Foothills Smiles Dentistry and Orthodontics

Went to this office. I was told b I needed over 5000.00 worth of work. I got a second opinion and the price was 600.00. This place is a rip off.

The Wife has a beautiful Smile.!! Dr Jarvis does very nice work.

Dr. Jarvis is probably the best dentist I have ever had!!! Great service all the way from the front end to the teeth cleaner to the children’s side! I have been going here for the past year and they never hassle me or tell me I need to do procedures when I don’t. I had my wisdom teeth removed last year by them and I did not have any Complications or hassle. They are totally someone I would recommend for adults and kids!

I had an appointment in the morning at 7. This appointment included cleaning and X-​rays for $ 39. I spoke with the front desk and the dentist to see how long the process would be. They told me about an hour– hr ½. Ok that’s fine. I had work to go to at 9. They read something’s to me and asked me to sign, I thought it was odd that I didn’t have to read what I was signing. The X-​ray took forever. They lady kept saying this was a new office to her and she wasn’t familiar with the equipment, ok fine. But she took several X-​rays of the same teeth like she kept getting the wrong angles or something. Which was annoying bc it was time consuming and I’m thinking that’s more radiation then what’s needed. But nonetheless that process was finally done. Then they had to measure my gums, I’ve never had that done before, maybe this is something new. The dentist came in and told me I need all this work done, so I’d have to schedule another appointment for a special cleaning bc my gums around my wisdom teeth was too spaced. And also that my silver fillings were not good anymore. What?! Which I thought was bullshit. I asked if they can do the cleaning that came with the deal and I can come back to fix the other problems, he told me no and gave me some stupid metaphor for why not. And then said if I did the basic cleaning today (that came with the deal) it’d take another hr and ½!!! He knew that wasn’t an option bc I told him before we Started that I had to go to work after. He must think I’m dumb to pay twice. I told the guy at the front desk I’m not paying for anything bc the full service was not done. I took the price list which was like $ 2,500 and all the things I signed I asked to be given to. I will not be going back to them. They seem to very money hungry. My boyfriend had pretty much the samething happen to him last week. Smh.

On a recent Friday I went into Foothills Smiles for a crown. The entire process went off without a hitch although by the very end I was beginning to feel quite a bit of pain. Upon returning home the pain became excruciating. I spent the remainder of Friday laying in bed, clutching my face with tears streaming down my face. After a very bad nights sleep I awoke to more pain on Saturday, although now my gums were also swollen and extremely tender. Saturday evening I felt something strange coming out of the gums next to the crowned tooth. Thinking it was a piece of food, I attempted to pull it out. As I was doing this I realized that it was not, in fact, food, but one of the retraction cords they had used to push the gums back while installing the crown. It was supposed to have been removed immediately. It was extremely painful to remove as it was wrapped completely around my aching tooth, and up under my very sore gums.
Sunday the area had calmed down some, although it remained pretty sore up until Monday morning. I went back into the office to tell them what had happened, to ask for some sort of compensation for this shoddy work, and also to have them look at the area and ensure that it was not infected. The hygienist examined me and luckily the area appeared to be healing without infection. I told her that I expected to receive some money back (this was a $ 942 crown) and she quietly spoke to the women at the front desk for a couple minutes. They informed me that the office manager was currently at a different location and would call me later in the afternoon, and also that Dr. Jarvis would be calling me the following day to «check on me».
I did not receive either of these calls. I finally called back Wednesday afternoon. The girl I spoke to had obviously not been informed of the situation and I had to re-​explain everything. She put me on hold for quite awhile and finally returned to offer me a free «At Home Teeth Bleaching Kit». When I told her this was not good enough, she offered me that «plus $ 50 off the procedure». I was insulted. I made an appointment to speak to Dr. Jarvis the following day.
The conversation with Dr. Jarvis was insulting. He acted completely cheerful and unapologetic, only offering a teeth bleaching as compensation. He did not acknowledge my complaint about the phone calls and completely minimized my pain. He admitted the cord should not have been left in there but that there was «no permanent damage» and that the teeth bleaching was a way of «saying sorry» that I was «in a bit of pain». I told him that was not good enough and walked out.
Apparently Foothills Smiles thinks that a weekend of pain and suffering for their «customer» is equivalent to slightly whiter teeth. I felt that I was being completely reasonable expecting a bit more than that considering they completely screwed up and their mistake caused me a weekend of misery.
I will never return here. Everyone in the office seems very kind and caring but when it comes down to it all they care about is money. I plan to file a formal complaint in addition to the many poor reviews I will post anywhere that dentists are rated.

I really liked the way I was treated at Foothills smiles. Everyone there was really friendly and professional. I also liked the fact that the equipment was top-​of-​the-​line. What I didn’t like was that after being treated for a filling and a crown, Dr. Jarvis determined that I needed another crown only a few months later. I thought it was a bit odd, especially since I had gotten a great review from my previous dentist in another state just a year earlier. Because it wasn’t sitting well with me, I cancelled the appointment and went to get a second opinion. Sure enough, there was NOTHING wrong with my tooth and 3 years have gone by! Needless to say, I never went back. I also had a similar experience with the kid dentist in the same office. He was going to fill a «cavity» on my daughter and after getting a second opinion it was made known that there was no cavity.

Ok who really likes going to the dentist but the staff at Foothills Smiles is so friendly and they make you feel so welcomed. Dr. Jarvis is awesome. He constantly asked to make sure I was ok and that I wasn’t in any pain. Made my dentist trip more bearable that’s for sure.

I was told I needed a lot of procedures that, in fact, I didn’t need when I got a second opinion at a dental office nearby. The staff is personable but that is about all I have to say regarding this. I was in there for 3 hours for just a consult and X-​rays.

If you need a great dentist, with a great support staff, you can not go wrong by choosing Dr. Jarvis and the staff at Foothills Smiles Dentistry; they are a class act. My entire experience, from making an appointment to the completion of needed dental work, was the epitome of top-​notch customer service worthy of emulation!

If I could give a negative score I would! *******CONSUMER BEWARE*******
DO NOT GO TO THIS DENTIST OFFICE-​it is a chain and has a corporate office and the office is only about SALES SALES SALES AND MONEY MONEY MONEY. Karma is going to come back and bite them. They upsold me on «stronger» crowns that broke 3 plus times. The crowns interfered with other teeth and chipped others. So much time spent there, they tell you 1 hour and you are there for 4 hours, no joking! I met a co-​worker who was telling me about her crown experience that sounded much like mine, and it was the same place! Horrible Horrible Company. I will be filing complaints! Check your bills everyone, they get creative! They are like shady car sales. Everything costs more. They are super nice until you question them and stop being «upsold»!

Dental care without the care. This dentist was rude and unable to communicate clearly with our family the result was terrible care for my son. We are currently in search for a new dentist that has basic communication skills and is willing to fix the two cavities hurting my 3 yo

I will begin by saying the staff is extremely nice and patient with you. Going to the dentist can be difficult and having a friendly face greet you can make it a little easier.
That being said, this dentist is not a place I ever want to go back to. Of the five or six times I had to go in for them to check up on/​perform a root canal and give me crowns, I only left without tears in my eyes once. For two crowns and a single root canal WITH insurance, my total came to about $ 3000, and I have fairly decent insurance. That was last year.
While working on those crowns they happened to knick another tooth. I finally went in to see them about it, they literally stuck a stick in my mouth to bite on and told me the tooth was cracked and I needed another root canal! I decided no. I was not going to pay another $ 1000 because my «insurance will only cover $ 200» (which I’ve double checked and it easily pays 50% or more of all types of crowns) so I decided to get a second opinion. Turns out a cavity got under an existing filling. Cost me $ 30 to fix.
Looking at my bill for this recent cleaning/​attempt to give me a root canal, I’m seeing this mysterious charge for oral hygiene instructions, which I’ve seen a few other users mention. If by instruction you mean staff members attempting to pressure me to get a crown I don’t need then sure, I absolutely received that service.
This office also does seem to push crowns on everyone. My last visit I heard them tell at least two other patients they needed a crown. Based on the other reviews I’ve read and things I’ve heard, I know that crowns happen but this just seems excessive.
So glad I am never going back. Save yourself the tears and the cash.

Although the staff here is very friendly, Dr. Jarvis is incompetent. When the crown he gave me didn’t fit right, instead of offering to do it over, he suggested a root canal which I didn’t need, and he kept me coming back for adjustment after adjustment. During my appointment where he put on my crown, he cut my tongue which was very painful and was a long recovery. He also had me waiting in his office for a 3 hour appointment when the machine that made the crown malfunctioned. He also blamed the problem on my bite, instead of taking responsibility. I switched to Dr. Ito at Sonoran, and he redid my crown in a much more skilled, nurturing manner. It turns out I never needed a root canal. I would avoid this place and go to Sonoran instead.

Hospitable staff.
— cordial front office people
— hygienists and assistants educated me about teeth, and seemed to care about my oral health.
— Dr Jarvis was very professional and left me satisfied
Overall: I will be coming back

I hate the dentist, let’s start off with that…
In March, I woke up one morning and my face was swollen. I went to work, but I felt a fever coming on and the swelling was increasing. I called Foothill Smiles and they said they were booked. I told the receptionist what was going on and I could hear her concern over the phone. She put me on hold and came back with «Can you be here by 5:30?» Phew! Got over to them and they got me in just before they closed, so off the bat I’m impressed. During the X-​Rays, I explain «Look, I know my mouth is a mess, I am terrible with my teeth. Please, I’m not interested in lots of work, I just need to get this done.» They assured me they would only focus on my issue at hand and they did. The procedure was awful (the pain), but the doctor and staff were spot on. The billing person didn’t rush me (even though they were staying late) and worked us through several options, didn’t up-​sell us on anything. I had to come back in for a root canal and bridge, so this one visit turned into 3, but they were very accomodating with my schedule, and called the day before each one to remind me (I need that, I forget everything!).
Fast forward to today… I got a call last week for my «check-​up» (again, I forgot, thanks!) I went in knowing I would need more than a cleaning. On my last visit, I found out the doctor I enjoyed had left to her own practice, so today I met Dr. Hilton. So, remember, I hate the dentist, but I’m also afraid when the dentist is younger than me (makes me tremble). My first instict «Sh*t!» We go through X-​Rays (with Bonnie, who was there for my extraction, she rocks!) and Dr. Hilton. The doctor points out everything going on, and he seemed to have a good grasp of what was already going on with me even though I had been there maybe 10 minutes. He pointed out several root canals, but only one he felt was urgent, and some other work (some roots that are dead… I told you, my mouth is gross!) He was upfront and said «If you have the time, let’s get this done, or let’s schedule it for very soon.» I was concerned about finances. The finance reps (is that what they are?) came in and I was overwhelmed. Sorry, this is going to have to wait. I was bummed to not be able to afford the procedure. They came back 5 minutes later and said «Sir, we have changed our policies on in-​house coverage, and you appear to be pre-​approved. If you don’t mind, can we go through it.» I said sure, but if you’ve seen my mouth, you’ve seen my credit report. BOOM! Approved, and for more than I needed! So, let’s get the work done! They get me ready for a couple hours of work (and warn me ahead of time it will take awhile). Not going to lie, and you might not believe this, but Dr. Hilton was so good at what he does that I fell asleep in the chair. No, I wasn’t not given anesthesia! Once they got working on the root canal, since it seemed like a long time, I closed my eyes, and I think I startled them when I woke up snoring! LOL! I also have to point out that Dr. Hilton played assistant to his assistant, often getting his own tools and running the x-​ray machine for her (that was a first for me!).
I know that when I go back for the rest of my work, I am requesting him by name. But I still hate going to the dentist… HA!

Let me start off by saying my mouth is a mess, I always end up needing something done. I was a patient at another dentist, who I loved, but couldn’t afford to come up with thousands of dollars up front. So I searched around and found Foothills and Every Kids Dentist. All 3 of my kids were seen by an incredible pediatric dentist… he is awesome! My 12 year old I were seen my Dr. Jarvis, who is equally great. The front staff know you by face and greet you immediately and have your paperwork (on the computer) ready within seconds, you sign your electronic signature and the wait is short. Like I mentioned I have had 7 root canals (2 with Foothills Smiles) so I have always prepared myself that I’ll need something done. They have the front staff come in with the costs and try everything in their power to make it where it works for you… even when you make it hard for them. The only issue I ever had there was the actual root canal experience, which isn’t a great one to begin with, but I’ve never been as uncomfortable with one as I was there these last 2 times. Dr. Situ is a bit rough and seems totally unsympathetic to the patient. This last one (a week ago) was the worst by far, and she did get the biopure on my shirt, which bleached it. It wasn’t a designer shirt but I somehow got upset by it, I think I was cranky, and they did credit me $ 30 for the shirt, so unnecessary but so appreciated! I always tell people they are great and I will continue to do so… they are incredibly friendly and helpful and seem to bend over backwards to make the patient feel comfortable.
I would just say to be blunt with Dr. Situ, I tried and I might consider going elsewhere for any root canals but in general I love this office!

I visited this office last summer for an exam and cleaning, it had been about 18 months and I have «soft teeth» so I was expecting to have some work needed — but what they told me was required was outrageously beyond any realistic expectations.
The first thing I noticed when I went into the office was all the signs and literature for an in-​office procedure that makes crowns/​inlays/​onlays etc, they were obviously very proud of it — too much so if you ask me, more on this later. Just another note, the office was very clean, etc etc.
The exam was essentially a barrage of comments about how poorly I was taking care of my teeth. There’s a nice way to say «you need to floss more» and the way that makes you feel like you’re 2 feet tall, the staff opted for the latter. The computer identified the areas that needed work and the doctor came in for a very brief look and was gone almost as quick. They recommended that I opt for scalar root planing (SRP) and another procedure that would be included with my cleaning to the tune of $ 900 (with insurance). Next came the treatment plan… surprise surprise I needed several of their custom made inlays/​onlays because some of the cavities were too big just to fill — what a coincidence! There was so much work they couldn’t even tally the total bill but estimated it to be around $ 4000. My heart sunk — like I said, I don’t have great teeth, but I’ve never had anything CLOSE to that.
I said whatever and left — my insurance only pays for exams twice a year so I was stuck. Before my cleaning appointment I called back and asked what each of the procedures were. The reply was they are the same thing, they both kill the bacteria in your gums, so — why did I need both? They didn’t have an answer, so I cancelled the 2^nd procedure and went with jut the SRP and cleaning. When I came in for the cleaning I was butchered. The table that he placed the tools on looked like a Civil War battlefield, I’ve never been in so much pain at the dentist. Of course this came with another barrage of comments about my oral health. After the procedure the hygienist said the doctor would come in and take a look. After 10 minutes went by I just got up and left, I wanted nothing to do with that office ever again.
I’m writing this review now because I was finally able to get a second opinion… I had an exam at a new dentist’s office and opted for the SRP with my cleaning again (which was nearly painless) — the hygienist asked how long ago I had it done was because it didn’t look like it had ever been done — I guess the pain wasn’t any gain last time.
My treatment plan with my new dentist… a few fillings, for about $ 200 total.

Unfortunately, I am going to have to give Foothills Smiles two stars.
Let me start off by saying Dr. Jarvis is a very good dentist. I never had any issues with the service provided at this office.
The reason I am rating this business so low is primarily based on their billing Delta Dental for erroneous charges. They billed Delta Dental for «Tobacco Consultation» and «Oral Hygiene Instructions» on my last visit. I have never smoked in my entire life, so I did not want that on my chart. I was told it was billed «in error» after having to file a grievance with Delta Dental; Still, the office has never sent in a correction to Delta Dental (even to this date). My daughter, who goes to the sister office next door, has never received any sort of «Oral Hygiene Instructions,» yet the insurance company has been billed for it on every visit. When I have spoken with front office staff for both dentists, I have been told they «bill everyone for that» and see if it sticks. I understand insurance companies do not pay much out these days, but I do not believe that is an ethical way of doing business.
Additionally, I feel I was being directed to have unnecessary procedures. After having two onlays done at this office, I was told I needed a third as a replacement for an existing amalgam filling on tooth #18. I was advised that a regular filling would not hold because the tooth cavity was too large. I decided to get a second opinion. I was told that I needed, at most, a two surface filling on tooth #18. The cost difference was about $ 371 after insurance. I had the two surface filling done at another dental office and I have not experienced any discomfort or issues.
Because of the discrepancies on my EOBs and the conflicting second opinion, I no longer feel comfortable DOING BUSINESS WITH this practice. I say «doing business» because I feel that being a patient would imply the business cared more about me than just as a vessel to stick one to the insurance company.

So it’s kind of strange that I would have TWO dental office reviews on Unilocal,but I can’t help myself. Although Foothills Smiles Dentistry is about 25 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, my visit was 100% worth the drive.
I had a little accident where I suddenly found myself with a chipped tooth! First one ever! I was traumatized. I immediately was in touch with Dr. Amy Younger who so kindly gave me a list of openings for the week for me to choose from; SIGN ME UP.
Going to a new doctor’s office is always stressful: update insurance info, paperwork, medical history, mouth problems, yadda yadda yadda. At Smiles, the process took all of 5 minutes and was all completed on a computer! You can also take some time before coming in to fill this information out prior to your visit — how convenient!
Dr. Younger personally came out to greet me (as I was a new patient) and once my x-​rays were taken, came right in to begin fixing my chipped tooth. With a excellent balance of professionalism and personality, Dr. Younger was finished smoothing out my tooth in about 10 minutes, all while entertaining me with her bubbly persona –and not expecting me to answer! Now that’s a talent ALL dentists should have.
Overall — great experience, definitely going back, love the dentist now. Dr. Amy Younger really made me «smile» and almost excited for my next cleaning.

The used car dealership of dentistry. I felt like a medium for their fleecing of the insurance company. They refused to clean my teeth after I refused their up-​sale to a costly (and unnecessary) procedure. Also, the dentist didn’t have the guts to face me himself and tell me this… they sent in the receptionist. Not even a hygienist.
I recognize at least 1 of these «5 star» reviews as an employee. Avoid at all cost. Find a dentist committed to quality health care and not extracting the absolute maximum from the insurance company. This place is what is wrong with health care in this country.