Samuel Hayatt, DMD

Dr. Hayatt performed a treatreat of a root canal about two years ago on tooth #2. I recently started experiencing the same pain in the tooth that he worked on. My current dentist (Dr. Nita H. Largoza) checked the tooth and decided it was best to have a specialist examine the tooth. Dr. Largoza referred me to Dr. Tom Massarat at Eastlake Endodontics. Dr. Massarat’s initial diagnosis was a nerve issue which would require drilling into the tooth. If not a nerve then the tooth would have to be removed. Dr. Massarat performed a retreat of the root canal and found that a nerve was not treated. I am disappointed, disgusted and dissatisfied that I had to spend my hardworking money on poor services performed by Dr. Hayatt. It is apparent Dr. Hayatt should send all of his patients to a specialist when it comes to performing root canals.

I have to say that I have been a patient with Dr. Hayatt for the past two years. This guy is an artist! I did not fully realize the extent of my dental issues and Dr. Hayatt took them all step by step and turned in what was 50 years of poor dental habits into something truly beautiful. From the day I walked into their office, I was greeted by the best office staff I had seen in that same amount of time. The technical staff were extremely proficient and professional and made an otherwise unpleasant experience one worth remembering. What was outstanding is his Office Practice Manager, Mayra. She answered all of my questions and set my mind at ease with the work that was done. As a business executive who deals with the public on a daily basis, I have all the confidence in the world. I can not recommend any higher this dental office. These folks will make you look like a super star.

Found this place based on some really good reviews. I have an HMO and a lot of the providers had terrible reviews so I was excited to have found a dentist that took HMO with high ratings. Well… I went in knowing I needed a root canal and couple fillings. I had my old records and xrays sent to the office about a month or so before my scheduled appointment. When I got there, they didn’t have the records and spent a bunch of time trying to find them. They still wanted to do xrays but I declined since I had just recently had xrays done. They still wanted a couple others that they supposedly didn’t have so I let them do it.
When the doctor finally came in he told me I should have a deep cleaning (which I’ve heard isn’t any different than a normal cleaning). He also recommended I have all my metal fillings removed for porcelain fillings but stated they were very expensive and not covered by insurance. Then he pointed out the root canal that I needed and instead of either performing it (which I thought would be done that day) or letting me schedule it, I was referred to a specialist. When I asked why he couldn’t do it, they basically told me that he doesn’t do root canals. WELL… after seeing reviews on Unilocal (recent ones, btw) that he had done root canals and crowns same day, I was very VERY upset.
I saw the Dr in September and I still haven’t heard from him or the «specialist» they were referring me to. Pretty sure they’re referring me out because I have an HMO. I work in the medical field and know how insurance works. Needless to say I will be switching my insurance back to a PPO and going back to my old dentist in Bonita! Thanks for nothing Dr. Hayatt!!!

I had the best experience with Dr. Hyatt and his office. I have always been terrified of dentists from the moment I walk in the door. He was very understanding and he said to me «I promise I won’t hurt you but if I do then I won’t charge you today». He didn’t hurt me as promised. I ended up having both a root canal and crown on all done in the same visit. So far I am happy with the work that was done. I highly recommend Dr. Hyatt and plan to return there when I need more dental work. That is why I gave Dr. Hyatt and his office a five star rating.

I wish I could give this place zero stars. Do not waste your time or money here! From the very start, I did not get a sense that I was a valued patient, I was just another person to be rushed through. My appointment was at the end of the day, and they had requested that I arrive 15 minutes early to fill in paperwork. That was fine, so I arrived at the time they specified, and just as I walk in, the receptionist says «There you are, I just left you a voicemail». I listened to the voicemail later, and she was asking me where I was! And I was there 15 minutes early!
Then I get in and they inform me that they want to take x-​rays since I am a new patient. I told them I just had a full set of x-​rays done 6 months ago, and I would prefer not to do a full set, so they said okay, we’ll just do bite wings. Then apparently the doctor told them he wanted a full set of x-​rays, so they start doing the x-​rays, and I had to ask them why they were doing the full set when I specifically asked not to have them done. The technician then informs me that the doctor insisted that I get the full set, but that they would only be charging my insurance for the bite wings. This made me a little ticked off, but fine, I gave in.
Then the actual exam happened. I have never had a cavity in my life, and so of course I was suprised when Dr. Hayatt diagnosed 4 cavities using a new sonographic machine that measures enamel thickness. I am in the medical field as well, so I am not opposed to using technology. However, there was no discussion of what the options were, he just assumed that I would agree with his diagnosis and pushed me to schedule an appointment to have the fillings done. I felt so pressured that I made the appointment, but later cancelled because I just didn’t have a good feeling about it.
I have since gone to another dentist for a second opinion, and the new dentist has confirmed that I do not have any cavities. Also, I had asked Dr. Hayatt’s office to send over my x-​rays and record to the new dentist’s office, which they did for a $ 25 fee! Luckily I had them cc: me on the email because, when I went in for my appointment, turns out the new dentist never got the email because the email address Dr. Hayatt’s office used was completely wrong! Now I don’t know where my records went, and I’m pretty sure that’s a HIPAA violation.
Take it from me, do NOT waste your time or money here.

After moving to CA I tried couple dentiest but I stay with Dr Hayatt, listing to your concern and provide great treatment

Dr. Hayatt is the BEST dentist in San Diego. Period.
I am disgusted and shocked with the amount of ignorance displayed on this page.
I was referred to Dr. Hayatt by one of his patients, and all my visit have been excellent. I myself have referred friends and family and have heard nothing but great things. As his patient, we have the option of writing a review on a CONFIRMED patient site (
), only confirmed/​legitimate patients are able to review.
If you are looking for a real review site and information about Dr. Hayatt and his office I recommend you visit —
Don’t be fooled by the BS here.

Worst Staff! I think the front desk lady’s clothes were skin tight to the max. Looks like she’s going to the clubs. Rude ladies who are in charge of the staff and very fake in dealing with clients. The dental assistants were probably the stars of the place. They were very nice and helpful.
As for the charges, they had a method of robbing you with their credit plan to help cover any charges. Dr. Hyatt suggested the work that needed to be done for my siblings and I and my Lord the cost was outrageous expensive and coincidentally the same for all three of us. My brother who had no insurance had the same amount to be paid ($ 5000) for dental work as my sister and I who had insurances and minimal work. Amazing how we all had the same cost for our dental work while we have insurances. I hope they get caught for cheating people because that is not coincidental.
I went to a different dentist (Happy Smiles) for different opinion and it was completely low in price — Like $ 4500 difference. I don’t know who is writing these reviews but they need to tell the truth.

I’m surprised to see so many rants here. I and my husband have both been going to Dr. Hayatt for a few years and it’s been an overwhelmingly positive experience.
I think I know why folks are getting pissed: Dr. Hayatt is aggressive in diagnosing cavities. He’s got some high tech equipment that allows him to catch them sooner and he recommends filling them right away. I don’t think that necessarily makes him a bad dentist — I mean, wouldn’t you rather know than not?
My experience? The office has cutting edge equipment, the staff is focused on patient comfort, and Dr. Hayatt is good at what he does. Also, I don’t find them overpriced; quite the opposite. I just got some work done and I paid $ 100 a filling with an unsubsidized DHMO — pretty reasonable.
Bottom line: if you’re considering this dentist, I wouldn’t let the Unilocal reviews dissuade you.

I can’t recommend this place highly enough. After my first cleaning, I came home feeling *relaxed*. That’s never a state going to the dentist left me before. Today I got a few fillings, had some work by a previous dentist fixed and was out in 45 minutes.
Dr. Hayat clearly knows what he’s doing, and the staff are all very kind, friendly people. They take care to be sure you’re comfortable: lip balm, extra-​comfortable chairs, neck pillow, sunglasses, headphones… they’ve clearly thought about how to make going to the dentist the best experience possible.
I’ve been to about a half-​dozen dentists in my life, and this has been far and away the best experience. Thanks!

Awful staff and outrageous prices! Two out of the three front desk employees were rude, completely unprofessional and unable to clearly answer any of my questions. However, I figured I would at least give the doctor a chance since it was my first visit.
Dr. Hayatt insisted that I needed a deep cleaning and that I had two cavities that needed to be filled. He said they would be happy to provide me a surface cleaning then and there, after saying yes he completely went back on his word twice! When the very unprofessional/​uneducated front desk girl went over my «treatment case» the total out of pocket bill came to 1442.00 for a deep teeth cleaning and cavity fillings!
Save yourself the time and sanity and go somewhere else.

HORRIBLE. This guy should not have a license. I should have looked on Unilocal before choosing him. Daughter had a filling done… was in pain for a week after… went back to see him to get corrected… still in pain. He did a horrible job.

Our daughter has beautifully aligned teeth since the doctors at this office have helped her with her braces. Anytime we have a problem, a doctor on call gives us a call right back or the office fits us in if needed. The staff is very nice and helpful. Would definitely recommend Life Smiles Dental Care and Dr. Samuel Hayatt.

A girlfriend of mine had recommended this place to me, it isn’t that easy to find an honest and upfront dentist in the South Bay Area but, this place is it! Dr. Hayatt and his staff have been very professional, honest and accommodating to me and my family. I have been to both offices and have had nothing but positive experiences each time. It has always been clean and inviting and I have never waited more than a couple minutes to get into the chair. With a little one in tow, that’s a BIG plus! The prices are reasonable as well, I am very pleased with the dental work I have had thus far and will definitely be back.

The rating wouldnt be towards Samuel Hayatt, the front desk girl, or by any of the dental assistants. They are all very professional and great. I actually loved being seen by them.
This about is the financial process handler.
I was quoted what I felt to be an outrageous amount for a crown and a root canal and was told that my insurance doesnt pay for anything. Absolutely nothing besides cleaning.
I questioned the fact that I had been quoted over a $ 1000 less at two other places. The response: «Why dont you go there then?».
I continued to ask why it was so expensive here and, and the only response I received was «These are our prices!».
After asking to think things over since it was so expensive, she continued to open the door (still sitting down looking at the computer screen) and went «have a great day».
I was pretty much kicked out because I didnt want to pay top dollars, and wanted an explanation to why it was priced the way it was.
I immediately called my insurance company to receive some clarification around what my policy covered, and to get some estimates on what this usually costs. The insurance agent put me on hold to call the office to get the procedure codes and a better understanding of the situation.
Three-​four minutes later we get back on the phone and I can hear the agent literally shake out of frustration.
«I cant believe what just happened, (dont want to name names) told me that they charge „upgrade fees“. They are contractually obligated to charge you a maximum of $ 831 and nothing more for these procedures. They are breaking their contract and giving you false information!»
So apparently this person does anything she can to charge an arm and a leg for their services even though, as Cigna told me, they are breaking Cigna contracts. She even told the agent «Are we done here because I am very busy» and just disconnected the call.
Both the agent and I seemed to bond over the fact that we have never been treated so unprofessionally in our lives. Contract breaching, rude and unprofessional remarks, and a complete lack of respect for the patients.
Like I mentioned earlier. Everyone in this office is very professional and great, but the financial process handler is beyond unprofessional. I have never been treated so badly in my entire life.
Cigna did mentioned that they are starting an investigation regarding the complete lack of care for ongoing Cigna contracts and policies. A report was filed earlier today by the Agent.

Where is the 0 start bottom?!! Too bad! My boyfriend and I went to see the doctor for a general teeth cleaning. After the examination, the doctor asked both of us to do the deep teeth cleansing, which costs around $ 700 （price after deducting the insurance coverage, and my bf’s estimate is $ 1000). When I asked if I could do the general teeth cleaning fist, the front desk lady says NO! She told me that the doctor won’t do the general teeth cleaning for me because only the deep cleaning can fix the problem of my teeth! That was so mean and funny! Definitely will never come back again! Don’t recommend this place!

His office made my kids feel comfortable, the staff is friendly and willing to work with you on breaking down the services so they are much more affordable. yes, we need a lot of dental work and it will cost a lot, but I’ve had a consult with another dentist that said we needed the same work but were charging us more money. I also love the convenience of having being able to go to just one place for all our dental needs instead of multiple locations. Being a Kaiser member has spoiled me to this :).

I went to to see him at the Chula Vista office and it was the WORST experience of my life! I waited about an hour before I got seated. I assumed that I was getting a cleaning because it was my first visit at the office and my insurance pays for the cleaning, but NO, no cleaning! They went straight for the xrays and pointed out all the possible cavities that could be lying in between my teeth (displayed in the gray areas of my teeth x-​ray). Samuel Hayatt said that I had 3 cavities but the ‘high-​tech’ machine that he uses to detect cavities is totally inaccurate! Do enough research on it, and you’ll know what I’m talking about!
It gets even worse when he tells me that my gums are receding and my bones are weak. HE FLAT OUT TOLD ME THAT I COULD LOSE ALL MY TEETH BY THE TIME I’M 30! He had the nerve to lightly wiggle my teeth to scary me about it’s looseness!
I already knew that he was staging a performance to scare me into getting all sorts of procedures done, but I needed my proof before I could tell him off! I was just so shocked by what was going on that I didn’t react at the moment.
The worst part of it all was when Myra, his billing employee gave me the payment plan for everything. THEY WERE CHARGING ME OVER $ 1600 FOR 3 CAVITY FILLINGS AND GUM TREATMENT WHEN NONE OF THAT WAS NECESSARY! Myra told me that the expense was with insurance! Yea right! I called my insurance later that day and told me that cavity fillings should only cost me about $ 30 out of pocket – NOT $ 331 a filling!
What annoyed me even more was Myra called me every week for at least a month reminding me about my treatment plan! They totally work like a fraud company, spaming your inbox until they get your money!
I went to another dentist and she told me that I have no cavities! My gums are receding but my bones are strong, and I will NOT lose my teeth by the time that I’m 30!

Not recommended. Same reason as other negative feedback, his diagnose tend to be more scary than any other dentists in San Diego. You should seek a second opinion from another dentist before you let him work on you.

Dr. Hyatt has been good to me so far. After Cigna dropped my last dentist, they placed me with Hyatt and so far so good. If you read my older reviews, you can see I have had a share of bad dentists and I am very sensitive to that.
Hyatt actually saw me once for a FREE teeth filing. It was a small little chip in one of my teeth that he filed down for free.
His hygienists are nice, straight forward. I will keep going back, assuming they keep Cigna. He hasn’t tried to oversell me, even though I sense there were opportunities (such as the filing).
I noticed he has some bad reviews here, but my experiences were good. Thought I’d stick my neck out and let you guys know it was okay by me :)