4.3 out of 5 stars based on 462 reviews on Google.
S 路 1 out of 5 stars 路 3 months ago
The front desk people are nice and the place is always clean but the dental staff are very rude and don't explain anything while they're doing things to you and they're also needlessly rough, and then will get onto you about "not brushing" even though they make your gums bleed with their needlessly rough cleaning. Cold and unfriendly staff. They make rude comments to you as well. The appointments are very fast and you can get in and out in maybe 15 minutes or so but is that really worth it based on the treatment? Absolutely not.
Nikki Millsap 路 5 out of 5 stars 路 5 months ago
We took our 15 month old today for her first dental appointment. The staff were very kind and took great care of her. She did scream but they remained calm and got her through the process.
Becky Molina 路 5 out of 5 stars 路 5 months ago
I brought my three year old for his first ever dental visit and he did very well. The hygienist was very gentle and informative. Dee at the front desk was very nice and accommodating. Our whole experience was 10/10.
Carol Smith 路 3 out of 5 stars 路 8 months ago
They seem really nice and the girl brought me in there and explained everything about my baby. She does have some cavities but we will be back to get them fixed. I didn鈥檛 get to go in the back with her which I would鈥檝e liked to, because this is only her third time being into the dentist. She did good on her first two cleanings but I could tell she was nervous going back without me
Sophia Parker 路 1 out of 5 stars 路 9 months ago
Front office lacks basic manners. Dental team is nice. You're not allowed to see your child being seen by the dentist or the assistants. I was told to stand outside during my daughter's very first dental appointment 馃挃 she was nervous and scared and I wasn't allowed to be beside her. Very strange work space. I was a dental assistant and this office was not very personable. If you want your kid comfortable I wouldn't recommend. We are exploring other options. Not worth driving 2 hours away to be seen. Not happy 馃憥
Reviews provided by Google.
About Smile Starters- Hickory
Smile Starters- Hickory is part of a North Carolina based practice that provides general dental services in a pediatric setting for children and young adults. The practice focuses on preventative care, including regular dental check-ups aimed at diagnosing problems early, and accepts most insurances as well as offering a discount membership option for patients without coverage.
Services described on the practice's website include dental cleanings, sealants, composite and amalgam restorations, comprehensive oral evaluations, fluoride and varnish treatments, stainless steel crowns, x-rays, nitrous oxide for nervous patients, and teeth whitening at some locations. The practice also offers hospital dentistry at select locations for patients who need additional support during treatment.
Meet the Doctors
The practice's clinical team includes Rafael Rivera Jr., DDS, known to patients as Dr. Raf, who owns and leads the Smile Starters organization. He earned his dental degree from the UNC School of Dentistry, served in the United States Navy where he completed additional training in general dentistry, and has focused his career on treating children and young adults since 2002. He purchased Smile Starters in 2008 and has been involved in efforts to improve access to dental care for underserved communities in North Carolina.
