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Board CertifiedAccepting new patients

Destination Smiles

Destination Smiles is a San Jose, CA orthodontic practice providing care for children, teens, and adults.

189 N Bascom Ave #200, San Jose, CA 95128
4.9(840 reviews)
Call Now(408) 212-0625Book OnlineWebsiteDirections

About Destination Smiles

Very young children and anxious or special-needs patients get extra attention here, with therapy dogs, laughing gas, and sensory-friendly accommodations easing visits.

Reviews here lean heavily toward families with young children, and many describe kids who are nervous, shy, or have special needs being handled with particular patience. Distraction tools like ceiling movies, toys, and a therapy dog come up often, alongside sedation options such as laughing gas for procedures that would otherwise be stressful. Dr. Randy Ligh is specifically noted for frenectomy and infant feeding expertise, and several reviews describe thorough, kid-friendly explanations of treatment steps before procedures.

Summary of 200 patient reviews, December 2022–September 2026, updated September 2026

Destination Smiles is a San Jose, CA orthodontic practice providing care for children, teens, and adults.

The practice offers Invisalign and early treatment for younger patients, utilizing digital impression technology to capture accurate scans without traditional molds. The team includes six board-certified orthodontists credentialed by the American Board of Orthodontics: Dr. Joseph Fridgen, Dr. Randy Ligh, Dr. Jacky Ha Thai, Dr. Linh Van, Dr. Jeff Kwong, and Dr. Louis Tieu. This depth of specialist expertise supports consistent access to orthodontic care across the practice's schedule. Destination Smiles accepts all PPO insurance plans and offers multiple payment options including cash, check, credit cards, Apple Pay, and HSA flexible spending accounts. The practice provides in-house payment plans and financing through third-party lenders Sunbit and CareCredit. An in-house membership club is available for patients seeking alternative payment structures. New patients can schedule a complimentary consultation, and online booking is offered for convenience. Weekend appointments are available to accommodate varied schedules. Families and adults in the San Jose area seeking orthodontic evaluation can contact Destination Smiles to determine appropriate treatment timing and options. Individual assessment is necessary to establish a personalized care plan.

Treatments offered

InvisalignInvisalignEarly TreatmentEarly Treatment
GuidesHow much does Invisalign cost? →Payment options & financing →

Who They Treat

Destination Smiles provides orthodontic treatment for the following age groups:

Children
Ages 6–11
Teens
Ages 12–17
Adults
Ages 18+

Technology & Equipment

Destination Smiles uses modern orthodontic technology to deliver precise, comfortable treatment.

3D Digital Scanning
Laser Dentistry

Orthodontists at this office

provider
headshot

Dr. Joseph Fridgen, DDS

NPI verified · no bio or photo on file

Lead OrthodontistNPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients
provider
headshot

Dr. Randy Ligh, DDS

NPI verified · no bio or photo on file

NPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients
provider
headshot

Dr. Jacky Ha Thai

NPI verified · no bio or photo on file

Accepting New Patients
provider
headshot

Dr. Jeff Kwong, DDS, MSD

NPI verified · no bio or photo on file

NPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients
provider
headshot

Dr. Louis Tieu, DDS, MD

NPI verified · no bio or photo on file

NPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients
provider
headshot

Dr. JOSEPH WEBSTER RIDEAU --, DDS

NPI verified · no bio or photo on file

NPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients19 yrs experience
provider
headshot

Dr. Linh Van, DDS

NPI verified · no bio or photo on file

NPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients

Insurance accepted

2 plans listed
Delta Dental PPOPpo Insurances
All PPO insurances accepted

What patients say

Latest review 6 weeks ago

What patients praise

  • Staff are repeatedly described as skilled at putting nervous, shy, or special-needs children at ease during exams and procedures.
  • Sedation, laughing gas, and a therapy dog are used to help anxious children get through fillings or other procedures calmly.
  • Doctors are described as taking time to walk parents and kids through procedures step by step before starting.

Things to know

  • Some reviews describe confusion or frustration over insurance coverage and unexpected costs, including one billing dispute.
  • A few reviews mention difficulty reaching the office or getting calls returned, particularly for follow-up questions.

Who it suits

  • Families with young children
  • Anxious or nervous patients
  • Children with special needs

Doctors patients mention

  • Dr. Randy Ligh · 31 reviews
  • Dr. Joseph Fridgen · 23 reviews
  • Dr. Linh Van · 13 reviews
  • Dr. Jeff Kwong · 2 reviews
  • Dr. Victoria · 15 reviews
Last 90 days
18 reviews
averaging 4.6★
Last 12 months
107 reviews
averaging 4.8★
Owner replies
74% of reviews
Compared with San Jose
Higher rated than 52%
of 23 practices we track
Reviews per month
35
Oct 2023Sep 2026
Reviews per month
Oct 20235
Nov 20237
Dec 20234
Jan 20248
Feb 20243
Mar 202414
Apr 20245
May 20248
Jun 20244
Jul 20246
Aug 20243
Sep 20245
Oct 20246
Nov 20245
Dec 20244
Jan 20255
Feb 20258
Mar 202512
Apr 20256
May 20255
Jun 20254
Jul 20250
Aug 20256
Sep 20256
Oct 20258
Nov 20254
Dec 20255
Jan 20267
Feb 20262
Mar 20268
Apr 202612
May 202635
Jun 20268
Jul 20262
Aug 20267
Sep 20269
Average rating by year
  • 20204.9
  • 20214.9
  • 20224.9
  • 20234.8
  • 20244.9
  • 20254.8
  • 20264.8
1★5★
Treatments patients mention
  • Early (phase 1) treatment6
What patients talk about
PraiseCriticism
  • Friendly staff86 / 3
  • Great with kids80 / 1
  • The orthodontist64 / 1
  • Gentle, comfortable care41 / 1
  • Clear explanations28 / 4
  • Office & technology23 / 1
  • Scheduling & wait times12 / 2
  • Responsiveness10 / 4
What patients talk about
ThemePraiseCriticism
Friendly staff863
Great with kids801
The orthodontist641
Gentle, comfortable care411
Clear explanations284
Office & technology231
Scheduling & wait times122
Responsiveness104

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Recent reviews from Google

4.9
840 reviews
Jordan Conyers
Jordan Conyers
3 months ago
“

We had a great experience at my son's first dental appointment! The office was clean, and the staff was very friendly. We loved Dr. Victoria—she and the dental assistant took the time to answer all of my questions and made us feel comfortable throughout the visit. We were also placed in a room with a sliding glass door, which provided extra privacy. A really fun touch was that they asked what movie my son likes and played it on the ceiling during the appointment. It made the experience much more enjoyable for him. Highly recommend! 😊

Review from Google

Brandon Caliguiran
Brandon Caliguiran
4 months ago
“

The whole team at Destination Smiles is awesome. Between the 2 of my kids, we have seen several of the Dr’s. We just finished a small procedure with Dr Victoria and Diana. They were very thorough. Dr Ligh helped release tongue ties on both kids as infants. My daughter has also seen Dr Jacky and Dr Van. Always a great experience. They have all the tools and training to distract my kids from what might otherwise be a scary appointment. I highly recommend Destination Smiles!

Review from Google

Jacqueline Kao
Jacqueline Kao
4 months ago
“

We have been taking my almost 5 year old son here ever since he was ~3 months old and got his tongue tie released by Dr. Ligh. All the dentists (Dr. Ligh, Dr. Fridgen, Dr. Tran) and the assistants are great--super nice and patient. The waiting room is very kid-friendly, with lots of toys, books, and tablets. My son also loves the mini water bottles in the fridge, haha. Of note, the bathroom is also very clean and spacious--there's even a diaper pail and changing station. Highly recommend taking your kids here!

Review from Google

Van Nguyen
Van Nguyen
4 months ago
“

Great experience with Dr. Fridgen every time we visit the office. He is gentle and skilled. The staffs are very friendly and caring for children’s feelings. Highly recommended this office for children dentist services!

Review from Google

Xuxu Pan
Xuxu Pan
4 months ago
“

We are visiting Destination Smiles for more than two years. Love the doctors and nurses there. My daughter likes to visit too since they gives her cute toys and there are fun events (making balloons, patting service dogs) in the clinic. Kayla is super helpful too!

Review from Google

Read all 840 reviews on Google →

Questions about this practice

What orthodontic treatments does Destination Smiles offer?+
Destination Smiles offers: Invisalign, Early Treatment.
Does Destination Smiles accept dental insurance?+
Destination Smiles accepts Delta Dental PPO, Ppo Insurances.
Does Destination Smiles offer free consultations?+
Yes, Destination Smiles offers a free initial orthodontic consultation. Call (408) 212-0625 or book online to schedule.
Is Destination Smiles accepting new patients?+
Destination Smiles is currently welcoming new patients in San Jose, CA. Call (408) 212-0625 or book online to schedule.
Where is Destination Smiles located?+
Destination Smiles is located at 189 N Bascom Ave #200. Get directions: https://maps.google.com/?cid=14488506524534358202&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA
What are the office hours for Destination Smiles?+
Destination Smiles office hours: Mon 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Tue 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Wed 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Thu 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM–2:00 PM, Sun Closed–Closed.
Does Destination Smiles offer payment plans?+
Yes, Destination Smiles offers flexible payment plans to make orthodontic treatment affordable.
Who are the orthodontists at Destination Smiles?+
Destination Smiles is staffed by Dr. Joseph Fridgen, Dr. Randy Ligh, Dr. Jacky Ha Thai, Dr. Jeff Kwong, Dr. Louis Tieu, Dr. JOSEPH WEBSTER RIDEAU --, Dr. Linh Van. The practice is board-certified.
What is the patient rating for Destination Smiles?+
Destination Smiles has a 4.9-star rating based on 840 patient reviews on Google.

Research with AI

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189 N Bascom Ave #200
San Jose, CA 95128
Get Directions
(408) 212-0625
destinationsmiles.com/
Book Online
Open in Google Maps
Accepting new patients
Free Consultation
Payment Plans Available
In-House Financing
Weekend Hours
Online Booking Available
Emergency Hours Available

Accessibility & Parking

Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Wheelchair Accessible Parking
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
CashCredit CardsDebit CardsContactless / NFCCareCredit
Mon8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tue8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
SunClosed

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