Went in for my first appointment today and everything went fast and smooth! Pauline did a wonderful job at explaining everything she was doing and making sure that I was okay throughout the process. I did not meet Dr. Malek yet as I went in for a deep cleaning but will look forward to returning for future work. read more

I recently moved to the area and decided to establish care with this dental office. What should have been a routine visit turned into one of the most alarming healthcare experiences I've ever had. After taking X-rays, I was told that two of my previous root canals had failed, were infected, and that I would need extensive treatment, including removing teeth, bone grafts, and four implants--an estimated cost of approximately $16,000. I was devastated because I had always maintained regular dental care with my longtime dentist. Before moving forward with such a life-changing and expensive treatment plan, I scheduled an appointment with my previous dentist for a second opinion. After reviewing new X-rays and examining my teeth, she told me there was absolutely no evidence of infection, my root canals were healthy, and the X-rays taken by this office were not even adequate to diagnose the infection they claimed I had. Needless to say, I was incredibly relieved--but also deeply concerned. Had I not had a trusted dentist to seek a second opinion, I might have undergone unnecessary procedures that would have permanently altered my teeth and cost thousands of dollars. I encourage anyone receiving a major treatment recommendation from this office to seek a second opinion before proceeding. It could save you significant expense, unnecessary treatment, and a great deal of emotional distress read more

Best teeth service in town .family owned and operated just overall good vibes . Been going to this office for many years allways been happy to come back read more

iSmileSpa - General Dentistry Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

My wife had an urgent need for care late on a Thursday afternoon. The staff jumped into action and got her in as soon as they could. Dr. Sydney did a fantastic job with the temporary and my wife is looking forward to her return visit. read more

Friendly staff, however, worst dental experience. During the procedure, I asked for more anesthesia because I felt every thing- I was under worst pain in my life but the doctor refused to give me more. I also got gaslighted by the dentist on the appearance of my front tooth implant saying it looked good at first. But they ended up shaving my real tooth. Then I wasn't satisfied with it, and had to go to marina a few times to get the right size and color match. It ended up being terrible. Never go there for anything that the whole world will get a glimpse at. read more

Great clinic! Nice staff, quality care and comfortable office space. I love that I can text staff at reception when it's needed!

This is my favorite dentist office. I came in here about a couple years ago by a reference and recommendation and I love it there so friendly and nice McKenzie is the best I love getting my teeth clean. I don't think I've ever had a better dental experience!! read more

I love iSmile! I have been going here since I moved to Santa Cruz in the fall of 2023. Dr. Malek is extremely kind, personable, knowledgeable, and uses the latest technology. McKenzie is amazing and is a ray of sunshine! She makes every visit run smoothly and does an incredible job cleaning my teeth. I have been to tons of dentists and I have had almost every procedure (root canals, crowns, gum graft surgery, an implant) and I look forward to going to iSmile. I highly recommend this practice. read more

I came in for the free consultation for a few cosmetic items. A dentist was bickering with his retired father who hangs out there with dogs in the office. I like dogs but it seems kind of unsanitary for a medical practice. The dentist said "has anyone ever told you that you could benefit greatly from braces?" That was really the rudest possible way to address that I could use braces again. He pointed out a few other "unattractive" items asking if they bother me because they can fix it. Lastly, when I went back to the dog pen to make my new patient appointment there was no one to do it so I'm just standing there waiting. The receptionists were both very nice but the one that was off of work and trying to leave was clearly not happy that she had to stop and make my appointment. I don't blame her at all. I was then deferred to another receptionist. I made the appointment but cancelled it after thinking about what a ridiculous situation it is there. read more

Very friendly staff who was attentive to all my needs. They exceeded all my expectations and I left with super clean teeth. (got to pet some cute puppies on the way out as a bonus ) read more

The most painful cleaning I have ever experienced by far. And I was just there 6 months ago with 0 cavities. The hygienist used a tool that I have never experienced to clean, and was constantly hitting very sensitive spots, (and I came in with zero pain). The kicker to me though, was NEVER SEEING an actual dentist. I brought it up, like "don't I get to see a dentist", and was told "why is there some reason to see them?" I've been going to the dentist for 41 years, and never had to "ask" to see a dentist. Am i to just believe that a hygienist can glance at my teeth and know everything is ok? hmm. And the dog thing is cute, but very unsanitary... Door wide open, dogs going in and out, people picking them up and all that. Cute, but not at a dentist office. read more

I have so many good things to say about my experience at iSmileSpa. Dr Connor Malek, his hygienist Katie, and his entire team were beyond amazing. I was on vacation (and on a Saturday) when my front tooth crown fell out. I was panicking and was googling emergency dentists in the area. iSmileSpa was able to get me in within 30 minutes of me calling. I walked into the office in tears and everyone was so kind. They had already looked up my insurance before I arrived and gave me all of my options. A short time later, I walked out of the office with a new permanent crown on my front tooth that looked better than the original. They made the entire process very smooth and I can't recommend this dentist office enough. If I lived in the area, I would definitely be switching to their office. read more

I was limited in getting emergency care for my abscess but Doc got me in right away and put my mind at ease. The surgery was virtually painless and everyone was kind and considerate. A front tooth crown can be dicey but they were willing to do what had to be done to get it perfect. Thank you ISmile for going over and above to get my bridge just right. read more

This is an excellent dental office. The receptionist was very helpful and professional, both when I made several calls before my first visit (to find out about what insurance they take, etc.) and during my visit. She also acted as my hygienist, and she had a nice gentle touch when cleaning my teeth. The dentist was a really good communicator, which I always appreciate. read more

The whole staff at iSmile Spa is friendly and welcoming. I've been going here for years getting cleanings, and just had a crown and some fillings done. I never liked going to the dentist but it's not so bad when you find the right team. Definitely recommend checking them out. read more

Best dentist / orthodontist in town. Easy to access and make appointments. I recommend them.

Dr Conner and "iSmile" is the first dentist office and staff that I was not nervous or skeptical about going. All of the work I had done there was perfect and painless! I didn't leave there frazzled and in need of a long nap to feel better. I would recommend iSmile to anyone and everyone. I can't think of everyone's name, but I know McKenzie, Katie and Sabrina are so caring, and of course Dr Conner is the best dentist ever! read more

I just had my first cleaning and x-rays done today as a new patient and I am so happy I chose ISmileSpa! From the first phone call with Katie, to meeting Dr. Connor Malek DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and Dr. McKenzie DDH (Doctor of Dental Hygiene). I felt instantly welcomed and well taken care of my entire visit. I was a little nervous to change dentists after needing to switch due to insurance and now I can happily say I look forward to coming back in six months. My teeth feel wonderful--just in time for the new school year to start. THANK YOU ISmileSpa Team and see you soon! :) read more

Dr Connor Malek is a kind and patient Dr. I had a lot of work done lately. He treated me the same every time. The staff is great and so is the care. The atmosphere I believe is just as important as the care. I feel like I'm seeing some friends I haven't seen in a long time who clean or do work on my teeth . I don't feel anxious going to my appointment. read more

My husband and I are new patients at ISmile in Santa Cruz. We are very happy with Dr. Mik, Dr. Conner and McKenzie (the whole staff as well.) The work is excellent - couldn't be happier! read more

If could leave less stars I would. To start, dogs in an office where surgeries are preformed seems very unsanitary, no matter how 'nice' they are. Secondly, if you are anxious around needles, they will only make you more scared. They are impatient, they held my spouse down to start an IV and told me to leave the room immediately. As I returned to pick up my spouse from the surgery HER HEAD WAS NOT SUPPORTED. As she was still sedated, the anesthesiologist proceeded to SLAP HER IN THE FACE TO WAKE HER UP AFTER JUST HAVING ALL 4 WISDOM TEETH REMOVED. after the surgery she has had severe complications, and the staff has completely written her off and dismisses their responsibility in this. Report to the board, sent. read more

Dr. Conner Malek and his staff are all warm, friendly, competent, and eager to help with any questions and concerns. My teeth had been neglected for about 4 years. In the past I had been plagued with gum disease and cavities. During my first exam I was informed that my gums had deep pockets, it would be advisable to have my wisdom teeth extracted, and have laser treatment for my gums. Because of my suboptimal insurance I could not afford all the recommended procedures. Given this, the first thing they recommended was to have regular cleanings, once every 3 months. They are really good at deep cleaning; I have not had such good cleanings since my last favorite dentist, about 10 years ago. In the last month my back upper left wisdom tooth was becoming painful when I would bite down on food. I knew I needed at least this one extracted. I called Malek's office and I was seen right away. This was the first time I have ever had a tooth extracted (and by the way I have a full set of teeth). It was a little bit scary to go in for this procedure. Nevertheless, Conner was very gentle and patient during the whole procedure. Though I opted to not go under, but instead, merely use Novacane, there was no pain during the procedure, and I felt great walking out of their office after it was done. It's been 2 weeks since the extraction and my mouth feels great. The Malek practice is a hidden gem. I highly recommend them. read more

If there was an option of Negative stars, this place -100! Update, this dentist has been "claiming and billed my insurance since the beginning " without My consent! After talking 20x with my insurance company they say he's been billing for -Supposively I now have "New Crowns" And Teeth implants!! And Many! I don't have Any of these things, never had! Now my insurance won't pay for teeth cleanings or cavities due to the fake implant billing from Malek. **Please stay FAR away from this Malek FRAUD and the clinic FRAUD! They're All family and very aware of what's happening (they're involved with the SCAMS too)! read more

I transferred to a job in Palo Alto some 5 years ago and settled in Santa Cruz. I was lucky to have found Dr. Malek who made quick work of a quality repair. I have been using him as my dentist since then and cannot say enough about him and his office, that now includes his brilliant son Dr Connor Malek as a DDS. You're in good hands with this dental office! Highly recommended ! read more

from day one coming here I do not like coming to the dentist at all. they were so friendly nice and eased my anxiety about being here. there staff are so nice and understand that mouth health is very important and will help you how ever they can to make sure you get everything you need for your mouth to be as healthy as can be. they explain everything to you to make sure you understand. if you need a dentist I highly recommend ismile in Santa Cruz best place ever read more

cliff was on my way to the neighborhood coffee shop after picking up his favorite local paper the sentinel when he spotted and old friend who looked to had been in a fight, on the losing end.Cliff asked his friend how it happened and was he ok . Cliff s friend said he d been rear ended in traffic and his face hit the steering wheel. and worst his teeth got messed up and quipped i need work done. and with a calming stare cliff responded he had a friend who is an oral surgeon and dentist and a no nonsense guy that did work recently on a 96 year old gentlemen and a fine job he did . cliff then gave his old friend ismiles number 831 462 6500 cliff r 1925-- present read more

iSmileSpa - cliff playing pool at 95 - General Dentistry Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

I was shocked to find a dental office that had dogs running around, not just in the front but while I was getting my teeth cleaned! The dogs came up and put their front paws on my chair and were sniffing me during the cleaning. I like dogs but this seems extremely unhygienic and unprofessional. Not going back! read more

On a Saturday when he should have been leaving work he and his staff who were all caring fit me in, I was in such pain, couldn't have waited one more day, the dentist I was referred to couldn't see me for three weeks!! If I could give them more stars I would, they were professional and took such good care of me!! read more

iSmileSpa has been one of the most positive dental experience I have had! The staff is kind and attentive, there are no long wait times, and the quality of care is fantastic. Also with my busy schedule as a firefighter they have been very accommodating with rescheduling and working around my availability. Best of all there are some four legged furry friends that will pay you a visit in the lobby before your appointment. I would highly recommend. read more

Wow! Such a great staff at Ismilespa. Mackenzie went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable and informed in my dental treatment plan. As a new patient she was able to help navigate future procedures that were necessary with the most personable and professional approach. Really one of the best dental experiences I've had and Dr. Malek was great as well. Can't recommend this office enough. Accepts PPO dental plan. 5 stars! read more

This will be my final review of this office. My first 2 reviews talked about how Dr. Malek ruined my teeth by allowing too much time to go by before telling me there was anything wrong with my teeth. So since I left the last review I have indeed had to have all of my teeth extracted and get fit with dentures! The surgery was extremely painful after all of the numbing wore off, the upper denture didn't fit correctly and after 11 days I'm still in pain and cannot eat properly which is an issue for me because it affects my blood sugar. I have paid a few thousand dollars for all of my dental work so far and I'm looking at even more. I can't go out of my house because it's embarrassing and humiliating to be seen with no teeth. This awful experience has been the worst I have ever had to go through! Having no teeth after taking care of them my whole life has changed my life. I would give anything to have never walked through the door of this office, but we all know that we can't go back in a situation like this. It took this office almost 4 years to destroy my teeth without me knowing it. I was never told that I had any big issues with my teeth until the one day that I was told that "all of your teeth are decayed and I don't know how I'm going to save them". Those were his exact words!! If you are a patient at this office you need to run out of their door and never look back! read more

Going here was the worst dental experience of my life. I went in with extreme pain, made an appointment the night before online. The front staff was very nice, took an X-ray and waited for Dr. Malek. He looked at me and the X-ray and said everything was fine perhaps something unknown to him and suggested coming back in a few days. I went home discouraged and that night the pain was horrible and called Kaiser. They said to come into the ER. They could not find evidence of an infection but gave me antibiotics just in case and a few shots in the jaw for pain. The next day I still had dull pain and a sore mouth from the shots but try to let the antibiotics kick in for a full 24 hours. That night I wake up in extreme pain and can now tell exactly which tooth hurts and since they are open on Saturdays, I scheduled an appointment. Again the front staff is nice. I'm seated in the room, X-ray pulled up, McKenzie is there and Dr. Malek comes in sees me and says, "What are you doing here, you are fine and wasting my time." I ask him as McKenzie does too to take another look. He then berates me referring to me as "girl" (I'm a 40 year old woman), telling me I'm being ridiculous, he is an "expert" at 30 years of dentistry, etc. My favorite part though is when he claims to be the "best dentist in Santa Cruz". Pretty bold statement from someone that moved here from Tucson a few years ago. I've included a review from a patient there in my photos that describes him as a "arrogant tyrant" , I can understand why someone would say that. I went to the "free" clinic (still an out of pocket fee) and the very young, very sweet dentist there took a X-ray and within maybe 10 seconds stated that I had a very bad cavity, pointed it out and said unfortunately it is in the nerve and causing you all of this pain. She said the root canal would be so invasive she would recommend an Endodontist to try to save as much of it as possible. By the way the Endodontist was also surprised that Dr. Malek was unable to spot a cavity as well. My husband and I have asked friends if they have heard of Dr. Malek, some have had good experiences and others have had experience with his rude, demeaning and just plain bad side. I was also surprised at how he spoke to McKenzie in front of me but now I realize that she is his daughter as well as employee but in my opinion it was pretty unprofessional and quite frankly rude. She was encouraging him to take another X-ray and take another look at my mouth. He shot her down in the same belittling tone as he did with me. The only reason I hesitated to write this review was because she seemed very compassionate to every patient. This review is for Dr. Malek though. My husband was pretty upset and I was just worn out from days of pain that could have been taken care of but stretched out through the weekend because of Dr. Malek. He spoke to Dr. Malek and he apologized to me.. it seemed fake to me. I am also upset about the cost of an ER visit, "free clinic" visit, unnecessary antibiotics, etc that his lack of care cost me as well. As far as I know he is the only dentist at Ismile spa. If he is the "best dentist" in Santa Cruz why are they open 6 days a week for 8+ hours each day? Maybe provide better quality services by working less but more efficiently? read more

iSmileSpa - General Dentistry Near Me - Santa Cruz, California

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Dr. Malik crosses the line with respecting people. I don't think he wants patients to waste his time with feedback or their experience.

I had a visit there today after finding him through a dental savings plan i have. I did not get any dental work done, only an exam, but I felt compelled to leave a review because I have never felt so uncomfortable as I did watching dr . malek verbally abuse his receptionist Sabrina (Fun fact : I only know her name cuz I heard him using it to add emphasis as he berated her a couple dozen times) I have no doubt this dentist is a capable one but in case I had any question, he made sure to remind me of just how good he was. What struck me the most was him referring to other dentists as "his students", and telling me things like " you wouldn't compare a Nissan to a Lamborghini". My biggest problem is that careington (my dental savings place) told me that this dentist was under a plan that would charge me a set fee for X-rays and an exam, but when I asked how much it was using my plan, they never gave me an answer and I literally left wondering how I had allowed him to rope me into spending money without an explanation as to why they were refusing to take my plan. Before I left, he didn't print me an x ray because he "wants to save trees" but then screamed at Sabrina for not getting off the phone with a patient in order to print my treatment plan out ... literally in front of me I just ended up feeling so embarrassed for him and his actions so I left as fast as I could. I'm literally just here to tell Sabrina that no one deserves to be treated that way and accepting that type of treatment can't be good for your self worth and confidence. I would hate to see what he's like behind closed doors if that's what he acts like with people around. TL;DR: he might be good, but he's not the only good dentist in town... how you treat people matters... but this guy doesn't seem to think so. To Dr malek: the energy you give off is scary, and while I'm sure some of the reviews for you are genuine, it's pretty easy to tell that my experience wasn't a one off.... I don't mind your whole "I'm the best, anyone else sucks" attitude , but you lost my business when you made an idiot of yourself by yelling at your receptionist, who was working her ass off doing the job of three people, and it still wasn't good enough for you. How unbecoming. Get some help, you need it. Or else your reputation is going to be for who you are instead of what you do. read more

Excellent customer service & dentistry! Connor fixed my tooth & it looks like it never had a big chip! Great teeth cleaning and friendly staff. read more

Dr. Malek is hands down one of the best dentists I've ever seen, and I've been to many over the years. His team got me right in to see him when I had a problem tooth and fixed it right away for a very resonable fee. He's super smart, very talented and has a confident, yet friendly personality that puts you at ease in a stressful time. The other dentists I had seen about this same issue wanted to charge me $1,200 for a root canal re-treatement to explore around and see if they could save my tooth (this tooth already had a root canal several years before) If this didn't work, then it's another $300 to extract the tooth. Dr. Malek took one look at the x-rays and said a root canal would be a waste of money, there's a very small chance it would work a 2nd time as it's almost certain the roots were cracked. So he extracted the tooth and I felt soooo much better. (I was ready for hell just before the extraction... but nothing... some pressure, some tugging... and it's over!) After a looooong search on yelp and in person to find a great dentist, I finally did and then later I found out He's an expert in implants, graduated top of his class in one of the best dental colleges in the USA, and is one of the most highly skilled dentists in Santa Cruz. Plus, it's a family business and his son and daughter are super nice and very efficient. Same goes for the rest of the team there, you get 100% kind and efficient effort from everybody and it makes a stressful thing like going to the dentist that much easier. He's also on yelp at the ismile spa listing: https://www.yelp.com/biz/i-smile-spa-santa-cruz?osq=dentists read more

I wanted to get some work done here. I didn't even get to explain my dental situation before I was being asked for what type of insurance I had, and being explained that a mandatory teeth cleaning needed to be done before any procedure. I explained that I just had my teeth cleaned and that it was not necessary for my situation. Pretty simple solution for me. I'll take my business elsewhere. read more

I unfortunately had to have 2 wisdom teeth pulled, a crown placed, and a cavity filled, and I decided to take care of it all in one sitting today. For such a long, invasive procedure I was pleasantly surprised by the ease and quickness of it all. The whole process only took 2 hours! Dr. Malek knows his stuff! He communicated thoroughly, exactly what he'd be doing and what I could expect before hand, and during the work, consistently checking on my comfort level. The office offers sedation and partial sedation, (which I chose) and he took care of that right there in the office, talking me through the administration of that as well. My crown was created right in the room and he even glazed it to match the gradual color of my teeth...it looks great! Thanks team iSmile! read more

I went to this place twice for cleanings, I shouldn't have gone back after the first time... Lets see where to start. They up-sell you on everything. They do the hard sale and force every procedure they can think of. They pus the line of "oh, your x-rays are a year old. THAT IS TO OLD" to make sure you get new ones. (ps, your teeth don't rot that fast and x-ray machines in dentists offices are often poorly regulated and maintained. Limit your exposure.) They have a tacky atmosphere. Yeah, so, big deal, every dentist is tacky, right? No. They have ads for hip new hip-hop exercise DVDs in the waiting room and the volume is absurd and insulting. They can't seem to get their reception issue figured out. You call them and they never call you back. "oh, hi, just checking if you have a quote for my service yet?" and their reply is always "The dentist will call you back later today".. that won't happen. You won't hear from them for days if ever. Just keep calling. And today, a few YEARS after going to this miserable place they sent me junk email. They must have finally gotten around to scraping their whole email archive for email addresses and found mine somehow. Now I am on their list for junk mail. Did I sign up for it? No. IS THERE A WAY TO GET OFF OF IT? NO! So now Gmail will just process their email as spam. Good luck iSmile! read more

This was an incredibly negative experience. I wish I had listened to the other reviews. I might be biased because my last dentist and the hygienists, before I moved, were lovely. Kind and caring. Not the experience here. First off - the online form is BS. I filled that out, made an appointment through it, only to have the receptionist call me a few days later to schedule my appointment. I thought I already had? But apparently now. She then scheduled me for almost a month out for when I originally set my appointment. I arrived to the office and was immediately put-off. Everything feels pretty rundown. The equipment seems old and the leather exam chairs are cracked. Now, in the interest in full disclosure, I have some anxiety around the dentist -- I think most people do. There wasn't much care put into how I was treated. Beyond the pain (I have sensitive gums, so it's never fun for me), the equipment was some of the nosiest I have ever experienced in my life. One in particular made such a high squealing noise in my ear it gave me a splitting headache. It sounded like prolong speaker feedback. How anyone is meant to sit through it is beyond me. It's hard to say what happened exactly, but I left the place in tears (and while I have dental anxiety, that has never happened before). Lastly, I was told that the doctor wasn't there that morning and I'd have to come back. That would have been great information to have when they called to confirm my appointment as I would have rescheduled to a day when he would be there. Doesn't matter -- I'm not going back anyway. read more