A Kids Dentist — Local services in Huntington Beach

This office should be shut down. They push unnecessary treatments on their patients and push Phase 1 treatments on kids, as well as a topical antibiotic called Arestin, which costs $150-$250 per tooth out of pocket. The staff even use examples of their own kids having success with Arestin to convince patients. In 2024, my son underwent a procedure under general anesthesia. While he was under, the office manager, whom I had never met, approached me and said my son needed a topical antibiotic for deep pockets to prevent infection. She scared me into thinking it was necessary but left the decision up to me. Caught off guard, I agreed, knowing my son was under general anesthesia. It cost me over $700. When I explained I couldn't afford it, she offered a discount and suggested applying for CareCredit. I applied and got approved, but then she took back the discount and charged me full price. Dr. Shalini Shah's approach is inadequate; she rushes through appointments, does not explain potential risks, and fails to provide proper medical care.

Eight months later, I returned for a Phase 1 appointment and discovered my son had an abscess on his lower left gum. Dr. Shah recommended Arestin for $150. I followed up two weeks later, and the abscess was still there. The front office staff asked me to bring him in again so Dr. Shah could recheck it. She examined him, saw the abscess was still present, and suggested another round of Arestin for $150 plus a $75 exam fee. I refused and took my son to Kaiser Permanente for a second opinion. The Kaiser doctor prescribed oral antibiotics and explained that Arestin would not help because the infection required treatment through the bloodstream. This office is money-hungry, and Dr. Shah delayed my son's care.

I shared my concerns with the office managers, Marisol and Nicole, and explained that I'm not comfortable with the office. I told them I wouldn't be returning for any further general treatment for my kids and wanted to stop phase one for my son, who currently only has an upper expander. I've been making payments to the office, and after reviewing everything, Marisol said she would credit me $1,050. The next day, however, she called to say they were parting ways with my son and that I wouldn't be credited back; instead, I actually owed them $200. I made it clear that I had initiated the separation from the dental office. When I asked which lab made the expander so I could verify the price, she said they don't share lab information. She mentioned they charge $150 for each ortho visit handled by assistant Michael. They don't even adjust the expander; they just take a quick look in his mouth. It feels like they're trying to charge you as much as possible. Very disappointing how they handle their business. I explained that he didn't attend in June, but she responded that they still charge for the month. This is confusing--are they charging per visit or per month? She also mentioned my son had an appointment on 8/13/25 at 4:30 PM to remove the expander. I told her no, his appointment was at 3 PM, but she said she rescheduled to fit another kid in. I then hit record on my phone, and when she heard the notification, I repeated what she said. Her story changed, and she denied saying that, claiming she was verifying the appointment and that it was scheduled for 3 PM. I told her I didn't want to show up at 3 PM and wait for an hour and a half, but she insisted we'd be out on time. Something is seriously wrong with...

DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILDREN HERE

My biggest regret is stepping foot into this office. I made an appointment for my 6 year old daughter for a typical consultation/cleaning. Don’t let the nice office and fake employees fool you. They will scare you into thinking there are all these things wrong with your child’s teeth, convincing you your young child needs braces and cosmetic surgery for their financial gain.

Lesson Learned: ALWAYS get a second opinion & read reviews prior to going somewhere.. as there are many similar situations I have read.

Stay clear from Marisol, she involuntarily signed me up for a loan without my knowledge- used the information on the intake form plus asked my social security # and birthdate to fill out a loan application, on my behalf. Come to find out she lied on the loan application, saying I make over $90,000 a year in order to get approved and put me into a situation that I am unable to get out of. She completely manipulated me, as a single mom.

My daughter has a complex heart condition. I left the office with a Medical Clearance Form. After providing the form to my daughter’s cardiologist, he informed me that I cannot work with this office since the dentist, Dr. Shalini Shah, does not have privileges to work at CHOC. My daughter needs to have dental work done in a hospital setting, in case any complications arise.

Originally, they were refusing to cancel the $1,500 loan they fraudulently and illegally signed me up for. They are now claiming I owe $500, when my daughter has not and will not be getting any work done.

As stated by my child’s cardiologist in a letter to the office(that was ignored): “Any payment made toward any planned or scheduled procedure should be refunded because it is contraindicated and has been made without full understanding of the risk involved to the child.” They do not care about your child’s health or wellbeing.

Dr. Shalini Shah has been nonexistent, unresponsive and negligent. Her employees are liars and unprofessional. They are completing FRAUD and simply thinking they can get away with it. This is complete MALPRACTICE, they should lose their license for scamming people. She should be ashamed of the way she is running her business and stealing money from patients.

I advise any families considering this ‘dental practice’ to stay clear, and if you are already involved with them.. I would rethink...

DO NOT go here. Dr. Shah NEVER sees your kid it's always the front desk ladies. It is extremely pricey and now they are charging $20 because of COVID? Mask and gloves are something you have to use always not just now or do they use the same gloves for all patients? I took my son here for ortho and there's not a single day I dont regret it. I ended up filing a claim. The "doctor " didn't even know what the procedure was my son going through because they NEVER check the chart. If your kid is here already make sure they always have the chart on hand. The last time I was there the guy didn't have any idea of my sons problem. There was no people and I waited for 45min. While I was waiting Dr. Shah was in the other side of the room SCREAMING and throwing things to the wall cursing and threatening someone with a law suit. It was a total chaos. And something else I noticed is that even of your child doesn't need ortho they will scare you in order to convince you. Kids don't really need ortho until they loose all of their baby teeth. I ended up finding a different place viva smile and what a huge difference on every single aspect . My wish for this "doctor" is for her to loose her license for SCAMMING all of...