First Step Dental

Chantha was so sweet, so kind and so gentle! With her, my son had less anxiety and was at ease with her! We hope we get Chantha everytime!

Wonderful place for my kids they love it. Even with all the dental work they needed staff was nice and understanding. Great experience

Amazing pediatric dental office, the Doctor and the team truly care about the patients and everyone who walks in through the door. Everyone is compassionate, knowledgeable and takes the time to listen and make patients and parents comfortable. Highly recommend to any family looking for outstanding pediatric care🧡

This place is amazing!!! They always treat my children so great!!!

This is the first review I've ever written, but after what my child experienced at First Step Dental, I feel strongly that other parents should be aware of our experience. This is not our regular dental office. We were referred here because my child needed an extraction and a space maintainer (spacer). During the first procedure, I was repeatedly encouraged to allow nitrous oxide, even after I respectfully declined multiple times. At one point, a staff member gave me a dirty look after I again said no. My child has always been an excellent dental patient who follows directions well. However, during the procedure, when experiencing pain, my child was repeatedly told that if they didn't stop moving, they would be "gassed." My child eventually became so overwhelmed that they cried and started hyperventilating. After that appointment, I requested a different dentist because my child developed significant anxiety about dental visits. Even at a routine cleaning afterward, my child was so nervous that they jumped out of the chair. About a year later, we returned for another cleaning with the same dentist. During the cleaning, my mother mentioned that my child’s space maintainer had been bleeding when brushing. She had to insist several times that someone examine it because her concerns were repeatedly dismissed. When the area was finally checked, it turned out that my child's gums had grown around the spacer. Removing it was extremely painful. Throughout the procedure, the dentist and two other staff members repeatedly told my child that it "wasn't going to hurt," while again threatening to use nitrous oxide if they didn't cooperate. My mother eventually had to ask everyone to stop talking to my child all at once because it was overwhelming. When the spacer was removed, it tore through gum tissue that had grown around it, leaving visible lacerations around the tooth. What troubled me most was being told repeatedly that it wouldn't hurt when my child was clearly in pain. Children deserve honesty and reassurance. Instead of telling them something won't hurt when it does, they should be prepared for what to expect and supported through it with patience and compassion. I was also never informed that gum tissue could grow around the spacer or that this was something I should watch for at home. Had I known, I could have sought treatment sooner. After the removal, I was given no instructions on how to care for the injured gums while they healed—only that we would return in a few weeks for the next appointment. Following the visit, someone from the office called to check on my child. During that conversation, I explained my concerns about the lack of patience, the repeated threats to use nitrous oxide, and the lasting impact this experience has had on my child. Before coming to this office, my child had never been afraid of the dentist. Now, simply mentioning a dental appointment causes her to become anxious and upset. Every child deserves to be treated with patience, honesty, and compassion—especially when they are frightened or in pain. Unfortunately, that was not our experience at First Step Dental.

Can’t thank Dr Remya and Estela at the Turlock office for such an amazing experience for my child. We had been to a couple other dentist prior and the others couldn’t ever compare to First Step. The total experience was great and they go above and beyond to help keep the child as comfortable as possible. So kind and friendly. Thank you again

Second visit with my daughter and first with my son. Sandy at the front desk was so warm and friendly and Sam and Emily were amazing with both kids.

This is the best dentist ever! Sandy Franco was our dental assistant and she was super nice and personable! And of course Dr. Remya is always the best!!!

Great experience, my son has been going there over 10 years and he has always had a pleasant experience.

Amazing first visit for my 3 year old! Front desk staff, dentist and entire team were all so helpful, patient and friendly. My daughter left today being excited for the next visit, highly recommend!

My son took a fall and needed a baby tooth extracted and Dr A and her team did an amazing job helping us even with my 3 year old moving around. Grateful she was able to take care or us!

I truly can’t express enough gratitude for First Step Dental. I searched far and wide, visiting place after place and spending countless hours reading reviews and researching doctors. As a mother—especially after past experiences at other dental offices—I needed complete peace of mind when choosing a dentist for my little ones. From the moment I found First Step Dental, I knew this was different. They have been nothing short of amazing. From day one, they welcomed us with open arms and made us feel like family, as if we’d known each other for years. Every single staff member treats me with such kindness and respect, and what means the most to me is the genuine love, patience, and care they show my children. The compassion they have for their young patients is truly special. I am beyond thankful for their guidance, their reassurance, and the incredible care they provide. Choosing First Step Dental was one of the best decisions I could have made for my children, and I am so grateful for everything they do.