Dr. Shannon manages the pediatric dentistry side of the practice and her husband, Dr. Song, manages the adults and prosthodontics. Both are top 1% and we have been going to them for over 6 years (and now I'm scared too many people will flock to them). I posted a review for Dr. Song too. My husband and I are both healthcare providers with a high bar for excellence. All 3 of our children, ages 1 to 7, see Dr. Shannon and we both see Dr. Song. We were referred first to Dr. Shannon by a fellow health care provider who had also been referred by another friend (tons of word of mouth referrals). As a paranoid helicopter overprotective parent of one daughter, he assured me my kids couldn't be in better hands and wouldn't let me take my kids anywhere else even though I had booked an appointment at another practice in Santa Monica. He started taking his daughter to Dr. Shannon when she was 3 and now she is 13. He and his wife see Dr. Song too. I couldn't agree more. I was told both Drs. Shannon and Song teach at the UCLA dental school and are the preferred dentists for many UCLA dentist families as they were their professors. Dr. Shannon is friendly with a dynamic personality, engaging with the kids, gentle, meticulous, detail oriented, and extremely ethical. The kids don't get stressed at all with her and love seeing her (they remember her and her toy area even after one visit). She plays Netflix for them on the screen during the cleaning and they get to pick the show. She has tons of flavored products and lets the kids pick the ones they like. They get major swag when they leave including a toothbrush and floss plus pointing to a toy from the toy board to take home (toy chest prior to COVID restrictions). Both providers do what is in the best interest of the patient not for personal profit or to increase their revenue. The work is high quality and if you have any outstanding issues, they rectify it without charging you for the same original issue unless it's something different. They will advise you on preventative maintenance and any concerns about needing orthodontics. Their dental hygienists and staff are superb as is Esther who works front office. They take COVID precautions to limit people in their office by calling you when you arrive to come up to protect patients and staff. They get you in quickly and have electronic forms. Dr. Shannon responds quickly if you have any concerns even with her busy schedule. She really takes the time and is so kind and caring. Billing is easy and straightforward. They take Delta Dental PPO I have through UCLA so no out of pocket costs. I have never felt taken advantage of and they never order unnecessary imaging or procedures unless indicated (they will let you know the rationale if you need anything else other than standard cleaning). I've recommended them to NextDoor as well as to friends and patients. Parking is at meters (has credit card reader too in front of the building and along Wilshire unless you can find neighborhood parking. I believe they have garage parking if you want to pay too. Plenty of options within 2 blocks. There is an Erewhon next to the building if you need to kill time at the market plus Milo and Olive for coffee and eats across the street. Highest possible commendation and recommendation. We used to see Cynthia Cheung in Westwood who is also great, but this practice fits our family needs the best (plus love Esther - front office sometimes has the greatest impact on the office you choose and ultimately stay at). read more

Mary Shannon, DDS - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - Santa Monica, California

See all

Dr Mary Shannon is a caring and knowledgeable pediatric dentist. Today was the first time my 7 year old granddaughter had a cavity filled. (Back adult molar). Dr Shannon used laughing gas and my granddaughter didn't even feel the novocaine and drilling. Dr Shannon also sealed her other molars to prevent other cavities. We are so happy that she had a positive experience at the dentist and recommend Dr Shannon highly! read more

Mary Shannon, DDS - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - Santa Monica, California

Dr. Shannon is the best! All 3 of my kids (6 yo, 4 yo and 2 yo) see Mary. She is so sweet and patient. She had to pull out my daughters front tooth due to a little accident. I was so nervous but the procedure was quick and painless because Dr. Shannon is a pro. My daughter didn't feel a thing! When it comes time for their semi annual cleaning and checkup... my kids really look forward to it. Thank you Dr. Shannon for making going to the dentist a nice experience for my kids! read more

I don't recommend this office -- The dentist is fine but nothing extraordinary. Their cancellation policy is not standard and not reasonable. I gave full 24 hour notice to cancel my daughter's recent appointment because my husband had covid--I was charged $75! The guidance keeps changing for covid and this is the first time our family got it and I did my best to figure it out while managing two children and taking care of my quarantined husband. Even though my daughter and I were symptom free and testing negative, I realized I should not bring her in for the appointment in case we might expose others. (My daughter is 3 so it is a very brief appointment to check and clean her teeth and apply fluoride for a few minutes). I called a full 24 hours in advance but was told the policy is strict-- 48 hours. This is not industry standard and is not appropriate for a health practice. I called to ask for my money back but they refused and would only give me a "credit" toward my next appointment... which is an absurd offer because the appointments are fully covered by insurance. Because of this unusually strict cancellation policy, I suspect other patients may not disclose if they have had covid exposure or if their child is sick. 24 hours is industry standard and allows plenty of time to call patients on a waitlist and respect the provider's time. I will not be returning to this office and I would advise others to steer clear. read more

Brought my 2 year old twins here for their first dentist visit and Dr. Shannon was so patient and kind. She took her time with each kiddo and successfully got a full oral exam, cleaned, flossed and successfully applied fluoride. I was very impressed. It was a great experience!! Thank you Dr. Shannon for introducing a positive oral health experience into my kids life read more

Mary Shannon, DDS - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - Santa Monica, California

A few weeks ago, I called the office to make sure they took my insurance and make an appointment for my kids. They reassured me everything was good and insurance would cover it, so I made the appointments. Today at half hour before the appointment time, they called me and said they do not take my insurance and I could still bring my kids, but I would have to pay the full fees. I was annoyed because I took my kids out of school for this and took the morning off from work, and they called me last minute to tell me. What lousy service read more

Nice, gentle, patient dentist. Great with kids, or kids with sensitive teeth. Been coming for a few years.

Dr. Shannon was amazing with my 3 year old son. He was hesitant at first but she started off by allowing him to play with some large toothbrushes to brush the teeth of her cute stuffed animals. She knew exactly what to say to help put him at ease and 2 minutes into it he was smiling and responding back to her questions. She has all these cute kids gadgets from brightly colored grape flavored floss, zebra head tooth polishing mechanism, different kids flavored polish/paste. She was gentle and sweet and there NO TEARS at all! Highly recommend her! read more

Having Dr. Shannon as my little 3 year old daughter's dentist has been a great experience. The first time we saw her was when my daughter was 18 months and we were concerned about how her front teeth were separated by her lip been slightly attached in between. She assured us that this would not cause a speech impediment or problems with feeding and she was right! Last Sunday, my daughter fell and hit her mouth on a desk, bruising her gums and chipping 3 top teeth. It was very traumatic for her and we were concerned about the pain that the chipping could cause, about the swelling and the dark color her gums had turned into. Dr. Shannon took our call on a Sunday and made recommendations based on what I described over the phone and photos I texted her. With her expertise, we assessed that it would be OK to wait until the next morning to see her in the office. Dr. Shannon was willing to go to her office on a Sunday evening if we felt that it was necessary, which we didn't. Instead, she came to her office on a Monday, when she is regularly not in, and saw my daughter. We are very grateful! read more

Both my kids come here. My 3yo son is super easy going so I wasnt worried about him. My 2yo daughter is the tough one. Dr. Shannon cleaned her teeth. No tears. No pulling away. I was scared she would freak out at the dentist, but she did awesome. Dr Shannon is great with kids. You are going to love her! read more

Dr Shannon is a superb child friendly and extremely professional dentist. My daughter looks forward to her dental appointments with Dr Shannon ! read more

This has been my fifth visit to various dental offices in Los Angeles. I happened to find Dr. Shannon on a search. I love her and so does my 5 yr old daughter. She is gentle, funny and really nice. I'm so glad that I finally found a dentist office with great people and great dentist. I recommend Dr Shannon tto anyone she best in Los Angeles.. Keep up the great work Dr. Shannon Emily B read more

Dr. Shannon has seen my two girls (8 and 5 years old) for 2 years. They love her and never dread a visit to her office. She has a way with kids where they are not scared of a simple cleaning and where they feel like they are participating in the cleaning process. They also love the toys that they get after their appointment. This is something they always look forward to. Not only would I convince my friends to have their kids see Dr. Shannon, I would try to recruit them away from their current pediatric dentist. read more

Mary Shannon is amazing! I can honestly say that I have never before written a review, but had to this time so that I could sing her praises. She worked miracles with my kids, who are 2 & 4. Not only was she kind & patient, but she was respectful towards them. I only wish that pediatric doctors were always that way! She clearly understands her clients and knows how to gain and keep their trust. Yes, she has kids that are similar ages, but I'm sure she was this way even before they came along. Really can't recommend her highly enough. read more

We are very thankful to have Dr. Shannon as our pediatric dentist. Our son, who is now 5, LOVES going to the dentist. He actually enjoys getting his teeth checked by Dr. Shannon and is always happy to go back. She has a daughter who is his age so she really knows how to relate to her young patients. And, she goes out of her way to make everyone in her office feel welcomed and cared for. In a big city like LA, it's a rare treat to find a dentist office where you feel like you are in a small community. I highly recommend Dr. Shannon to anyone! read more

Dr. Shannon came highly recommended but I went to her office with a certain amount of hesitation after a few unsuccessful dentist visits elsewhere in Los Angeles. I can gladly say that all my doubts were quickly alleviated. Dr. Shannon is incredibly skilled with working with kids and she quickly made the dentist visit feel like a playdate, while I sat there marveling at how aptly she was able to amuse my four-year old son into cleaning his teeth and doing everything else she needed to do. When we got home he asked when we could go back and was disappointed when I said it would be another six months. I would recommend her hands down and am confident that she is one of the most talented pediatric dentists out there. read more

I dreaded taking my oldest daughter to the dentist for so long because I knew if it was a bad experience it could set the tone for her attitude towards dental hygiene. I put all the recommendations for other moms in a file. I am so glad I waited because I found the best one at our preschool (our children were in the same class). Dr. Shannon's fantastic way with children actually has my 5 & 3 year olds looking forward to going to the dentist. From the minute they walk through the door the fun begins. There are toys for them to play with in the waiting area. They know the sweet, accommodating front office staff. Then it kicks up a notch when they get in the dentist chair. (we have to make deals with them before we arrive who gets to get their teeth cleaned first). Dr. Mary makes it fun for them and explains important things to them about their teeth on a level they can understand and actually takeaway memorable, valuable information. Then, of course, they get to choose a treat. The entire experience is just amazing for them. I am so thankful our family has her as our dentist and I would recommend her to all moms. read more