Sunny Smiles Kids Pediatric Dentistry – Jacquelyn K. Do, DDS

I just took my daughter here because I didn’t like the last dentist that had treated her for her cavities. I had them take new X-​rays on my daughter and was shocked that they found cavities under the fillings and crowns that were done less than 2 months ago! The cavity wasn’t all removed!!! And they damaged healthy teeth when they were fixing her cavities! Dr. Jackie was so thorough and took the time to explain every detail of the X-​ray to me. Something I didn’t get at the last office. I am so relieved that I decided to get my daughter checked again and so thankful we found a great new dentist for her. She loves this place and everyone here is super helpful and nice.

Love this dental office! Dr Jackie is amazing with kids. It’s always hard taking your kids to the dentist but the staff here makes it that much more enjoyable. Very kid friendly atmosphere. We no longer fear going to the dentist, which is a huge plus!

We took our 2 year daughter for her first dental visit and we had a wonderful experience with every one here… we were fearing the worst but it was very smoothly and doctor Jackie explained everything to us in detail… all the nurses and the ladies in reception was also very nice… we will be back after 6 months fir next visit… my daughter loved the snowman balloon, the fish tank and the sugar free lollipops… and everyone there …

My 4 year old daughter has been a patient of Dr. Jackie since she was 9 months old! Sunny Smiles has made visits to the dentist as positive as it possibly could — from the toys, fish tank and photo booth in the waiting room, to prizes throughout the visit — I think it’s so incredibly important to start with positive experiences with the dentist, as anxieties and traumas carry well into adulthood (like it has for both my husband and I). I also love how easy it is to schedule appointments — I can do it via email and confirm through text.
Her front office is pretty awesome, too. I left a practice because their front office was really inconsiderate but her staff is really friendly and engaging with the kids.
What sets Dr. Jackie apart from other pediatric dentists (we have visited 2 others in San Diego) is that she really does have your child’s best interest at heart, and she does listen and respect you as the parent. Example: my daughter who was almost 2, needed to go under general anesthesia in order to treat some cavities and I requested the dental anesthesiologist’s number to answer my questions. After talking to him for 5 minutes, I immediately messaged Dr. Jackie and told her that he was a condescending jerk and I did not feel comfortable having him as my daughter’s anesthesiologist (RED FLAG when you ask a medical professional what the risks are to having a child under 2 under general anesthesia and he tells you there is ZERO risk. «100% safe.» Really, dude?)
Dr. Jackie immediately called me after hours, apologized, and told me she wants me to be 100% comfortable, and she would find someone else to come to the office. She contacted an old colleague who drove down from Orange County just for my daughter’s procedure. I will never forget her compassion and that she was 100% committed to making sure we found the right person for the procedure.

wow… don’t know about the experience of others, but it was scary bad for us. told us our daughter had 8 cavities. we thought it was a little suspicious since she had a check-​up six months prior. got a second opinion with new x-​rays and found only two small pre-​cavity areas of concern. then the kicker… found they had triple-​billed our ins company for the visit. just a mistake they claimed.
proceed with caution :0
update on 10÷20÷15… I’m starting to think the worst. Immediately after posting this review, my wife, then I, received a call from you… fine… but when you you tried to spin this entire incident as «clearing up a misunderstanding,» I was peeved. And now that you’ve decided to re-​spin everything here on Unilocal,I feel like I have to respond.
Jacquelyn, there was no misunderstanding on our part — you told us our daughter had 8 cavities, she didn’t. You triple-​billed our insurance company. And, although I left it off of the previous review, you also told us our other daughter needed sealant — she didn’t.

My niece came to see Dr. Jackie and it was such an awesome experience for her. She tells everyone what a great time she had and how she got an award for no cavities. The staff is so friendly and helpful! Can’t wait for our return :)

Very friendly office with a great staff and a very clean and kid friendly environment. I went there for my daughters first dentist appointment and they gave me great tips and information. My daughter was very happy and taken care of. Would highly recommend and will be going there for future appointments.

Wall to wall kid friendly design. The front desk, hygienists, assistants, and Dr. Jackie are just the nicest and most professional group of people. They put my nervous son at ease for his first visit until he was accustomed to going.

OMG AMAZING!!!
Very friendly staff. Awesome doctor. Explains everything in detail in our language (not doctor language).
:) Staff and doctor is very good with kids. I was very nervous for my daughters upcoming procedure. Doctor explained every little detail of what she was doing so that my daughter could understand and know how it’s going to feel. I was so nervous! But my daughter said it was a piece of cake and that she cannot wait for her next visit! Why couldn’t I have a dentist like her! Every time I tell my kids they have an appointment at dentist, they get excited and happy. It’s more like a fun house for them to go and play and get prizes. Overall doctor and staff, EXCELLENT! They are amazing with kids!!!
UPDATE!!!
My girls are counting down the days for their next visit. Seriously! I have pictures of their calendars!!!

The office was very kid-​friendly, easily located, the staff were very approachable and kind, and the dentist (Jacquie) had a good demeanor with my toddler. HOWEVER, when Dentist Jacquie came in to give my son his first exam and cleaning, she told me that she would be using fluoride, if that was okay with me. Being that my son isn’t even 1.5 yrs old yet and I know that chemicals which aren’t harmful to adults can be really dangerous for little kids, I replied that I didn’t feel informed enough about fluoride to feel comfortable with that, that I wanted to do some research on fluoride first, and that maybe we would use fluoride next time. She clearly didn’t like my response, and showed it by giving me a lecture about the efficacy of fluoride, why I should use it, etc.
In response, I attempted to convey that I prefer to take a natural approach to my son’s healthcare and only use chemicals which I have researched and found to offer more benefit than harm, and that I feel many doctors (dentists included) tend to focus on their area of specialty instead of being thoroughly knowledgable on the effects of chemicals on the overall body. Jacquie condescendingly replied, «Are you in the healthcare industry? No? Well, let me tell you…» and then went into a diatribe regarding the fact that I need to use reliable sources from scientific journals (assuming that I didn’t already know that), etc. I left there (still without using fluoride) feeling bullied and unnecessarily criticized. Would it really have been so hard for her to respond, «I understand that you have some concerns, as parents often do. I recommend that in your research you look at the Journal of blah-​blah-​blah.» Had she been respectful of my concerns like that, she would have us as a customer for a number of years since her office is really conveniently located for us. However, since she clearly isn’t comfortable with anyone who doesn’t just blindly follow her directives, she will not be conducting any further exams on my child.
P. S. — she offered my son a balloon on our way out of the office. When I responded thanks, but a friend of mine who is a trauma nurse has advised me that latex balloons are serious choking hazards for kids under the age of two (or who will bite on the balloon), she acted as if she knew that. Okay, Dentist Know-​it-​all, if you were aware of this fact, why would you offer a latex balloon to a 17 month old child? Suffice it to say, my whole interaction with Jacquie was less than desirable, and I will be seeking a dentist who can be understanding of parents who want to ask questions and be informed.

We came away from another dentist where I was NOT comfortable with having my 6 yrs old daughter put completely under anesthesia…
Not comfortable is putting it lightly, I was against it. My instincts was telling me not to do it. On the flip side, I kept putting off having her cavities fixed that they became worse and she ended up having two baby root canals (and a lot of other little cavities fixed)…
Baby root canals are necessary, when the decay from the cavity advances past the first layer of the tooth, which then rots the tooth aggressively. What happens then is that it gets to the organic matter of the tooth. That organic matter rots like the rotting of food left out (of the fridge). I got this information from Dr. Jackie Do at Sunny Smiles Kids Pediatric Dentistry in Del Mar. She was very good about explaining this to me. I wish this (some-​what) technical information was explained to me from Dr Vu-Tien’s office at Kidz Place Dentistry, where I would have taken my daughter sooner to another dentist to get the cavaties fixed BEFORE they got past that first layer. Unfortunately, I only received from Flora at Kidz Place, the same repetative unpleasant voice saying, that I needed to bring my daughter in. To me that meant, putting her completely uder anesthesia, which after reading and researching made me really uncomfortable (aside from the $ 1000.00 charge for Dr. Johnson, that I was going to pay out of pocket) I would have paid, 1K just for anesthesia, but having her put under just did not sit well with me. The thought of this possibly affecting my daughter’s development is what held me back. There is not enough research to determine that this does not affect kids’ IQ and so forth, to say the least.
We tried the $ 300.00 drink cocktail first, when my daughter was 5 years old, and according to Dr Vu-​Tien, my daughter moved too much to work past the first cavatiy. I was there and didn’t think my daughter moved that much for her to stop, and then I felt rushed out of the office. My daughter was drunk after that drink for another 2 – 3 hours, of which I wish could have been better utilized to fix her cavaties. I wish Dr V-​T could have been a little stern (yet still positive) with my daughter, because her three cavaties were not bad at that point.
Another item I am happy with, is the Sealants that Dr Jackie at Sunny Smiles Kids Pediatric Dentistry, uses for her patients. She uses the BPA free sealants and offered that right up, AND she GUARANTEES them for 3 years! At Dr V-T’s office, she kinda fought me on putting the BPA free sealant when I asked for it for my older daughter. The sealant on my older daughter wore away after a year or less (and I was not told that it was wearing away from her last check up (6 months ago) at Dr. V-​T, and that it needed to be done again. I’m told that this can happen if the sealant is not put on correctly or if you use a cheaper BPA free sealant, or your child grinds their teeth..
At Sunny Smiles Kids Pediatric Dentistry (Del Mar), Dr Jackie is great and assertive with kids. She has a nice sweet voice and yet commands respect and good listening from the kids. Dr Jackie is very good about explaining to the parent, all the technicalities of what she is doing and what need to be done. Brooke, also at Sunny Smiles, is wonderful and energetic, and positive with the kids, and has fun with them and gains their trust and respect before she starts her work. She is also very good about explaining to parents or reiterating what needs to be done.
My kids are now cavity free as of today, and I am so glad I found Sunny Smiles Kids Pediatric Dentistry.
April 2013
LA
July 2015
I wrote my review 2years ago, my girls were not traumatized in any way and we are still going to this dentist. My girls love going there.
L.A.

My kids had sooooo much fun at the dentist;)
Doctor is great great person!
We are so happy to find this dentist!!!

Incredible dentist for children. Extremely kind staff and great with kids. Dr. Do is wonderful. Very down to Earth. Highly recommend for any kid. Super fun and love the photo booth! Rooms are decorated in a fun way and it is like going to a carnival. Thanks Sunny Smiles!

Dr Jackie is amazing. She performed a pulpotomy on my son and then put in 2 crowns. We were on vacation a month later and his tooth became infected. She made herself available to a local dentist to collaborate on my son’s treatment. She walked us through the procedure and was there for us when we were terribly concerned about our son while away from home. She is terrific!

Took both of my babies today for their 1^st Dental visit. The staff and Doctor were so friendly and informative. They did everything to make their dental experience a fun one! The décor was very chic and talk about prizes! A balloon, bouncy ball, stickers and they even got to pick a prize out of the treasure chest!
Another thing I liked was that they honored my insured dental visit price even though I was out of network. I will definitely continue to use this office!

All I can say is I wish my dentist office was this amazing when I was a kid. From the décor, to the caring service they provide, everything is really wonderful. It is inviting from the moment you make the appt.
Both my kids 3 and 5 did really great getting a check-​up with Dr. Jackie. My son is on the spectrum and he had a tooth injury and she was so caring and warm that he did so wonderful with her. They have TVs and a fun photo booth as a bonus.
They are the best!

Dr. Jackie, Brooke and the whole team at Sunny Smiles do an amazing job with kids. My son is 4.5 and had to have two teeth pulled. He’s already a tough little guy, but the team at Sunny Smiles made sure he was comfortable and the procedure was done without a grimace.
This was his second time to this dentist and he was excited to hear that he had another appointment. They must be good if a kid gets super excited to go to the dentist!
I highly recommend Dr. Jackie and Sunny Smiles. I sure as heck wish they took adult patients!!!

So we found Sunny Smiles when we attended the Kidz Expo a few months ago… and the first person we meet is Dr. Jackie. She was very approachable and VERY nice. She never ‘pushed’ anything on us. We signed up for our daughter’s 1^st appt. for the following week.
Her staff was VERY helpful and friendly when helping me check if my insurance would cover her visit. When we finally took her in, our first impression of the office was all over our faces. «wow» it was fun looking and welcoming… we loved the photo booth & so did our lil one. Dr. Jackie was as friendly as she was when we first met her and she remembered us.
Her checkup went well… everything was just very fun and easy for our lil one, just a few tears but for the most part she LOVED Dr. Jacky… our lil one even made it as a model for an Ad. =) we HIGHLY recommend Dr. Jacky + Staff, because they really make a visit to the dentist FUN!

You often see services marketing themselves as kid friendly and then come to find that their claim doesn’t go beyond a few worn children’s books, a handful of broken toys, a poster or two on the wall for the children, and a set of kid sized chair and tables.
What Dr. Jackie and her staff have done with her practice is create a truly fun experience for children. From floor to ceiling, there are details that will make your kid’s experience pleasurable.
I was highly skeptical that my 2y/​o El Terriblé would let anyone get close to her let alone her teeth. From the second we walked in the door, we were greeted by an attentive and welcoming staff. It seemed like everyone behind the counter came up to say hello to us and more importantly to our daughter. The bright, clean, and playful environment immediately got our daughter to relax and ease into her surroundings. The toys were all new, neatly organized with a variety for boys and girls of different ages. I had to remind myself that we were there for my daughter and not succumb to the two Wii stations calling my name. There were party favors for the 4^th of July that both parents and children could wear to the free photo booth that prints and emails the photos you take.
And this was just the front. When we got called to the back the same environment continued. My daughter picked out some stickers and given a choice of a toothbrush before sitting on the colorful dentist chair that sat in front of a lovely full wall mural of a carnival. There was no Dr.‘s office white color in sight.
Now came the part where I thought the party would stop, but Brooke the Amazing showed and explained everything to my daughter in a way that was not threatening and even playful. Before I knew it my daughter was reclined with her mouth wide open and getting her grill polished as she watched a children’s show on a TV conveniently mounted on the ceiling.
Dr. Jackie followed and again I was amazed at how easily she got my daughter to open wide so that she could get a look. She then spent an ample amount of time to talk to my wife and answer any questions that she had.
Before leaving my daughter was given the usual goodie bag and was allowed to pick a simple toy from treasure chest. She left happily waving bye to the staff and Dr. Jackie. My wife and I could not have imagined a better experience for our daughter’s first visit to a dentist.
Simply put, these ladies created a Dental Disneyland and the amazing staff will have your child enjoy going to the dentist.

I took my 3 year old today to see Dr Do. It was such a fun and warm office! All the ladies were great!!! The office was very patient with my little guy as he was warming up to the staff. The hygienist came out, sat down with him and was playing in the waiting room area. She spent around 15 minutes with him (maybe more) to help him feel comfy enough to lay down with me in the chair. My kiddo has been to Rady’s plenty of times that he is NOT an easy patient. To say the least ;) But once he sat down and was able to play with the different tools and even clean my teeth! Then he was relaxed and the exam with down without a hitch. YAY!
I know there are other pediatric dentists out there– Dr Do is a great option if you are shopping around! Plus it’s SUPER easy to get from as she is right off the freeways!
The only down sides were: Not much parking. I drive an SUV and had to park in another companies spot as all the spots are assigned. Additionally, I guess the picture booth automatically uploads your kids picture to the Sunny Smiles Facebook page. I wish I had been asked for my consent. I don’t mind that it’s up now– but I would have liked to have been given a heads up :)
I’ll be going back for his 6 month check-​up this summer FOR SURE!
Thank you Dr Do, Amber and Brooke! You ladies are fabulous!!!