I deeply appreciate the welcoming and professional space that I walked into today. Dr. Yaquona has set up a dental business that eases the anxiety that may come up when having a dental appointment. He and his staff, along with Laila and Alex, were not only friendly and helpful, but they know what they're doing as well. I had a deep cleaning as well as my first crown and trust that I was in the best of care. Thank you Paseo Dentistry! read more

I am a cancer survivor who has undergone a significant amount of medically necessary imaging over the years, so under the advisement of my oncology team I am thoughtful about additional radiation exposure. I don't refuse imaging that I need. I simply want it to have a clinical purpose and want my decisions about my own healthcare respected. Despite my other health challenges, I have been fortunate to enjoy excellent oral health and came to this practice for routine teeth cleaning only. Before my appointment, I had a very specific conversation with Dr. Yaqouna about limiting X-rays as I was aware as a new patient those are often required before a cleaning. In addition to the X-rays Dr. Yaqouna offered a CT of my head but we explicitly agreed that I would NOT have a CBCT, or 3D dental CT scan, and would instead have limited X-rays. Dr. Yaqouna agreed there was no clinical indication requiring one. Despite that agreement, a 3D dental CT was performed. Someone might reasonably wonder how I didn't realize I was being positioned for the CT I had just declined. The answer is simple: I trusted my doctor. When the assistant positioned me for imaging, I assumed she was performing the limited X-rays we had just agreed upon. Afterward, Dr. Yaqouna wrote to me: "We had clearly discussed limiting X-rays and not taking a CT..." He apologized that this "was not respected," said he took "full responsibility for this error," told me the assistant involved had been formally disciplined, and said the office was taking steps to ensure that "patient consent and communication are strictly followed moving forward." Acknowledgment doesn't undo the exposure. A 3D dental CT isn't simply a photograph of your teeth. It is a CT imaging study that exposes tissues in the head and neck to ionizing radiation. Radiation is enormously valuable when medically indicated. As a cancer survivor, I know that better than most. But radiation exposure without a medical reason is something entirely different. Afterward, I read other patient reviews describing concerns about extensive imaging, treatment recommendations, unexpected costs and feeling pressured toward additional treatment. I cannot know why my CT was performed, and I am not alleging that it was financially motivated. But those reviews added to my concern and made me question this practice's overall approach to imaging and treatment recommendations. If a 3D dental CT could so easily be performed on someone who had explicitly declined it immediately beforehand, I think prospective patients should ask some very basic questions before stepping into any of their imaging machines: What imaging am I receiving? Why is it medically indicated for me? Is this a conventional dental X-ray or a 3D CT? What radiation exposure does it involve? What are my alternatives? And most importantly, when and how am I being asked to consent to it? I was given no explanation of the scan before it was performed, no information about the radiation exposure, and no consent form or other meaningful opportunity to authorize it. In fact, my most recent conversation with the dentist had been the opposite: I had explicitly declined the CT, and he had agreed we would not do it. I have no evidence that this single radiation exposure physically harmed me, nor am I claiming that it did. But that isn't the point. Patients should be able to say no to a medical procedure and trust that no means no. The fact that I cannot prove an unwanted radiation exposure physically harmed me does not make that exposure acceptable, and it certainly doesn't make consent irrelevant. read more

I went in for a long overdue cleaning. They did x-rays and scans. Before the cleaning even began Dr Yaqouna came in, did my exam and rattled off a bunch of numbers to the hygienist. Then the office administrator came in and went over all the my Issues and the costs. $11k They then tried doing a "deep cleaning" which I declined. Definitely getting a second opinion. Then he did the cleaning and it was awful. So painful and rough. At one point I even told him to stop, the hygienist left the room...so awkward. I've never had any experience like that before. Felt very odd being the only patient in the entire practice. Teeth are cleaning but I'm never going back. read more

I've been to this dentist a few times now, and everyone there has been friendly and welcoming. Grace was very helpful and took the time to answer all of my general hygiene questions. Dr. Yaqouna was knowledgeable, kind, and professional. During my first visit, I brought in a treatment plan from another dentist. After examining my teeth, he was able to suggest alternative options that would save me time and even help me avoid needing a crown. I also appreciated how gentle he was when administering the numbing injection. I've never had a dentist be so careful and painless during that process. Overall, I've had a great experience and would highly recommend this office. read more

Went in for a cleaning I was overdue for, this office is in close proximity to my home which made it convenient, and was brand new so I had high hopes. Masked by the new office and state of the art equipment is the same song and dance I have experienced previously (and what is called out in another review for this office). After X -rays (which they always do first to make sure they get to charge your insurance) and a lengthy chat from the Dr., I was told I needed multiple upsell procedures in addition to my cleaning, all of which would not be covered by insurance. When asking how much I was told the "business manager" would come in to explain to me, this was the same person who checked me in at the front desk. Out comes the screen with a bill of almost $1,000 that I would be responsible for, I chuckled and advised that was not going to be something I would be interested in. From there the games began. Was told that since the office was brand new they could extend me a $100 discount (guess they need to pay for all that fancy equipment). After politely declining I was asked to wait in a chair while they went to consult with the doctor, almost like when you are negotiating a car payment and they go to "talk to the manager." They came back with another 10% off which again, I declined. From there the offer was made to go back and speak to the doctor again, at that point I said that was not necessary and began to leave. I was followed out by the business manager and asked if I would like to make an appointment for a return visit, after declining I was asked AGAIN to wait so they could speak to the Dr, I let them know to go ahead and call me with the result of that conversation. I had not even arrived home yet and had gotten a voicemail and email from their office asking why I had left, and that the Doctor was planning on waving all the fees I would need to pay for if I would come back. So we went from $1k to $900 to $800 to free? No one likes going to the dentist anyways, to put this type of dog and pony show on to try and price gouge people makes is deplorable. read more

I am happy to see people are having the same problems i had and or feelings I felt. My daughter and I went in for a cleaning. it was suppose to be free. It ended up costing me 3,000. Then they encouraged us both to see their gum dr. Which I knew would not be covered and it was not necessary. They told me I need 5 crowns. I had been to the dentist less than one year ago and they did one and said I was good. Not only that they quoted me 1,500 per crown. When i found out my insurance covered crowns and asked them, nobody got back to me. Its like massive cattle call, bringing in clients, telling them what they "need". and sending them along with a big hefty bill. Do your research I would avoid any of these Smile franchises, they are privately owned. read more

Happy to say I have a new dentist now! Best dental care in Carlsbad indeed. Equipment is up to date which I love an office who invest in themselves. The healthcare coordinator was very straight forward with my out of pocket cost with my PPO plan. Thank you Dr.Yaqouna for being very educational on my gum health & laser treatment. I am very happy i was able to get my crown & deep cleaning with laser same day. read more

I had a dental emergency and was able to be seen immediately by Dr Yaqouna. Alex was super welcoming and I felt comfortable overall. My tooth was also fixed in a few hours and I was on my way and out of pain. The entire staff is friendly and office is new and so clean! I highly recommend this dental office in Carlsbad. read more

I'm writing this because I genuinely don't want anyone else to deal with what my family just went through. I gave Paseo Dentistry a chance after explaining directly to Dr. Yaqouna how badly things had gone at their affiliated office, Encinitas Smiles. I was very clear: we just needed routine cleanings covered by insurance, and if cavities needed to be addressed, fine. What I did not want was the nonstop upselling and scare-tactics I experienced before--sealants, multiple root canals, claims of periodontal disease, the whole nine yards. Unfortunately, it was the exact same pattern here. I brought my daughter in for a simple cleaning, and--no surprise--they immediately pushed a full upsell package. We declined everything except the "free" sealant they insisted was necessary. The result? My daughter went home unable to even get her retainer in. We had to go back, have them remake the entire retainer, and then wait a full week to receive it. Anyone who's had braces knows how bad that is--going a week without a retainer right after braces are removed is absolutely unacceptable. On top of that, Dr. Yaqouna spent nearly an hour examining her before the cleaning even began. What should have been a 30-minute routine appointment turned into well over 90 minutes of wasted time for something my insurance already covers. Completely unnecessary. After all of this, I can say without hesitation that I will never return to any office associated with Smile Generation, Encinitas Smiles, or Paseo Dentistry. The sales-driven approach, the excessive treatment recommendations, the carelessness with my daughter's retainer, and the disregard for people's time make this place a risk I wouldn't wish on anyone else. If you're considering this office, take this as a serious warning--look elsewhere. read more

Haven't been to the dentist in a few years so I know I needed a lot of work. So happy to have found this office, Dr. Yaqouna is so kind and gentle. They were more affordable than I expected and had great financing options. They also took my HMO insurance! Planning to take my whole family here. read more

This dentist, Yaqouna, is a diamond in the rough. First of all you can tell he really cares!! He is not rushed with my dental care. All staff members are very nice. Alex, thank you for your patient with our finances. This is my Husband's and my first appointment and we are telling all of our family members and friends about our now, today our life long Dentist. Thank you Dr. Sarmad Yaqouna and staff. Highly recommend. read more

Super clean and modern office with a friendly and professional team. Dr. Yaqouna is attentive and caring, and he explains everything clearly, which really makes you feel confident in your dental care. I'd definitely recommend them to friends and family in the area! read more

I have been having trouble finding a good dentist but had some issues so walked into Paseo Dental. I have to say my first impression was really nice. I found the whole staff to be very pleasant and found Dr. Yaqouna to be very clear and informative. Taking the time and not rushing to discuss the issues and the options. Also just a nice guy in general that wants to build a reputable business. I look forward to coming back and bringing my wife. So far I'm very happy with Paseo Dentistry. read more

Came into Paseo Dentistry for a check-up since it had been a few years. The office looked very up to date with all their new technology something I had not seen at other offices I had been to. The whole appointment was very smooth from the front office and meeting the Dr. much quicker than past experiences at other offices. Dr. Yaqouna was very informative on letting me know what was needed to get me back on track with my oral health. I will definitely be coming back and will be referring my friends and family. read more

I had a terrible experience here and will never go back. I decided to try out this new practice since it's really close to my house. An assistant took multiple x-rays and 3-D images of my teeth which took a very long time, but I figured they needed updated records if I was going to be a new patient, so fine. Finally they took me back to the exam room and the dentist begins his examination, starting with checking my gums. He starts reading out numbers I'd never heard before (I know what the numbers typically are from my other dentist). Then he starts showing me the x-rays and telling me I have gum disease and I need a "deep clean" that takes 2 hours and for which I would have to be sedated. I was pretty freaked out and told him I was not interested in doing that. Then they sent in the billing/front desk guy to talk me through the cost ($1,000!!) and offered me a discount. I still said I wasn't comfortable, and they made me sign a waiver acknowledging that I "refused treatment" because the dentist could be held "liable" for not treating me (??). I should have walked out then and there but I said I'll sign the waiver, just give me a normal cleaning please. Finally the dentist came in to do the cleaning and he was very rough. When I winced a few times he acted concerned and offered me novocaine, which I declined. I have never experienced gaslighting like that from a dental office before, it was very upsetting. (I went back to my regular dentist after that, and they confirmed I had "minimal" gum recession that they were keeping an eye on, but I shouldn't be worried.) I'm sure they checked my insurance beforehand and thought they could get away with something. read more

Haven't been to the dentist in years and was able to address all concerns with treatment plans customized to me. Dr. Yaqouna and Natalie were extremely patient, professional, and efficient during my examination and treatment. Alex at the front was very helpful booking my appointment, explaining treatment plan and financial advice. I'm happy to have found such a caring Doctor and staff! read more