Barstow Friendly Smiles

Alexa

8 months ago · ★ 1

I never write reviews but this dental office put my health at significant risk, and caused substantial financial burden. I went to this dentist back in May 2025 for a cleaning + cavity filling. Since I received my filling I began to experience severe sensitivity in my teeth. I gave it about a couple weeks and went back in to tell them about it. “Everything looks fine”. After this procedure I couldn’t drink any cold water or even take a deep breath in without experiencing severe sharp pain in that area. I’ve never experienced this before. I visited this dentist about two more times during September-October and the last time I went, I received the same response, they proceeded to apply a gel on my teeth and said if the sensitivity and pain doesn’t clear in 8 weeks to come back… On November 26th I woke up with the right side of my face swollen, (on the side they did the filling) I called and told them my face was swollen, a known dental emergency, and I asked if I could be seen, they told me there was no appointments until next Thursday. I asked if I could at least get prescribed medications since it was clear that I had an infection and they didn’t get back to me until hours later. That same day I went to another dentist in Barstow and they told me “I wish I could have seen you sooner” They told me I have an infection I needed an emergency root canal. I was told it’s possible I’ve had it for months and it didn’t begin to take full effect until now. They even informed me that if I wait until next week to get the procedure done there was a chance I could end up in the hospital over the weekend. Thankfully they were able to perform the procedure the same day. At this point because of how many visits I made to Barstow Friendly Smiles my dental insurance was maxed out and I had to pay over a thousand for the procedure. I was neglected and dismissed multiple times by Barstow Friendly Smiles. My insurance benefits were used for visits that didn’t address the actual cause of my pain, the underlying problem was never treated or fixed. I then became financially responsible when emergency care was needed.

Ashley O

9 months ago · ★ 1

My experience with Barstow Friendly Smiles involved significant misrepresentation of insurance coverage and a lack of transparency throughout the entire process. I was told—both verbally and in writing—that my insurance would cover 60% and 40% of the total cost of a crown and mouth guard, and I was required to pay the full $3,596.25 upfront based on that representation. This was false. My insurance ultimately covered only $279.64. After receiving my Explanation of Benefits, I contacted both the dental office and my insurance. My insurer confirmed that the office had been clearly told on the date of service that coverage applied only to the allowed amount, not the total billed amount. This critical information was never disclosed to me. I agreed to treatment solely because I was assured I would be reimbursed a specific percentage of the full cost. Since then, the office has provided inconsistent explanations, denied statements that were later proven untrue, and has not contacted my insurance again despite repeatedly claiming they were “working on it.” I also requested a copy of the document I signed showing the quoted coverage, and the office failed to provide it. I have repeatedly asked to speak with the dentist or owner regarding this issue, and each time I have been told I am not allowed to speak with anyone except Ruby at the front desk. This refusal to escalate concerns or allow communication with management is unacceptable. I believe I was induced into unnecessary and costly treatment based on inaccurate and misleading information. The lack of disclosure, refusal to correct the issue, and ongoing evasiveness demonstrate a serious disregard for patient rights. I cannot recommend this office to anyone seeking honest or transparent dental care.

Robert Center

8 months ago · ★ 5

I just wanted to take a moment and say thanks to the staff of Barstow friendly smiles...what a wonderful experience...the staff was very caring and sweet. Especially Ms. Ruby who took the time to explain everything plus the time frame of the treatment.. what an awesome visit... I will be back soon 😄😄😄

Cole Lynn

a year ago · ★ 5

First appointment today as soon as I called the receptionist was so kind answered all my questions. When I got there place smelt good very clean they were so nice and inviting. Everyone there took there time with me answered all my questions without feeling rushed or embarrassed it was definitely my first time ever leaving the dentist happy and SMILING!

Diamond Rodriguez

2 years ago · ★ 1

Called on Tuesday 1/30/2024 for a cracked tooth because I was in EXCRUCIATING pain and trying to get a same day appointment. I was told there was nothing today but that I would have an appointment tomorrow, which would have been 1/31/2024, right? So I call Wednesday, the next day, to confirm my appointment time for later on that day and was told my appointment would be on THURSDAY the FIRST of FEBRUARY. I didn't fuss, assuming it must have been a mistake...maybe the receptionist on Tuesday didn't know there were 31 days in January and they were just like....tomorrow's the first...your appointments tomorrow...yenno? So today...Thursday...February 1, 2024 I get a voicemail at 12pm stating that my appointment is tomorrow at 3pm. BRO! I immediately called back because I was super frustrated and confused. After explaining the situation to the receptionist over the phone she rebutted and I QUOTE " I don't know what office you called, but we aren't open on Tuesday or Wednesday" and kept making that argument over and over. Finally I asked if I can go in and receive a paper copy with my CONFIRMED and FINAL appointment time. She said yes, as long as I come right now, so I got on my way. Hung up the phone at 1:38 and within 15 minutes she was calling me back to check my ETA. I asked what time they closed and she said 3, to which I replied I would be there before then and hung up. (I already decided I'd be going in to the office just to prove my point and seek services elsewhere because ummm SUPER UNPROFESSIONAL!!!) When I got there I was greeted by "Ruby" and when I asked to speak to the office manager to my surprise it was also her...so I showed her my receipts and finished with "I hope you can understand why I'm so frustrated, I'm going to be seeking services in Victorville, I just wanted to let you know its unprofessional to call a patient a liar." As I'm walking away she mustered up her best customer service voice and finished strong with "I mean that's not what I said..." BYE! After I walked out I realized I didn't get her name so I tried to go back and the door was already locked (at about 2:15 pm) but she opened, I asked her name, she said Ruby and closed the door again. Just a heads up, when choosing a RELIABLE OFFICE and PROMPT SERVICE, this ain't it. Oh and obviously those hours are wrong.