1. Lollipop Dental

Multiple locations; lollipopdental.com

Most people remember being scared of the dentist when they were kids. So do the staff at Lollipop Dental. The practice’s whole approach is to make quality pediatric dentistry — and orthodontics — as un-scary as possible for kids, helping to develop the best dental health habits.

Enter the kid-friendly environment of an average Lollipop Dental office, with its playroom-like look, friendly and supportive staff, and even TVs mounted on the ceiling to keep kids occupied while their teeth are checked, and a kid might even find a dentist trip … fun.

“We believe every child and family deserves a positive dental experience,” proclaims Lollipop Dental’s website. “We are a specialists-only practice, so our team understands that children need a kind and caring approach to help set the stage for future positive experiences at the dentist.”

Each visit also features staffers reminding kids how to brush and floss properly twice daily, a fluoride treatment to strengthen and protect a child’s teeth, and dental sealants on the back molars. Lollipop only uses distilled water, following CDC recommendations for water quality and meeting Dental Board of California requirements.

“My kids love going here,” Tina P. of Lake Forest says on Yelp. “The techs and dentist are friendly and great with kids. My three-year-old tells me she is excited to visit the dentist, and that’s great.”

2. Mai Bright Smiles

Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo; maibrightsmiles.com

A dentistry practice for everyone from kids to grandparents, Mai Bright Smiles offers standard and cosmetic dentistry and implants with personal attention in small, private offices.

Dr. Michael Mai has been a dentist for more than 20 years, opening his Mission Viejo office in 2011 and his Huntington Beach location in 2015. Together with associates Dr. Dina and Dr. Mandy, they can keep specialists in house without having to refer patients somewhere else.

“Most people hate going to the dentist,” says Santa Ana’s Danny R. on Yelp, “but when you find a great dentist and a great staff you look forward to going in. Dr Mai and his staff are awesome and super friendly.”

Krystal V. of Fountain Valley agrees. “Best is that he’s not aggressive with the treatment plans. He provides recommendations of what could be done now and later, and gives you options with his recommendation.”

3. Romana Family Dental

9092 Talbert Ave., #12, Fountain Valley; 714-963-6696; myfountainvalleyfamilydentist.com

You can get any kind of dentistry you need at Romana Family Dental, but it’s the office’s specialty that can put a nice smile on your face.

Since 2013, Romana has specialized in advanced restorative and cosmetic dentistry that corrects or restores or enhances smiles. From fillings and root canals to implants, dentures, crowns and bridges, and even 24-hour emergency dental services, the real difference, according to their website, is a doctor and an office “driven by the understanding of the profound impact oral health has on overall well-being, Dr. Romana is known for his compassionate, patient-centered approach.”

What Lisette S. of Huntington Beach liked was “Dr. Romana’s caring and professional nature. He takes his time to explain the process and makes sure that his patients are well educated and taken care of. Cannot recommend him enough.”