dr Van had to Do an extraction on me; he managed to calm me as much as any person could do in that moment and did it pretty quickly considering my whole body was shaking the whole time! My last dentist was SO expensive. I couldn't believe how cheap this was comparatively. I saw that they even offer payment plans. I'm currently still swollen/in pain from yesterday's appointment, but I'm not even scared for my next appointment (first time since I was 13-14) I found my new dentist! read more

Today was my first visit and I am very impressed - the staff is very friendly the doctor is knowledgeable and very gentle I literally felt no pain read more

Excellent dentist, takes his time to explain everything and gives you options instead of telling you what needs to be done. Very gentle, virtually painless, and ensures that I am comfortable throughout the entire treatment. Some dentist offices are like an assembly line and just rush you in and out. Not Dr. Van. The office is very comfortable, warm and welcoming. I highly recommend Dr. Van and his staff for all you dental needs. read more

So glad I found this place thanks to Yelp. As others have said Dr Van is great. He is so nice and calming. He sure knows how to make you feel comfortable going to the dentist instead of dreading each visit. His staff is really friendly as well. It is a little bit pricier than other places can be, but it is very much worth it. read more

I would recommend this to everyone especially those that don't have a Dental Care plan because Dr. Van offers different payment plans to help patients afford the dental treatment that they need. read more

Came here after giving a few other dentist a chance in Cali ..I'm from Texas.... Wow what a great experience he and his staff are very knowledgable and professional ...doctor took his time to explain all my problems areas in great detail and could tell he actually cared not like other dentist who just try to rush you in and out and pressure you for unnecessary procedures. Loved all the new technology in his office. He let me know what needs to be done to maintain a healthy mouth during my own time..I'm moving back to Texas soon I almost want to fly back every 6 months just to make him my official dentist for ever...thanks Doc.!!!!! read more

I have been going to Smile Maker Dental for almost 5 years now and couldn't imagine going anywhere else. Dr. Van and his staff are very polite, professional, and knowledgeable. Dr Van is very attentive on making sure that you are comfortable at all times. I have recommended some friends to Smile Maker Dental and ALL of them had a great experience. I highly recommend everyone to give them a try and they will be impressed! read more

This has been a long over due review!!! But I love Dr. Van and all the staff!!! They're so professional and always great at keeping in touch and work out a time that's best with my availability to come! I'm so glad my friend referred me to smile makers! read more

I like to think I do a good job of brushing and flossing, but I know I don't do a good job of frequently visiting to my dentists. They say every 6 months, but I think I waited closer to 3 years since my last check up. At some point, I just didn't go because I want to get a dental lecture about coming in more. I didn't get that from Dr. Howard. First time visiting Dr. Howard, he was great and welcoming. I told him it has been a few years since my last check up, and he just reassured me that happens and we can more forward to keep my teeth healthy. No shaming, just good dental practice. He did a great job taking care of my teeth and cleaning them up. He also did a phenomenal job on my crown replacement recently. I have a nice smile again and I can thank Dr. Howard for that. read more

The best dentist! It took years to finally find a great dentist for myself and my whole family. Dr. Van is kind and honest. His staff is wonderful, specially Olivia--she goes out of her way to make things happen and makes the patient feel valued. I would totally recommend this dentist to anyone. They hygienists are also gentle and comforting--they ease all anxiety prior to cleanings. Super happy with their service and I always look forward to my 6 month cleanings. Also, convenient, close to home, and flexible appointments. Great dentist office all around--clean and friendly! read more

Thank you SmileMaker Dental for always taking good care of my teeth. I've been with Dr. Van for the past 5 years. He is always very professional. I never felt rushed or a leave the office unsatisfied. Dr. Van is very gentle and thorough from examining the teeth to cleaning to even explaining the important process of brushing and flossing. The whole team is just awesome. I highly recommend Dr. Van without reservation. read more

I've been coming to SmileMaker Dental for years now, and my oral health is the best it's ever been! Dr. Van is caring and conscientious. From the very beginning, he took the time to teach me better brushing and flossing habits. No cavities. Healthy gums. Deep cleaning is no longer a fear of mine, since his deft touch with the anesthesia consistently keeps me comfortable and at ease. He's taken excellent care of my wife and kids as well. They actually like going to the dentist! He's the consummate professional. You would be hard pressed to find a better dentist. read more

Changed from gateway dental to Dr Howard and wow what a difference. The experience from all the employees especially the dental assistant Viviana was excellent. Never going back to gateway dental. Going to a patient with Dr. Howard forever now! read more

I'll just say this...My 12 year old who, is terrified of needles, knew she had to have a tooth extracted and would be given a shot in her mouth. This was her response, "are we going back to Dr. Van?" I said, "yes." She shrugged her shoulders and said, "oh ok cool! I can handle that! Let's do it!" read more

Dr. Van is by far the best dentist I have ever been to. He is knowledgable, kind and does an excellent job with all dental work. Dr. Van also works with an incredible orthodontist, Dr. Tsai, who has seamlessly treated what my childhood orthodontist failed to years ago.The hygienist, Rebecca, is top notch and has a great bedside manner. The office staff, Olivia and Viviana, are wonderful and treat you like family. I would highly recommend this office to anyone looking for the complete package and the highest quality in dental care! read more

I have been seeing Dr. Van and his Team since he fixed a chipped molar that became infected and very painful back in 2013. His Team is very professional and Dr. Van has the absolute best bedside manner of any dentist I have ever worked with. He is very kind and exudes a genuine care for his patients. He very calmly lays out all options for treatment without any pressure or sales pitches. The treatment is performed with much care and attention to detail. I would highly recommend him and his Team to anyone looking for quality dental care. read more

Had a awesome experience here getting my crown replaced, Dr.Van ensures your comfortability and calms all nerves, he has a great team and he is a great dentist! Will be returning for future dental work. read more

DR. Howard Van is one of the best honest, loyal, caring, and awesome DOC i've ever met. I had a few filings done by him and also a deep tissue cleaning. I felt no pain at all during any of my procedures. His staff is GREAT very talkative, nice and sweet. The office is real modern and classy and love how he is up to date with his electronics especially his X-Rays because he use digital so less radiation is a plus for me. All i have to say Doc is thank you for my best experience going to your office and thank you for making me have one of the best smiles out there.. THANKS A BUNCH, HOWIE read more

The staff are all extremely helpful & friendly. Dr. Van is amazing. He's the best Dentist I've ever had. He does great work, he's really nice & patient & will take his time with you. He's always checking to make sure you are as comfortable as possible and not in pain. I've never had a dentist who didn't hurt me when giving the numbing shots, except for Dr. Van! He's magic!! Never any pain. read more

best dentist in riverside hands down!!!!! awesome office staff very professional and super sweet!!

Definitely one of the best place to go for dental care. The staff makes you feel at home and extremely welcome as if you have been going there for ages. Not only are they patient and kind; they perform excellent work. The staff are all extremely funny as well. Simply their interaction between each other makes for a fun and friendly atmosphere. Going to the dentist can seem like such a boring task, but they provide all sorts of entertainment for the wait. When they were doing a simple check-up on my teeth or any other sort of wait, I was able to watch movies right on the chair. They also carefully explained the procedure and patiently answered each and any of my questions. I plan to make all future dentist appointments here! read more

Best dentist I've been to in years. These people really care about their patients. This will be my go to dentistry for now on. I would recommend to family and friends 100%. read more

Excellent dentist. Thorough and clearly cares about the dental health of his patients.

SmileMaker Dental is the best dentist's office I've ever been to. Dr. Van and his team are professional, friendly, good at what they do and all-around fantastic. Dr. Van has great bedside manners and can inject Novocain without it hurting! Imagine that! He's always very patient and will give you his undivided attention, even when his office is busy. He's extremely knowledgeable and genuinely cares about the health of my teeth. read more

Dr. Van and his staff are the best group I've met. I cracked my wisdom tooth, had to get them pulled. They went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable and scheduled asap for removal. They are confident, considerate, professional, and very clean. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a fantastic dentist!! read more

Our family has been to several dentists for the last 10 years. All I can say Dr. Howard Van has MAGIC HANDS. EVERY VISIT IS PAIN-FREE. We first heard of Dr. Howard Van, through another family in our cub scout troop. We were leaving for a beach train trip at 9:00 a.m. and the father of one of the scouts just had some serious teeth work done (root canal I believe). I was shocked to see him ready and willing to go on a beach trip when he has his dental work done at 8:00 a.m. that morning (the dentist opened his office early for a patient?....unheard of). Our family was between dentists. Our daughter had to have some teeth pulled in order to put on braces and had a terrible experience with a PRIOR DENTIST. When we had to find another dentist to pull more teeth, we went to see Dr. Howard Van. I was able to sit in the room and watch, the office was extremely clean, and he explained the procedure (unlike the last dentist who kick my husband and I out of the room due to my husband's cologne and we could hear our daughter struggling in the chair -- it was heartbreaking). After the procedure with Dr. Howard Van, I asked our eleven year old daughter, how she felt. She couldn't speak with all the gauze in her mouth, and raised both hands showing all five fingers....TEN. I was in shock. We found our dentist. Since then, we only see him for treatment and cleanings. He is great. He will even go to your kid's school to discuss oral hygiene. read more

I highly recommend Dr. Van. to friends family and strangers. I had the best experience , He has a gently technique, almost no Pain..that was a first. He does well at explaining options, procedures and very educational. The Staff is also so wonderful, patient and helpful. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. read more

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this place. Dr. van is the greatest. Staff is friendly and helpful. best dentist i have ever been to. Dr. Van was professional detailed and the best dentist ive ever been too. I recommend Dr. Van read more

Its been at least over two years since i have been back to a dentist, since my last experience was so awful. I went to the net to find out a little more about this office and all of the yelp reviews were all five stars. The staff and Dr. was very professional and easy to work with. The best part about my visit was that they were able to take me in on a Saturday with out any fuss. read more

I am not a big fan of going to the dentist (who is) but not anymore!!! Dr. Van is awesome and very professional. Super considerate and very very patient oriented. I will not go anywhere else. The best dentist hands down!!! I had some serious tooth pain and Dr. Van fixed me right up and gave me all the options, but never pushed anything unnecessary. The staff and assistants are very nice and helpful!!! Dr. Van is the best!!! He is a perfectionist and took a lot of extra time to make sure the work he did was the very best. I could not be happier and more thankful!!! read more

Dr. Van is the best dentist around! He makes intimidating dental procedures easy and pleasant. He's very thorough and caring in addition to being a knowledgeable and trustworthy professional. I was nervous about my crown, but Dr. Van made sure everything was perfect. The staff is very sweet and always ensures that you are comfortable. Thank you so much Smile Maker Dental! read more

When looking for a dentist you want someone you can trust. That is what my family and I have found with Dr. Howard Van -Smile Maker Dental. The staff is awesome, always friendly and caring. They make you feel like family! Dr. Howard Van is so amazing in how he treats my family. He's helping me gain back my smile. Thank you so much! read more

My dentist left to another state so I have been very reluctant to see a new dentist, my wife found Dr Van and set up appointments for the both of us, I have to say that he is brilliant, staff are brilliant and the customer service is brilliant , you walk in and get greeted by your first name and a big smile and a how are you,, great place .. there is no big pressure sales pitch by a finance manager like a lot of other places do, Dr Van is very straight forward and lets you make your own decision on what you want done and in what order, he cares more about his customers than the money he's making , which is a nice change, I also like that he is his own practice and not in a group, ,, Getting dental work done is not fun for any one, but Dr Howard Van is by far the best and most friendliest dentist I have been to in a long , long time. Thank you Dr Howard and staff, see you again soon. read more

Smile Maker Dental was the best experience I ever had going to the dentist. I am one of those people who cringe at the thought of going to the dentist. I needed to get a check up and the staff was more than welcoming to help me set up and appointment. Dr. Van was professional, precise and is best dentist I have ever met. Will definitely be coming back! read more

This place is pretty amazing. Dr Van is awesome! I live in colorado but I always come back because he's super gentle when doing work on your teeth and makes you feel really comfortable. The staff is super sweet too! If you need a new dentist, go here, you're not going to find a better place! read more

If I lived in the Inland Empire, Dr. Howard Van would be my dentist... hands down, without question. I live in Northern California and am in Riverside for the holidays. I developed a toothache just before Christmas. Not knowing any dentists in the IE area, and fully aware most dental offices close between Christmas and New Year, plus my being over 60, I was apprehensive and fearful about seeing any dentist 450 miles away from home. On Christmas,with a painful toothache, I did some quick research on the internet and sent emails to several dentists hoping one of them could see me the next day. A few dental offices responded to my emails and said they were closed for the holidays and would not see any new patients, even for an emergency. At 8:17 am, on December 26, an assistant from Dr. Van's office called me to offer a 9:30 am appointment. My husband and I arrived at Dr. Van's office and the first thing we noticed was the warmth and friendliness of the staff AND the office environment. The waiting area is spacious and inviting area with current magazines neatly laid out on the coffee table. The receptionist greeted us with a huge and welcoming smile. The next thing we observed was efficiency. She had prepared the paperwork for my review and signature prior to our arrival. Dr. Van, in spite of being busy, came out to welcome us and said his dental assistant would take x-rays. I was led into the modular dental office area which is open, spacious, and soothing. The placement of several dental chairs allows Dr. Van and his assistants to move freely and quickly from patient to patient, yet while providing privacy between dentist and patient. I would describe the office lay-out as "feng shui" perfect. The equipment and instrumentation in the dental area are modern, high-tech, and state-of-the-art, incluidng digital x-rays. The assistant took x-rays which were immediately relayed on to a computer screen. Even I could tell there was a problem with my tooth. To confirm his suspicions about my tooth, Dr. Van performed a manual check on my tooth, checking and double-checking the nature of the pain. Dr. Van then calmly explained the situation about my tooth, the options regarding treatment, and the consequences and prognosis of the available options. The fractured tooth already had much previous work done on it, including a root canal. Because of my age and my health, it was obvious to me that the best course of action was to extract the molar. Again, with his gentle and tranquil efficiency, Dr. Van numbed the area and extracted the tooth. He gave me thorough instructions on what to do and what to expect after the tooth extraction. All the fear and apprehension I felt prior to going to Dr. Van's office dissipated. Dr. Van quickly earned my total trust and confidence in him. Dr. Van is UCLA-trained and has over 10 years experience. On a scale of 0 to 10, with10 being the highest, I would give Dr. Van a rating of 11+. He excels in chair-side manner, knowledge, communication, compassion, efficiency, and thoroughness, as well as technical- and technological-savvy.. A sign of a well-run office is that his staff are happy. Today, the day after my tooth extraction, Dr. Van's office called me to see how I was doing. What a lovely and thoughtful gesture. Another plus! Thank you, Dr. Van and staff! Joanne C, San Francisco Bay Area read more