Welcome to Happy Light Dental

New Patients: Your First Visit

☎ Call (310) 644-4648 Book Online

Welcome. Dr. Kim, DDS, a woman general dentist, treats children and adults in a calm, modern office on W Rosecrans Ave. We speak English, Spanish and Korean, accept Denti-Cal and most PPO plans, and tell you the cost in writing before any treatment. This page covers what to bring and what happens at your first visit.

First visit60 to 90 minutes
BringPhoto ID and insurance card or Medi-Cal BIC
ParkingFree, in front of the office
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, Korean

Before your visit

  • Book online in English, Spanish or Korean, or call (310) 644-4648. Online booking collects your details so check-in is quick.
  • Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to finish any remaining paperwork.
  • Tell us about medical conditions, medications, allergies, pregnancy, or anxiety about dental visits. It changes how we plan your care.
  • Have your insurance information ready and we verify your benefits before you arrive.

What to bring

  • A photo ID.
  • Your dental insurance card, or your Medi-Cal Benefits Identification Card (BIC) if you have Denti-Cal.
  • A list of the medicines you take.
  • Recent dental X-rays if you have them from another office (we can also request them for you).
  • For patients under 18, a parent or legal guardian.

What happens at your first visit

A first visit is an exam and, in most cases, a cleaning in the same appointment. Nothing beyond that is started unless you ask for it.

Reception window at Happy Light Dental

1. Check-in and health history

We confirm your insurance, review your health history and ask what brought you in and what you want from your care.

Handheld digital X-ray unit

2. Exam and digital X-rays

Dr. Kim examines every tooth, your gums and bite, and screens for oral cancer. Low-dose digital X-rays are taken only when they are due; a 3D scan is available in the office if needed.

Front desk at Happy Light Dental

3. Cleaning, then a plan in writing

Your cleaning is usually done the same visit. If anything needs treatment, you see it on the screen and leave with a written plan and estimate, with your insurance applied.

If your gums need more than a routine cleaning, we explain why and schedule a deep cleaning separately. If you came in with pain, relieving it comes first; see emergency dental care.

Children's first visit

Bring your child around the first birthday or when the first tooth appears. Early visits are short and friendly: a look at the teeth, tips on brushing and bottles, and a chance for your child to get used to the chair. Parents are welcome in the room. Denti-Cal covers children's checkups, cleanings, fluoride and sealants. See children's dentistry.

Insurance and payment

We accept most PPO plans and Denti-Cal (Medi-Cal Dental), and we verify your benefits before the visit. Monthly payment plans are available through CareCredit, Cherry and Sunbit, subject to credit approval. Details are on our insurance and payment page.

Getting here

3929 W Rosecrans Ave, Hawthorne, CA 90250, in Amberlight Plaza. Parking in front of the office is free. The entrance and restroom are wheelchair accessible.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
WednesdayClosed
Friday8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, every other week
SundayClosed

Saturday hours alternate weekly; call or check the online calendar for the next open Saturday.

New patient questions

Yes. New patients of all ages are welcome, with or without insurance, and Denti-Cal (Medi-Cal Dental) is accepted.

No. Call us or book online and come in.

Usually, yes. We keep room for same-day emergency visits during office hours. Call as early in the day as you can.

Plan on 60 to 90 minutes: health history, exam, any X-rays that are due, and in most cases your cleaning in the same visit.

Most of your information is collected when you book online, so check-in is short. Anything left is finished at the front desk; arriving 10 to 15 minutes early is enough.

Yes. Dr. Kim sees children and adults, and we are happy to schedule family members back to back. A child’s first visit should be around the first birthday.