Smile Center / Brident Dental & Orthodontics, Austin TX

Came in here with my toddler a few years ago. I was horrified with the news of my sons needed treatment. Because he was so young and couldn’t have anesthesia they would give him an oral sedative. So he would still be conscious and probably screaming (so I the mother might not want to be in the room for it) they would then file down his teeth and place metal crowns over the nubs. I left in tears of the horror my baby was going to experience. I didn’t want him to be afraid of dentists in the future so I decided to get a second opinion. Though 30 minutes away I found the only homeopathic dentist that accepts Medicaid. Well worth it. The receptionist at smile dental wouldn’t email me his xrays without me coming to pick them up which was weird but Two years later we’ve haulted his teeth decay with a more natural approach by diet, supplements and non invasive treatments.

I switched locations just for Dr. Tran. She is so kind and patient with my son. Thank you so much to the staff who we're helpful and patient with my baby.

This my thrid Smile Center and last one. My first >5 minutes cleaning for $400-500 that was the price I saw when they charge my insurance. Smile Center are constantly keep closing on moving. I don't recommend it and the Doctor is trying to improve the place.

Steve Pridgen is currently being investigated from the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. I am not sure how my original review got deleted but here it is again. From sending inappropriate text messages after prescribing the wrong pain pills for a root canal, he then ruined my crowned tooth he put in (after 2 temp crowns) and now I have had to endure numerous trips to a new dentist and oral surgeon and have a dental implant placed- (A WHOLE NEW TOOTH) Steve Pridgen is so inappropriate, incompetent and will pay for the damage and emotional distress he has caused. Over $7K in work that still is in progress of being done due to his inefficient work and attention to detail. Steve has already had to pay many patients-including the review below and pay restitution for the unsuccessful implant treatment along with a Remedial Plan-continuing education courses. (search his name/license under Texas state dental board for public document. This place should be ashamed to have Steve in the office representing them as a dentist.

Dr. STEVE PRIDGEN IS THE WORST! I literally ran out of the office in tears. I have a fear of needles. We discussed that during the consultation last week when I met him for the first time. Yesterday (9/29/17) I was calm (ear buds in) and drowsy because I was following PRIDGENs "off the record " self medicated with last month's (pulled wisdom Rx) percocet instructions. He came into the office, asked me had my percocet kicked in (yes sir!), placed the laughing gas over my nose, rubbed novicain off the cotton swab back in the corner of my cheek, and while it was still a glob of loose gel that hadn't even started to take its numbing effect he grabbed me by the cheek and said those famous words "you'll feel a PINCH now". As I was saying wait, why? Because don't you need to wait till the gel dissolve? (all within 60+sec), still GRABBING my cheek he stabbed violently 5xs in the back of my mouth like the gel had just upset him for not dissolving fast enough. He dropped the needle and ran out the door (assistant (Mj) removes laughing gas as soon as dr leaves office). He left his sweet assistant and my husband in shock and there to pick up the pieces. I was in so much pain, shock, horror and tears Mj called him back into the office. His response to my reaction was YOU DIDN'T WANT TO BUY THE ($200) VALIUM SO YEAH I'M GONNA ROLL MY EYES AT YOU. LET ME DO MY JOB! I flew out that chair and said you're not touching me! Ran to the front desk, crying and hysterical, demanded a full refund (got it) while my husband had a serious conversation with PRIDGEN. All I can say is DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. STEVE PRIDGEN came highly recommended. And notice how this is a website for the office and yet he's the only Dr (I see) to leave a response. Why u so defensive PRIDGEN? Who gave you your credentials, ICDC COLLEGE? If so, I'm not the only one who needs a full refund.

Hello there, I'm Dr Pridgen and it's important to me to address a couple of these unfortunate ratings. It's good to hear feedback if patients feel I haven't spent enough time with them, cleanings or otherwise. I'll work on that! As of the claims that I have been involved in malpractice, I encourage patients to look up my license online and notice there is no disciplinary action.license 27085. It's truly important to read the consent forms you sign, because treatment can fail, it's that simple. I always refund failed treatment and have never been indicted on malpractice. I hope our patients know that they are always welcome to consult with me with any problems or concerns.

They are not friendly with people not like me when you visit and the doctor did not stand me professional told me I put more anesthesia? As if to ask, because he is not the doctor and other still or going to see or know that when taxes were charging and I are $ 50

Dr. Shelby and Chad Denman are great dentists. They take their time, make you feel comfortable. Great staff and facility. Highly recommended.

Dr. Don Jackson

If you're looking for low-cost services, look around because this place isn't it. Somehow, I thought I was getting a good deal, but I was mistaken. I also wasn't seen for quite some time, even though I had an appointment. They also couldn't provide copies of the x-rays on photo paper, so I had to have them emailed to me, which they forgot to do. I had to contact them again to finally receive them. After more research, I found you can get much better deals at a number of other places in Austin, which I'm sure will provide just as good or better-quality service.

I went in for a standard 6 month cleaning, and it was the worst cleaning I've ever had. The dentist spent literally all of 5 minutes max with me. He took a quick peek in my mouth and said "You're good! No cavities" and I was on my way. Usually dentists or the hygienists will buff my teeth, measure my gums and record how they look, and give me a better sense that they actually checked my mouth for good health.