Dr. Nguyen and his staff are so nice, professional and so affordable!
A month ago, I noticed I had to take my 7 yr old son to the dentist for premature adult incisors appearing behind his row of baby teeth. I hadn't taken my 2 children, ages 5 & 7 to the dentist for the past 1.5 yrs since moving to LA. I went to another pediatric dentist in Culver City, who said both kids had a total of 3 cavities requiring treatment asap and recommended extractions x2 for the incisors, as well as sealants for both kids. He said I shouldn't wait, and said it'd cost a total of $2200. I was shocked and speechless. No coupon offers, no discounts except a payment plan for 6, 12, or 18 months. He discouraged me from getting dental insurance, saying it's not worthwhile. Although he was a soft spoken, seemed genuinely interested in my trust and money, with state of the art equipment and technology, I wasn't sold. On top of all that, he explained a 'behavior modification contract' in which he'd tap the nose of the kids if they screamed, and if necessary, put them in full body restraints, and nitrous oxide inhaled, aka laughing gas, required for every child to relax them. I am a nurse. I know what's best for my kids. I said, "Heck no!" I had to get a second opinion, and another dentist.
I was referred to Dr. Nguyen by a friend, who has many of his family and friends see Dr. Nguyen. I was worried about having no dental insurance, but his receptionist told me upfront how much xrays and an exam would cost. I couldn't believe my ears. $20 for xrays, and if cavity treatment was necessary, no charges for the xrays, only for the cavity repair, between $60 - 150.
After the xrays were done, Dr. Nguyen said the kids had no cavities, and whether I decided to pull out the baby incisors now or in 6 months, I'd have the same results. He also said sealants were contraindicated for my 5 yr old dtr, who wouldn't be able to sit long enough for the sealants to dry, but moreover - why would you put sealants on baby teeth that are going to fall out in a few years anyways? I was so relieved. He is so realistic, calm, honest and straight forward. I like that, and I liked his approach and philosophy to dentistry, he said he, "calls it like he sees it." He only charged me $40 for the two kids vs. $100 at the other dentist for xrays and pressure to spend more. I decided to have my own teeth examined, xray'd as well as cleaned for only $50.
I am so happy I found Dr. Nguyen, I highly recommend him. Although he is in Chinatown, the parking in his bldg is free. Outside may look a little worn down, but his office is very nice, clean and pleasant! His bathroom is so pretty too - definitely decorated by a female! His assistant is very sweet and sensitive to my kids' needs, as well as the receptionist, who is very keen to make my kids and I feel comfortable and at ease. My friend who originally referred me to Dr. Thien Nguyen said his first name in Chinese means, "A saint," in which I feel he truly is! read more