Joseph Fridgen, DDS

I have taken both of my children (ages 5 and 3) to this office now for their first visit to the dentist. My eldest in September and my youngest this past week in January. I like the office overall. The office staff were fine — nothing to complain about.
Only strange thing: In September (my first ever visit to the office) they asked if I had filled out the «paperwork» online before coming and I said no since they had not asked me to do so in any e-​mail I received (I checked back to confirm this). So I had to sit down and do this on a computer in the office which took quite some time, at least 10 minutes. Luckily the waiting room has plenty to do for young kids and my daughter was entertained while I did this. This time, even though they still didn’t ask in an e-​mail, I didn’t want to have to do that again so I filled it out online. When I got to the office they said they couldn’t find it and so I had to do it all over again — on paper. That was a little frustrating. I thought they were trying to reduce paper? Anyway, both times my children saw the same dental assistant — I can’t remember her name, but she was great with both of my kids explaining what she was doing and making it fun. She never pushed them to do anything. Luckily my kids were pretty cooperative. With the x-​rays my 3 year old was a little too wiggly. We managed to get 3 x-​rays but they didn’t push for the last which was nice. Both of my children saw Dr. Van (I have never seen Dr. Fridgen) and she was great too. No complaints.
The office is chock-​full of televisions — even above all the chairs — so they have something to watch if they want. On the day we visited in January there was even a balloon artist making balloon characters for all of the children. That was pretty special (I heard her say she is there 8 times a month).
Other than the paperwork thing the *only* thing that bugs me (and this is just my personal preference) is the prize basket. I don’t think the dentist needs prizes. I am just not a fan of cheap toys that end up breaking and in the trash or littering the home. I think it’s unnecessary. My kids are thrilled just with the new toothbrush and a sticker (I know, they’re young and it doesn’t fly for the older ones) and even the no-​cavities certificate. And on this day they also got a balloon character. But they kept telling my child that they could get a prize. I really wish they wouldn’t push that. My kids don’t need more stuff!
Other than that, I thought it was a very good experience. :-)

Best dentist office ever! I wish they took adults. The staff is so friendly and the are always right on time. Very professional and super fun!

I went to this office with high hopes– it was adorable, tailored perfectly for kids’ needs, and the dentist was very friendly. However, after letting me know that my 3-​year old had a very small cavity, they insisted that it needed to be filled – despite the fact that it was in a baby tooth that would fall out anyway. For weeks after I was sent notices that I hadn’t adhered to their recommendation for my daughter’s dental care, and eventually they sent a final notice essentially excluding me from care there in the future. Completely outrageous.

We were in town visiting and my daughter broke a tooth, which was a total bummer since we love our LA dentist and didn’t have one to use in SJ.
I took her to Dr. Fridgen as they were able to get us in first thing in the morning. Everyone was very nice and things ran smoothly. Dr. Fridgen was AWESOME! He examined, took xrays and gave me his recommendation for treatment, with the caveat that he would like to speak to our regular dentist so that they could agree on the best method since she would be dealing with my daughter long term. He gave me his cell phone number and they were able to connect… I mean seriously, talk about great service!
We had to return today to finish the treatment and this time she was seen by Dr. Van. Again, awesome!!!
I’m so thankful to Dr. Fridgen and his team for making this an easy and painless process for me and my girl!

I am always very satisfied with the services my 3 kids receive from Dr. Fridgen! We have had many cleaning, some fillings and a few extractions all preformed very professionally with compassion. I am very happy that we come here. I feel that my kids are treated the same as he would treat their own kids. My kids say they are very happy here and would never go back to their previous dentist! The staff are always very friendly and go out of their way to help. The office is clean and updated with Ipads, books, and toys for the kids. If I could I would come here for my appointments!

Just wanted to update that recently my son had another check up and had no problem whatsoever having x rays done! Last time when he was so nervous about that they were so patient with him (even though it took them a very long time to get these x rays, they didn’t give up), so this time he did it like a pro, no problem.
Another important update is that they are now offering through a 3^rd party something that resembles a dental plan, which can cut down costs a bit for those without dental insurance. For us it’s working very well, and I appreciate the fact that they’re offering that.

This review is for Dr. Van, our favorite dentist ever. We initially chose Dr. Van after our original intake process because of her warm, friendly and genuine manner, and the obvious skill and care that came through in my 5yo daughter’s preliminary exam.
Today, my sensitive 5yo had her first dental procedure ever. Dr. Van was truly remarkable in the way she made my daughter feel comfortable and then worked incredibly swiftly, gently and thoroughly.
It is truly rare for me to be in awe of a medical professional. But Dr. Van absolutely amazes me. She eased my daughter through today’s treatment so effortlessly that it felt like a dream. It was all over so quickly and without any drama. I cannot imagine a more exceptional pediatric dentist than Dr. Van. If I could give her a hundred stars, I would.
Thank you Dr. Van for being the rare dentist I can trust with my child. You’re the best.

Everyone here is so friendly and helpful. My boyfriend’s 8 year old son was super nervous about the dentist because his mother has never taken him, so this was only his second time seeing a dentist! Needless to say, he has a lot of problems with his teeth! He needs four fillings and three tooth extractions, which is terrifying to any kid. He was very apprehensive, but Dr. Jacky, Jonathan, Thuy, Dr. Fridgen, and Diana were all amazing! All of them went out of their way to help us out.
First of all, we have a complicated situation since we have to fit 5 appointments into a tight 3 week schedule since my boyfriend’s son goes back to his mom in Arizona. Thuy (the treatment coordinator) was so accommodating as far as this goes. She has been able to get us the appointments we need, so we don’t have to fly my boyfriend’s son back out here. Thuy is so kind, and she takes the time to work with us to make an appointment to fit our needs. She really cares about the patients, and she is so good with the kids, so we adore her!
My boyfriend’s son saw Dr. Jacky and Jonathan the first time a week ago for a filling and tooth extraction They were so friendly, kind, and gentle. They used excellent misdirection techniques, so the kids don’t notice things such as shots or drills. Dr. Jacky is so funny, and she is so good at creating a calm environment. Jonathan was warm and funny as well. The two of them were such a great team, and we were so appreciative to have such awesome people like them. My boyfriend’s son was so nervous, and he kept stalling, but they remained calm the whole time, and they talked him through it. Dr. Jacky is too funny when she talks about her «long nails» and how they keep scratching people. Dr. Jacky went above and beyond when she wrote a letter for us detailing my boyfriend’s son’s teeth and diagnosis, so we could give it to his mother to ensure she cares for his teeth properly when he is with her, which is the whole school year.
. Today, Dr. Fridgen and Diana saw my boyfriend’s son, and they were fantastic as well! They were so good at relaxing my boyfriend’s son, and they were gentle. Dr. Fridgen was kind enough to get us an appointment tomorrow, so that we can get all the work done in the next few weeks. Diana was an absolute sweetheart, and they gave my boyfriend’s son a ninja balloon, so he was so happy! Today my boyfriend’s son said he is no longer afraid of the dentist, and he is ready to go back tomorrow for more work. We couldn’t be happier to find such a terrific dentist team! To be candid, I wish they took adult patients, but I asked Dr. Jacky, and she said they didn’t. If they did, I would absolutely go because they are so wonderful. Your kids will love the child– friendly layout of the office. There are a ton of toys, and they even have ipads for the kids to play with. I just can’t say enough about this place! We are lucky to have found them!

By chance, we received a flyer from Dr. Fridgen’s office several years ago and my oldest son (now almost 10) had such a bad first dental experience with someone else, I figured we would try Dr. Fridgen. It was the BEST decision we’ve made — Dr. Fridgen and the other dentists and hygienists are amazing. Both of my boys love coming to get their teeth cleaned, they accommodate my older son’s very bad gag reflex when taking x-​rays and the office is geared towards kids. TVs on ceilings, ipads in the waiting rooms, books, prizes, etc! My youngest son (6) even asks to go see Dr. Fridgen rather than his normal doctor when he’s sick/​check ups! I referred family and friends and will continue to do so!

So my 3^rd and final review for this dentist… I was being attended to very well based upon and after my bad review and experience at this office. It all went very well until I updated my bad review with a good review. First of all the lady at the office who was personally helping our family kept reminding me to change my review and we had agreed that she was going to get me some more info upon speaking to another doctor regarding my child’s specific situation. However, once I posted the updated, good review never heard from them again regarding anything. The doctor is great and his assistants are great but admin staff are not. Just my opinion but I am moving on.

I’ve been taking both of my kids to Dr. Fridgen for several years now, and they like it there so much they actually look forward to their appointments! The dentists there (Dr. Fridgen, Dr. Ligh, Dr. Jackie, Dr. Tonn, etc.) are ALL very good, show excellent patience and know exactly how to deal with kids. The dental assistants are kind and make them feel comfortable, the receptionists are always cheerful and greet you with a smile, and Heather the financial coordinator has been great to work with, responding quickly to and following up thoroughly with insurance-​related inquiries and issues through email or phone.
The office is clean and very well-​maintained. There is a book/​play area, iPads for the kids to mess around with, and always a good movie playing. Definitely a fun environment that makes you want to stay and come back to. Highly recommended!

Bring your kids to Dr. Fridgen!
I wish I could have had Dr. Fridgen as my dentist when I was a kid. He is amazingly kind, patient and speaks to the kids as little humans explaining things he will do. He really lives in their little shoes so that they are not scared nor frightened.
Dr. Fridgen is skilled and kind Doctor. You’re kid will look forward to coming to the dentist!
An added plus are the iPads for kids to play with in the lobby and movie screens with headphones in the ceiling over the dental chairs.
The dental assistants always ask if parents want water or coffee once in the exam area.
We were recommended to Dr. Fridgen by our adult dentist. We’ve been seeing Dr. Fridgen since 2005.
We arrived on Lei Day! Check out pic

My kids pediatrician recommended Ligh and Fridgen about six years ago because he said his own kids go there! It was good enough for me and we have never regretted it! They (the kids) have no preference over Ligh or Fridgen, they like both so it’s really a review of the whole dental office in general. Courteous, professional, and knowledgeable! Top notch! Highly recommend!

Dr. Fridgen and his staff are fantastic. I brought my son for his first visit four years ago when he was three years old. They made him feel comfortable right away and put him at ease while he had his teeth cleaned. Now he actually looks forward to going to the dentist and always ask if he can stay longer after the visit to play the iPads in the waiting room. As a parent the automated email and text appointment reminders are an added bonus and have saved me a couple of times from missing his appointment. Dr. Fridgen always goes over all of my questions and reviews what to expect in the future. I can’t say enough about the positive outlook the office has created for my son about going to the dentist.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Dr. Fridgen and his staff!!! We have been going to Dr. Fridgen for 8 years now and wish he could be my dentist! Everyone is so kind, always smiling, very re-​assuring to the timid and fearful. I really can’t say enough! Thank you!!!

I have been getting my kiddo to this place since like last 4+ years and now my son is also coming in. The best part of this awesome place is the doctors and their team of staff. All i would say is — this is the best place for your kid, do not think twice.
If the same team will start adult dentistry then i will be their first patient forever. This place is a RockStar. Once my kids are in, they do not want to get out. This is one such places in my kids list where they do not want to be pulled to… they just say lets gooooo. I LOVE THIS PLACE!

I can’t say enough about Dr Fridgen and his staff. Everyone went above and beyond for us. My daughter’s first visit for a cleaning was fun! She wasn’t afraid and everyone was so sweet and gentle. The movie playing in the ceiling helped too. :-) My daughter had to have several procedures done and because of her age we decided with Dr Fridgen’s guidance to use anesthesia to spare her from being traumatized at a young age. They used an anesthesiologist who is also a MD (Dr Targ). They took every precaution and made us feel that our daughter was safe and in good hands. They even have a video for you to watch so you can see the whole process which was comforting. Our daughter doesn’t remember anything of that day which is exactly what you want. Dr Fridgen gave us his personal number to call at any time if we had concerns or questions once we got her home. They even called to check on her the next day. We are so thankful for their care and attention.

This dentist is great! No child will ever have a problem visiting the dentist if you see Dr. Fridgen. They will, however, have a problem going to college, as the cost of care is EXPENSIVE! I took two of my kids in, both with dental insurance, and the cost was almost $ 600 and only one of the two had x-​rays. Eek! For that price, I can just buy an iPad and take them to the regular dentist…

My 18 month old had trauma on his front teeth and we needed an pediatric dentist ASAP. Dr. Fridgen was referred to us by our pediatrician, and the entire office is amazing. Getting several xrays from a screaming toddler was awful, but they were very patient and did a wonderful job.
Years later, I now bring both my kids here and still love it. TVs on the ceiling are awesome, kids get to wear earphones so they don’t hear the hygienist brushing their teeth. When done with their cleaning, they get a balloon, goody bags (toothbrush/​toothpaste/​floss) and a small prize from the prize bucket. The no-​cavity-​club is also fun, my kids are so proud to have their certificate and love showing it off to their grandmother.
My kids love going to the dentist, they get so excited when it’s cleaning time :)

Dr. Fridgen and all the hygenists are wonderfully compassionate and considerate to the kids, and parents. My kids have been going to this office since 2006. They have TVs mounted to the ceiling for the kids to watch during their appt. They give out awards and your name on the ‘No Cavity’ wall. The kids arrive and leave feeling good.
CAUTION** The only complaint about this office, are the receptionists at the front desk. There is one woman who has been there for quite some time, and very pleasant, but the younger women are extremely rude and short with the people checking in or scheduling the next appt.
The front office can be very busy at times, which may result in the receptionists unprofessional demeanor, however that is not acceptable. Just be forwarned that the receptionists at checkin, and for appointments are not the most friendliest of what you would call professionals to say the least.