Contact San Marcos Kids Dentistry in San Marcos, CA

Looking for a welcoming pediatric dental office in San Marcos, CA? San Marcos Kids Dentistry provides gentle, comprehensive dental care for infants, children, and teens in a friendly, family-focused environment. Our team is dedicated to helping kids build healthy smiles through preventive care, education, and positive dental experiences from the very first visit.

From your initial appointment, you’ll notice a calm, organized approach designed around comfort, communication, and trust. We work closely with parents to support each child’s unique needs while making dental visits something kids can feel good about.

  • Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists: Care is led by experienced pediatric dentists with advanced specialty training focused exclusively on children’s dental health.
  • Hospital-Based Experience: Our doctors hold privileges at Rady Children’s Hospital and are trained to manage complex and emergency dental needs.
  • Gentle, Child-Centered Approach: Appointments are designed to reduce anxiety, build confidence, and create positive long-term dental habits.
  • Comprehensive Pediatric Services: Preventive, restorative, emergency, and growth-focused dental care for infants through teens.
  • Community-Focused Care: Proudly serving San Marcos families with a commitment to education, prevention, and compassionate dentistry.
Friends smiling at San Marcos Kids Dentistry in San Marcos, CA
Flying bird at San Marcos Kids Dentistry in San Marcos, CA
Pink Girl San Marcos Kids Dentistry in San Marcos, CA

Conveniently Located in the Heart of San Marcos

San Marcos Kids Dentistry is located at 833 W San Marcos Blvd, Suite 102, right in the heart of a bustling, family-friendly area. Our office is designed to be a bright and welcoming space where kids feel at ease and parents feel confident in the care their children receive.

Finding us is a breeze! We are located directly across the street from the Costco Business Center, making it easy to drop by after stocking up on family essentials. We are also just a stone’s throw from In-N-Out Burger and right near the Sherwin-Williams Paint Store. For local families with students, our office is incredibly convenient—we are located just down the street from San Marcos High School, so you can easily coordinate dental check-ups around the school bell.

Getting here is simple thanks to our proximity to Highway 78 and the Rancho Santa Fe Road exit. Whether you’re coming from a morning at Discovery Lake or a shopping trip at Creekside Marketplace, you’ll find plenty of free parking directly in front of our suite. We’ve made sure that arriving for your child’s appointment is the easiest part of your day.

Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Nikki San Marcos Kids Dentistry in San Marcos, CA

Dr. Nikki Shafiei

Dr. Nikki Shafiei is a board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry with more than a decade of specialized experience caring for children of all ages and abilities. She completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2011 and subsequently completed a comprehensive, hospital-based pediatric dentistry residency, where she gained advanced training in dental trauma, emergency care, and complex pediatric cases.

Dr. Nikki is passionate about early prevention, community service, and creating positive dental experiences that help children build confidence and lifelong healthy habits.

  • Staff Privileges in the Department of Surgery, Division of Dentistry at Rady Children’s Hospital
  • Extensive experience treating infants, children, and patients with special needs
  • Strong focus on early intervention and preventive care
  • Actively involved in community outreach and service

Dr. Sabrina Chandra

Dr. Sabrina Chandra brings a global perspective and a deep passion for working with children to her pediatric dental care. After studying molecular and cellular biology at Johns Hopkins University and completing dental school at the University of Pennsylvania, she specialized in pediatric dentistry at the University of Rochester.

Dr. Sabrina is known for her calm, empathetic demeanor and her ability to connect with children who may feel nervous about dental visits. She believes in treating the whole child and empowering families through education and gentle guidance.

  • Pediatric dentistry specialty training at the University of Rochester
  • Selected for Community Oral Health and Vulnerable Populations honors
  • Strong focus on education, prevention, and family involvement
  • Creates a welcoming, reassuring environment for children
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Dr. Adam Ellenthal

Dr. Adam Ellenthal provides compassionate, individualized pediatric dental care with a strong emphasis on meeting each child where they are. His training in public health, airway-focused dentistry, and care for children with special health care needs allows him to take a thoughtful, patient-centered approach.

Dr. Adam works closely with parents to create treatment plans that support both oral health and overall well-being, helping children feel comfortable, confident, and supported throughout their care.

  • Background in public health and airway-focused dentistry
  • Experienced in treating children with special health care needs
  • Calm, friendly approach that helps reduce dental anxiety
  • Focused on building long-term trust with families

Certifications & Credentials

What Financing and Insurance Options Do We Offer?

At San Marcos Pediatric Dentistry, we make dental care easier to manage by clearly explaining costs and helping families maximize their insurance benefits. Our team works directly with insurance providers and reviews all financial details with you before treatment begins.

We offer:

  • Assistance verifying insurance benefits and coverage
  • In-network participation with many major dental plans
  • Submission of insurance claims on your behalf
  • Clear cost estimates before treatment
  • Multiple payment methods, including major credit cards

Because insurance participation can change, we encourage families to contact our office to confirm current coverage. Any remaining balance after insurance is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. Our team is always available to answer questions.

Girl on bike San Marcos Kids Dentistry in San Marcos, CA
Flying bird San Marcos Kids Dentistry in San Marcos, CA

What Pediatric Dental Services Do You Offer?

Our office provides comprehensive pediatric dental services focused on healthy development, comfort, and confident smiles.

Newborn & Infant Care

Gentle early dental visits focused on feeding guidance, oral development monitoring, and building positive dental experiences from infancy.

Cleaning & Checkups

Professional cleanings and exams remove plaque buildup, support healthy gums, reinforce home care habits, and prevent early tooth decay.

Fluoride & Sealants

Protective fluoride applications and dental sealants strengthen enamel and shield vulnerable teeth from cavities during developmental years.

Orthodontic Screening

Early orthodontic evaluations monitor jaw growth, tooth eruption, and bite development to determine the optimal timing of treatment.

Airway Breathing

Airway-focused evaluations help identify respiratory concerns, mouth-breathing habits, and growth patterns that affect sleep and development.

Tooth Decay & Cavities

Early cavity detection and gentle dental treatment help preserve teeth, relieve discomfort, and protect long-term oral health in kids.

Before & After Gallery

Seeing real patient results helps families understand what’s possible with pediatric dental care. Our before-and-after gallery highlights smile transformations achieved through gentle, thoughtful treatment tailored to each child’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding insurance, appointments, and care planning can feel overwhelming. These common questions help clarify what families can expect at San Marcos Pediatric Dentistry.

We recommend a first dental visit by your child’s first birthday or within six months of their first tooth.

Most children benefit from routine dental visits every six months to support healthy development and early prevention.

Pediatric dentists receive specialized training focused on child development, behavior management, and age-appropriate dental care.

We use gentle communication, behavior guidance techniques, and a calm environment to help children feel safe and confident.

Yes. Parents are welcome to be present, especially during early visits, to help children feel secure and supported.