Get Quotes Contact Us Sign In
Website
Call
Mary M O'Connor To provide excellent dental care in a friendly and fun environment while responding to the individual needs of the patients and families we serve. We hope this letter finds you and your family in good health during these unprecedented times. Infection control has always been our top priority and it remains so now. Our office will communicate with you when we confirm the appointment and ask you several screening questions. You will be asked the same questions in the office and your temperature will be taken.
Services
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend the first dental visit when your child has their first baby tooth or by their first birthday. Speak positively to your child about the visit and don't get too detailed in preparing them for what you think will be done.
Reviews (28)
Write a Review
Marti R.
Jun 19, 2022
Before putting silver in kids mouth think about it. It causes too many problems. Dr. O'Connor didn't even consult with me before putting the silver in my special needs daughter mouth. Then when she was having severe swelling in her face due to the silver crown she would not even take the time to see her. Fortunately we did find a wonderful dentist in our area and had to pay out of pocket.

She had to have 3 teeth removed due to the silver crown. In the future Dr. O'Connor, I recommend you consult with the parents before putting silver crowns in a anybody's mouth. Unfortunately I was not given that respect.
The Frugal Mama A.
Nov 24, 2021
Dr. Mary is AWESOME! We saw her Ad on the St. Didacus weekly bulletin. A little bit about us, we fell into a challenging situation at my employment and I lost my dental PPO insurance. We used to go to a different Dentist who refused to take us in because now we fell in the hands of MEDI-CAL. As if thats a bad thing? But during this time of my need Dr. Mary answered the phone one day and took us in.

I had to go through her assistants and they scheduled my daughter in without much hesitation because Dr. Mary approved! Thank you Doc for taking us in and for the interaction you had with my daughter, She is pleased with your staff and the services. We will continue to come to you.
Janice & Apos S. B.
Nov 15, 2021
This staff at Dr. O'Connor's office are the best! We've been going over here for years! My son who has Autism & Epilepsy hated dentists. After our second time coming here and their patients, he now loves going over there and does so well. Thank you Dr. O'Connor & staff!
Tanja Rokvic
Sep 16, 2021
I have to say I am very surprised to see so many negative comments about Dr. O'Connor. My daughter is 16 and we started coming to her around time that she was 6 or 7. Never, have we ever experienced anything but welcoming office, friendly staff and most importantly a great and compassionate dentist. As we have gone through years and stages of my daughter's teeth development (including braces and extraction of wisdom teeth), we have learned her strong opinions and believes, but never felt judged over our decisions and choices. Loved her from day one!
Jen Malanga
Jun 13, 2021
If I give 0 I would! I would also like to see Dr. Connor's office closed down! SHE HAS NO PATIENCE OR EMPATHY for children. I took 2 of my kids for multiple appointments. Each time was a continuation of procedure. I kept telling myself that she must be having a bad day as she was ALWAYS unkind and down right mean to my kids. The last straw was my 4 yr old having to have a root canal. Dr. O'Connor waited until starting to tell us she did not believe in sedation or pain meds.

She also pulled a tooth instead of saving it. That night my daughter was screaming in pain. CALLED EMERGENCY # and she was extremely angry I called. Turns out she did root canal on WRONG TOOTH! Dr. O'Connor scheduled to remove the almalgan from wrong tooth and complete root canal on correct tooth. By this time my child is in so much pain and traumatized.

Again she refused to sedate my daughter. My child was screaming at this time and Dr. O'Connor actually threatened to stick a needle in her eye if she didn't calm down and sit still. I immediately removed my child and nearly physically accosted Dr. O'Conner. DO NOT EVER ALLOW YOUR CHILDREN TO BE SUBJECTED TO DR. O'CONNER. My daughter is now traumatized and terrified to step foot in a dentist office. Total nightmare!
Lynne Marie Thorstenson
May 18, 2021
Dr OConners office staff and Dr OConner is amazing with my special needs daughter. They are compassionate gentle and get the job done. Great dentist for kids and really for anyone!
Angel G.
Apr 26, 2021
I have taken my sons to Dr. O'Connor's ofc since they were 18 mths old. Yes, 18 MONTHS! Dr. O'Connor & her staff are kid-friendly, professional and thorough in their dentistry practice. I highly recommend her. Their number is (619)291-5291.
Fanta
Apr 26, 2021
Unprofessional staff. Waiting time for an exam is ALWAYS long. Mary makes a lot of unnecessary comments to the children. I changed dentists. It's your choice, but I wouldn't recommend this place at all
Harry & Carol Hunold
Dec 07, 2020
This pediatric dentist and staff take every precaution during this pandemic. Truthfully, they always have. The atmosphere is cheerful, spotless and welcoming to children, as is the dentist and staff.
Chad B.
Sep 09, 2020
This doctor is the reason that I have so much anxiety going to a dental office at 37. I saw her as a 13 year old on Medi-Cal and while getting fillings done I would often complain about the pain. Rather than giving me additional medication to numb the area I was told it would be "just a few more seconds." That seemed like an eternity! My only reasoning that the additional meds weren't administered was cost associated with dealing with the state. Years after the family and I were having a conversation about dentists and my other siblings piped up about the horror stories they had with this "doctor" and the trauma inflicted upon us all.

My mom was pretty mortified that we all had similar experiences. I guess when you lure poor kids in with arcade games in the front you can get away with torture and trauma in the back. For the record, my mouth still has a hard time getting numb, even with far superior dentists. Sad to see that after 24 years that not much has changed. If 0 stars were an option you'd get it.
Adrian Godinez
Feb 28, 2020
If I could give it a 0 star I would. Just so awful with kids. I brought my daughter here 3 times hoping I would get a different outcome, but every single time was just as bad as the first. Giving my 3 year old daughter such unnecessary comments each visit. Never again. For the love of your kids look for another dentist.
Gabriela Sanchez
Apr 19, 2019
Dr. O'connor and her team are wonderful. My son hasbeen his dentist for 20 years. Thanks to her and great hygiene he has never had a cavity. They make us feel at home every visit. Thank you
Alison V.
Feb 06, 2019
We love Dr O'Connor and her staff. We have been coming here for years. We've had to have dental surgery and Dr O'Connor can work out of Rady. My son has special needs and they are always so patient with him. Our last visit was amazing. My son finally sat in the chair alone and allow his teeth to be cleaned. I always recommend this place to all the special needs parents. Even better, they are always on schedule and you're not waiting forever in the waiting room.
Loredana C.
May 24, 2018
Very sweet staff except for one she's just very serious never seen her smile but she's nice. Dr. O'Connor is so sweet and so good with my boys I'm so glad I found her. Also her office is nice because it has parking so you don't have to look or pay for parking.
Gabe Stork
May 19, 2018
A friend had wisdom teeth removed and Mary didn't even numb the patent all the way before the procedure. Also, she didn't give the patient options on what anesthesia would the patient like to have. She wouldn't even give you a referral to a oral surgeon. And when you're done you're still S.O.L. because she won't write a prescription for pain medication afterwards.

After seeing all of the terrible reviews of this place not only on Google, yelp etc but on the Better Business Bureau too? That makes this dentist office look more like Auschwits compared to the dentist office I go to. I will not be returning to this dentist office nor will my friends and family unless some major improvements are made. If I were a patient I would expect to be treated like a patient not a customer.
Nicole R.
Mar 07, 2018
Marry OConnor has a great way with kids. She has fun with them and makes the dentist a positive experience. My kids have been seeing her for 8 years now and we have had the best treatment from her and her staff.
Marina O.
Dec 19, 2017
I thought a smaller practice was going to be a more pleasant experience. the waiting room is small but nice. Parents will love the PacMan machine and kids have plenty of toys to keep them entertained. The staff wasn't as kid friendly as I'd hoped. Pleasant, yes, but I don't feel like my daughter warmed up to them very well. She did enjoy the small prize at the end, however.

My biggest complaint is that the facial veneer they placed fell off after about a week. She went in a second time and that one fell off the next day! My next complaint, which is somewhat understandable, is that they book so far out in advanced for afternoon appointments. All they had available was morning appointments and my daughter had to miss school a couple times. We won't be going back; it's incredibly inconvenient.
Chris N.
Nov 29, 2017
Dr. O Connor has always been patient and kind with my kids. She takes the time to explain what needs to be done. I feel comfortable asking her any questions. She's very professional about her work and will do only work that is medically necessary.
T. P.
Nov 16, 2017
We are new here after many attempts to get an uncooperative child taken care of at multiple dentists. The support staff here are on point with problem solving and research regarding unique situations and insurance. They conduct the business of being accurate as true honorable skilled professionals. This all filters down as with any business, from the top -This being Dr. Mary. So grateful and looking forward to my child actually getting taken care of finally, at our scheduled plan. Impressive and relieved.
Guadalupe Flores
Apr 16, 2017
Dr. O'connor is a great dentist, she is great with kids. My son likes coming with her and its not scared at all. They have a great service all the nurse are so friendly. the waiting room has toys and a game machine so the kids can play while they wait all though the waiting is not to long. If your looking for a good dentis who is kind, friendly, and caring for kids Dr. M O'connor is the one
C. G.
Feb 11, 2017
Friendly and fast! Not only did they get my toddler in and out of the chair ASAP (priceless to any toddler mom) they spoiled her with toys to entertain her in the wait room, more toys to distract her in the cleaning room and even gave her a toy at parting. With a location close to Balboa park, it made it easy for us to run over to the park after her appointment.
Alpha Omega
Oct 26, 2016
During some fillings, Mary O'Connor threatened child to bring their parents into the room if they did not stop complaining about the pain during the operation with an unkind tone. Unacceptable. Work done was not even shaped correctly and looks bad. A pain to use dental-floss since the crude shape of the fillings also ruins the floss as it moves in and out between the teeth.
Steve B.
Sep 29, 2016
Initially went to Dr Poiset for my 4 year old dental check up. She needed filling from both sides of her mouth and the dentist required that she would give her some liquid drink before the treatment. The dentist refused to do the treat without that. I then found Dr. O'Conner and came to her for a second opinion. She stated that she doesn't use any gas or liquids to sedate the children and uses local anesthetic (shot).

From the first visit it was an amazing experience. Super kid friendly and explained everything to us before treatment. I highly suggest her. I also love how she is straight up and direct. Thank you!
Andi N.
Aug 19, 2016
Terrible experience! The only reason to bring your kids here is if you want them to have a lifetime fear of the dentist. My son was getting his first set of X-rays ( they also didn't ask me and whisked away my 4 year old while I filled out forms and looked after my 2 year old and I assumed he was starting his cleaning). Upon finding him I say he saw getting x-rays and was doing well but starting to get wiggly.

One set was hard to get and he started to cry, the staff then started to hold him down. The next moment A gruff lady was in the room yelling at my child to sit down and he was terrified in tears. I was shocked to look at the name tag and find it was the dentist herself! I informed her the visit was over and we would no longer be patients and she then yelled at me.

This person obviously has no idea how to gently redirect children to make the comfortable. I had taken my son at one there and remember him crying and being held and as a new mom assumed that was how it had to be. Now I know better! She should not be allowed near children let alone to treat them. Very upsetting. My son cried for 15 minutes in my arms in her parking lot and he isn't a crier.
Brittany S.
Nov 06, 2015
This was my daughter's first dentist appointment and everyone was so nice, from the front desk, the hygienist, and especially the dentist. I was able to go back with her and they made us feel do welcome. We will definitely stick with this office.
Mark H.
May 12, 2015
My children have been going to Dr. O'Connor for about a year now. She's nothing but AMAZING! My wife and kids RAVE about her! She's fun, caring, and genuinely interested in making the whole experience a joy for our kids. She's passionate about her job and it shows in her work product. I've never seen my child as excited about visiting a dentist as I did today!

She was stoked! We'll be taking our kids to Dr. O'Connor for the rest of their youth and look forward to our next visit. Thanks for being such a great human being and dentist, Dr. O'Connor! You make us SMILE :-.
Cinna B.
Jan 06, 2014
We discovered Doctor O'Connor on Yelp as a result of no longer being happy with the current dentist. We are always promptly helped and acknowledged when we come to the office. I have three kids ages 5,7, and 9 and we are able to schedule everyone's cleanings on the same day! The kids like coming here, so that is a huge plus! They all get a bag of goodies which include: toothbrush, floss, tooth paste, and toys!

Our previous dentist seemed to be drilling on my kids teeth to much and he lost my trust. We haven't had that problem here. In fact, doctor O'connor said my child did not have the cavities the other dentist reported!
Crystal E.
Dec 10, 2009
15 years ago two of my siblings went to Dr. Mary regularly. The staff are all nice and VERY patient. Dr. Mary is very knowledgeable and quick. So when I wanted to take my three year old to his first dentist we went to Dr. Mary O'Connor. My son got his teeth cleaned, x-rayed and sealed in 30 minutes. The wait in the waiting room is never that long, either. Besides, there is a video game machine, books and lots of toys.

I don't know why someone complained about Dr. Mary using swear words, she would never do that. The reason they don't allow parents in after the first visit is because children listen to authoritative figures who aren't their parents better than their parents. (Case in point, my son doesn't let me brush his teeth without a fuss, but when the dental assistant told him to get in the chair and she started to clean his teeth he did what he was told and just sat there, hands on tummy, letting her work. I was very surprised.) An added bonus is that she accepts Medi-Cal!