Safari Smiles Children's Dentistry

One of the best experiences I've ever had at the dentist and I'm not even a patient. The kids looove the Dr's and the waiting room is awesome for kids too. They do a wonderful job and cater to kids, so its a great experience for them. Highly recommend for kids especially younger ones.

I will preface this by saying that I have never really had a problem before today. I believe my kids have been seen a total of 3 times, a possible 4th. Despite the staff being kind every time, I will admit I never got to know anyone or ever felt familiar with anyone - including the doctor. So it was sort of a rushed, impersonal experience which is fine if you’re looking for a quick in and out.

The real review reflects today’s experience in which I denied X-rays for my smallest child whom was born with a condition that requires a lot of scans already. As I’m denying the X-ray, a dental hygienist by the name of Jordan takes it upon herself to let me know that X-rays every 18 months is a requirement by the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry and if not completed, they are required to drop the patient. I said “oh interesting, I did not know that.” She lets me know she will go see if the dentist will make an exception today and while she does that, I Google to find out whether or not what she says is fact.
I find that “There is no specific legal mandate in Oklahoma requiring a patient to get dental X-rays at set intervals; it is based on professional judgment, patient needs, and risk factors. While some dentists may require annual X-rays for check-ups, standard guidelines suggest bitewings every 12–24 months for healthy adults and 3–5 years for full mouth series.”

When she comes back, she lets me know they cannot make an exception, which I let her know I understand but wanted to inform her that it is NOT required by law (or statue) that a dentist X-ray every 18 months at minimum but is up to the discretion of the dentist.
She immediately became confrontational and told me that “she went to college and has her bachelors degree” and that she “took tests and passed them.”
I told her that was great. She continued on and was very rude - asking me if I wanted to speak to her manager (no less than 3 times) - each time I denied because I told her that I understand their office policy, I just wanted her to not tell people it was a LAW when it was not.

I 100% accept and understand the fact that X-rays at a minimum of 18 months is a policy this office stands by. I think that is great for them. My other two children were fully on track with theirs. It was my youngest child with a medical condition I advocated for. And instead of calmly and accurately, with truths, explaining their policy to me - Jordan tried to intimidate me into folding with untruths. Very serious untruths regarding statues within the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry that do not exist.
Nobody should be intimidated into procedures they are uncomfortable with, especially not by lies.

* I have spoken with the office and Amanda (the office manager) was very apologetic on Jordan’s behalf. I do feel like she truly felt empathetic in the situation and I am sorry she was put into an uncomfortable position. I hope what she relayed to me is true and that responsibility will hopefully be taken by Jordan. Unfortunately there was really no resolution and she recommended without really needing to say the words that i remove all of my children from their office. I’m probably not a huge loss, but hopefully Jordan doesn’t cost the office many more patients than us in the future.

I am rating a 3 because I do not believe the dentist nor any of the other hygienist had any ill intentions, maybe not even Jordan herself. She just needs a lesson in how to speak to patients and definitely in conflict resolution. Every word she spoke escalated the situation, and it was me that ended the conversation. I would think as a professional, it would be the other way around.

We have had such a good first experience there with my little and wl definitely continue.

They are impossible to reach by phone. Very irritating. I've even went to their website to schedule an app multiple times, and they never reach out.

Would give 0 of I could. They have been my kids only dentist. I called to make an apt and they said they were not taking any NEW patients that are with SoonerCare. They are not NEW. They have been there multiple times through their lives. I explained that to the lady and she said they are still "considered new" even though they have charts for them and all their dental records.

Super friendly and professional!

I felt the staff was rude and unprofessional. The dentist didn’t seem like he cared and rushed through the appointment.

I wish I could give Safari Smiles 10 stars! Dr. Lindblom was so great with our daughter, who had quite the treatment plan. He and his staff were very professional, informative, and made sure we knew all our options. We traveled 3 hours in hopes of getting our daughter the best care, and Safari Smiles exceeded our expectations.

Definitely the best dentist office for children in bartlesville! Great staff and Awesome dentists!! Dr. Jon is the man who helps smiles for miles!

Absolutely NOT accommodation friendly. Do NOT take your kids with sensory difficulties!!