Smile Stars Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics - Baton Rouge

The doctor is good, but the office policy and communication were disappointing. My child was in pain and had an appointment scheduled a week out. The office was aware he was hurting, but there wasn’t availability to get him in sooner. As any parent would, I found another dentist who could treat him immediately so he wouldn’t have to stay in pain. After his emergency was handled, I called Smile Star to schedule the remaining dental work. I was told they could no longer see him because we chose to go to another dentist in the meantime. I explained that he was in pain and I did what I had to do to get him relief. I was also told that if I had informed them he was in pain, they would have tried to squeeze him in — but that had already been communicated. It’s frustrating because they are one of the only offices nearby that accept our insurance and offer sedation for children. I understand offices have policies, but refusing to continue care for a child who sought emergency treatment elsewhere feels unnecessary and disappointing

Dr. Ripple is the best dentist we’ve ever had. We had such a positive experience with him! He was so great with our child, who came in for an emergency today. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of a pediatric dentist!

Google wont let me post the entire story its too long. Dr. Ripple is a a heartless man to do what he did to my child. She is 7. She had to stay home from school and not eat almost the entire day for a procedure. Our apt was for 430. She didnt drink her sedatives until 5. Around 520 they took her back for the procedure. I asked the assistant if she needed help carrying her she told me no, kinda snappy btw. I then asked if I was to follow and she said no parents allowed. I then replied with well I wasn't made aware of that and sat down disappointed. Minutes later the nurse comes out saying I seemed upset and we could cancel the procedure. I said no our dentist couldn't do it only he could and we were prepared today. My face may have looked upset but I didnt raise my voice cuss or say anything inappropriate. She went back to talk with Ripple then informed me he wasn't comfortable doing the procedure anymore bc I seemed uncomfortable. I said their must be a miscommunication and asked to speak directly with him. She leaves again and this time returns with my daughter. Repeats he doesn't want to do it anymore, he already started another patient at almost 6pm. Any mom is concerned with any procedure and more so if you bring their almost unconscious child somewhere unfamiliar with them...what's the problem? They watched me struggle to get my drugged daughter to the car with no help at all. The nurse also told me I needed to go back to my dentist "who lets me go to the back for procedures" and when I asked what we were going to do for my daughter as he said this procedure needed to be done quickly, she stated " this procedure needed to be done long ago and its not our fault she wont have it done." I understand policies and I never disagreed with it, I just voiced i wasn't told or must have misheard and that I was upset but not at anyone just needed to digest it...THAT warranted drugging my kid and sending us out the door??? Makes you wonder what they do behind those doors and i actually thank God we were denied their service. I've had multiple people reach out to me and tell me things about this place that I wish I would have known or researched better before hand!! Ill also add the ascension location is a complete mad house, the lady that checked me out didnt know what she was doing and took forever, my apt was over an hour for a consult, and when I called they put me on hold for over 10 minutes before I hung up and called again. I gave them the benefit of the doubt but NEVER again.

I’ve been coming to this dentistry for years now! Dr. Ripple and Dr. Matt are my absolute favorites! Dr. Ripples personality is always so pleasant, I could be having a bad day and they always find ways to cheer me up! I want to give a special thanks Dr. Matt for brightening my smile!

My first experience was good then my next experience not so much. My daughter was so sedated that her head was falling back, the Dental assistant did not have any support to her neck. I tried to help adjust my child, she claimed she had it. My daughter came out and she had Urinated on herself. Certain staff is very rude. Dr.Ripple was in a rush and showed a lack of concern when I explained my concerns.