Trusted Pediatric Dentists Serving Carlsbad, CA

Looking for a trusted pediatric dentist serving Carlsbad, CA? San Marcos Kids Dentistry provides gentle, comprehensive dental care for children in a welcoming, family-centered environment. Our approach focuses on prevention, education, and positive experiences that help kids feel comfortable and confident at every stage of development.

From the first visit forward, families experience a calm, organized process built around communication, trust, and individualized care. We partner closely with parents to support healthy growth while making dental visits something children can feel good about.

  • Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists: Our care is provided by pediatric dental specialists with advanced training dedicated exclusively to children’s oral health.
  • Hospital-Based Pediatric Experience: Our doctors hold hospital privileges and are trained to manage dental trauma, emergencies, and complex pediatric needs.
  • Gentle, Child-Focused Care: Visits are designed to reduce anxiety, encourage cooperation, and build positive long-term dental habits.
  • Comprehensive Pediatric Dental Services: Preventive, restorative, growth-focused, and airway-aware care for children from infancy through adolescence.
  • Community-Centered Practice: Proudly serving North County families with an emphasis on education, prevention, and compassionate dentistry.
Orthodontic screening 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

Convenient Access for Carlsbad Families via Palomar Airport Road

San Marcos Kids Dentistry is proud to be a trusted destination for pediatric dental care for families throughout Carlsbad! While our office is located at 833 W San Marcos Blvd, Suite 102, we are a quick and easy trip for our neighbors in coastal and south Carlsbad looking for a friendly, expert dental home.

The commute from Carlsbad is very simple, typically taking about 12 to 18 minutes. Most families find that taking Palomar Airport Road or Rancho Santa Fe Road east is the most direct way to reach us. Our office is easy to spot—we are located directly across the street from the Costco Business Center and right near In-N-Out Burger.

Our location is perfect for busy parents who want to combine a dental visit with their daily routine. Since we are just down the road from San Marcos High School and close to popular shopping like Creekside Marketplace, you can easily swing by for an appointment before or after school or while running your weekly errands.

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 extensive experience caring for children of all ages and abilities. She completed her dental education in 2011 and went on to finish a comprehensive, hospital-based pediatric dentistry residency with advanced training in dental trauma, emergency care, and complex cases.

She is deeply committed to early prevention, community service, and helping children build confidence through positive dental experiences.

  • Hospital privileges at Rady Children’s Hospital
  • Extensive experience with infants, children, and special needs patients
  • Strong focus on prevention and early intervention
  • Actively involved in community outreach

Dr. Sabrina Chandra

Dr. Sabrina Chandra brings a global perspective and a calm, compassionate approach to pediatric dental care. After completing her undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins University and dental school at the University of Pennsylvania, she specialized in pediatric dentistry at the University of Rochester.

She is known for her ability to connect with nervous children and for empowering families through education and gentle guidance.

  • Pediatric dentistry specialty training
  • Community Oral Health and Vulnerable Populations honors
  • Education-focused, prevention-driven care philosophy
  • Creates a reassuring, welcoming environment
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Dr. Adam Ellenthal

Dr. Adam Ellenthal provides thoughtful, individualized pediatric dental care grounded in public health and airway-focused dentistry. He is passionate about meeting children where they are and creating treatment plans that support both oral health and overall well-being.

His calm, friendly demeanor helps children feel safe and supported during every visit.

  • Background in public health and airway-focused dentistry
  • Experience treating children with special health care needs
  • Patient-centered, low-stress care approach
  • Strong focus on family communication and trust

Certifications & Credentials

What Financing and Insurance Options Do We Offer?

We believe quality pediatric dental care should be accessible and easy to understand. Our team helps families navigate insurance benefits and reviews all costs clearly before treatment begins.

We offer:

  • Assistance verifying insurance benefits before appointments
  • Participation with many major dental insurance plans
  • Submission of insurance claims on your behalf
  • Clear treatment estimates prior to care
  • Multiple payment methods, including major credit cards

Insurance participation may change, so we encourage families to contact our office to confirm current coverage. Any remaining balance after insurance is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

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 practice provides a full range of pediatric dental services designed to support healthy growth, comfort, and confident smiles at every stage of childhood. Each service is tailored to your child’s age, development, and individual needs, with a strong focus on prevention and positive dental experiences.

Newborn & Infant Care

Early dental visits support feeding guidance, monitor oral development, and help create positive, comfortable dental experiences from infancy.

Cleaning & Checkups

Routine dental exams and professional cleanings help prevent cavities, support gum health, and reinforce healthy habits at home.

Fluoride & Sealants

Protective fluoride treatments and dental sealants strengthen enamel and help shield developing teeth from cavities and decay.

Orthodontic Screening

Growth-focused screenings monitor jaw development, tooth eruption, and bite alignment to determine ideal orthodontic treatment timing.

Airway Breathing

Airway-focused evaluations identify mouth breathing, sleep-related concerns, and growth patterns that may affect development.

Tooth Decay & Cavities

Gentle cavity detection and conservative treatment protect teeth, relieve discomfort, and support long-term oral health.

Before & After Gallery

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Parents often have questions when choosing pediatric dental care. Below are answers to common topics discussed with Carlsbad families.

We tailor every visit based on your child’s age, personality, comfort level, oral development, and specific dental needs. Our team adjusts communication, pacing, and treatment approaches to ensure a positive, supportive experience.

Pediatric dentists receive advanced training focused on child development, behavior guidance, and dental conditions unique to growing smiles. This allows care to be delivered in a way that supports both oral health and emotional comfort.

We focus on gentle communication, clear explanations, and a calm environment to reduce fear. Positive reinforcement and patience help children feel safe, confident, and in control during their visit.

Prevention is always our priority. We emphasize education, routine care, and early intervention, recommending treatment only when it is necessary to protect your child’s health and comfort.

Yes. We welcome parent involvement, especially for younger children or first-time visits, to help children feel secure while building trust and confidence over time.