Simple Smiles

My husband and I are new to Johnson City/Tri-Cities. I had been overdue for a cleaning and had some concerns about some tooth pain. I contacted three other dental practices listed on my insurance’s website that were covered…THREE! Not a single one of those other practices ever called me or emailed me back. Simple Smiles took me the same day I called and provided me with one hell of a cleaning. The entire staff is welcoming and non-judgmental. I had to make a follow up appointment to receive a filling and the front desk staff already knew my name when I arrived for my second visit. I’ve been to a number of dentists over the years and this practice is by far the best I’ve ever dealt with. I actually am looking forward to my next cleaning.

I received a fill in March of 2025 that ruined my mouth. The fill I received was on tooth 19 and was not supposed to be deep, as there was minimal decay. I’ve had a few fills before this one, and I’ll admit this was the most uncomfortable fill I had ever received. The Dr. was a bit rough and there was so much pressure during. A week after the fill, I still had a lot of pain. I figured this was normal and tried to wait it out. On week two, I informed the office of this, and they had me come in to look at the tooth. They said they weren’t sure why it was in pain and asked if I had been doing anything to cause the pain. I was living my life as normal (or trying to despite the pain) and said no I wasn’t. I don’t grind my teeth, and I have a severe cross bite so there’s no way I can really bite down to connect with all of my teeth anyway. They drilled on the composite a bit because she noticed my bite was off, but there was no follow up xray. A week after my second visit, the pain continued, and I opted out of all of my remaining services at this location due to being weary about going back because I had never experienced this before. Long story short, I left my job shortly after this, and I lost my health insurance so I had to deal with this pain for almost an entire year. I have been so miserable it’s ridiculous. Within this last month, this tooth has caused so much pain that I have had to live off of 2,000 mg of Advil, 400 mg of ibuprofen, and Orajel every single day. My jaw is so swollen that I cannot chew my food properly, and I cannot sleep or wash my face without discomfort. I had an appointment this morning at an affordable clinic, they did x-rays, and they confirmed that the tooth is split/has a crack in it. This could have been discovered if a follow up x-ray was done when I came in two weeks after the fill. I have been living with a split and cracked tooth for almost a year, risking infection, which I now have. Thank God, I am able to get in with my new clinic next week to get an extraction. There’s no reason I should be losing a tooth because of what should have been a simple fill.

Subject: Concern Regarding My Child’s Recent Dental Experience Dear Simple Smiles, I am writing to document my deep concern about my child’s 2 recent tooth extractions at your office. During the procedure, despite being numbed, my 8‑year‑old was screaming in pain and later told me it was the worst pain he had ever felt. The entire office heard it. It was unlike any cry I had ever heard from him. I have since learned that the dentist told my child, "Nobody is buying the act, Bud." This comment was dismissive and inappropriate, especially given that my child was experiencing genuine distress. Children deserve compassion and reassurance in medical settings, not skepticism about their pain. Dr. Fortin was his name. My child’s pain was real, and the way it was handled has left him fearful of future dental care of that dentist. As a parent, I need to trust that procedures will be performed with adequate medication, careful monitoring, and respect for my child’s emotional wellbeing. This letter is intended to make clear that what happened was unacceptable. The dental hygienists are nice, to the wonderful Dr. Bo, we have always been so pleased with your care. Dr. Bo is wonderful. I just wanted to express how uncomfortable and inappropriate I felt this particular doctor handled my son and his feelings. Thank you for your time. Based on the Consumer Review Fairness Act and TN anti-slapp law, I will be leaving this review up.

I was established with this practice a few years ago, but because life got crazy, I had fallen out of my regular checkups. When I had a new bump in my mouth and became worried, Simple Smiles got me in for a same day appointment despite not having been a "current" patient. When I was filling out paperwork, I asked if they were accepting new patients as my husband also had not been to a dentist in a few years. They said "we are, and if he wants to get here now, we just had a cancellation and could see him as a new patient in 30 minutes"! Amazing and unheard of! The receptionists, hygienists, and dentists are wonderful here. They are very thorough, do not rush anything, and give great recommendations and suggestions. We will not be falling off their radar again!

Had a great experience, for a dental visit. Very kind, professional staff. Sue and Dr Bo are awesome. Easy access and parking. Great prices for no insurance. They were on time, in and out.

While in town working I cracked my tooth eating popcorn and was dealing with nerve pain. After reading reviews of all the local dentists I decided to go to Simple Smiles since they also accepted my insurance. All I can say is that the entire process was great starting from receptionist to the Dr. Thank You!!!

The office is very inviting and has a wonderful atmosphere!