Howard Van, DDS

Great doctor, he was patient and thorough, staff was friendly. I’ve had experiences with tired and moody doctors, and inexperienced staff, so I get a little anxious with Dental visits, but I gave this place a try, and it was great, I felt comfortable, I’ll definitely be back.

Dr. Van is THE best dentist around. He is very thorough in making you understand every step of your treatment. We are fortunate to have found him. Dr. Van and his staff — rate #1 in our book. They always give you choices on treatment — letting you choose what is best for your pocket book!

So glad I found this place thanks to Unilocal.As others have said Dr Van is great. He is so nice and calming. He sure knows how to make you feel comfortable going to the dentist instead of dreading each visit. His staff is really friendly as well. It is a little bit pricier than other places can be, but it is very much worth it.

I don’t review often, but any dentist appointment puts my anxiety through the rough. Dr Van had to Do an extraction on me; he managed to calm me as much as any person could do in that moment and did it pretty quickly considering my whole body was shaking the whole time!
My last dentist was SO expensive. I couldn’t believe how cheap this was comparatively. I saw that they even offer payment plans.
I’m currently still swollen/​in pain from yesterday’s appointment, but I’m not even scared for my next appointment (first time since I was 13 – 14) I found my new dentist!

Dr. Van and his staff are AWESOME!!! He is a great and effective communicator. His receptionist Olivia has the best customer service in Riverside and lets not forget about his wonderful assistants Marisol and Viviana. Hands down the BEST DENTIST IN RIVERSIDE.

I like to think I do a good job of brushing and flossing, but I know I don’t do a good job of frequently visiting to my dentists. They say every 6 months, but I think I waited closer to 3 years since my last check up. At some point, I just didn’t go because I want to get a dental lecture about coming in more. I didn’t get that from Dr. Howard.
First time visiting Dr. Howard, he was great and welcoming. I told him it has been a few years since my last check up, and he just reassured me that happens and we can more forward to keep my teeth healthy. No shaming, just good dental practice. He did a great job taking care of my teeth and cleaning them up. He also did a phenomenal job on my crown replacement recently. I have a nice smile again and I can thank Dr. Howard for that.

The best dentist experience ever. Dr. Van takes the time to communicate with his patients which is very helpful. His staff is the best. They are accommodating and always greet you with a smile. It’s a positive experience every time my family has a visit to Smile Maker’s. We’re very thankful we found Smile Maker’s for our entire family.

Its been at least over two years since i have been back to a dentist, since my last experience was so awful. I went to the net to find out a little more about this office and all of the Unilocal reviews were all five stars. The staff and Dr. was very professional and easy to work with. The best part about my visit was that they were able to take me in on a Saturday with out any fuss.

Best dentist experience I’ve had, I am no longer afraid of the Dentist. Dr. Van and his staff are very friendly yet professional. He walks you through the procedure and the receptionist is very knowledgeable. I have had two appointments here and had zero pain. Their hours work well for me as I can make Saturday appointments. I choose to give them a try after only reading Unilocal reviews for dentists in the area. I am very happy with my decision. I highly recommend making an appointment with this location.

This has been a long over due review!!! But I love Dr. Van and all the staff!!! They’re so professional and always great at keeping in touch and work out a time that’s best with my availability to come! I’m so glad my friend referred me to smile makers!

Great dentist and office staff. I don’t enjoy going to the dentist, but Dr. Van is patient and makes you feel at ease. The office staff is welcoming and friendly.

Changed from gateway dental to Dr Howard and wow what a difference. The experience from all the employees especially the dental assistant Viviana was excellent. Never going back to gateway dental. Going to a patient with Dr. Howard forever now!

Thank you SmileMaker Dental for always taking good care of my teeth. I’ve been with Dr. Van for the past 5 years. He is always very professional. I never felt rushed or a leave the office unsatisfied. Dr. Van is very gentle and thorough from examining the teeth to cleaning to even explaining the important process of brushing and flossing. The whole team is just awesome. I highly recommend Dr. Van without reservation.

I’ve been coming to SmileMaker Dental for years now, and my oral health is the best it’s ever been! Dr. Van is caring and conscientious. From the very beginning, he took the time to teach me better brushing and flossing habits. No cavities. Healthy gums. Deep cleaning is no longer a fear of mine, since his deft touch with the anesthesia consistently keeps me comfortable and at ease. He’s taken excellent care of my wife and kids as well. They actually like going to the dentist! He’s the consummate professional. You would be hard pressed to find a better dentist.

Ok. This is the best dentist I ever had. Right here. I’ve had a few dentists in the past, but I really like that he doesn’t overbook his patients and leave you sitting in a chair for an hour. He’s also very good at explaining what you’re doing wrong if you’re teeth aren’t healthy or if you have cavities, he’ll even show you pictures of your cavities and give you an option of what to do.
The staff is really friendly and whenever I have an appointment back, they’re always there.
I recommended my parents to come here and my mom says she likes this dentist because her procedure was so painless. She even told her friends about it.
This review is long overdue. I have to say when I first saw all the five stars I was a little skeptical, but this dentist really is that good. You won’t regret it.

My crown broke just before I went on vacation. I contacted Dr. Van’s office. He told me to come in and he replaced with a temporary crown. Thank you for seeing me last minute and on short notice Dr Van. Love the excellent service, friendly staff and appreciate the knowledgeable advices.

Came here after giving a few other dentist a chance in Cali .I’m from Texas… Wow what a great experience he and his staff are very knowledgable and professional… doctor took his time to explain all my problems areas in great detail and could tell he actually cared not like other dentist who just try to rush you in and out and pressure you for unnecessary procedures. Loved all the new technology in his office. He let me know what needs to be done to maintain a healthy mouth during my own time. I’m moving back to Texas soon I almost want to fly back every 6 months just to make him my official dentist for ever… thanks Doc!!!

This place is pretty amazing. Dr Van is awesome! I live in colorado but I always come back because he’s super gentle when doing work on your teeth and makes you feel really comfortable. The staff is super sweet too! If you need a new dentist, go here, you’re not going to find a better place!

From the front desk to the hygenist to the dentist himself this place is wonderful. They explain everything clearly, they check in with you during your procedure. I have been to other dentists before and they hardly measure up. This is the best dentist I have been to ever, hands down.

Smile Maker Dental is the best dentist I have been to. The staff is so friendly and the dentist is so funny. He makes you feel comfortable in the chair and I enjoy coming here. If you have a fear of dentist don’t worry about this dentist he will make you like dentistry. I highly recommend this place to everyone!