Sawtelle Family Dental

I am so happy to have found Sawtelle Family Dental!!! Emily fit me in for an emergency appointment within 2 hours of me calling, it was absolutely fantastic. She was so sweet and careful with my teeth since I’m very sensitive to pain! Everyone at her office is great, especially the sweet woman that works at the front desk. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a better dental experience :)!

There are not enough positive adjectives in the English language, or any language, to describe the great experience you get with Dr. Kwong at Sawtelle Family Dental.
Let’s just say I’ve been to a few dentists in my time (albeit perhaps not frequently enough), so I’ve experienced the full range. About twelve years ago, my circle of friends expanded to include three faculty members at UCLA School of Dentistry. A few years later, I needed some major dental work and asked them who I should see. The endodontist I saw was amazing, so I asked them for a general dentist. In asking who they’d recommend, the common name I heard was Emily Kwong. So I went there with high expectations. After my first visit, for a checkup and subsequent filling, I walked away with those high expectations more than exceeded.
Since that time, my wife and children have also become patients, because when you are lucky enough to find a great dentist (like a great mechanic), you cling to it and get your loved ones in too. Out of the more than twenty dentists I’ve seen in my life (I’ve moved more than anyone ever should), Dr. Kwong is by far the best. And that includes some great ones.
What makes the experience great starts with a warm and personal touch from the receptionist (Sylvia has a warm and welcoming demeanor). The fact that Dr. Kwong greets you at the door and walks you in furthers this personal feel. You get sincere banter about how you are doing, beyond your mouth, and once settled in, she is a magician. I don’t remember getting my shot on my last visit (two days ago). I never even saw or felt the needle go in and was taken off guard when she started to work on what I thought was my un-​numbed mouth. I’m not a big fan of needles, so this was a great surprise.
As far as the dental work itself, she is very skilled at her trade. And this may sound strange, but I had never had a dentist with small fingers before, and it makes a HUGE difference. I don’t think as a patient I ever considered that before, but dainty and agile hands are an absolute plus. She did a filling with attention to detail while at the same time efficiently and quickly. The banter between her assistant (also with small fingers and great skill) was entertaining. I can’t believe that I actually enjoyed getting a filling. It was a positive experience.
On top of everything else, the place is very nicely appointed. It is clean to a fault (I’m sort of a clean freak) and it has many home touches. Everything you could ever want in a dental visit happens here.
In reading the other comments I find myself nodding my head up and down as I read them, because she lives up to all of their words. That does not include the comments of Davood and Anoosh, who either are thinking of another dentist (Anoosh mentioned «he» in her description and Dr. Kwong is female) or were writing with some motive besides describing their experience.
I can’t recommend this place enough. I will never go to another dentist again.

Best dentist on The planet! I will be happy to recommend Dr. Kwong to anyone looking for dental care. Perfect combo of customer service and clinical expertise.

I’ve been going to Emily for almost a year now for two cleanings (one deep cleaning) and a filling. I’m ashamed to say that I’ve been trying to avoid the dentist due to my previous experience. But Emily made me trust dentists again and I’m so very glad to have found her. Bonus that she is just a few blocks away! Sylvia at the front is also very sweet and friendly.
I felt like she actually care about her patients and want them to do better. She did all the cleaning herself. She was also conservative rather than recommending extra work that you may not need. She would go over the X-​rays with you, tell you where to pay closer attention when you brush and floss, and the procedures she will be doing.
Btw, they also offer complimentary take home whitening kit to their patients which I have yet to try but how awesome is that!

Absolutely the best dentist we have ever been to. Emily was very kind and gentle with my 4 year old son, he had previously had a bad experience at another office, so he was very scared. She was very friendly and encouraging with him, I regretted not bring him to her originally, because now we have to wait until he gets over his fear of dentists before we can work on his cavities :(
I definately recommend her for kids and adults, great service and very ethical.

Dr. Emily is a straight up goddess.
There is literally not one negative thing I could say about anything I’ve experienced at Sawtelle Family Dental. The receptionist is a sweet woman who puts out serious mom vibes, asking how you are, recommending nice restaurants & shops in the neighborhood to you, offering you water, etc. I’ve visited the office 3 times total and I’ve never had to wait more than 5 – 10 minutes to go in. Granted, my appointments are usually early in the morning, but yeah.
Dr. Emily herself brings you in, and I can’t say enough about the personal touch she puts into your appointment. Girl must have a photographic memory, or she takes some really good notes about her patients. She can go 6 months without seeing you and remember little details about your life that you told her at previous appointments. She even noticed my haircolor was brighter than last time. Another example — last time I saw her we got into a discussion about haircuts and how expensive they are, and she mentioned a decently priced one in the area that I should try. Later that night, she actually emailed me the name of it again to make sure I had it. What? Is this my dentist or my new best friend?
Now the really important stuff: her work. Dr. Emily is THOROUGH. She puts some sort of gel on your lips to make sure they don’t dry out (possibly with numbing agent?) and also puts numbing gel on your gums as she works on them. She goes to work examining and scraping the gunk off your teeth — no dental assistant doing this stuff, folks; it’s the dentist herself — and she does not rest until she is satisfied. She is constantly looking up at her computer to double-​check notes from previous visits to make sure any problem areas she noticed before are addressed and not in need of work. She explains everything she’s looking at/​doing and she’s always making sure you are comfortable. The dental assistant, Bebe (might be incorrect spelling) is also wonderful. She takes your x-​rays and does your polishing. Dr. Emily reviews the x-​rays with you, and sends you happily on your way. Seriously, people, I’ve had to fight the urge to hug her a couple times. I have never experienced such detailed and amazing work from such a laid back and cool dentist in my life. I woke up cranky today and left her office in a 10x better mood — Did you hear me? A dentist trip put me in a better mood. I think that’s the first time in history that sentence has ever been uttered.
If I didn’t already have a Unilocal account, I would join just to review Dr. Emily. You aren’t going to find any better dentist than her. You just aren’t.

Please disregard Anoosh Z.‘s review from 1-​12-​2012. She is clearly talking about another office since she is referring to a male dentist and the only doctor at Sawtelle Family Dental is Ms. Emily Kwon. Besides, the behavior she writes about is nowhere to be found in Dr. Kwon’s office.
Anyway, this dentist is pretty much the best I’ve ever been to. Dr. Kwon is extremely cool and laid back, yet very thorough. I agree with everyone here who said that she actually makes going to the dentist enjoyable. Unlike other offices I’ve been to in the past, Dr. Kwon actually does all of the cleaning herself and then has a hygienist polish your teeth when she’s finished. Other offices delegate all of the work to the hygienist and then the Dr. just makes a guest appearance towards the end of the visit. You feel taken care of in this office.
The prices are all reasonable and not inflated as is common on this side of town. Dr. Kwon made me actually start to care about flossing and taking better care of my teeth.
They have never tried to sell me any garbage services. It’s just 100% pure, professional dentistry. The only small caveat I can think of is that she doesn’t do root canals, and I’m not sure about other surgeries. She recommends you to one of her colleagues. However, that’s not a problem for me since I just need a dentist for cleaning and filling the occasional cavity.
I’m so glad I found this place. Finding a good dentist is a straight up nightmare.

Dr. Kwong is super friendly and great at her job. Her office is run very well and the environment is very comfortable. Their logo isn’t too bad either.

Dr. Emily Kwong is a stellar dentist who deserves more than a five-​star rating. Our friends recommended us to Sawtelle Family Dental and each member of our family (children and parents) has had exceptional dental care experiences here over the past two years.
Dr. Emily is honest, thorough, professional, and has excellent rapport with both children and adults. Although my young daughter had been terrified with prior experiences in another dental office, Dr. Emily was calm, reassuring, and worked quickly and skillfully when my daughter transferred care to her and came in needing several fillings. I really wish we had found her the day we moved to Los Angeles instead of suffering through misadventures with some other dentists.
She is focused on educating patients about how to take better care of their teeth for the long run and will point out spots that a patient is missing during hygiene at home. She will present the risks and benefits of any suggested treatment very clearly and will not suggest a bunch of unnecessary procedures or products to line her own pockets. The office is extremely clean and comfortable, with validated parking and convenient hours. Sylvia is a wonderful office manager as well and will make you feel at home during your brief time in the waiting room.
Thank you, Dr. Kwong!

Dr. Emily is the best. My husband and our two kids have been going to Dr. Emily for many years, as has my dad, who moved to LA a few years ago. My kids love going to see her — even before she moved next door to a Yogurtland (which we visit before or after each visit). Dr. Emily praises us when we floss and doesn’t torment us when we don’t. Her mother runs the front office — it’s a real family business. Both are incredibly personable, which gives the visit a very welcoming and comfortable small town feel, but the equipment and Dr. Emily’s skill are state of the art. I can’t praise her enough!

Dentist Emily is simply amazing we have been patients for over 10 years. Still waiting for my little one to get a little older to start with Dr. Kwong. We love our dentist she is honest, caring, and simply amazing. My kids love coming to see her. Have to visit and see for yourself, you will not regret it :) Emily rocks!!!

I can only describe her as an amazing and caring dentist. I’ve referred all of my friends to her, and they too have done the same. Upon walking into her office, I am always welcomed at the front desk by name and my experience is always positive. Dr. Kwong has always explained everything before she did it and also provides me with several alternatives. I have been going to her for over 10 years now and do not expect this to change as I will soon be utilizing clear trays to straighten my bottom teeth and can’t imagine going anywhere else.

Dr Emily is the best with me and my kids. Simply awesome.

I’ve been cursed with poor teeth, accordingly I’ve seen many dentists in both LA and SD. Of them all… Emily has been the all around best. Being in the medical profession my self, I am very critical when I see a physician or dentist. That said, it is obvious that Emily has a strong knowledge base, great experience and great hands. Her suggestions are based on experience and research. I highly recommend her if you are looking for an excellent dentist.

I am absolutely thrilled to have found Sawtelle Family Dental! I love Dr. Emily, she is so gentle, you barely feel her working. Her office is so clean and inviting. I tell people you can eat off the bathroom floor. Serious cleanliness going on. I referred my mom and a friend. they are both extremely happy. My husband goes as well. We just moved my 9 year old over to her care. Next my 7 year old. A+++++++

One of the absolute best dentists I have ever come across. She’s been my dentist for almost 2 years now and I wouldn’t even consider going anywhere else. I have dental insurance through my job and unfortunately, she doesn’t accept that particular one. Nonetheless, I chose to stick with her and every time I go into her office, I know I made the right decision.
Sylvia, who pulls double duty as both mother and receptionist is very lovely and offers very hospitable customer service. I like how she always remembers your name.
The facility itself is extremely clean and state of the art. Underground parking is available. (Bonus: yogurt ice cream store is next door).
Even if you don’t live close by, she certainly is worth the drive. Remember, you only have one set of teeth. Put them in good hands.

Emily Kwong has been my dentist for the past few years. I was referred to her by a friend who raved about how great Dr. Kwong was. I am a «dental chicken» and Dr. Kwong knows exactly how to handle me and my fear. I have had horrible experiences in the past with a previous dentist. Dr. Kwong was a welcome change. She really cares about her patients and it shows. She takes her time and gets to know her patients. I would recommend Dr. Kwong as a superior dentist. Her office staff, Sylvia, is also the «best.» This is a very nice, down to earth family owned and operated business. Five stars for Dr. Kwong !

I have known Dr. Emily Kwong for almost 20 years!
My family — dad, mom, bro, husband, kids — all are patients of hers and of course moi.
I just saw her on April 16^th, 2010 … she really works with you to push you to get the your teeth in tip top shape. I am getting my teeth clean every 4 months which I feel are the best amount of time cause I feel that 6 months is just too long and I could feel my teeth and gum getting all beat up sorta say. And she feels that way too.
People should really take care of their teeth. Eat less sugar for the best. Especially for children. How you take care of your teeth is really an open window to how you take care of your health. Bad teeth = Bad health.

Dr. Emily Kwong is the best! I hadn’t been to the dentist in several years, and apparently had a lot of buildup. Dr. Kwong took her time and really cleaned my teeth. She even used a numbing ointment on my gums before she started. She is a very nice lady and totally non-​judgmental. I would recommend her to anyone who needs a dentist.
Previously we had gone to the dental center on Westwood Blvd — they kept trying to sell us stuff we didn’t need. Dr. Kwong is not like that. She even gave us a ton of samples when we left.

What better way to spend Thanksgiving break than a trip to the dentist?
Actually, it’s always a pleasure visiting Dr. Emily Kwong. She’s gentle with your teeth and lets you know exactly what you’re doing wrong. And there’s bound to be SOMETHING you’re leaving out. She’ll explain what’s going on inside your mouth in clear terms, so you’ll know how to improve it on your own. She also recommended me to an awesome oral surgeon in my area to knock out all 4 wisdom teeth at once.
I managed to get an early Saturday appointment this time around. Now THAT’s availability…