Pediatric Dentist Serving Carlsbad, CA

San Marcos Kids Dentistry is a 5.0-star pediatric dental practice serving Carlsbad, CA families from our nearby office at 833 W San Marcos Blvd, just a short drive inland. We provide gentle, airway-focused care for infants, children, and teens. To schedule, call (760) 744-8600.

Carlsbad families looking for a kids’ dentist who does more than count teeth will feel right at home with San Marcos Kids Dentistry. Just a short drive inland from the coast, our office gives Carlsbad parents access to something the local field rarely offers: a board-certified pediatric team with a real focus on airway, breathing, and healthy growth, plus a 5.0-star rating from the families we serve. Whether you live in La Costa, Aviara, Bressi Ranch, or near Carlsbad Village, we make the trip worth it with calm, thorough visits your child will actually look forward to.

Trusted Pediatric Care for Carlsbad Families

We care for children only, from a baby’s first tooth through the teen years, and that focus shows in everything from our pace to the way we talk with kids. Led by board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Nikki Shafiei, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, our team has earned a 5.0-star rating by making families feel genuinely heard. For Carlsbad parents weighing their options, that combination of specialty expertise and warmth is the difference.

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

Pediatric Services for Carlsbad Kids

Carlsbad families come to us for the full range of children’s dental care, including:

Why Carlsbad Families Make the Drive

A few things set us apart from the coastal Carlsbad offices. Our airway focus is genuinely uncommon, we look at how your child breathes and grows, not just at the teeth. We hold the area’s top 5.0 rating. We have deep experience with anxious children and kids who have special health care needs. And because we share a building with San Marcos Orthodontics, your child’s dentist and orthodontist are in one place. Se habla español, so every Carlsbad family is welcome.

Easy to Reach from Carlsbad

We are an easy drive from anywhere in Carlsbad. Hop on Palomar Airport Road or Highway 78 east, and you will reach our office at 833 W San Marcos Blvd in roughly fifteen to twenty minutes, with plenty of free parking right out front. Families from Carlsbad Unified schools, including Sage Creek High and Carlsbad High, find it easy to fit visits around the school day. After your appointment, you are minutes from the shops at Creekside Marketplace on the way home.

Schedule Your Carlsbad Family’s Visit

Ready to meet a kids’ dentist your child will love? Call San Marcos Kids Dentistry at (760) 744-8600 or request an appointment online. Find our hours and directions on our San Marcos office page. Proudly serving Carlsbad and North County San Diego.

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 Shafiei, pediatric dentist and founder of San Marcos Kids Dentistry

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
Dr. Sabrina Chandra, pediatric dentist at San Marcos Kids Dentistry
Dr. Adam Ellenthal, pediatric dentist at San Marcos Kids Dentistry

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

American Dental Association member logo
American Board of Pediatric Dentistry seal

What Financing and Insurance Options Do We Offer?

At San Marcos Kids 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 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 and infant dental care at San Marcos Kids Dentistry

Newborn & Infant Care

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

Children's dental cleaning and checkup at San Marcos Kids Dentistry

Cleaning & Checkups

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

Fluoride and dental sealants for kids at San Marcos Kids Dentistry

Fluoride & Sealants

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

Orthodontic screening for children at San Marcos Kids Dentistry

Orthodontic Screening

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

Airway and breathing evaluation for children at San Marcos Kids Dentistry

Airway Breathing

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

Tooth decay and cavity treatment for kids at San Marcos Kids Dentistry

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 showcases smile transformations achieved through gentle, thoughtful treatment tailored to each child’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Absolutely. Many of our families drive in from Carlsbad and the surrounding coast. We are at 833 W San Marcos Blvd, about fifteen to twenty minutes inland.

Our airway-focused approach and our 5.0 rating stand out, along with strong experience in special-needs and comfort-focused care.

Yes. Se habla español, and we are glad to support bilingual families throughout North County.