Pacific Smiles Dental Kotara

Positive experience: New customer- good experience!

Fantastic experience: Dr Robert Regan is a person who is very knowledgeable professional and always friendly to his patients. I would be very happy to recommend Dr Robert Regan to my friends.

Fantastic experience: Dr. Aws is a magician with kids! He has such a happy and vibrant personality that kids are so drawn to. Highly recommend Dr Aws if you have kids that are scared to go to the dentist. Looking forward to our next visit in 6 months.

Fantastic experience: I saw Dr Aws Al-Kadhim on recommendation from a friend after having had some very negative experiences with dentists at other practices. He was very kind and professional, and has done a fantastic job on my teeth.

Fantastic experience: Great customer service & awesome with young kids who are anxious & scared about going to the dentist! Dr Aws was amazing with my son & made it a positive experience for him

Fantastic experience: Dr Aws is amazing! I'd reccommend him for kids and adults.

Fantastic experience: I was seen by Dr Lucy,im not the calmest when it comes to dentist, Lucy put me at ease, explained everything, she was just so lovely, highly recommend, going back for round 2 next week. Thank you Lucy

Fantastic experience: The staff are extremely professional and kind at this dental practice. I would definitely recommend them. I have taken my grandson here as well and they were so lovely and kind with him.

Fantastic experience: Very good service & treatment

Fantastic experience: Lovely reception girls very helpful. Doctor Gwen has helped me fr 2 weeks. Very professional and makes you feel at ease.

Fantastic experience: Everyone is exceptionally welcoming and made me feel completely at ease. This high level of customer service truly makes a difference and helps alleviate any anxiety associated with a dental visit.

Fantastic experience: Im shocking with names but i believe the doctors name was kate. Absolute gem, made mince meat of pulling out my wisdom teeth and completely pain free, even now that the anaesthetic has worn off. Who gets 3 teeth pulled and has a nice day afterwards. Cant wait for the next one to have to come out

Fantastic experience: Easy parking as we usually go on a Sunday and the staff are always very friendly.

Fantastic experience: outstanding staff and doctors. They showed kindness and took great care of me as a bit of dentist-phobe :)

Fantastic experience: After disappointment with Jesmond Pacific Smiles continually canceling appointments, We Tried Kotara Pacific Smiles. It was like night and Day. Kotara are very friendly & helpful nothing was a problem for them. It is worth the little bit further to drive. Happily recommend.

Fantastic experience: Dr. Merten was very friendly. She worked well with children and gave the helpful advice.

Fantastic experience: Dr Gwen by far has been the best experience I've had with a dentist. She is so informative and really cares about your dental needs. 100% would recommend her to anyone.

Negative experience: Would give 0 stars if I could. Don’t bother trying to ring, they don’t answer the phone. If you attend the practice they also don’t attend the front counter, terrible customer service and feel sorry for anyone needing urgent dental assistance.

Negative experience: Never again. Got to my appointment on time. To be told the system is down and I can't be seen. OK these things happen. The receptionist who has been put in a ordinary situation. Went to go get the dentist to have a chat. They couldn't be bothered to come out. Then after being told I couldn't be seen. Other patients are walking out from their appointment lol. I understand things are out of people's control. Telling the truth is not though.

Fantastic experience: Efficient and friendly

Fantastic experience: Dr Gwen is wonderful - professional, gentle and efficient. Her treatment approach for my problematic tooth was excellent - zero pain and a great plan going forward to keep an eye on it. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Always a good experience . Explains the procedure and makes you feel comfortable .

Positive experience: It was amazing helpful keep me calm explaining everything along the way

Fantastic experience: Dr Regan is a fantastic dentist, couldn’t recommend highly enough

Fantastic experience: Top class dental care

Negative experience: My cleaning appointment was with Holdgate and I would not recommend her. She spent 15 rushed minutes on me and skipped parts I get with my usual dentist (flossing and flouride application). I had questions afterwards but she was one foot out the door making me have to turn my entire body from the patients chair to keep her attention. Everything about the appointment felt off and I left dazed trying to process the quality of the cleaning and how I was treated / spoken to. I had a minor cut on my inside lip from harsh handling and could still feel plaque on my back lower tooth with my tongue. I just wanted to share this experience ... I was trying a new dentist due to moving soon but I wont be transferring to this one

Fantastic experience: I had an appointment book for Friday 15th but I was in unbearable pain so called the dentist and Explained to the receptionist and they fit Me in same day ,1 week earlier than original appointment, they were so quick I didn't have time to panic, i was so grateful, I'm always so nervous going to the dentist. Rachel was so kind and patient with me, she removed the tooth which I was told was a stubborn tooth but she carried on and finally got it out, after what felt like forever! She helped keep me distracted while the process was happening, and called me the next day to see how I was feeling and how my recovery was going, had no issues with payment or with my private health fund provider, payment took seconds, will definitely see her again for any future dental work

Negative experience: Went in for a clean and it was a terrible job didn't do the job properly leaving plaque on the back of my teeth still...will from now on be going else where Update 7 months later...they also old me that I had an infection in my gums that if didnt see an expensive specialist i would need to have all my teeth removed and possibly part of my jaw....I have seen a different dentist did a proper clean and X-rays for more than $100 cheaper and guess what not a single mention of infection and said my gums are very healthy

Negative experience: I went for an appointment with my two young children. They told me on arrival that I had missed one of my children’s appointment and they can only see one of them. I showed the receptionist my phone with no missed calls and the last app msg stating that my appointment was at 430pm which I responded with “ yes “. I said is there a day to reschedule for both of them as I have arrived with my entire family . She told me next appointment wasn’t for another month . I asked for one of the kids being seen as we had arrived . They then told me they couldn’t see one of my children despite only 2 minutes having passed when I asked for an appointment together . The worst service I have ever received . I had much better service from a casual dentist that doesn’t even work here. As someone who works in healthcare I’m mortified that the service was so freely uncaring that I had arrived at the app on the time I was given and they could not see the children I had booked then when I said I would allow them to see the one child as they previously planned to be told they no longer can see them after a 2 minute period had passed. Disgusting treatment of customers for a mistake they clearly made . I will never use this business again . It is hard enough getting children to attend these appointments and to be told another month when your service made a mistake . Was so upsetting !! I have had poor service from this dental clinic before but resumed attending as everyone has a bad day and there may have been other factors contributing. However after repeated issues I could not possibly return .

Negative experience: Unfortunately my experience ended too soon due to the receptionist bad attitude. She was extremely rude and unhelpful. Does not communicate well as she failed to tell me the dentist was running late as I found myself sitting the the waiting room for nearly 15 minutes I rung the bell (reception unattended) no one attended the desk rung again she walks out, no how can I help you or are you ok “you ring the bell, what’s up”. You must be joking like I am talking to someone on the street highly unprofessional. I said how much longer am I waiting she said to me you can reschedule. Wow! I hope she doesn’t think of herself as professional or helpful as she’s too far from that. Don’t think I will be going back to Kotara as service appears to be rubbish.

Fantastic experience: Dr Geetu Logan is so lovely

Negative experience: Like Just Cuts for dental

Fantastic experience: Awesome practice!

Fantastic experience: I received excellent care, and my dentist was extremely gentle.

Negative experience: Very uncomfortable experience. Booked online as this was the only option at the time I needed to book a dentist. When i arrived , the dentist asked what was wrong, he did an x ray on my teeth and informed me that an extraction may be needed but informed me "I do not do extractions as I have 2 broken wrists, I told them to take me off online bookings because this is what happens". This made me feel extremely uncomfortable, his bedside manner (or lack off) was disgusting and I felt sorry for the 2 assistants in the room. His body language said it all. He gave me a script for antibiotics and led me to reception to book another appointment, and to be perfectly honest I don't think I want to go back. How is it professional for a dentist to be angry at the fact the patient booked online? How is the dentist working with broken wrists and not a liability? I get anxious when going to dentist just like many others, and walking away feeling like crap just made things that much worse.

Fantastic experience: An amazing practice, I’ve seen a couple of Dentists there and they’ve all been great, 100% would recommend!!

Fantastic experience: Really great service

Negative experience: The most horrifying patient experience i have ever had with a medical health “professional”. Dr Paez bedside manner is beyond disgraceful and i have never felt so uncomfortable, i would highly recommend avoiding this dentist at all costs.

Fantastic experience: Perfect dental care, lovely staff.

Fantastic experience: I was seen by Rachel yesterday for a regular Check up and clean. This was my first time being at this dentist centre and the staff were all lovely and polite. Rachel was very thorough and was very informative. I will definitely be back to this centre for my next and future check ups.

Fantastic experience: Dr. Kaye Kang was very friendly, very thorough and explained everything in detail. Reception staff was also very welcoming.

Fantastic experience: Dr Katie has to be the best dentist in the country. So thorough, so caring. I had 2 wisdom teeth out in the chair and a filling and she honestly could have told me she was just doing a clean and I wouldn't have known any different. So efficient and attentive. She also kept me informed with everything they were doing and made me feel very calm (despite my nerves going in). Highly recommend. Your research is complete, you've found your next dentist!!! Also the rest of the team were fantastic too, especially Tahni. Exceptional service. Thank you

Fantastic experience: We had to make a last minute appointment today for my autistic son which is always so stressful but we were very pleased with our whole experience. The ladies on the phone were friendly and helpful, we were 5 minutes late which was not an issue at all, we were not rushed or made to feel bad at all! Dr Rachel was fantastic with my son and explained everything and took a little extra time to explain and answer questions he had. Looking forward to seeing them again soon.

Fantastic experience: Pleasant experience. Friendly staff. Felt very comfortable with my total service.

Fantastic experience: Thank you to Kotara receptionist Tahni for the most kind and helpful support on a Sunday when I was having a panic about a dental concern. She is a credit to your team.

Fantastic experience: Great dentists. Have been going here for a few years now.

Fantastic experience: Dr Katie was FANTASTIC, put me at ease, and very reassuring ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Fantastic experience: I saw Dr Lohan for a check up and clean. She provided great care and was friendly.

Fantastic experience: Have been visiting here for years and have never had a bad experience. Love Dr Lucy and our recent visit with Dr Geetu was great too.

Fantastic experience: I recently saw Dr Rachel Yong, and highly recommend her and the Kotara Pacific Smiles Branch. Friendly, informative, approachable and made me feel at ease. Thank You!

Positive experience: All the dentists have been very professional and friendly. Dr Holgate and Dr Kang especially

Negative experience: Avoid at all costs! My wife had significant dental work done at Kotara! What a disaster, now spending $$$ to repair the work done!

Fantastic experience: Dr. Yong is the best dentist I’ve ever been to. She is so kind, thorough and answers any questions you have - you never feel rushed during your appointment.

Fantastic experience: Great experience getting my fillings done, they were very efficient, I’m not a fan at all of the dentist however they made me feel comfortable through the whole process

Negative experience: Stay away from that dental. They charge for consultation you don't need on top of what ever service you book.

Fantastic experience: Very gentle caring dentist. Happy client.

Fantastic experience: Next day booking, quick checkup and cleaning that left me a few litres of blood lighter but with very clean teeth. Enough small talk to feel welcome not so much as to be cumbersome.

Fantastic experience: Great people

Fantastic experience: Dr Yong was amazing with my 4-year-old daughter, helping her feel relaxed and feel like visiting the Dentist is a positive experience. 100% recommend.

Negative experience: Do not recommend. Zero star. The dentist wanted to do an unnecessary X-ray. I know my teeth are perfectly fine so I specifically asked if it would cost money. He said "No, it won't cost you anything as health fund will cover". Turned out later I was asked to pay $250 for the regular simple checkup, which was even more than what an uninsured walk-in patient would have to pay (<$200)! I asked to see the dentist for him to explain himself but he dared not see me. Very brave man! I spent one hour arguing with the manager and two receptionists, about to call NSW Fair Trading on the spot to file a complaint. Finally, they gave up and told me "Let's call it a day". So pathetic how they tried to make money this way!

Fantastic experience: Dr Parez is brilliant. My daughter loves her visits. He’s quick, thorough, pain free and just lovely with kids. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. Highly recommend.

Negative experience: I have been to Pacific Smiles many times over the years. My expectations over this time was that my private insurance would cover my Gap fee for a dental clean as this has been Pacific Smiles level of services for years. Today, I had a brilliant dental clean by Dr. Kay. After the cleaning I was surprised when the admin lady told me I was to pay a gap fee. I was asked to pay a gap fee of $187.00. I was in shock because this was not my expectation. I was upset because this is a lot of out-of-pocket money. The admin lady told me I should have received a phone call or email about the gap fee, I checked my email linked to Pacific Smiles and there was no mention of email in my inbox or junk box and no phone call or text message. I just feel the admin team is so rude for A) not providing a courtesy email or phone call to let me know fees have changed, B) to expect me to pay $187.00 on the spot without giving me time to possibly change dental date so I could save for the dentist. The economy is really tight right now and to expect customers to cough up $187 on the spot in my opinion is really rude. Anyway I reluctantly paid the $187 because what other choice do I have? My interpretation of all this is that I thought I was going to a healthcare dental clinic that cared about their customers, I feel the dentist cares about me, but not the owner or admin team. Sincereley your unhappy customer

Negative experience: Been here twice for the same tooth in 3 weeks causing me immense pain. First time I was advised to fill the tooth to save it after asking them to just pull it $372 had to go back today and was informed the nerve is dead and infected they put antibiotics in and adjusted the terrible bite I was left with after the first visit. $301 I was charged with today for a tooth that will most likely need to be removed anyway. Absolutely appalled don't think I'll be returning to PS Kotara.

Negative experience: The staff here are totally unprofessional and cannot even enter a simple claim. When they make an error they expect the customer to follow up and fix their systems. Do yourself a favour and pay for a local dentist who respects their customers.

Negative experience: Very unhappy! I rang enquiring about the cost for a simple removal of a small amount of composite of lower 6 teeth. Was advised it will be unlikely to more than $100 so I went ahead with the appointment. I was in the chair for 15 minute’s maximum and then was charged $180. Once question they did nothing but reduce the cost to $150. Very average service and poor communication. Would not recommend.

Fantastic experience: Thank you Dr Rachel Yong for seeing me today. I am usually anxious about visiting the dentist & you were so kind. I appreciate how thorough you were when examining & cleaning my teeth. You were so kind to your dental hygienist Heather which was really great to see. I will definitely be back to see you.

Negative experience: This place looked promising initially. Clean and modern facilities. I let the dentist know that I often have trouble being made numb and require multiple injections, sometimes even a nerve block. I was surprised at how flippant she became. We pressed on and the procedure became quite painful but as I felt unheard already I decided to just bear it. At the conclusion I asked for a prescription for pain relief post procedure which is what I have done after every procedure for several years due to severe pain and swelling after fillings. I was met with apathy and indifference. The experience overall left me feeling belittled and anxious. I'm now lying at home dreading the next few sleepless nights of pain and discomfort. Needless to say I declined making a follow up appointment. I am considering registering a complaint with Ahpra. Four hours later as predicted just like every other time I have fillings the gums are very swollen and throbbing with pain. Will likely need a trip to the ED before the night is through.

Negative experience: Booked online and they had no record of booking for myself and son. The reception staff were very unhelpful and unprofessional. Did not end up using service.

Positive experience: Dental treatment was done professionally, every step and future treatment explained in detail, front receptionist could do with a crash course on how to smile and how to greet customers upon arrival and departure.

Fantastic experience: I can’t thank Dr Scoffield and Taylor at reception enough, along with the extremely kind and comforting chairside dental assistant whose name I unfortunately did not get. I’ve been coming here for years for my routine checkup already and that’s always been easy to book. However, I’ve spent the last few days in the worst pain of my life and when I called asking for help, Dr Scoffield and Taylor made a way for me to come in right away and get it sorted. Turns out I damaged a nerve and Dr Scoffield and her DA were so helpful and assuring as they dealt with it. A few bits were uncomfortable but Dr Scoffield talked me through it and I felt the DA’s hand on my shoulder. The whole way through I could feel their experience and empathy and knew I was in good hands. And now I can finally have a huge nap after not sleeping the last couple of days.

Negative experience: I'm not normally the type to place reviews, but I really felt the need this time because of a series of disappointing actions (inactions really). First visit was great, as expected. Followup visit though, was contacted to go in earlier than my scheduled time, excellent. Arrived, was advised I needed to update my medical records ... sorry, did them the first visit! Waiting, waiting, nearly 20 minutes later (almost my original time) was informed by the desk that I hadn't been checked in on arrival. Finally got in, all went smooth. Booked another followup appointment for the required 10 days after (even though they wanted to book me in 14 days after). Contacted PS on the scheduled day to see if there was an earlier appointment again, no go, so stick with original time. Then, phone call from PS one hour before my appointment to advise that the scans from the appointment 10 days ago weren't sent through to the lab, and can I book another appointment. Really!??! Ahhh, no, don't particularly want to (after some head shakes, disbelief, and much time-wasting) but throw me in somewhere, for what it's worth, and just ring me when it comes in because I have zero confidence in PS administration now. Don't get me wrong, my dentist is great, and I will return (kind of have to)

Negative experience: DO NOT recommend. The staff are so unprofessional and poorly trained!

Fantastic experience: My partner called on my behalf as I was in excruciating pain and couldn't go an hour longer without some help.. The ladies shuffled things around so they could help me within the hour... I'm almost certainly the biggest sook there is when it comes to the dentist..the lady behind the counter the dentist and her assistant were all the nicest people going.im almost certain they'd have went as far as holding my hand if I had asked...maybe I did maybe I didn't....you should go there and ask them (it'd be great for kids coz they're pain free and have a way about them and that's comforting...I definitely recommend them (also pretty cheap...

Negative experience: Went for a dental check up and cleaning, cleaning was like 5min and more or like brushing my teeth with an electric toothbrush and also felt like the dentist was in a hurry to finish her number for the day. Then told me she want to take an X-ray and I refused it as I was not satisfied with the cleaning she was doing. Never going back to this place and will not recommend anyone either

Fantastic experience: I recently presented with a terrible tooth ache and no appointment. The team at Pacific Smiles Kotara went out of their way to help me and I am very grateful. Toothache gone. Thanks again for terrific Service

Negative experience: Very disappointed. I have been taking my 2 children here for a few years & always had great service from the same dentist. Unfortunately she has moved on. They saw a new dentist yesterday. Never introduced herself, only one child allowed in at a time (fair enough in these times). No parent allowed in. Each child in for less than 10 minutes...even kids didn't think it was a thorough check up...then, no feedback from dentist at all. Never saw her again! I had to question the kids about the feedback (very little given to them). I would still be sitting in reception if I hadn't asked the receptionist (who was very unfriendly & obviously had somewhere better to be) if that was it Reply, 'yeh their done'. Processed our healthcare & we left. I was 'gobsmacked'. It felt like a production line! No service at all. But I am sure you will get your money Pacific Smiles! So annoyed...a total waste of our time! I would give you no stars if it would let me!

Fantastic experience: I highly recommend this surgery, especially Dr Kaye Kang, although every one else has been great as well.

Negative experience: Normally never had an issue with this dentist in any of my previous appointments, but today I found the dentist I had rude and unprofessional. I was attempting to bite down on the (x-ray plate?) that they insert but I was too tense. Instead of bearing with me, the dentist kept telling me I was too tense and didn't give me a second to try and relax into it and then gave up after three tries. I didn't mind that she didn't attempt it further but I did mind that she made me feel like I was doing it on purpose and she acted annoyed afterwards and barely spoke to me. There's a lot of patients like me that are sensitive to procedures like this and I will be going to a dentist that is appreciative of that.

Fantastic experience: Dr Lucy is the best. She been my dentist for some time now. Always goes above and beyond and makes my trip to the dentist pleasant. I wouldn’t use anyone else. 5 stars

Negative experience: They double booked my appointment and I was basically turned away despite my booking being made a week or two prior to them booking another person in at the same time. The receptionist was not very helpful at all (she kept insinuating I hadn't made a booking and questioning me with very little in the way of an apology or attempt to re book an appointment) and when I emailed some feedback about their booking process I got no reply. The dentists are fine though. Just be wary booking online for appointments and don't expect much customer service.

Fantastic experience: I had my wisdom tooth out today and I couldn't have asked for a better dentist and dental assistant! Made me extremely comfortable and calmed my nerves completely. They made it a super easy process and I'd recommend it to anyone and everyone! Thank you for making such an unpleasant experience easy to deal with!

Fantastic experience: Dr. Regan has been great. His skills and thoroughness have been great and my care his been good as well.Aware of my severe gag reflex therefore didn't put my teeth in danger doing and ripipg me off with a quite delicate procedure (which shows he has class and also he is not greedy.I believe a lot of dentists would have done the procedures made mistakes and still have taken my money. If procedure is to be done it will be under IV Sedation and I trust him 100% Thanks.

Negative experience: Im happy with the dentist. However the reception desk is rude. Ive booked in this morning and told me she cnt find me on records, even though she was shown of the phone call and how many minutes ive talked to their contact number. She made me feel im confused and did not know what im saying. Instead of apologizing she instead ignored me and talk to the person next in line without fixing the issue.

Fantastic experience: I have a fear of dentists, a fear of needles and a fear of pain. But these guys really took care of me as I had a tooth extraction. They’re so friendly and calming, they have music playing for you and they really do try their best to make it an easy experience for your because they know it sucks. Strongly reccommend. They’re going to be my go to Dentist from now on.

Fantastic experience: Very nice service and facilities. Recommended.

Fantastic experience: The staff are amazing. Thank you to Katie for making a trip to the dentist such a positive experience for my 5 year old.

Fantastic experience: Great place from the friendly welcome, to the excellent care from the dentists & technicians. Staff make your visit more positive and is a well presented complex.