Reviews from our customers

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I am the biggest baby when it comes to the dentist so when I heard I needed a shot for a procedure I was terrified. But this dental office put ALL my fears to rest. Everyone in the office was so patient, kind and understanding. They went out of their way to make me feel comfortable offering my a blanket, a fan and taking all the time I needed without rushing me once. And the shot I was worried about was literally PAIN FREE. I couldn't feel it AT ALL. I didn't feel a single thing during the procedure. Everyone in that office is so cheerful, funny and SO NICE. I will never go to another dentist EVER again. I have found my dentist for life. If I could give him 100 stars I would. He put up with me being an anxious, nervous wreck and i am forever thankful for him for that. ~ Amy J

This past week my elderly mom at 87, was extremely nervous, anxiety regarding pain for her implant surgery. Today her surgery went smooth and painless. Her reaction, WOW that's It?! I worried for nothing, I didn't feel pain. We were beyond ecstatic! Dr. Cortes genuinely focused on her well-being and comfort. He is outstandingly skilled with a gentle touch. Dr. Cortes took his time at the end of the day to call to check on her. Dr. Cortes and the entire staff are honestly caring, professionals with superior customer service! You are always greeted immediately upon entering the office with friendly smiles! They make you feel like family. Everyone here goes above and beyond in patient care and customer service. Thank you so much. You all ROCK!!! ~ F. K

Dr. Paulo Cortes of the San Diego Smile Center is the best Dentist in the county. He creates a feeling of comfort explaining everything that is needed and doesn't push for you to do them all at once. I am older so fillings need to get replaced. He shows me and lets me decide what I am comfortable doing. The office staff is professional and super friendly. My daughter had a traumatic experience with a dentist years ago, and has been terrified ever since. She had a tooth ache and I told her to try Dr. Cortes if she became uncomfortable at all we could leave. I want to tell you she said this was the best experience she could have had at a dentist. Thank you San Diego Smile Center for putting the smile back into dentistry. ~ Sherry B

From the moment I stepped into the office, I was welcomed and felt at ease. Dr. Cortes' practice made it easy for me to fill out forms digitally before I came in, so I was treated promptly. The clean atmosphere was refreshing, but the kindness and attentiveness of Dr. Cortes and his staff were exceptional. They communicate each action, explain in detail, and offer options. They ensure you are comfortable (details such as sunglasses and a headrest that accommodated my ponytail!). it is obvious the staff respects and relies on each other - they were eager to discuss and learn from a unique situation. I had my one chipped tooth fixed and it feels as good as new. I will be returning for future dental needs, happy knowing I am getting most excellent care. I cannot recommend Dr. Cortes and his practice highly enough. ~ Chelsea M

I had to change Dentist because my previous one decided to stop being a PPO provider for my network. I found San Diego Smile Center from the directory of my Insurance's website. I couldn't be happier with my selection. Every staff member was warm and welcoming and knowledgeable about every aspect of Dentistry, from the check in process to the Insurance explanation to the Exam diagnostic. Dr. Paulo Cortes explains everything in detail and backs it up with evidence from advanced tools that captures your mouth and teeth in high definition. He explains the cause as well as the potential problem of left untreated. Then he develops a plan for your treatment. No pressure to get any service done, just honest and accurate analysis. This is the best Dentist I've ever been to and I have seen a lot. Thank you everyone at San Diego Smile Center! ~ Wren B

So I first heard about Dr. Cortes and his office through a search from my insurance company. I looked up each possible location on yelp and decided on his office due to the high rating and reviews! It has been about a year and a half now since first seeing him and I can confidently say that Dr. Cortes runs his office with the utmost respect and professionalism. All of his staff ranging from his secretary to his assistants provide high quality patient care that makes you feel at home. He is also not afraid to tell you what is wrong or what he suspects might be wrong, something that I had my doubts with my old dentist. He is very flexible in providing treatment options based on your situation and are extremely attentive in communication such as reminding you about appointments and calling back. 10/10 recommend! ~ Robby Y

Dr. Paulo Cortes and his entire staff at the San Diego Smile Center are all friendly, knowledgeable, proficient, and go out of their way to accommodate the needs of their patients. Plus, they also offer excellent AND pain-free dental care. I never thought I'd say this about a dentist, but I actually LIKE Dr. Cortes (Gasp!). Every time I go there, he and his wife always make me feel like I'm part of their family (yes, they're a husband and wife team). Everyone there is welcoming and genuinely cares about the welfare of their patients. If you're looking for an excellent dentist who will treat you like part of the family, then look no further than Dr. Cortes and the San Diego Smile Center. ~ Lupe L

San Diego Smile Center has been a total game-changer for me when it comes to my dental care. The people there are incredibly friendly and create such a positive vibe every time I visit. They really know their stuff too – not only do they figure out what's up with my teeth, but they take the time to answer all of my questions and explain it all in a way that makes sense. It's like having a mini dental lesson each time I go! Since I started going there, my teeth have gotten so much better. It's not just about fixing problems; they've helped me understand how to take better care of my teeth overall. I can honestly say my smile is healthier because of them. I can't recommend San Diego Smile Center enough. They're super nice, really good at what they do, and they care about making sure you know how to keep your teeth in great shape. Big thanks to them for being awesome!" ~ David M

If you are looking for a dentist who will treat you with the same care and consideration that he would his own family, Dr. Cortes is the dentist you should go to. He is honest, experienced, and makes you feel calm and comfortable with your treatment plan. I can’t thank Dr. Cortes and his team enough for taking such great care of me when I have historically feared the dentist. This experience calmed my nerves and gave me the confidence to get treatment done that I have been putting off. The team is professional, kind and gentle. I felt no pain or discomfort during my appointment. They consistently checked to ensure I was comfortable and relaxed. The front office was accommodating to my schedule and extremely considerate when booking my appointments. After we get my fillings taken care of, I am looking forward to getting my cosmetic work done at San Diego Smile Center with Dr. Cortes. ~ stephanie a

I love coming to this Dentist Office. It has a family environment and they practice safe COVID-19 protocols. I am able to call and schedule appointments at my convenience which was a hassle with other dentists in the past. This give me confidence that I remain on track with my Invisaline service. I am always able to get the information I need to make an informed decision in regards to my process. I started off with very noticeable gaps behind my canines (the vampire teeth ha). And now only 3 months in my treatment, they are practically closed. They do such a great job at this location. I have gotten fillings that look natural and white, instead of the old silver looking ones. I have had my teeth cleaned and whitened at this location. Every-time the I arrive the staff greets me by name and are consistently professional. Thank you for helping to keep me and my family safe. ~ Big D

The entire team at San Diego Smile Center are truly exceptional. I came in for a much needed cleaning and had the pleasure of being treated by Dr. Lee. She was so thorough, kind, and attentive; always explaining what she was doing and making sure I felt comfortable the whole time. I really enjoyed learning more about my dental health and what goes on “under the gums.” What stood out most was that I never felt rushed. I truly felt cared for, which is something you don’t always find. The front office team was just as amazing; they took the time to walk me through my treatment plan in detail and were happy to answer all of my questions. Meeting Dr. Cortes and his wife was also a highlight. They’re both so warm and personable! Even as someone visiting from out of town, I’m so glad I found this office. Thank you again to the entire team for making me feel so welcome and cared for! ~ Erick L

Fair, honest, and friendly. Dr. Cortes and his staff are the very definition of professional, and I never feel like there is any pressure to sell me additional procedures I probably don't need. Five-star experience. I even convinced my mom to leave her awful dentist and come here instead. These are her words: "I am a recent patient to Dr. Cortes' dental practice family. I could not be more pleased with Dr. Cortes. He is professional, highly skilled, gracious, and fair. His entire staff is warm and friendly. In over 70 years of dental work - this is the first time I have had a more than pleasant experience. Dr. Cortes and his staff both deserve a s-star plus rating! A.E." ~ davintheraven

Dr. Paulo Cortes took over the practice of Dr. Robert Meyerson a few months ago. I had been a satisfied patient of Dr. Meyerson since he started his practice a good 20 some years ago. I decided to take Dr. Meyerson's recommendation on Dr. Cortes and see how it went. I have been very impressed with Dr.Cortes's professional and friendly manner as well as his skillful in dentistry. He spent a lot of time and effort doing cosmetic improvements on my front teeth. The result was excellent and I have been very happy with his work. He really wanted me to be satisfied with the work he did. Dr. Cortes's wife,who runs the front desk and the office, is not only delightful but very efficient and knowledgeable. They are a great team. I am assured they want to give the best dental service they possibly can to people. Their enthusiasm and good will is wonderful! Theresa A Hufford ~ Theresa H

When I tell you I used to hate going to the dentist, I haaaated going because of past bad experiences...So much so that it took me 10 years to go back. I am SO glad family referred me to Dr. Cortez and his team. Everyone is so nice and friendly from the office staff in front to everyone in the back. Lupe was my dental hygienist and she was so gentle and nice and really took her time and made me feel comfortable. Dr. Lee is amazing!! She really explained everything so well and her courtesy calls after both visits were very much appreciated! I can officially say I have found my new Dentist office!! I HIGHLY recommend San Diego Smile Center, you will not be disappointed!! ~ Letty G

Dr. Cortes and staff are amazing, they have provided exceptional service on all my dental cleaning, root canal and dental implants works. A week ago, my mom came to visit me from China and her temporary crown fell off while flossing. I called Dr. Cortes the next morning, he offered to help even though he was supposed to be off on that day. Dr. Cortes did a through check before cementing back the temporary crown, he also suggested a few cleaning tips to my mom which was very helpful. I highly recommend Dr. Cortes to anyone who is looking for a dentist with great skills, patience and caring for his patients! ~ Kangye L

Dr. Cortes and his staff are exceptional in the service they provide their patients. I've had negative experiences in the past, but I have always felt comfortable coming here. He is very detailed and is always making sure that as a patient, we are comfortable and know what is going on. I've had dentists that try to push on procedures that are unnecessary and are very costly. But Dr. Cortes does not do that. He is a dentist that does honest and good work which is rare nowadays. And on top of that their front staff are very punctual and extremely friendly. I would highly suggest coming to Dr. Cortes for your dental needs! ~ Belinda L

I was in San Diego last week and the unexpected happened: I chipped my tooth!!! I searched for a dentist in the area and came across Dr. Cortes and his office. The front desk person who answered the phone and greeted me at the office was extremely nice. Come to find out, it was his wife! No wonder she came across like she cared. I love supporting mom & pop businesses for this reason. As far as the bed side manner and work, 5 stars all the way!!! He was diligent about getting the color to match the rest of my tooth. As of now, no one has noticed. Thank you for the great care and excellent work Dr. Cortes and team!! ~ Freddie M

There are not enough words to describe the experience I had with Dr. Cortes. I had gone many years without going to the dentist because of past trauma with my childhood dentist and Dr. Cortes completely flipped my view on dentistry as a whole! He was so patient and considerate of my concerns and anxieties and genuinely makes you feel heard and understood with no judgement whatsoever. And the PUPPIES!! I don’t remember if they said they were emotional support animals but they definitely act like it! 10/10 experience! I’m actually excited to go to the dentist now and it’s such a great feeling. Thank you Dr. Cortes and Staff!!! ~ Heather G

Dr. Cortes, his wife and his office staff are amazing. They made me feel so comfortable and right at home. They're positive energy is infectious! Very down to earth. Dr. Cortes is very thorough and I absolutely love that he always ensures that I know what's going on and keeps me involved. Not only does he explain things very well by word of mouth but he is also very visual showing pictures/X-rays. I appreciate his chair side manner and the fact that he is a perfectionist is a major plus. I am so grateful & lucky to have found a dentist who is not only passionate about his work but his patients as well. ~ Ashleymarie A

I neglected my dental care due to a busy schedule, which led to significant bacterial damage and tooth loosening. After researching online, I found this clinic to be one of the closest with excellent reviews, so I decided to have them evaluate my tooth to see if it was still salvageable. The clinic is highly professional, equipped with advanced technology and staffed by experienced doctors. To summarize, they performed a deep cleaning, and I was able to save my tooth. After just one month of treatment, my tooth has greatly improved—there is no more pain or bleeding, and I can eat more comfortably. ~ Siyang W

FOR THOSE WHO ARE DEATHLY AFRAID OF THE DENTIST, come here! :) I haven’t been to the dentist for a decade because I’m deathly afraid of them (I did not have great dentists growing up so now I avoid them at all cost.) UNTIL.... I suddenly got a severe toothache to the point I felt like my brain was being stabbed throughout the day. I couldn’t ignore the intense, acute pain and called Doctor Cortez. He took me in immediately and I cannot express how thankful I was during my visit. He is extremely down-to-earth, welcoming, non-judgmental, and made my stressful experience into a positive one. On top of that, Doctor Cortez and his staff’s send out positive, family-like vibes and it made me feel so comfortable. I STRONGLY recommend Smile Center. I am now going to be a regular patient here and most importantly, I no longer fear going to the dentist all thanks to Doctor Cortez and his wonderful staff. Thank you so SO much, Smile center! ~ Shirley K

I was in the Navy and have had a lot of work done so going to the dentist has always been nerve wrecking to me. Although I work here, I am also a patient here. I cracked a tooth because of the amalgam fillings the Navy had put in years ago and he fixed it for me. There was no pain from the needle going in for the anesthetic and I got in and out in a timely manner. Dr. Cortez is very meticulous with his work and always ensures that it's done the right way. The staff are really nice and are very easy to talk to. I absolutely recommend San Diego Smile Center to everyone. ~ Dayna S

Dr. Paulo Cortes is just simple awesome! He is very nice, patient, easy to talk to, and personable. His office is very nice and clean, the staffs makes us feel welcome everytime we come in. Everyone there are so good with my kids who are 5 and 10 years old. We recently had two teeth extraction and some fillings done for my 10 year old, and Dr. Paulo Cortes did an amazing job! He also does orthodontic work inhouse, which we are ecstatic about because my daughter will need to get braces soon. We are very happy we found them and we will be coming back! ~ Jeena T

I took my two daughters for a cleaning to San Diego Smile Center just the other day. The office was clean, the staff professional, kind and provided service with a smile. What is more, Dr. Cortes was very thorough in his examination, honest and upfront — which I appreciate. The entire staff made this a wonderful experience for me as a parent and my daughters. I’ve never heard my girls ask when they are able to go back and get their teeth cleaned until our visit to San Diego Smile Center. I highly recommend this dental office to anyone looking for a great dental experience. ~ sean s

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