My son, daughter, and I just LOVE Dr. Mendoza-Sobel on Grand Avenue in Piedmont. She was great with my son (then 12 mos.) and daughter (then 3) during their first visit and it just kept getting better. My children were excited to go to her office and continued to be happy regardless of the procedure (even the less pleasant ones). She asked them to guess what animal noise she was about to make and then she would proceed to entertain them with funny imitations while she scraped and drilled. The distractions worked like magic and left them giggling. As a parent, I felt as if she partnered with me in the upkeep of their oral health and hygiene. Her front office staff is excellent so give them a call. I believe her husband is the president of the California Society of Pediatric Dentists. Lynn

There are no recent recommendations for these two dentists, but both have older, fairly postive recs. Anything recent? Bass- allen is on Broadway near the Paramount, and parking is not great. Mendoza-Sobel was suggested by my dentist, and the neighborhood has easier parking. How did you like the offices and the staff? How did your young kids react? My 2-yr old actually enjoys brushing and flossing(!) but doesn't usually want strangers being too invasive. She'd probably like it if the office was pleasant and the people are pleasant. We don't have dental insurance, so Mendoza-Sobel is more expensive, but more convenient. This will be our first visit. Thanks! Janet

The first visit seems to be aimed at getting your child used to the dentist and goes as far as your child is comfortable. The following visits include exams, cleaning, x-rays. In my interactions with Dr Mendoza-Sobel, she has always told me what is going on during the exam, what she finds, and any necessary follow up.

When my son was losing his first tooth, we visited the office on a day when Dr. Mendoza-Sobel wasn't available. He saw Dr Negron who was great with my son. He happened to be in the lobby when we walked in. He talked to my son, found out why we were there, and even got a look at the tooth before we got the exam area. I wouldn't hesitate to take my kids to either doctor in the office. The person at the front desk has always been very polite and helpful, too. Lisa

Try Dr. Leticia Mendoza-Sobel on Grand Ave. in Piedmont- what a terrific dentist. I can't say enough good things about her. I have a 3 year old and a five year old, both of whom love going to the dentist. Dr. Letty makes the whole potential ordeal enjoyable for both parent and children. She has a genuine affection for children, and it shows in how she has structured her practice. Give her a try - I hope you'll agree! lisa

My 4-yr son goes to Leticia Mendoza-Sobel in Piedmont, off Grand Ave. He loves her! She is very patient with the children and tries to make them as comfortable as possible. Her staff is also wonderful. My son was very resistant to having his teeth brushed when he was younger and his first visit at two was not his idea of fun. Dr. Lettie allowed me to hold him and she made the visit very fast and fun. She allowed my son to come back for a follow-up visit to watch other children and see how they got their teeth cleaned, brushed, flossed etc. My son is currently wearing an orthodontic appliance to correct a cross-bite. Dr Lettie talked to him about it, what to expect, etc. and also had him meet two other children who had the same appliance. I highly recommend her. Ann