Smiles West Dental & Orthodontics - Lake Forest

They did a teeth cleaning for me, and afterward it became clear I still had tartar buildup and the cleaning was done poorly. Instead of acknowledging that the work wasn’t done properly and fixing it, they simply said my insurance "wouldn’t cover it" and refused to redo the cleaning. The receptionist was extremely rude and didn’t seem to care at all that their work was not done correctly. There was no professionalism, no empathy, and no effort to resolve the issue. I will be filing a complaint with my insurance company about this dental office, and I will also be reporting them to the licensing board/agency responsible for granting their license.

Highly recommend for dental anxiety! ​"I avoided the dentist for several years due to extreme anxiety, but after dislocating my jaw, I knew I had to go. I decided to visit Smiles West in Lake Forest, and I am so glad I did. From the start, they were incredibly patient and went out of their way to make me feel comfortable. ​The entire staff—from the front desk to the dental assistants—is absolutely awesome. They offered several options to help manage my anxiety; although I chose not to use them, the team was so thoughtful and constantly checked in to make sure I was doing okay during my visit. ​Dr. Chak is amazing! She has been instrumental in helping me stay on top of my dental care after years of avoiding it. I’ve already recommended my family here. If you’re nervous about the dentist, this is the place to go."

I had to find a new dentist home when my dentist of 15 years doesn’t take any insurance. It’s a hard task for sure. So here comes SMILES WEST. I liked the dentist and staff but the office manager was something else. The office mgr was like a sleazy car salesman. Trying to up sell me big time. I get it, but at a dentist office? And applied serious pressure to do it? Good lord! Had teeth cleaned came back 6 months later got a cleaning. Made an appointment and said I want a cleaning and X-rays and was very clear just that and nothing else. A new office manager greeted me. I was seated in the chair when I’m told I need to have 4 shots before the cleaning. I have never needed shots before a cleaning. They wanted to charge some horrific amount. I told the office manager/sleazy car salesman, no I don’t need them. And I was told I had 5 cavities! 5! I don’t get cavities! I finally found a real, nice, caring dental home - Baker Ranch Dental Office ! Took a long time to find them but they are amazing. From office, techs and Dr! Just brilliant and yes, honest! Guess what? No cavities! Zero cavities!

I had a great experience at this dental office! Everyone was so nice and welcoming from the moment I walked in. The doctor did an amazing job cleaning my teeth very patient, gentle, and thorough. I really appreciated the care and attention to detail

We just left the dental office feeling dissappointed and disgusted. There was an issue raised that my mom didn't call to confirm appointment but they were still able to take her in. We were on time for appointment at 3pm and completed paperwork where we mentioned last cleaning was done in 2024. We were in there for 1.5 hours and no cleaning was done on my 86 year old mom. They mentioned the type of cleaning she needed would take 1.5 hours. So I confirmed with the office that had a cleaning been performed, the whole process would be 3 hours?? The office then retracted comment and said..""umm no probably less". The office said they did an exam and x-ray...for 90 mins..really?!?! For 90 mins a general cleaning would have been included. Also 4 patients came in after my mom left before my mom. Looks like they overbooked. As a result, my 86 year old mom was just sitting in a dental chair for 90 mins. The office ended up scheduling her cleaning in 30 days...smh. This office appears to just want to charge her insurance for exam and xrays. Definitely disgusted with the bedside manner and quality of this dental office.

Dr.Thakkkar and our assistant Nelly were incredible. Nelly explained everything to my girls every step of the way. And Brenda always makes us feel so welcome. Couldn’t recommend them more.

Dr Takar and dental assistant Brenda explained my son's treatment and post-treatment very carefully, making sure that my son felt comfortable during the procedure. Maria was very efficient during the check in and discharge process. I have been bringing my children to this clinic for a year.