Trusted Pediatric Dentists Serving South Escondido, CA

Looking for a welcoming pediatric dental office serving South Escondido, CA? San Marcos Kids Dentistry provides gentle, comprehensive dental care for infants, children, and teens in a calm, family-centered environment. Our team focuses on prevention, education, and positive dental experiences that help children build healthy smiles and confidence from an early age.

From your child’s first visit, you’ll notice a thoughtful, organized approach built around comfort, communication, and trust. We partner closely with parents to support each child’s development while making dental visits feel safe, encouraging, and stress-free.

  • 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.
Happy smile 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

San Marcos Kids Dentistry is proud to welcome families from the South Escondido area! While our office is located at 833 W San Marcos Blvd, Suite 102, we are a quick and easy destination for our neighbors in the 92025 and 92029 ZIP codes. Since South Escondido is part of Escondido, CA, we are practically right around the corner for local families.

The drive from South Escondido is very straightforward, typically taking only 10 to 15 minutes. Most parents find that taking West Felicita Ave or Citrus Ave over to S Rancho Santa Fe Rd is the most direct path. You can also hop on Hwy 78 West for an even faster commute. You’ll find us easily because we are directly across the street from the Costco Business Center and right near In-N-Out Burger.

Our location is perfect for fitting dental check-ups into a busy family schedule. Whether you’re stopping by after school at San Marcos High School or grabbing essentials at the nearby shopping centers, our office offers a stress-free arrival with plenty of free on-site parking. We look forward to seeing your family soon!

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. She completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2011, followed by a comprehensive hospital-based pediatric dentistry residency with advanced training in trauma, emergency care, and complex cases. Dr. Nikki is passionate about early prevention, community service, and helping children develop confidence through positive dental experiences.

  • Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Staff privileges at Rady Children’s Hospital
  • Extensive experience treating infants and children with special needs
  • Strong focus on prevention and early intervention

Dr. Sabrina Chandra

Dr. Sabrina Chandra brings a global perspective and calm, empathetic approach to pediatric dental care. She studied molecular and cellular biology at Johns Hopkins University, completed dental school at the University of Pennsylvania, and specialized in pediatric dentistry at the University of Rochester.

Dr. Sabrina is known for helping nervous children feel safe while 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
  • Emphasis on prevention, education, and whole-child care
  • Creates a warm, reassuring experience for every visit
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Dr. Adam Ellenthal

Dr. Adam Ellenthal provides compassionate, individualized care with a focus on meeting each child where they are. His background in public health, airway-focused dentistry, and care for children with special health care needs supports a thoughtful, patient-centered approach. Dr. Adam works closely with parents to support both oral health and overall well-being.

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

Certifications & Credentials

What Financing and Insurance Options Do We Offer?

At San Marcos Kids Dentistry, we help make pediatric dental care easy to understand and manageable for families. Our team assists with insurance coordination and reviews financial details before treatment begins, so there are no surprises.

We offer:

  • Help verifying insurance benefits
  • Participation with many major dental plans
  • Insurance claim submission on your behalf
  • Clear cost estimates before treatment
  • Multiple payment methods, including major credit cards

Because insurance participation may change, we encourage families to contact our office to confirm 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 pediatric dental services are designed to support healthy growth, comfort, and confident smiles at every stage of childhood.

Newborn & Infant Care

Early visits support feeding guidance, oral development monitoring, and positive dental experiences from infancy onward.

Cleaning & Checkups

Routine exams and cleanings remove plaque, reinforce home care habits, and support healthy gums and teeth.

Fluoride & Sealants

Protective fluoride treatments and sealants strengthen enamel and help prevent cavities during development.

Orthodontic Screening

Growth monitoring evaluates jaw development, tooth eruption, and bite alignment to guide treatment timing.

Airway Breathing

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

Tooth Decay & Cavities

Gentle cavity detection and 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 highlights smile transformations achieved through gentle, personalized treatment designed for growing children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Families often have questions when choosing a pediatric dentist. Here are answers to common topics for South Escondido parents.

Dental care should begin early to support healthy habits, monitor development, and prevent problems before they start.

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.