Smile Starters - N. Tryon St

Terrible...my family relocated here in Oct 2025. Smile starters was a convenient location for us. Our first experience was ok but the second and third were horrible and now left my 5 year old grandson afraid of the dentist (which he has never been) Our second appointment was for my grandson to have some work done (had previous work done with out any issues) he has ADHD and is very busy. When I spoke with the assistant I asked that they not papoose him immediately because with redirection, he will listen. I was told they would try not to tie him down. He was taken to the back and immediately tied down. I was able to hear him yelling in the waiting room and he sounded terrified. After the third scream I asked that the procedure be stopped and we would try again another day. I was informed at that time that nothing had been yet except for him being placed in the papoose, which I asked not to happen. Fast forward a few months later, we return for a routine cleaning which at that time I was brought into the consult room and told that because treatment was "refused" last time that if I "refused" again we would be referred out and they didn't want to waste my time. My time was absolutely wasted because I took off work for an appointment that was made months prior. There was plenty of time to call and explain this to me so that I could be able to make decision, which was already made any way. I admit I was upset and went off in the office because I felt my time was not valued. I left a message for the office that very same day 09/30/2026 and to this day I have yet to get a return call, which is very very unprofessional. I do not recommend this dirty place to anyone. There is black mold in the water fountains and the place just does not look child friendly. I found a much better and kid friendly place to take my boys but just needed to make awareness to this unprofessional place of business.

Well done thank you for taking care of my daughter.

There where on time we was in and out they did a really good job

My son said his hygienist was very rough with cleaning his teeth and was digging hard in one tooth and stretching his mouth. He's never experience this before. Later that day, he complained of soreness and stinging inside and in the corners of his mouth. I was also shown a photo and told he had a cavity (start of a tiny hole), but I could not clearly see what was being described. Given his discomfort and the aggressive cleaning he reported, I left with questions with the start of a tiny hole diagnosis. I am additionally concerned that children are taken to the back without parents present, as I prefer more transparency during their care.

After moving to a different area and not liking the local dentist, we switched back to Smile Starters on Tryon because my autistic son feels safe and listened to by all staff. They are able to read cues if he is getting anxious and allow him to take breaks or they aren’t upset if he has to break his visit in multiple appointments so he isn’t uncomfortable or scared. We are very grateful for their flexibility in appointments as well! Thank you guys!

I am very dissatisfied with my experience at Smile Starters on N. Tryon St. My child had a 2:00 PM appointment for a cleaning and new x-rays, and we were also scheduled for fillings at 3:00 PM the same day. After completing the cleaning and x-rays, I was told they would not move forward with the fillings. I was given two reasons: first, that we would have to wait over an hour to be seen, which I was willing to do; and second, concerns about my child’s overall health. However, there are no health issues that would prevent the procedure from being done. Instead of completing the treatment as scheduled, the fillings were pushed out six months later. I left feeling very frustrated and like my time and my child’s care were not prioritized. I hope the office improves communication and consistency with treatment planning moving forward.

My daughter got called in the back. And laid on the bed for 44 mins and still no one came to clean her teeth. When I asked why they said oh it takes 44 minutes for cleaning. But she had already been waiting on the bed for almost 45 minutes. So we left. She didn’t get anything done.

I’ve been coming here for over 3 years. The staff is always friendly and welcoming, and they have a very diverse environment. They accept a variety of insurances, including Healthy Blue, which has covered all of my son’s dental needs. They’re also great about sending reminders for six-month cleanings and notifying you if an earlier appointment becomes available. Highly recommend!

Please violate HIPAA laws, please pull your patience in a private room! All Is going on inside the mouth of any patient let alone a child please and thank you! If you’re gonna be stressed in your policy, please adhere by HIPPA! Completely unacceptable! Never had this experience here typically a fantastic Environment ! Other than that, keep up the good work!

Both of my kids have been going to smile starters since they were two years old and their customer service has been the same. They’re always very attentive. The place is always clean and answer my questions or concerns.