Pediatric Dentistry Kahala: Allen K. Hirai, DDS 4211 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96816

"We went in for our first visit, and they tried to take my son back without me present, never once explaining that their policy is no adults allowed in the room. I explained I don't feel comfortable leaving my son alone with strangers, and they told me that was the policy, "even 2-year-olds have to be alone with the doctor" with no adult supervision. They said they would allow me one time to watch as they took X-rays but then he had to be alone with the dentist. Receptionist Karen tried to pry into our past trauma and wouldn't leave the subject alone. Didn't feel comfortable with this, definitely going to pay attention to the red flag, so we parted ways."

"This is a Super arrogant dentist. I've worked in dental field for 10 years with a hand full of doctors, to know 1. Don't you dare oppose to this doctor's recommendation or he'll start giving you the guilt trip and talking like he can predict the future. Dr. Allen had recommended to extract my son's baby teeth because the adults teeth are coming in. I opt to wait for it to fall out naturally. That I will give my son's baby teeth, a small tug/wiggle everyday when brushing, to help it come out instead. He then stated " it won't work and that I'm actually TOURURING my son if I'm tugging at it with no anesthetic.." sorry to disappoint you doc.. but my son is definitely not crying in PAIN, as he would be in your dental chair. I explain to the Dr. Allen that prefer my son to be a little older for any extractions to prevent causing a traumatic experience for my 7 yrs old. He than had the audacity to mention how I "choose to crowned a lot of my son's teeth and that never in his 39 years has he had a patient like my son.." Mind you, we have our reasons and don't have to answer to you.. He finished by saying "Tugging on your son's teeth will not work and YOU'LL COME BACK TO ME, with this issue later and it'll be hard to fix.." I than stated "That is what an OTHO appointment is for" He than criticized "Do you know how much Otho is? $8,500. Quest insurance isn't going to pay for that." and I'm just in disbelief...Just because we currently have Quest, he assumes I can't afford/get my son's OTHO treatment? I didn't choose to tell him that I worked in a dental field and that , just to see how he acts towards his everyday patients and my gut was right. Understand this... even if my son did the extractions, it's not a guarantee that my son won't need OTHO TX in the future.. BOTTOM LINE. All kinds of red flags during this 1 conversation. Instead of explaining the pro and cons of the situation, or even giving a simple metaphor explaining my son's extractions recommendation, I was given the an arrogant, guilt trip of a response. Dr. Allen really needs to learn how to better explain the situation without getting offended with the questions being asked. For 39 years you've been doing this and this is how he acts? There are GREAT dentists out there that will take the time to explain these logics of their diagnose and will talk to you with compassion and respect your decisions. Sadly, this isn't the place. 1 star for the friendly front staff because they were really patience and pleasant in directing me to their location. Because GPS only can point to the Kahala mall location."

"I highly recommended giving this dental office a try... It’s a very clean, of course kid friendly office the energy in this office is awesome. My 3 children are now new patients here. I was so scared because of our last experience we had with another dental office! The moment you walk in you’re greeted, they actually care to know you’re family, and they made my kids feel so welcome. “Aunty Lei”... mahalo for being so caring, and making my babies feel safe. After leaving they said “I like that aunty”... coming from kids that was so scared to step foot in a dental office for years! You are truly a gem. Mahalo!"

"I first met Dr. Hirai when my youngest child age 7, needed some dental work done for his cavity. My son had been to the dentist many times prior, but one particular visit was especially difficult. During the visit he would not stop crying so the dentist was unable to complete a cavity repair. We were then referred next door to a pediatric dentist, Dr. Allen Hirai. I did not have a chance to research who this dentist was and his experience. With the recent negative media publicity of inappropriate practices, I was a bit anxious and scared. However, I was completely taken back when I met him and saw this new environment. Dr. Hirai and his staff instantly made me and my son feel at ease. His calming demeanor, professionalism and compassion, helped to calm down my son and was able to complete the work that was needed. I transferred my other two children to Dr. Hirai soon after. They all enjoy going to the dentist now. They are comfortable with getting dropped off and picked up after their appointment. I would highly recommend Dr. Hirai to anyone looking for a trusted pediatric dentist."