About

Safari Meets Pediatric Dental Care Appointment

Because Real Rockstar Beasts Brush Their Teeth!

About Jungle of Smiles: Sarah I Mathias, DDS, MS

At Jungle of Smiles, we’ve created a safari-themed atmosphere that helps kids feel excited and entertained during their visit. Our board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Sarah, and her team offer safe and effective treatments that utilize the latest techniques in children’s dentistry.

We are proud to be the premier provider of pediatric dental care serving Laguna Hills, CA, and the surrounding Orange County area. Our team of dedicated dental professionals is committed to making every visit a fun and stress-free experience for your little ones.

Our Pediatric Dentistry Services

Pediatric dental service in Laguna Hills, CA | Jungle of Smiles
Professional dentist in Laguna Hills, CA
Professional dentist in Laguna Hills, CA

Meet Dr. Sarah

I have always had a connection with children, which is why I chose to specialize in pediatric dentistry. Prior to becoming a dentist, I worked as a camp counselor and nanny. The honesty of children, both the good and bad, never fails to surprise me. It’s been an incredible journey to see my little patients grow into young adults, head to college, and sometimes return to the practice with their own children.

Education

  • Iowa State University- BS Zoology, minor psychology
  • University of Iowa – DDS 1999
  • University of Illinois @ Chicago – MS Certificate Pediatric Dentistry
  • Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Hobbies

In my free time, I enjoy engaging in logic puzzles and trying my hand at escape rooms. Formula 1 racing also captivates my interest, and I find it exhilarating to follow the races. Staying fit is important to me, and I accomplish this through weight training, kickboxing, and running.

Random Facts

  • I was born and raised in Iowa, and I carry my Midwestern roots with me wherever I go.
  • Halloween is my favorite holiday.
  • I love spicy food – I’m always looking for an extra kick! Carolina Reapers beware.
  • My furry companion is a Doberman (Drax), and my two sons take care of four crested geckos.
Office Manager | Jungle of Smiles
Office Manager | Jungle of Smiles

Anita

Office Manager

My name is Anita, Office Manager. I have 16 years of dental experience. I’ve worked at Jungle of Smiles for almost 12 years. I enjoy working with littles and treating all our patients as if they are my own. I have identical twin boys with a lot of energy that keeps me alive and going.I enjoy spending my time with my family and traveling. Exploring is what we do best as a family. In my free time, when the kiddos are asleep, I enjoy watching crime documentaries or a good movie with my husband. I love spending time with my twinkies and husband!

Lead RDA| Jungle of Smiles
Office Manager | Jungle of Smiles

Elizabeth (Lizzy)

RDA

Hi, I’m Lizzy, Lead RDA. I have 12 years of dental experience. I’ve worked at Jungle of Smiles for the last 6 years. I am an RDA who loves her job. I enjoy working with kids and treat all my patients as if they are my own kids. I have 2 toddlers and 2 beagle dogs. I enjoy escape rooms and arcades. In my free time, I run my screen print business printing shirts for other businesses and schools. I love spending time with my kids and husband and enjoy a good movie with them.

RDA| Jungle of Smiles
Office Manager | Jungle of Smiles

Maria

RDA

My name is Maria, RDA. I’ve been in the dental field for 20 years, and been working with Dr. Sarah for 2 years. I enjoy working with kids and love what I do. I have 3 kids of my own: 1 girl and 2 boys. In my free time I enjoy going to Dave n Busters with my kids and boyfriend. I enjoy having Karaoke nights with the family.

DA| Jungle of Smiles
Office Manager | Jungle of Smiles

Natalie

RDA

My name is Natalie, Registered Dental Assistant. I’ve been with Jungle of Smiles for almost 3 years. I work as a dental assistant, and I love working with children. I have one son, my hobbies include reading and watching new movies in the theaters. My favorite foods are cajun seafood and sushi. I’ve lived in Whittier for basically my whole life. I enjoy peaceful and relaxing activities with family on my days off.

RDA| Jungle of Smiles
RDA | Jungle of Smiles

Mayra

RDA

My name is Mayra. I have 24 years of experience in the dental field. With my experience and active as a dental assistant I found my passion and enjoy working with children. I have worked at Jungle of Smiles for 10 years and continue to thrive with Dr.Sarah, to give patients the dental care they need. I am a mother of two, who I love spending time with on my days off. I enjoy cooking, baking and at the end of the day watching thrilling action movies.

Treatment Coordinator| Jungle of Smiles
Office Manager | Jungle of Smiles

Laura

Treatment Coordinator

My name is Laura, Treatment Coordinator. I have been working at the Jungle for 1 year. I enjoy going to the beach and taking walks with my 2-year-old daughter. I like reading books, singing and dancing. I love theme parks and thrills and have a huge heart for all Disney things. If you don’t find me at the Jungle, you’ll find me at Disneyland.

Sterile Technician| Jungle of Smiles
Office Manager | Jungle of Smiles

Rita

Sterile Technician

My name is Rita, Sterile Technician. I have been part of the Jungle of Smiles team since June. I have a healthcare background and love working with kids. In my free time, I enjoy walking along the beach, spending time with friends and family, playing with my pets, reading, and watching true-crime documentaries.

Pediatric Insurance Coordinator| Jungle of Smiles
Pediatric Insurance Coordinator | Jungle of Smiles

Lily

Pediatric Insurance Coordinator

My name is Lily, Insurance Coordinator. I was raised and live right here in SoCal . I was born in San Diego, Go Padres! I started my dental career before graduating high school and have been in the dental field for 25 years, 12 of those years with Dr. Sarah. I started as a dental assistant for a general dentist at the age of 17. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my 3 kids and husband. I enjoy attending sports games, camping in the great outdoors but, most of all, traveling. When not sitting up front greeting and checking in patients you may find me helping out in the clinical area taking X-rays on your little ones.

Explore Our Office…But Watch Out for the Native Species!

Can’t wait to see our wild office for yourself? Take a virtual tour and prepare to be amazed by our roaring decor.

Sarah Leonard-Chang

Jungle of Smiles was an INCREDIBLE experience for us! It was my daughter’s first dentist visit and she tolerated everything so well – we owe it to the team and the atmosphere for being so welcoming and inclusive for kids. I’ve never been to a children’s medical/dental office like Jungle of Smiles – I wish our pediatrician had a similar vibe. We look forward to our next visit! Thank you, Jungle of Smiles!

Eric Ceja

We’ve been taking our twins boys to Jungle of Smiles pediatric dentistry for the past 6 years, and our experience has been nothing short of wonderful. Dr Sarah is an absolute rock star, our boys adore her and actually get excited to visit the Jungle. The entire staff, from the front desk to back office and office manager is welcoming, respectful, and compassionate.
The office is immaculately clean and lively. You really get the feel of being at a Jungle. The back office is awesome, the boys get to play in a mini arcade area while they wait and they get to watch any movie they want during treatment.
I highly recommend this practice to every parent. They provided us with exceptional care and peace of mind, and I’ll continue to recommend them to everyone i know.

Debbie Cain

My kids loved going to the dentist here! Dr. Sarah and the entire staff are super kind and helpful. My oldest is now 25 and works in dentistry because of Jungle of Smiles. 😊

Heather Orduna

Dr. Sarah and her staff were absolutely incredible! Most comforting and supportive first appointment we have ever experienced.

Kelly Mattil

We’ve been coming here for 7 years and the staff always go above and beyond for my son. They make all the accommodations to make each visit stress free and are always so patient. If I could give more stars I would.

Haide Quintanilla

First time patien experience was the best !!! Thank you Jungle of smiles !

Crystal Himmelright

Excellent pediatric dentist. The staff were gracious and helped ease my toddlers first visit. Highly recommend.

Jungle of Smiles will unleash your child’s passion for oral health care!
Call 949-716-1500 now to schedule an appointment.