Michael Smolen, DDS

Dr. Smolen and his staff are one of the best you’ll ever encounter in the «teeth business.» They are all very professional yet exhibit utmost warmth and courtesy. I’ve been a customer for many years and I would be remiss if I didn’t spread the word as my way of thanking them for their wonderful service. The office boasts of modernized equipment from X-​rays to providing painless fillings. The facility is clean and from reception to actual procedure, all staff are very accommodating and concerned with your comfort and pain free experience. I’ve referred a few people looking for dentists to dental hygienists to his office and given them assurance that they will receive the best treatment. Thumbs up to Dr. Smolen and his staff! I remain a loyal customer!

Very kind man with gentle hands. I fear the dentist but he did a good job at keeping my comfortable and informed through the whole process. My first visit with him, I need a root canal. The procedure was not painful at all. My mouth was a little sore, but I was back to my partying that evening. He is the best. Go to him and find out:)

I must say that I am not a big fan of the dentist world. Having several cavities as a kid and getting drilled by a dentist was not something that I did not want to experience ever again. I was referred to this office for a cleaning and I was very apprehensive. I was afraid since I really enjoy my daily large amount of coffee consumption that it would make my teeth cleaning difficult. The dental hygienist that I was assigned was a young lady by the name of Leslie Correa. I wanted to know her background and experience before she worked on me and she took the time to share it. I must say that I was very impressed by her extensive work history. Not only does Leslie know what she is doing but her love for her profession & patients really shows. It was a painless experience and my teeth came out a sparkling white! This office was warm and inviting and the staff there really makes you feel welcome. Thank you again Leslie & I will be seeing you regularly for my teeth. I highly recommend Leslie and that office for all of your dentist needs. Keep up the great work.

I was traveling out of town for business and had lost a piece of filling in my tooth during the trip. I was in desperate need of a dentist and luckily Dr. Smolen was able to fit me in the same day.
The staff was super friendly and very calming during the anesthetic process (I get queezy with that stuff). Dr. Smolen and his team made me feel like I had been going there for years! If I didn’t live out of town, I would definitely make him my dentist!

Located Dr. Smolen’s office on Unilocal in/​around August — September of ‘2014. Apparently after dining at a champagne brunch to celebrate the dual July birthdays of both my partner and myself with family, I somehow managed to crack a molar resulting in UNBEARABLE pain that I was unable to resolve over the course of a weekend.
To those reading, it goes without stating that if you value your teeth, you’re not just going to instill trust into just any and everyone and in turn, I was led to Dr. Smolen’s office by the consistent 5 star reviews.
Their reputation preceded them as I phoned in bright and early the following Monday morning for insurance questions and Chris was nothing short of a patient saint answering all of them without hesitation; she’s definitely star worthy herself.
Upon arriving is where things shifted a bit. I was made aware that this dental practice was apparently «out of the network» accounted for by my insurance provider. Once again, bearing in mind the excruciating pain that I was already in let alone my lack of desire to venture out for another last minute dental provider, I said, «Screw it» and paid out of pocket a few hundred dollars.
I’m willing to afford a definite additional star for Dr. Smolen possessing the hands of an angel. I felt virtually no pain as he worked his magic.
The con to the aforementioned would be that I was never made aware in advance that repairing and «building» this tooth would be both time consuming and mandate several sessions on my part all requiring me to leave my office for hours at a time with no hypothesized timeframe to return in mind. How do you explain to your office that while you absolutely have got to leave… you possess no clue when you’ll be returning???
While Dr. Smolen and his staff were and are nothing short of professional and friendly, I’m a little taken aback by what I went on to experience…
Upon my 2^nd if not 3^rd session (I really don’t recall), I was asked if I’d like to schedule a future appointment. Bearing in mind how much time I’d already spent away from my office and/​or not knowing how much more work needed to be done just to complete the process altogether, I declined, informing them that I’d be in touch once I knew a bit more.
SADLY, …and unbeknownst to me, shortly afterwards, I didn’t just experience one, but FIVE deaths in the family; literally one each month and of course, like anyone… my mind was absolutely everywhere.
As it would with anyone, tooth repair assumed second priority taking the back seat to my family. In addition, I didn’t want to risk having another dentist finish Dr. Smolen’s work so for the most part, I walked around for months with a hole in my tooth resolving infrequent issues of pain with over the counter medications.
I returned —just yesterday— and having spent the past few months traveling in and out of state to resolve things as we all would have, I was also just made aware that I’d missed my open enrollment with my employer. Darn it! I swear I just can’t win!
Reflecting on the previous notable attributes of customer service that I experienced, I possessed no reservations in contacting Dr. Smolen’s office to inquire on whether I’d be able to drop a deposit off, reconvene the procedure with attempt at (finally) finishing this already lengthy procedure and satisfy the balance (seeing as how I was paying it all out of pocket) in cash (or credit) installments.
One would think that a family business that prides itself on customer service would be all the more willing to offer assistance to someone CLEARLY in need and while I was quoted an initial «yes» over the phone and informed that the establishment performs this same request somewhat frequently to offer additional assistance to clients, I received a phone call shortly thereafter issuing a plethora of excuses as to why it would no longer be possible and if anything, I was reprimanded for having not returned to their location sooner.
This, fellow Unilocalers, is disheartening. It also serves as the very «how come» 5 star businesses plummet. Because they lose hindsight of the very concept for why they are in business in the first place.
CUSTOMER SERVICE, SATISFACTION and RETENTION.
I make more than adequate money, have never missed an appointment and satisfied all previous dental visit expenses per the conclusion of each dental visit itself… IN FULL. If this doesn’t warrant a sense of credibility on my behalf then, so be it.
Whatever the case…
Sorry doc, you just lost a customer. Initially I’d have easily granted 5 stars however that has since… changed. The last time I checked, word of mouth traveled at the speed of light… and in this case, it’s going to travel faster than gingivitis without tarter control protection.

From the moment I walked in the door until I left everyone was so kind and made me feel like I had been coming to the office for years!
Meeting Dr. Smolen for the first time was great. He patiently sat with me and discussed treatment plans and gave me all of my options. There wasn’t a single high pressure sales moment like some offices.
I especially liked how each patient was treated in private sections, the worst is a shared room when you’re at your most vulnerable! Also, for the first time ever, the hygienist FULLY explained the initial examination procedure and what the numbers she would be calling out meant!
At the end of my visit, the front desk was upfront with pricing for my possible treatment plans and again so very kind and friendly.
I can easily see why this office has such high marks!
I only wish I had come to this office as soon as I moved to LB late last year.
DON’T WAIT, SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

I have been going to Dr. Smolen for at least 15 years. He has been my only dentist since I moved to Long Beach. He and his staff are great and always have your welfare in mind when performing a procedure or making a recommendation.
I once had a temporary crown that fell off on a Saturday and it was quite painful. When I called his office hoping to get an answering service, the message said to call him at home. I called him and he met me at the office and reapplied the crown.

I received their flyer in the mail after moving to DTLB. I have had a cleaning there & also just had a night-​guard & lower retainer made. They fit great. They’re the best! Very satisfied with everything. Parking is easy & free, too.

Dr. Smolen’s office is always friendly and professional. I get my teeth cleaned with Leslie every 3 months, and I can’t believe how much fun we have. Fun, you say? At a Dentist. Yes, it’s true. As much as I don’t look forward to it on the calendar, I leave with a smile. They are kind, helpful and reasonable. Dr. Smolen is always clear and friendly with his suggestion. Chris is awesome at the front desk. I always feel like they are out for my best interest. If you need a dentist, check them out!

Dr. Smolen’s been my dentist since the late 80’s. He’s an excellent dentist and cannot say enough about the staff! They are so caring and pleasant. Now my husband and daughter also see him. We are so happy to have him for our dentist.

When I moved from NYC to LBC, the first thing on my to-​do list was find a great dentist! (Healthy teeth are happy teeth ;)) So, I took to the streets to find the best dental office money could buy (and what my insurance would cover) and I happened upon Dr. Smolen and Team. The location was perfect, right down the block from mi casita, and their office hours fit my schedule #Winning. To top it off, my first time calling and speaking with Chris was a pleasure; she was patient and knowledgeable, and sounded happy to be at work! First impressions are everything because they really set the tone. Well, I came in for my first visit and everyone was sooo nice. Espy greeted me with the biggest smile (and whitest teeth) and got me set-​up, Dr. Smolen came in to check out my chompers (and gave me «the talk» about flossing EVERYDAY hehe). Leslie was also a doll and when she did my cleaning she explained everything thoroughly.
Overall, Dr. Smolen and Team are fantastic at what they do and they’re happy doing it – they have a passion for it (I wouldn’t want anyone who hates life working on my teeth!). Their customer service is top notch :)

I would give Dr. Smolen and his staff 10 stars! Five stars are just not enough for the best dentist in Long Beach. Dr. Smolen and his team are up to date on all the latest technologies and procedures. They make me feeling welcome and comfortable every time I am in the dental chair. I actually enjoy coming in for my bi-​annual cleanings because I know I am receiving highest quality in dental care. I highly recommend Dr. Smolen and Leslie, they are the best.

My family… three generations… and I have been going to Dr. Smolen since 2000. He and his staff are second to none. They are knowledgable, professional, capable, and, above all, so caring and pleasant that I can honestly say this is the best dental practice I have ever gone to. They are conveniently located downtown and try very hard to accomodate special needs and schedules. I am completely satisfied with this practice, and I would, and do, recommend it to anyone who needs dental care.

Dr, Smolen and his staff create one smile after the next.
Not only do I go to this wonderful Dentist, but my Mother does, too. She is a senior
citizen with disabilities but Dr. Smolen is always able to patiently accommodate her needs. I highly recommend Dr. Smolen to everyone who will listen.
Having excellent dental hygiene is more than white teeth. Gum Health is essential in preventing a long list of diseases. To avoid problems, I see Dr. Smolen every three months. By the way, Dr. Smolen does it all from veneers to bonding and more. One more thing. His office is easy to access and parking is free.
Want something to smile about? Want a Dentist that actually cares and a staff that practices the lost art of excelent communication, professionalism and quality care?
Go see Dr. Smolen!
Thank You!

I recently moved to down town LB and I wanted a dental office I can walk to. That’s why I found this office. But let me tell you, my experience was so good I would drive far out of my way to be taken care of here again.
As soon as I walked Into the office I was greeted by name and with a smile. The Doc and all his staff were very professional, super friendly and made me feel very comfortable and confident in the service I was receiving.
I nightly recommend this office to anyone seeking a great professional and friendly dental office.

As a patient I would like to rave about the wonderful care I receive at this office.
Leslie, the Hygienist, displays a high degree of detailed knowledge and with the bad shape I was in when I first became a patient, I thought there was no hope for me. After deep cleaning and regular cleaning treatments and such gentle care over 3 simple visits, I am happy to say I am in great oral health now. The customer service-​oriented style of the office made me feel at home and in very good hands.
The staff clearly explanations what is being done. They educated me on how to take simple preventative measures to keep my mouth healthy like giving me a special electric toothbrush (Rotadent) which has helped me immensely. The detailed assistance on flossing & follow up care made me feel really valued as a patient.
Dr. Smolen, the oral surgeon performed a root canal & several fillings. He handled me with such patience and precision. He is very skilled as a dentist as well as a kind person. Other helpful staff members include: Chris, Adalia and Espy. They are always extremely pleasant to patients and create a comfortable experience.
***I recommend you become a patient there if you seek a full service dentist.***

Doctor Smolen,
I have been with Dr. Smolen, for a long time now and have had only exceptional service, He has a very soft hand and is very aware of you, That was very important to me. The staff and Dr Smolen, are outstanding
welcoming, Efficient and I would and have recommended to my own family!
True story I started to feel a pain on my left side of my mouth, I called and Dr. Smolen, He answered the office is not open on Fridays but he herd my pain and he did not want me to go the entire weekend in PAIN he rushed me in worked on me by him self NEVER complained or acted in any one else best interest but mine that is the way it should be I am very grateful for a Dentist that I can call a Friend. I am very happy with all the dental work and my teeth look great!!!
Thank you Dr. Smolen and staff!!!
A plus service
Clean environment

I’ve been seeing Dr. Smolen for the better part of 10 years.
The office staff is incredible, the Dr. himself is very thorough and works very efficiently, costs are reasonable… overall 5 stars!
I would recommend him to anyone!

I used to be afraid of the dentist until I came here. They are second to none.
I’ve been going to Dr. Smolen since 1999. Dr. Smolen is extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and a great dentist. And his team is outstanding. Chris is a gem. Everyone loves her. She is always helpful on everything — appointment reminders, billing help/​questions, insurance help, etc. And Leslie is a great oral hygienist as well – very gentle, thorough job, and super friendly as well.
I once opted to switch dentists because my insurance company supposedly covered most of the cost… what a nightmare! I won’t ever do that again.
I have huge loyalty to Dr. Smolen and highly recommend to everyone.

Dr. Smolen is amazing. He puts me completely at ease, explains everything in detail, answers all of my questions, and never ever guilt-​trips me about my bad habits. Instead, he addresses my dental health with patience and concern for my comfort at all times.
I don’t have a frame of reference related to dental costs, but I do know that at one point he could have anesthetized me to do some drilling. But as it was a tooth that had already had a root canal, he instead told me he would try without and asked me to let him know if I experienced any discomfort. I was fine, but didn’t miss the fact that had he had less scruples, he could have performed and charged me and my insurance for an extra, unnecessary step — and did not.
Everyone on staff is friendly. I feel great about going to an office with one doctor, so I know whom I’ll be seeing. I always feel like visiting medical «groups» is like playing Russian Roulette. This dentist is a keeper. Unfortunately, he does not participate in any HMOs. He does accept Delta Dental.