Dr. Skahen is an excellent dentist whom I highly recommend, AND I want to go a step further and give him a shout out for showing graciousness and empathy in this self-centered world. I was a little sketchy about what my new dental plan covered, and when I saw the Dr today for the first time, I discovered that the plan did not cover what I thought it did. As a courtesy, he went forward with the appointment and waived the unexpected fee. I don't see this old school level of spontaneous generosity anymore in the OC. I should also add that the staff is exceptional. read more

Well, this place has changed. And not for the better. When I first started going here, Dr. Watson was still alive and his only partner was Dr. Niven and they were at the former location. The staff and doctors were amazing. They felt like family. My teeth were cared for and I was cared for. I recommended them to several friends and even took an ex-boyfriend there for a ton of dental work and he said it was great. Fast forward. Dr. Watson passed away. Dr. Niven I guess picked up stakes and went to Scotland or something. New partner and new doctors added. New office was pretty, but I don't go to the dentist for the office interior. The only thing I looked forward to was getting my teeth cleaned by Susan Hardy. She did not force those ultrasonic teeth scrubby tools on me which I know makes the process faster, but it hurts like hell and I would rather chew glass. Then I found out that they let her go!!! I dunno, I guess she wasn't zipping patients through like a burgers on a conveyor belt with the ultrasonic teeth grinder thing. My husband said they pressured him to have the ultrasonic teeth grinder and then tried to upsell him on some stuff which neither of us had ever experienced and he was really surprised and weirded out. Then I got a call from some guy who I didn't know (Cari is the second reason why I went there, she was family) and he was just like, "Oh Susan is not available, you will be getting Ashley." Ummm what? So let me get this straight. You move offices further away. Yay for you for needing to add doctors to the staff, but then you (Niven) also leave and now I have Dr. Skahen, random doctors, and random hygienists who want to treat me like a burger on a conveyor belt and sell me some swag? I swear it felt like a family divorce. I had been going to Watson Niven for over twenty years and my husband nearly twenty years. I requested my records be transferred to a new office and they get me/us. They take their time like Susan used to so that they can ensure our comfort during a process most people hate. I am sorry Dr. Watson up in heaven. We had to go. That was not the practice that you built. read more

This is a new business established last year. The new owner is Skahen. The staff did not inform me that the practice [doctor] was no longer going to be Dr. Niven. They also did not inform me that my dental hygienist left. I think they expected to have me walk in for my appointment and be perfectly ok to be told in that minute that the staff and ownership had changed - even though I had been seeing Dr. Niven for almost thirty (?) years. Not professional, dude... read more

I was seen by the dentist Dr. Kim on Tuesday , June 16th, and her outstanding assistant Luke. Dr. Kim had to cut a fractured bridge, which will be removed by Periodontist later today. Dr. Kim did an excellent job, once she numbed the area, I felt no pain. If you looking for dentist I highly recommend Dr. Kim, you will not be disappointed. I have another appointment with Dr. Kim to have a crown prepared, and I have no fear of my future dental appointments. Thank you very much Dr. Kim and Luke. read more

So thankful for this wonderful dental team! I received excellent care through the years from Dr Kim. Everything is painless, professional, and enjoyable each time I come to see her. She just saved one of my teeth with her gentle hands, expertise, and hard work. I'm very blessed to have met her. I also had a chance to meet Dr Skahen who I know I can trust the care of my family with his expertise as well. Also, shout out to Cari and Luke for making every visit a great one! read more

To begin with my main purpose was to have a teeth cleaning which I had with someone I did not know and I left her chair feeling as if my teeth were not cleaned. I have made an appointment with a local hygienist to have a cleaning because I want to know my teeth were cleaned and not just hosed down! In this appointmentj After my HORRIBLE CLEANING i requested a LOOKSEY BY THE DENTIST, DR SKAHEN. i think he felt it was more of an interagation. I didnt know him so i asked him some questions. I discovered he has no self esteem and therefore needs to be the in charge or he gets rid of any intimidating source so he can keep his crown. I didnt realize in tryjng to explain to him why i felt i no longer belonged there at the practice, he was figuring out what statements to use against me in order to fire me as a patient. I have been a patient of Dr Watson since before Dr Skahen was born. Dr Watson was a new Dentist and it was in the 1990's. Dr Watson and since Dr Niven had buit a practice that was more of a family. Patients came first! Everyone was important and included in the practice. Staff and patients were equally as important. But then Dr Watson became terminally ill and Dr Niven needed to have someone to depend on so he looked in his sachet of friends and came up with spoiled little Dr Skahen. His introduction letter alarmed me. I talked to Dr Niven about it and told him i was uncomfortable with him. He was more about the golden spoon in his mouth then his personal ccomplishments as a dentist. We learned about the yacht club, weekend surfing, growing up in Irvine, and whose who when you're Dr Skahen! I wasnt from his side of the tracks and expressing my concern to him got me kicked out of the dental practice that i had considered being part of for some 40 years. I was not only not and irvine or New Port Beach resident. I didnt even come from orange county and i don't think he could stand having his hands in the mouth of someone from the Inland Empire! My advice to you is if you visit Dr Skahen becareful what you share. Don't say anything that might intimadate him because two days later i received a regstered letter telling me i was not welcome back! I think maybe that is what happened to those employees that i felt helped make the office feel like family. Did he fire them? We will never know but i am sure he made them feel no longer welcome. The one who made sure i wasnt destroying my teeth with my tooth brush and the little one who always held my hand while getting my injection's were surely missed by me but they were not hired by him. Won't be long before he has an all skahen dental office. He was just waiting for Dr Niven to announce that he was not returning from his sabbatical to make the entire office his own! I was not returning knowing Dr Niven was not coming back anyway. Dr Skahen was not worth 2 hours of traffic to come and have a tooth filled. I prefer a dentist that is a little bit more sure of his quallities as a dentist and depends less of his Irvine born and bred golden spoon from Mommy and Daddy! l'm twice his age. Does he really think i don't know his type? This review is not one i think he was expecting but it is this former patient of Dr Watson's and Dr Niven's opinion! After seeing the dentist of my choice 5 minutes from my front door i was given the news that i had a very large cavity that my new dentist cannot understand how it was missed. So large that it now needs a root canal. It sort of upsets me because Dr Shahen sent me to have a root canal after my last visit from him and the very next visit i was sent to an oral surgeon to have the exact same tooth extracted. Could he not see that the tooth was bad enough that the root canal should have been bypasssd saving me a lot of pain, anxiety and money and going straight to the extraction phase? He just isnt a very good dentist. So he told me he didnt see anything wrong with me teeth this time and i exclaimed "REALLY" Dr. Skahen took that as me not believing in his professional opinion! I was just surprised never having heard a dentist say that to me before. Apparently i should have exclaimed in disbelief because he missed a large enough cavity that was visable from the naked eye. He had better keep that golden spoon that his mommy and daddy provided him with because he is a lousy dentist. At least i think so! Good luck. read more

Amazing redoing of my front teeth Dr SKAHEN is a perfectionist I am very happy I strongly recommend him read more

For me, going to the dentist is necessary every 6 mos. or so. Happy I go to Dr Skahen. He and his entire staff make the experience efficient, comfortable, and effective. A patient for years, this is my first review of any practice ( 9 on a scale of 1-10), and I'm grateful to all the staff for making my appointments welcoming and rewarding. David C read more

This office is amazing ! Very professional and nice ..I had dental work done today by Dr Skahen and he is so kind and gentle ..he made me feel so comfortable ! His dental assistant Gemma was wonderful and caring and made me feel relaxed before all the dental work started ! His staff is amazing and made my experience exceptional ! I highly recommend this dental office !! read more

I have had many dental issues and have seen many dentists over the years. I recently moved to this area from LA and was fortunate enough to find this office. My first visit was with Dr. Skahen. My experience was outstanding. I had lost a crown on a Sunday and it was very painful. Dr. Skahen had me come to his office on that same day to start the process by taking impressions. That would be unusual even for an established patient. He was patient, caring and the explanations he gave showed he was highly knowledgable. I also appreciated the lack of any "upsell". My former dentist always tried to sell me on porcelain crowns for molars that sat far back in my mouth and not visible, rather than gold, which is cheaper. I could never understand that, and Dr. Skahen told me it was not necessary. Paytra was the hygienist who cleaned my teeth. She did a thorough gum exam and pointed out things that I had not known about before, like inflammation in your gums can affect your whole body. I could hear almost everything that was going on in the office from the cubicle where I sat for the cleaning. I heard a lot of friendly banter among Dr. Skahen, patients and staff, which made for a very warm and inviting vibe. read more

LOVE THIS TEAM! we came over a few years ago when our longtime dentist retired. grateful this practice stayed carefully open during pandemic. hygienist jackie has totally upped my personal dental care, so enthusiastic and encouraging. dr niven is terrific, super experienced, focused and friendly. carrie and front desk team send you out feeling great--our whole family agrees! read more

At 85 I have been to a lot of dentists. This office is the best. Well run, pleasant and very very competent. You will not go wrong if you give them a try. read more

I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Scott Niven for all of your dental needs. I started coming here about three years ago and could not be happier. The office staff is extremely friendly, the offices are very clean and safe, the hygienists are exceptional, and Dr. Niven is extremely professional, friendly, knowledgeable and takes the time to explain things to you clearly. I could not be happier with my experience here and no longer dread going to the dentist - I actually look forward to seeing all of their smiling faces. read more

Dr. Scott Niven has been my dentist for almost five years now. I have always received professional, helpful service by the doctors and hygienists. Hygienist Susan H. in particular does a tremendous job with cleaning, and recommendations. She's a pleasure and an asset to the practice. Their administrative staff understands insurance coverage inside and out; never any issues. I highly recommend Watson & Niven Dentistry Practice! read more

I have been Dr. Niven's patient for about 8 years for a variety of dental issues from routine checkups to implants. In addition to being a truly nice person,he has been very accessible to answer any question or concern. In fact, he has initiated calls to check that things were progressing as they should. Also, the "elves" in his office are pleasant and efficient. Cute too! Thank you again, Irene. read more

I came to Dr. Watson upon the recommendation of my childhood dentist. After moving back to Southern California earlier this year, I sought a cleaning and check-up with a different dentist and had a horrible experience. Upon leaving their offices, I immediately looked for a new doctor and am so happy I landed with Dr. Watson and his team. The office is spotless. The staff is incredibly informed and welcoming. Dr. Watson was very transparent, explaining everything he was doing, and gave a recommendation for care that I was comfortable with. I really appreciate the early morning appointment slots. I work close to San Diego and it's so helpful that I can still arrive to work on time after seeing Dr. Watson in the morning. So stoked to have found a new spot to have my teeth cared for here! read more

Got in early Monday on an emergency. Carrie so sweet and on the ball. Dr Watson so sweet as always and assessed the situation and gave me options. I love this office read more

Dr Watson and his staff are absolutely the best. I was so incredibly lucky to have been referred to t

One of the top notch dentistry practices in the area. Been going to them for 24 years. Excellent service, friendly staff, and knowledgeable on all aspects of dentistry. I plan to get invasalign next. read more

This is hands down the nicest dentist office i have ever been in. The staff is so sweet and so welcoming even early in the morning. I was greeted politely with a cold water on a hot day. When i was sat in the chair. I had a nice conversation with the dental assistant. Everyone in here is so genuine. Before i started mt examination, Dr. Scott Nevin cared more about my day and my life than most of my close friends. Such an amazing experience and i will never attend another dentist again. If youre looking for quality, attention to detail, and honest opinions with the absolute fairest price possible, look no further. I can genuinely say im happy to come to the dentist now because when you walk in here its like youre family. 15 out of 10 would recommend. read more

My family has been coming to this office for years. The front office is a very comfortable place to be while I'm waiting to be seen. Dr. Niven makes going to the dentist a fun experience. During my procedure with him I was able to wear virtual reality googles to watch a movie. As I enjoyed my movie I had no discomfort and honestly kind of forgot what he was doing. A big thanks to all the staff that make Dr. Watson and Dr. Niven 's office so special...... read more

I felt welcomed from the beginning to the end of my appoint. Scott Niven makes you feel at ease and did the most thorough job of explaining what's going on with my mouth and teeth. Very impressive. read more

After a bit of a break (well, about 3 years or so), my wife nagged me enough to go to the dentist, but first I had to find one. Luckily, in doing the search, one of my old friends popped up, and even luckier, he's damn good! The office, people, and service are nice, and they do everything they can to make you comfortable. The regular checkup and cleaning went well. I also paid them a second visit for a couple small surface cavities/restorations - definitely the best experience I've had getting a cavity filled, Scott was great about managing the pain, and the machine they have for Novocaine ( slowly injects the stuff from one location, instead of the usual needle prick - fluid pressure - pain involved, its basically zero pain) is awesome. I was out in about 30 minutes, and after a bit of drooling I felt fine. There was an error submitting my insurance claim (I'm double-covered under my wife's work and my work's policies), but it was resolved after a couple months. I'll definitely be going back every 6 months, and finally I won't be nervous about going to a dentist. I'd recommend him to anyone. Update: 2 of my co-workers have gone to Scott on my recommendation, and they have been extremely happy with his service as well. read more

Dr Niven is a professional - experienced; with strong referrals; openness and honesty. Appointments are timely - efficient front desk, friendly staff. Gina did my cleaning with attention to detail - very knowledgeable and experienced. read more

Dr. Niven and Staff January 2016. What I discovered here. From Marta at reception to every single one of the staff, I have never seen a practice or business where every one of the team made such a positive impression on me. You comprise the most efficient and polished group of colleagues and professionals I have ever had the pleasure to be served by. While my care took months, and a team of Doctors coming in from outside the practice, all made made me feel like I was the only patient! This kind of a team is almost impossible to create. This fact speaks to the incredible talent and demeanor of one of your leaders. I have not had the pleasure to meet Dr. Watson--I feel sure that he is yet another Dentist here that walks on water. I understand the bosses surf, yes? The Navy had my husband stationed in Naples, Italy when it came time to update my dentistry and get my fourth set of 10 Crowns, upper front. The American Naval hospital housed a dental clinic with limited resources. Got my first set of crowns and pontic after two years of braces when I was 11, dealing with upper canines genetically missing. Prior to that I had minor oral surgery in 1950--the point is I have kind of been there and seen that in the dental medical practice. Since then, being a Navy family moving every two years to a different state or country the family received Dental care from a vast variety of practices. When my husband retired in 1987 we relocated to Laguna Beach. By then I was back in the workplace and a colleague recommended his dentist when I needed help for what became a root canal. What has this to do with you? I remained with that practice for 27 years. Had an upsetting experience with the dentist that caused me to look elsewhere for dental care. Some of you know I have been in International Business traveling the world at least 75% of each month. Had a root canal procedure while in Canada, and often needed dental care while on the road. I believe in networking. Ask enough people for help and you get led to the right place. Sooo, I was at a handmade chocolate store in Laguna Beach, and mentioned to the woman behind the counter if she knew of a good dentist. (There is a moral here.) Coincidentally, she had been in the dental business years ago and told me, find a graduate of UCI! She said they are the best. Googled for UCI grads--interviewed three in Newport. My business practice (I ran International Expansion for Coldwell Banker Real Estate) teaches a process to follow when attempting to deal with any issue needing resolve. Listen to Understand Diagnosis Current State Develop a plan to deliver solutions Schedule the delivery of the plan Deliver Measure the success Monitor the situation Improve the plan and then, start the process all over. By now I am convinced you are all wondering what the heck I am talking about. The only Dentist that followed this cycle of "diagnosis" happened right here with Dr. Niven. Instead of taking me into the chair to start looking in my mouth, he consulted and asked questions in the consultation room! What a unique idea! He was told of my disappointment with my current dentist, and heard most of the history I have just presented. On the next visit he took X-rays and told me I had 10 cavities, under crowns! I was in plain language shocked! I also needed 7 root canals as the cavities were invasive. and--he presented me with 3 alternative plans. (Refer here back to my list of resolving issues.) To keep this letter from becoming a term paper, I will close. I am now the proud owner of 28 new shiny porcelains. Took awhile but you all were instrumental in making a very upsetting issue bearable. Dr. NIven, you are blessed to have the team around you. And to the team, you are all blessed to be working with a man of his talent, skill and personality. Wishing you all a healthy and fruitful 2016. read more

Dr. Niven has been our family dentist for several years. He's an excellent dentist and is especially good in how he communicates with patients. Dr. Niven is great about telling you what's going on and giving you options. Then he let's you decide. There's never been a time when I felt he put his own interest ahead of my family's. The staff are all very friendly and do their best to make your appointment pleasant. read more

Luckily, I was referred to Dr. Niven by my periodontist and I am extremely pleased with Dr. Niven and his staff's professionalism and kindness. It is wonderful to find such a great resource. Going to the dentist can always be a bit unnerving but these folks make it very comfortable and calm. I am stoked to have them as my dentist. read more

I always have a positive experience when I go to this dental office. The staff is very friendly, professional, and seem to enjoy their jobs.

Have nothing but wonderful things to say about Dr. Niven and the entire office. From the front office to the back, very warm, friendly and professional. Have recommended and will continue to recommend to anyone who asks for a fabulous dentist. read more

I was referred to Dr. Watson after my Dentist retired. After going to him for a couple of years now I find him to be a great dentist and I appreciate his care and concern for me and my health. My two daughters and my wife as well as my granddaughter use Watson and NIven and I hear rave reviews from them as well. They also offer for you to watch a movie with google and headphones when they are doing work on your teeth. I chose Star Wars, my favorite! I highly recommend Watson and Niven for their professionalism and the relaxed environment they have created in their office. read more

Dr. Niven, Andi, Karey and the whole team are very skilled, super friendly and put the patient first! I've had a lot of appointments that required more of their time and talent than anticipated and they were always happy to make it work. read more

It's so refreshing to have a great dentist again. I moved to California about 10 years ago, and have been bouncing around dentists for the decade, trying to find a place that fit my expectations. I can say with certainty, Dr. Niven's practice is just that. Immediately upon walking in, you're greeted with a warm office, friendly and professionally staff, and a kind doctor. I love that this office obviously takes pride in their workplace, keeping it impeccably clean, and decorated nicely. It takes away that bit of anxiety we all get while sitting in the waiting area before any dental procedure. I have seen Dr. Niven 4 times now, and all four times I have left happier than the time before. You can tell that Dr. Niven really knows what he is talking about, and keeps up with current trends and modern improvements in dentistry, something I really respect, yet he is very down-to-earth as well, making friendly conversation just as comfortable. I don't know much about teeth, so it's really refreshing to have a dentist that sits down and reviews the x-rays, and information in full before we jointly make any decisions about how to proceed with getting the needed work done. I never felt pressured nor cheated like other offices I have been to in the past, where the work was imposed upon me, with little detail or information other than the old "you need this". Dr. Niven and his team have a ton of technology at their disposal as well, something that was entirely new to me: I was numbed with a machine that made it basically painless, and that had always been one of the worst parts for me. Then, during the actual procedure, I was given a set of movie glasses that allowed me to watch a selection of movies they had on-hand (great choices), which distracted me for the whole filling! Overall, every single appointment I have had there has been a slam dunk. My only complaint is that there isn't a lionfish in the gigantic aquarium, but the other 20+ exotic fish kept me company during my brief wait. I have sent my brother to Dr. Niven, my best friend, and my in-laws, and they all echo any sentiment I have ever shared, so with that, 5 stars is a no brainer for this dental practice, I am a patient for life. read more

I've been going to Drs. Watson and Niven for several years. Susan Hardy has been my dental hygienist the entire time. I'd recommend them to anyone looking for the best dental care. They're always concerned about how I'm feeling while in the chair and they don't rush into procedures that can wait. Their equipment is state-of-the art and just upgraded a couple of years ago. X-rays are low radiation with digital imaging. Blood pressure in the dental chair this morning was 116/68. How great is that? No stress dental work here with a great staff. Fully recommend this team! Say hi to Marta for me when you call! read more

BEST SERVICE!!! I had a chipped tooth and both doc's are so amazing and willing to help last min and on a weekend!! I would highly recommend them. My tooth looks like nothing happened to it!! Thank you! read more

Dr. Niven and Dr. Watson are both great dentists. They are both very calming and super nice. Dr. Niven is my primary dentist and he has helped me out with great advice on lots of different issues, and always seems to know the best referrals for specialist work. And trust me, I've had a lot of issues, including ortho, perio, endo and oral surgery. Dr. Niven has been there every step of the way. He is really good at coordinating my care with all the specialists and I know I can trust that he will keep up with them on how my procedures went. It's so great to have a dentist that I really feel cares about my overall oral health, and I know I can count on him for keeping up with my care by calling the specialists for updates. Dr. Niven also treats my 3 year old, in fact, my son has been seeing Dr. Niven since he was only 1. Dr. Niven is great with kids, and the whole office makes both of us feel very welcome. read more