I'm genuinely disappointed to have to write this review after 15 years as a patient, but this experience was unacceptable and, frankly, the final straw. Without any effort from your office to hear my account or offer even a basic acknowledgment of what occurred, I feel forced to document the facts here. This is part of a broader pattern that reflects a consistent and significant decline in professionalism and patient care. Your recent letter shaming me was despicable, short-sighted and indefensible, and only reinforced how unprofessional and poorly the office is now being managed. Since the departure of Dr. Lusby, a skilled, kind, and exemplary dentist, the practice has deteriorated from the inside out. What was once a patient-focused environment now feels impersonal, transactional, and driven by aggressive upselling just like a used car sales lot. My most recent interaction with your new dental hygienist (apx. 60 y/o, blonde - I was not given her name) was deeply unprofessional and rude. To characterize my behavior as disrespectful is simply untrue and clearly is projection. On the contrary, I remained calm and respectful throughout. Each visit increasingly feels less like healthcare and more like used-car sales lot. The constant pressure to purchase additional services like trays, molds, whitening treatments, unnecessary X-rays every visit, veneers, crowns, and costly memberships, is excessive, unwelcome, and inappropriate. I have never had a cavity, never needed braces, and have maintained consistent cleanings my entire life making me in the top 5 percentile of adults. On this particular day, I was scheduled only for a routine cleaning and polish, and I was clear that I was short on time. During the cleaning, the hygienist aggressively prodded my gums with a sharp instrument. I calmly asked her to "take it easy". Rather than adjusting, she became defensive and continued with increased force blaming it on my poor lack of care. Afterward, she proceeded to pitch two additional procedures, despite my earlier indication that I was only available for a clean and polish. When I politely declined one and said I would consider the other at a later time, she became visibly irritated. I chose not to engage in an argument and reiterated that I was there only for a cleaning and would seek a second opinion if needed. At that point, her behavior escalated dramatically... she abruptly stood up, threw her instrument down, and stormed out of the room, leaving me sitting there. After waiting a couple of minutes, I walked down the hall and calmly asked if she intended to complete the cleaning I had come in for. Her response was, "No. If you're not going to let me do my job, you can leave." When I clarified whether she was refusing to complete the scheduled cleaning I had come in for, she again told me to LEAVE. This came immediately after she had attempted to alarm me by claiming I had periodontal disease, sleep apnea and was a mouth breather. None of which are true as I previously completed a sleep study. Apparently now dental hygienists are allowed to give medical claims as an MD regarding areas of expertise they are not licensed for? Threatening me that I would lose all my teeth if I didn't act immediately, was the final straw. These claims were not only inconsistent with my lifelong dental history but were delivered in a manner that felt more like fear-based high-pressure sales tactics than legitimate medical guidance. Moreover, a second opinion from a different Dentist office confirmed I don't have Periodontitis. Shocking! The accusations in your letter, that I raised my voice (not close), arrived late (I was 4 minutes behind), disregarded staff time (actually disregarding mine), or improperly took photographs of office materials are inaccurate. The only photo taken was of the QR code displayed on your counter specifically for the purpose of leaving this review. Equally concerning is that neither of the dentists made any effort to contact me to discuss the situation or return my call. This lack of accountability stands in stark contrast to the excessive volume of automated emails, texts, and calls your office sends leading up to appointments, along with ongoing solicitations for raffles begging for more clients. It is also not surprising, in this context, that your office appears to have a revolving door of staff this I've gauged over the last decade shortly after Dr. Lusby's retirement. This practice has declined significantly, and I will no longer be a patient. I will also be transitioning my entire family elsewhere for dental care. Additionally, I will share this experience honestly with others, especially those new to the Tahoe area, so they can make informed decisions. I have never been treated with such disrespect. Furthermore, public acceptance here of facts and an apology from you and this dental hygienist would be the right thing to do. Let's see if you do. read more

Sierra Smiles - Cosmetic Dentists Near Me - Zephyr Cove, Nevada

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I was visiting for the week from out of town. I had a filling pop out the first night in town, they were able to get me in immediately. I'm the biggest pansy when it comes to needles and really just being anywhere near a doctor - I let them know and they made the whole procedure relaxing and they were amazing. I honestly would consider coming all the way up for my own appointments in the future! Thank you to the whole team, you all were GREAT!!! read more

Sierra Smiles was a Great Experience for me as a Veteran. The Staff was Great and Friendly and I would recommend Sierra Smiles to anyone in Lake Tahoe who would like Great Dental Care. Pete T. read more

Sierra Smiles - Cosmetic Dentists Near Me - Zephyr Cove, Nevada

Excellent care and very friendly personnel. They have a program for those without insurance that covers two cleanings a year with x-rays and fluoride treatment plus 15% off cavity repair or crowns read more

Very mixed feelings about the place, been with them since 2020 and spent $5-10k of services with them (I lapsed in my 30s and def needed to play catch-up). The good: Dental care is awesome --Dr. Quidwai and her team are fantastic. Basically we get top notch care because good people wanna come to Tahoe to do outdoorsy things, so we're really blessed to have them. The not-so-good: 1. I had to have some oral surgery involving anesthesia and got Dr. Bocchi himself. Evidentally the shot caused nerve damage and I basically lost my sense of touch and taste across half my face for 6 months. Apparently it's due to accidental contact of needle with nerve during injection ("paresthesia"). It totally sucks esp as a Yelper foodie but I feel like mistakes happen, and to their credit, they gave me plenty of after care following the issue. 2. I had a billing issue in 2022 that went unnoticed until their accounting brought it up to me a year later. Turns out there was an insurance filing problem in their back office (maybe an employee issue? never had issues prior, and never had issues after) on 2 payments. By the time they let me know, I've past my 6 months of being able to get reimbursed, and I'm on the hook for $600 or so. I ask to settle this since this was due to their mistake, but instead they dig in, show this fine print that patient is responsible for all payment issues regardless of mistakes, and send me to collections. Not cool at all. In the grand scheme of things the dollar amount is not big, it's the principle of things: I'm really unhappy that they aggressively chose to chase payments and send a debt collector to harass me daily instead of trying to sort it out with me. read more

If you are looking for top-notch service and truly kind care, this is the only place to go. My smile (and my day!) are so much better thanks to them! read more

If you are looking for rapid, high-quality service combined with genuinely kind and supportive attitudes, this is the place to go. They make dental care easy and stress-free. Highly recommend this amazing team! read more

Always great care. Staff explain what they are doing and answer all of my questions. They are all kind, skilled and professional.

Always a good experience at Sierra Smiles in Tahoe. Friendly staff and talented (and gentle) providers. I recommend them if you are in need of a good dentist / cosmetic dentist. read more

Easily the best Dentistry available in Tahoe. Dr. Bocchi and Dr. Quidwai are beyond professional, and they put a very nice human touch on my visits there. Can't recommend enough. read more

Sierra Smiles is always on time, uses the latest technology for teeth cleaning and dentistry, and has eliminated things they don't think help, like fluoride polishing. I get great care and advice from both the dental hygienist and the dentist. read more

The office is efficient and well run. My Hygienist was great- I have TMJ issues and positional vertigo - they are very careful to give me the treatment possible considering these two conditions. read more

My new patient appointment was quick and easy. Staff are friendly, informative, and explained assessments and procedures in a manner that was comprehensible even to someone like me, who doesn't know how many teeth I'm supposed to have. read more

excellent, professional staff, kind, keep smiling. don't eat hard candy, less dental visits. great windows of the outdoors. tahoe tv, outdoor shows. read more

If you want a dentist that will give you a basic teeth cleaning and check for cavities, then in my opinion, Sierra Smiles is NOT for you. They will use high-pressure sales tactics in an attempt to try and upsell you on every service in the book. When you tell them all you want are the basics, they will refuse to service you and ask you to leave. Save your money and find another dentist. Unless you agree to unnecessary services that will cost you thousands of dollars, they are not interested in your business. You have been warned. read more

Agreeing with B.N. comments on 10-24-2023... This dental practice should be taken out of business. I help care for a 92 year old person. They suggested that he have crowns put on his teeth, deep cleaning and the many other things he does not need. He has NO cavities and not one tooth is bothering him. They are just trying to get his Medicare $$. This is absolute elder abuse!! And, theft of insurance funds. Very high pressure sales tactics. Please do not use this dentist read more

Dr. Quidwai and Viviana are a team. I live in South Shore half the year and this Dental operation is top in technology. Had a slam dunk crown in my mouth in 2 hours. They make the crown onsite. Zirconia. One visit. No pain. Dr. Quidwai knows her stuff. Very detailed. I just found out Dr. Q has two yellow labs. Now I like her even better. And Viviana- she has the human touch and is one step ahead of everything. My uncle doesn't have Yelp so he asked me to post this on his behalf. read more

My 2.5 year old has had several check ups at Sierra Smiles and it is always a great experience. Rayleen, her hygienist is so wonderful with her and makes her feel safe. Dr. Quidwai is equally as wonderful. We will definitely continue to come here as a family. read more

Wow...had a chipped tooth on a trip to South Lake Tahoe and they were able to work with my insurance and got me in the next day. Dr. Quidwai and the rest of the team were so friendly and professional, I want to go back! Did a great job on the tooth as well. It's a little far from me in Sacramento, ha...but I'd consider it. read more

Sierra Smiles - Office is on the second floor, use parking garage underneath. - Cosmetic Dentists Near Me - Zephyr Cove, Nevada

They want it to all be about overall heath but can't get it together. They offer a lot of extras to get more $ out of the patients. Not really interested in the patient care. read more

Friendly staff that greeted me with a smile when I waked in made me feel comfortable. Dr. Quidwai and the hygienist were both thorough and gentle. Professional and clean office. I highly recommend to all my friends. read more

WOW! Dr. Quidwai is wonderful. So kind, gentle and listens to you. What a great place. Front desk very professional and this is my new dentist!!!! THANK YOU! read more

To be honest, this place just sucks (in light of better words). The service was absolutely awful and very unprofessional. I came on recommendation from my other dentist as he was uncertain he could take on my case. After going through a consultation, Dr. Bocchi decided to take my case. We discussed a few options and needed to wait until my orthodontic treatment finished 5 months later in October 2020. A day before my appointment and a few weeks prior to getting my braces off, I got a call saying my appointment was cancelled. After asking why, they said they are no longer taking new patients even though my case was to be taken. Apparently I couldn't speak to Dr. Bocchi because he was golfing that week. This was ironic because their Instagram was advertising taking new patients so how strange I was called off. So after calling back and trying to look into my situation, turns they tried saying my insurance was the cause. Not a problem. Called my insurance and turns out Dr. Bocchi's office does take it. As to why they turned me down, I hope there's a good or even logical reason because it's really frustrating to see the staff act like fools when trying to come up with excuses and even worse not allow the doctor to explain why. Have my doubts his practice is as good as others say it is if this is how patients are treated. Fortunately, I got to look into other alternatives with better care and more professional staff. My advice: go to Dr. Rutner for a more accurate and detailed consultation. Very friendly staff and tentative to follow up with you while looking into your situation in detail. read more

Half spa/half dentist experience- it was great! Clean teeth and lots to smile about! Thanks again Sierra Smiles read more

Always a nice Dentist experience at Sierra Smiles, great friendly 'skilled' people there! Get a bonus hot hand wax while you get your dental work done too! Check these guys/gals out! read more

Sierra Smiles - Little care pkg always much appreciated! - Cosmetic Dentists Near Me - Zephyr Cove, Nevada

Back in January, I was looking for a dentist in the South Tahoe area, and I'm so thankful I stumbled upon this place on Yelp. I had my full oral evaluation, oral prophylaxis, and fillings done at Sierra Smiles, and I'm very satisfied with all the services they have provided. Everyone in this office is very friendly and professional, and my visits have been very comfortable and hassle-free! They did all my paperwork for my dental insurance so I didn't have to worry about anything. I'm also very glad at how straightforward Dr. Lusby and Dr. Bocchi are. After my first oral evaluation, Dr. Lusby told me I might have to have two of my wisdom teeth pulled. They scheduled for me to have a second evaluation, and when Dr. Bocchi decided that it would be better to have my impacted wisdom teeth removal done by an oral surgeon, he recommended me to go to Tahoe Oral Surgery instead, where I had a really pleasant experience as well. I'm sure not a lot of people say this, but I'm actually looking forward to my next visit to the dentist! read more

Best experience everyone was so friendly & professional! Kyle helped me & was very nice! I don't love the dentist And he made sure everything was perfect! read more

No wonder this place has such a good rating. really nice place with friendly and informative staff. they set me up with a appointment on short notice for a broken tooth. they gave me options while explaining the benefits of each. they were able to fix the tooth and not pull it. the procedure was quick and DR. LUCAS MCSHOSH made sure I was comfortable. they seemed calm yet sure and the place has modern technology,tvs and view of outside as well. its a little tucked away in a court and signage could be better from outside but as soon as you walk in the building they are on the right. I really hope these guys are part of my new insurance network cause Id be back for sure. read more

Best dentist I have ever visited! I'm just here seasonally and needed a retainer reattached. The reception staff, assistants, and dentist treated me like I'd been their patient for decades. Absolutely fabulous people, service, and experience!!!! Thank you so much! read more

I had a terrible problem with another dentist Dr Lusby. Fit me in right away and took great care of me. I just wished I went to Dr Lusby first After going to dr Lusby I hear how good he is from other people. He takes his time with u and explains everything and his staff is awesome. Also. read more

Once again, Sierra Smiles made my dental experience pleasant and fun. The staff is so upbeat and positive and an absolute pleasure to work with. Lancette performed a deep scaling on my entire mouth in 2 visits. I was quite nervous before my first visit and she did such an amazing job. It was painless during and after! I was not nervous to come in for the 2nd phase of the procedure. I highly recommend Sierra Smiles. They even offer you a relaxing neck pillow with lavender oil, hand parafin wax and headphones while you are in the dentist chair. Sierra Smiles is a dental spa! Thank you! read more

They used the latest technology to diagnose a cavity that wasn't visible on the x-rays and were able to do my filling the same day. Couldn't feel the injection at all, and the procedure was quick and painless. Dr. Lusby and his staff are caring, friendly, and understanding. read more

Sierra Smiles is by far the best dentist office I've visited. I've been a patient here for 7 years and am constantly referring my friends, family and co-workers to experience this wonderful place. The customer service is top notch along with the equipment and doctors. The front office staff is extremely helpful and courteous to any of your needs. They offer hand paraffin waxes as you head back to get started. Its a nice way to relax and makes you feel like you aren't at a typical dentist office. You are then offered a warm neck pillow with the essential oil scent of your choice. Its truly a relaxing experience. Dr. Bocci and Dr. Lusby are both wonderful doctors and I love the high tech equipment they use. read more

Today I went to visit Sierra Smiles for a cleaning. Vicky as always is very kind an professional. I was greeted by Shirley at the front desk, who helped set up my appointment. During my cleaning procedure I had the pleasure to meet with D.D.S. John Bacchi. I have to say I have been going to this Dentist office for over 30 years, and I have always had a great experience with everyone. I highly recommend to anyone who needs quality work, a clean and spotless office and professional care and staff, please make an appointment with Sierra Smiles, I am sure you will also be very please with the service you receive. Thank you again to everyone at Sierra Smiles. Mick read more

Always great and Vicky is always nice and very gentle with her cleanings

I went to see Dr. Lusby and Co. a few weeks ago for a cleaning and it was by far the best experience I have ever had at a dentist office. For someone who is afraid of dentists, I found them to be very professional, had a clean office, and even gave me a great hand massage! The doctor, who is new I think, was kind and made me feel welcome. I am very happy to call this place my dentist office. read more