Aspire Dental & Orthodontics

Aspire Dental & Orthodontics - General dentist in Irvine, CA
13234 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92602
Closed today
Opens tomorrow at 8:00am
SundayClosed
Monday8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday8:00am - 6:00pm
Wednesday8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday8:00am - 6:00pm
Friday7:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday7:00am - 4:00pm

Dr. Kawamoto graduated from University of California, Irvine in 2011 with excellence in Research in Biological Sciences including multiple publications on Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Before starting dental school, she traveled to Nicaragua and Honduras for humanitarian mission trips and helped local dentists provide care to the underserved. During dental school and her residency, Dr. Kawamoto volunteered and provided care in local homeless shelters and rural underserved communities. She plans to continue to volunteer her services to underserved communities, abroad and domestic.

She then graduated from the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry with her DDS in 2017. She received the Dental Alumni Scholarship Award and exceptional performance commendations in Preventative and Restorative Dental Sciences and Biomedical Sciences. She was also the Co-Founder and Vice President of the Japanese Health Club. She later then continued to pursue her education by receiving her General Practitioner Dental Residency at the Veterans Affairs in Loma Linda, CA from 2017-2018.

During her free time, Dr. Kawamoto enjoys practicing yoga as well as and being a Yoga Sculpt Instructor at CorePower Yoga in The Market Place. She also loves spending time with her family and exploring new restaurants with friends.

Reviews

Rating 4.4 out of 5 based on 47 reviews

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Dawn Araki
a year ago
Darcy is very professional and cares for her patients. Her honesty & compassion elevates her to the top. She treats you like family, providing best possible care.


Jessica Resendez
a year ago
I rarely post reviews like this, but avoid this place at all costs. I moved to a new area and needed a closer dentist, so I went here for a basic cleaning and new patient x-rays which are fully covered by my insurance. (On the same plan, I had never been charged for a basic cleaning by any other dentist.) I provided them with my insurance information a few days prior to the appointment. After that first cleaning, they charged me about $75 as I was walking out... I was confused but paid it and left. A few weeks later, I started getting invoices and texts about another unpaid balance due- for a BASIC CLEANING where I was insured AND had already paid $75 extra for. Six months later, I went in for a second basic cleaning and asked them to please explain the bill from the first time. They refused to itemize or explain it. Just a bunch of vague language about my coverage which I knew to be untrue. I expressed frustration at the lack of transparency, extra cost, and second invoice, but was willing to move past it. They assured me that I was only having a basic cleaning that day that was fully covered by my insurance, so I moved forward with the second appointment. Then, they proceeded to start doing ANOTHER full set of x-rays on me... 6 months after the first set, for no reason. I asked if they normally did full x-rays at EVERY appointment and they said yes. The tech actually said to me, "Some dentists do it every 5 years, some do once a year, we recommend x-raying at every 6 month appointment." It was so clearly an unnecessary up-sell that they force patients into- unlike any other dentist I've ever visited. I was nice about it, but as I was leaving, I joked around with the dentist, the tech, AND the front desk secretary that I was not going to be expecting a second invoice from them. They assured me we were all square. SURE ENOUGH... several weeks later, the texts and emails for a new unpaid invoice from that cleaning visit started coming. I'm flabbergasted. I fully understand that sometimes insurance companies take time to approve or deny coverage on certain things, but we are talking about a fully-covered, basic, preventative cleaning. I've been to plenty of cleaning appointments at other dentists with zero out of pocket on the same plan. My husband and I will not be returning.


Steven Nathan
2 years ago
Update 6/14/22: I just completed my Invisalign treatment at Aspire Dental and couldn't be happier. Dr. Kawamoto and the team there were able to finally straighten my teeth in just a few months! Wow, what an awesome dental office! I've been looking for a new dentist and as soon as I saw this was going to be in the Market Place, I made an appointment once they officially opened. The office is super modern with all new equipment and cool technology. Dr. Kawamoto and the rest of the staff were so nice and friendly. My exam and cleaning were so much less stressful than my previous experiences. I highly recommend coming to Aspire Dental since it's so conveniently located. I'll be back!


Xavier Velasco
2 years ago
I just went to the dentist and Dr. Kawamoto was amazing! The whole staff was very nice and professional as well. Dr. Kawamoto was very clear about what she was doing, very upbeat and pleasant. I felt super comfortable the entire time in their office is beautiful with state of the art equipment. I would highly recommend going to the sea Dr. Kawamoto at Aspire Dental!!


Natalie Leonard
2 years ago
Been going here over a year now. After many many many many failed dentists in the OC after moving here from northern CA. This office really cares about the patients and explains everything to you. I finally understood what work needed to be done and the cost that I needed to pay after my insurance covered. It was the best experience I've ever had at a dentist. I won't go anywhere else. I fall asleep in the chair and they've caught me snoring, just because I am so comfortable and they are so gentle and handle me with care. They are all so incredible. I appreciate you all. I even take my teenagers there after so many awful pediatric dentists didn't do their fillings correctly and they couldn't eat well on the one side. This happened to two of my kids at other dentists. But this office the staff fixed them right up and they couldn't be happier. Thank you!


Nalinee Chalongwongse
2 years ago
Dr. Kawamoto and the staff are very nice and professional. I felt safe and comfortable during my entire visit. It was nice to go to a dentist that suggested treatment that ended up saving me money. I would definitely recommend Aspire Dental to all my friends and family.


Pat Hoffman
2 years ago
I had two gold crowns and one gold filling done at Aspire Dental by Dr. Darcy Kawamoto yesterday (March 2nd, 2022). She explained everything she was doing as she was working one me so there were no surprises to me. She is very gentle, adjusted the crowns multiple times before cementing them down to ensure the prefect fit. It was a great experience.


colby west
2 years ago
Great office, great Doctor, great staff! Everyone from the front desk, to the back is very knowledgeable & pleasant. I've been to many dentists in many states & Aspire Dental Irvine is by far the best office I've been too.


Vagajaylynn Ramirezz
2 years ago
Great service and very friendly manager


abutoons
2 years ago
I enjoyed the clean, pleasant vibe of the staff and office. Dr. Chen and his assistances were thorough, gracious and engaging. Recommended!


Khalouk Hibrawi
2 years ago
I have been to many dentists both national and international and the Irvine Jamboree Aspire Dental exceeds all the ones I have been to both professionally and in friendliness. When you walk to the clinic they make sure that you feel as if you are the only patient they have to care for and they give all the attention you need. The most important thing is that Dr. Darcy is an excellent dentist, she provides exactly what the patient needs in dental service and care. She, also, ensures that you do not get lost in the cost and pricing mambo jumbo.


Javier Brittany
2 years ago
Cindy was the best hygienist. She has a gentle touch which made the visit very relaxing. Can't wait for my next cleaning.


Allan Takeo
2 years ago
Dr. Kawamoto and Team have great chemistry. From Doreen at the front desk, to Chan, Cindy, Pooja and Dos - everyone works with cohesion. I was received on a Saturday for 7 fillings and a cleaning. Yes, my sweet teeth have expensive taste. Despite having a full office, everyone took turns working with the Dr to make sure I got out in the allotted time. On one particular tooth, the Dr decided to put a watch on a cavity instead of filling it which saved me some out of pocket $. Their recommendations to fix my uneven bite came without a sales pitch and rather as helpful advice. I've had a lot of dental work done over the years and I would not hesitate to give Aspire Dental/Dr. Kawamoto my business again.


Curtis Lorincz
2 years ago
Started out great. That's until you get in the chair and they completely change the treatment plan on you...will definitely be looking elsewhere.


Evella Rodriguez
2 years ago
I had work done in Huntington Beach and wasn't able to eat on my left side for YEARS, the nice lady doctor K was able to take the original filling out and miss Chan was able to put new fillings in on that side, they did an amazing job and by the end of the visit I was finally able to eat on that side and flaws, and let me tell you it's been 7 years since I was able to floss on that side. Overall an amazing experience super sweet people, I would highly recommend to go there excellent music beautiful art work on the walls, and what I loved even more I was able to keep all 28 piercings in my face so that was great lol, they were fast and very gentle lovely to talk to so it was amazing that I was getting my teen done and having a small therapy session. 10/10


Richard B
2 years ago
Hands down, the best experience I could've imagined. Dr. Kawamoto and her team are all superb. Very hospitable, kind, welcoming and make you feel comfortable. I'm confident in everyone's abilities and their level of service is by far better than anything I've ever experienced. These professionals really make me look forward to coming to the dentist believe it or not. I've been to many in my lifetime but this office is immaculate, hi-tech, and with beautiful art and awesome staff. They were very thorough and very patient with answering the tons of questions I had, and helped me feel relaxed knowing that I'm in the best hands! 10/10, would recommend!


Janice
2 years ago
I have Delta dental and needed to get a referral for a pediatric dentist for my son. I came to Aspire Dental and they were so good with my four year old son, and I was able to get the pediatric dentist referral from them that I needed. Everyone was really friendly and it was a great experience.


Stephen Quintus
2 years ago
Focus too much on sales tactics and not enough about patient care. They will be very nice, but will try and manipulate you to make extra money. I hate to do this, but I feel like it's important for people to be aware and I'm upset about improper work done on my teeth. The doctor has others do much of the work for her. And it may be done wrong and not fixed. "That was supposed to be done first, and that last.." I had cavities filled improperly and I can tell when I floss that something isn't right. My crowns took 3 months. They were upset that I didn't choose the most expensive option for the crowns. I had a healthy tooth ground down to help the crown fit, which is now a little sensitive. There is more that I could say, but I think I've said enough to warn future clients.


Kara Evans
2 years ago
This place is amazing. I have never had a dentist as good as this one. They make me feel so welcomed every time I come in. I got Invisalign through them and I can not be happier with my results. My smile is so beautiful!!


Ryan Cordes
3 years ago
UPDATE: I have stopped going to this dentist as I was tired of chasing them down and calling after billing me in excess of $300 for my services. Still have not received the explanation of why I was billed more than my EOB and an understanding of when I will be sent a refund. This is one of the reasons keeping me from going to dentist, dealing with insurance confusion. If you decide to go here, I would not allow them to charge you anything at time of service. Great advice I learned after the fact and wish I would have known. Still out $300 from my services in January 2021 with no returned calls or emails after months of communication, bringing in my EOB twice, and emailing back and forth. Disclosure on original post: Review was made as part of a promotion to receive free whitening treatment by dentist. Great location, friendly staff, and clean! I had seen this location close by in my network and gave them a shot, but glad I did! Their cleanliness and procedures during this pandemic allow me to feel safe when getting my work done at Aspire. The staff is always super friendly and personable getting to know you and it makes you feel at home and welcomed! I am very pleased and would recommend this dentist to anyone who asks. You will not regret the product and service you receive!


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