I am very grateful for the professional care. My children were happy thanks to the care and dedication of the whole team. We will definitely be back to continue my children's treatment. I highly recommend it. read more

Play area up front is great to get kids distracted before their appointment or for siblings to hang out. Office staff are super nice and are happy to answer any questions or point you in the right direction. Dentist is so great, kid had a tooth pulled and the experience didn't scare her for future visits! Highly recommend. read more

10/10 great with kids! Made the kiddos feel at home and made them feel very comfortable during the xrays and teeth cleanings. My kids loved the staff and office was very kid friendly and welcoming . Can't wait to go back in 6 months. read more

The change in ownership has really taken this place downhill. I've been trying for months to transfer my children's records and cancel their appointment. Every time I call I am assured it is taken care of, unfortunately, it never is and I receive another automated appointment reminder call and their new dentist has yet to receive their records (their new dentist has been overwhelmed with patients flooding in from Safari Smiles and surprise-all have issues getting records transferred). our last visit to Safari both my children complained about how rough their exams were and it was painful, in 17 & 13 years, they have never complained. Take your kids anywhere else! read more

This practice has gone completely downhill since the retirement of Dr French. First, they didn't even tell me they had taken over in February when I took my children for their check ups. The Dr didn't even acknowledge or introduce herself to me. At check out I was told I owed for a visit the year before (7/25) when I questioned it I was told it was waived. Fast forward 6 months later and I get a bill for February service AND JULY 2025!!!! What!?! I called and spoke with Dinesh who couldn't give me any information on why they didn't charge me the time of service. I questioned again July 2025 billing. I informed him I would be contacting delta dental. As I was on the phone with delta dental, they confirmed they had paid all of our services for July 2025. Funny thing as I was on the phone with them I got a text from safari smiles with new updated billing removing July 2025. This is insurance fraud. They were paid! As I did more research with delta dental, this visit was no longer billed as preventative treatment and now I have a copay, this wouldn't be a problem if I had been informed, but their first communication was 6 MONTHS LATER!!!! Anybody reading these reviews please note that the 2 4 and 5 star reviews are from brand new accounts from San Francisco. Yes, both have the same exact info. They are not from this community! Also, lastly go to the website on this page and it has been deactivated. Very shady business. Please do your research before coming to this business. read more

New owners. Completely unprofessional. New dentist Dr Mishra (sp), gave my son nitrous/oxygen for over an hour during a procedure to "calm him". He wasn't even nervous, she called him to ideal patient. But gave it to him anyways "just in case". Never flushed him with oxygen. He had a horrible reaction. Chills, dizzy, vision problems, throwing up. Also I had to have her remove her 4-5 yr old son that was hanging on the back of her chair moving it around while she was drilling in my son's mouth. Complaints will be filed with the dentistry board! read more

Safari Smiles Dental - Pediatric Dentists Near Me - Sonora, California

We stopped going here. The standard of care and level of customer service has severely gone downhill. I had to get my child a second opinion regarding what that new dentist said following the exam. I had a bad feeling about her, and I was right, because the other dentist said she was wrong about my child's teeth. And many months after the last time we went to this place, the office staff hounded me, calling me, texting me, and emailing me all on the same day over an issue they raised, being aggressive in the email as if I were a rotten person who had personally offended THEM. This place is setting themselves up to go out of business, and it doesn't sound like Sonora will miss them. read more

We scheduled with Safari Smiles Pediatric Dentistry specifically to see a provider our children had seen in the past. On the day of the appointment, I briefly spoke with him in the office, which gave no indication that there had been a change in who would be providing care. However, once we were taken back, our children were seen by a different dentist/owner without clear communication or consent to that change. During the appointment, I was repeatedly talked over and interrupted while asking questions about my children's care. When I asked about treatment recommendations--including ingredients in products being used--I was told they were "safe." More detailed information was only provided after repeated requests, and I had to ask directly not to be spoken over in order to continue the conversation. The treatment plan raised concerns, so we sought a second opinion. The difference was significant--our son was given a full all-clear, and our daughter was recommended less than half of the work. Billing has been equally concerning. The visit was processed as out-of-network despite being scheduled with what was represented as an in-network practice. Since then, we've received repeated texts and calls requesting payment, but no itemized bill despite multiple requests and providing our address more than once--only links demanding payment. Our insurance (United Concordia) was also contacted by this office with incorrect information about our payment status. We are working directly with insurance to resolve this properly. We are willing to pay any legitimate balance owed, but not without clear, itemized billing and professional communication. Parents should be able to ask questions and receive clear, respectful answers when it comes to their children's care. That was not our experience here. Based on our experience, I cannot recommend this dentist. read more

The whole vibe has changed. The front clerical man doesn't seem to know what's going on, but yet he sure knows how to schedule your next appt and/or take your payment. It's not a happy & fun place anymore. Both my boys refuse to go back. Now I have to find a new dentist. read more

New dentist/owner, front office staff is incredibly rude. I took my daughter there last week for a check up. I was made to pay without being able to receive a detailed invoice. I finally received the invoice/receipt yesterday and was charged for x-rays and a cleaning that was not done to my child. I replied to the email asking for a refund and was asked to call. When I spoke to the male at the front desk, he was INCREDIBLY RUDE saying that it is a flat rate and I have to pay that no matter what. I calmly explained that part of the services were not completed, and it was not even offered and I declined. He got very upset asking me what I didn't understand and saying that if I saw a dentist, I owed the money. I asked to speak to the manager- he claimed he was the manager, I asked his name- he refused, I asked to speak to the dentist or the practice owner- he said no and hung up. I immediately called back, spoke to a nicer lady, asked to speak to the dentist or practice owner- after some shuffling in the background, I was transferred back to the previous rude male- he claimed then that he was the practice owner, then I let him know I just talked to him and he said he was the manager. I asked for the practice owner's name and he said he will not give it to me and hung up. Needless to say, we will not be taking any of my kids back. read more

My son is 11 and I brought him here after having a bad experience with another dentist. The new owner Dr. Misha came in and out of the office with gloves and did not change them. She said he had a small cavity that needed to be filled and didn't think he needed to be numbed. She started drilling and he screamed..... he began crying and shaking I asked her to numb him and she says okay but I won't give him very much. Then starts drilling again and he screamed out in pain ......horrible dental experience for my child... they WAY over book and she is in and out and running all around the office. This feels like a Western Dental office.... Horrible Horrible . I will not bring my child back here. I feel like now it will be that much harder to gain his trust going to a dentist. Why was she so reluctant to numb him ????? My son was reaching for my hand and I went to hold his hand and she kept telling me to sit down......NOPE!!!!!!!! Absolutely awful dental office for kids. read more

The new ownership is very disappointing. The dentist was a hour late into the building and unfriendly. She numbed my daughter's mouth and then started drilling on the wrong side that wasn't numbed. Both kids that had fillings were in pain for days following as I believe a nerve was left exposed. I will never go back there! It's unfortunate because we had wonderful experiences with Dr. French. read more

This place is the best for kids! Both of mine loved going. The staff are all friendly. Dr. French was great with working with me paying out of pocket. Highly recommend bringing the kids in for their first check up here! read more

This review is long overdue. The doctors and staff at Safari Smiles knock it out of the park every time we visit. Everyone seems to really care and love their jobs. I really wish I had this kind of place when I was a kid because they really know how to make dental appointments FUN! Imagine that? read more

Dr French has been our kids dentist for over 13 years and we love him! My son has had 2 issues that required talking to him over a weekend and he gives you the his personal phone number! And the last time I was in his office he offers you a heated cloth in either lemon or lavender! I am so impressed with Dr French and his staff. read more

Absolutely the best! You walk in to a child's world! They do every they can to give your child the best experience! After X-rays, cleaning, and check-ups you get to choose a balloon and a token to pick a special prize. If you are lucky, you even get a reward for no cavities! Everyone welcomes you with a smile. The environment is clean and playful. When it's not covid they have a full on game room equipped with video games and toys to play with. You might even catch Dr. French welcoming you with ice cream sun glasses on! Thank you, Laura and Shelly for always making Remy's trips enjoyable! We both love you all!!! read more

Absolutely would not recommend treatment at this location. This facility refers to their patients or the patients guardians as "customers" rather than patients or guardians of the patient. I have never been to a healthcare of dental facility where the term "customer" was used. In addition to that, the dentist at this facility does not seem confident in his ability to decide which treatment is best and he is not good at answering questions. He doesn't actually listen to the concerns of the parents, he just kinda says what he thinks and brushes you off, which is very disconcerting when your child is in pain and you want to be 100% confidence they're in good hands. When researching possible treatment options for our child, nearly every website recommended the same things. However, the Dentist at Safari Smiles recommended something completely different. On top of that online it states that: "if it is only a small chip on your child's tooth your pediatric dentist may recommend doing a resin filling. Probably the most common, simple, and INEXPENSIVE route for a chipped tooth is bonding. This process consists of applying or bonding a composite resin to your tooth's surface to fill in the chip area." However when asking about what I read online he said "well if thats what ya want that's what we'll do"...but "just so you know its very EXPENSIVE." So what multiple dental websites say online and what the dentist here says completely contradict eachother. To top it off, this facility unlike many others, does not provide you with a preauthorization ahead of time so you know exactly what procedure is recommended, what your insurance will pay and if there are any out of pocket expenses. They only offered to provide one literally seconds before the scheduled appointment time after I asked, which is completely unacceptable. Lastly I must comment on what I witnessed this morning and I can't make this up. I saw the dentist literally roll up to the facility 5 minutes before our scheduled appointment time, how unprofessional is that? Then when checking into the facility there was no front desk staff even though it was time for our child's appointment there was a sign displayed saying staff was in a meeting. When the lady finally appeared 5 minutes past our appointment time, there was no good morning, how are you guys doing this morning or an apology about them running late. Instead just a very blunt and cold "were still in a meeting, we'll be with you in a minute." When voicing our very reasonable concerns the lady at the front desk ended up walking away and laughing, not taking our concerns seriously in the slightest way. So yes this facility has video games, balloons, stickers and lollipops for your kids, but there's MUCH more to operating a professional healthcare / dental facility than just giving the kids gifts. The dentist themself should be professional, well spoken, and more than anything instill confidence in the parents than they know what they're doing. It shouldn't be "well if thats what ya want, that's what we'll do." Overall again would absolutely not recommend this facility if you want to be respected, treated with dignity and most of all know your child is in good hands. read more

They have all the fun kids stuff which makes it more enjoyable for littles, but unfortunately they over-diagnose & recommend treatments that aren't necessary. Dr French scared my son during a treatment because he didn't like the mask & the dr raised his voice and said "no no!" when he went to take it off. That's just not appropriate bedside manner for a 5 year old who's nervous. Additionally they don't inform you of all of your options regarding cavity treatments. I was also told they do not have a dental hygienist, only assistants that clean teeth. We've been at bother dentist and I can see a clear difference. read more

As mentioned by a other reviewer, Dr. French over treats and doesn't present a variety of options. I spent several years being convinced that my child had poor teeth that he said was likely "hereditary" and that the only treatment was expensive sedation dentistry. I finally found another highly recommended dentist for my child and suddenly we went from multiple of cavities every six months, to zero cavities in two years. Additionally he is very awkward around kids. read more

My kids and I fell in love with this office the moment we stepped inside. Such a fun environment. My 2 year old was instantly comfortable and big teenagers thought it was cool too. The staff were all very helpful and friendly and Dr. French was very nice and explained everything thoroughly. The only thing I didn't care for was that I was told for my sons 1 cavity, they use nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Apparently they don't do any shots. So, for me, I would prefer the shots, but other than that, I was very happy with our first visit here. read more

Words cannot describe the appreciation i have for dr. French and his fabulous team. After getting off the bottle my toddler had acquired FOUR Cavities, as his mother i felt embarrassed! I took my son to safari Dental with the intent of building a great relationship and great dental experience.. you see, i am TERRIFIED of the dentist and did not want my son to feel fearful of the dentist. The office is incredibly child friendly, animals, tvs, games etc. They speak directly to my son and let him pick out his own movie. They introduced all the tools to him... who could be afraid of Mr. Thirsty or Mr. Whistle. My son just had his third visit yesterday, two filings not a tear from my two year old! He is now cavity free and is already asking to go see the denrist again because "he is my Friend" says my son! I fully recommend this office to anyone with children.. i drive an hour just to see this dr. read more

I recently took my beautiful granddaughter to her FIRST dental appointment. We knew she would be hesitant but this office is AMAZING! Scheduled the appointment with ease, the staff members Jenn and Laura were so friendly. Jamie did her best to start out the visit, very upbeat. Movies on the ceiling and kid friendly environment. Dr French even came in with ice cream sunglasses on to put her at ease. If you want your child to be excited to go to the dentist...start here. Great foundation for a lifetime of dental compliance. It was wonderful to be part of a very important milestone in her life. Thank you to Dr French and his team! read more

I have 3 children, one of whom has autism. I was so scared to bring him in because we have had horrible experiences from dentists who do not know how to treat children with autism. So my son came with a lot of anxiety. The hygienists were phenomenal! And the dentist was amazing! And the front desk is so awesome. We have been going there now for 3 years and as long as we live here my kids will be going to this office. read more

My daughter is 4 and has been to see Dr. French several times. The last time she had to go, they hygenist and the DR. were yelling while they were talking to my daughter, and kept talking the entire time, which made my daughter anxious and upset. They started the procedure, administered the shot, and put the raincoat in her mouth, which is the worst part, and she began crying, however, she wasnt moving or trying to get away. He stopped doing the procedure, gave us information about doing anesthesia, which is performed in a surgery setting at the hospital. Really!! Your suppose to be a kids dentist and know how to treat a child. Now My daughter's tooth is hurting her and I am going to have to find another dentist. Completely unacceptable and ridiculous. read more

My kids love going to the dentist - because at Safari Smiles their experience is always a good one! French and his very nice dental hygienists are super great with kids. I recommend them to any family. read more

LOVE Dr. French and his staff. I have three boys who actually LIKE going to the dentist. They have movies, games and the staff treat my kids very well. My oldest son had a bad experience with another dentist when he was little and Dr. French is very attentive and compassionate. I cannot recommend Safari Smiles enough! read more

First time visit to Safari Smiles with my daughter last week and was blown away with how beautiful and clean the office was. When they say Safari Smiles, they really mean it. Everywhere there were cute decorations of safari animals, a play room with video games and stuffed animals which my daughter loved. The entire staff was warm and welcoming which I haven't felt before and some other dental offices. Overall a great experience, Dr. French and his team were great and now my daughter can't wait to go back for another check up! read more

Thank goodness for this place!! After 2 horrible appointments at 2 other local dentists, I'd had enough. My daughter loves it here and no longer fears the dentist! Staff is friendly, dr French isn't too rough, and they give a decent cash discount for folks that don't have the insurance they take. Also, knowing that someone is cash pay, if something comes up that needs to be done right away, they will attempt to make it cheaper (they didn't charge me for nitrous when she needed a cavity quickly filled). Overall, love our experiences there! read more

Dr. French is a wonderful man. He and his beautiful wife travel to Vietnam to help children with dental problems. These people are lovely human beings! Dr. French has gone out of his way to help my two sons. He has a wonderful office filled with games, giant giraffes, and sunlight. But it is his thoroughness and professional attitude that is the attraction. Prior to Dr. French, we had been to two dentists that read the x-rays with very wrong diagnosis causing me to travel far to a specialist that was never needed. That all ended when we went to Dr. French. His treatments are very detailed, and I always know that my sons are in great hands. My sons are thrilled to see him each time! We have been visiting Dr. French for years, and I am happy to say the entire Safari Smiles office is not 5 stars that I gave on the Yelp review...they are 10 stars!! Thank you guys! read more

Dr. French is awesome with little kids! Him and his staff are so friendly and patient, my kids actually enjoy going to the dentist!