Trusted Pediatric Dentists Serving Vista, CA

Searching for a friendly pediatric dental office serving Vista, CA? San Marcos Kids Dentistry offers compassionate, comprehensive dental care for infants, children, and teens in a warm, family-centered setting. Our team focuses on prevention, education, and positive experiences to help children build healthy smiles from the start.

From your very first visit, you’ll experience a calm, well-organized approach centered on comfort, communication, and trust. We partner closely with parents to support every child’s individual needs while making dental appointments something kids can feel confident about.

  • Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists: Care is provided by pediatric dental specialists with advanced training focused entirely on children’s oral health.
  • Hospital-Based Clinical Experience: Our doctors hold privileges at Rady Children’s Hospital and are trained in complex and emergency pediatric dental care.
  • Gentle, Child-Focused Care: Visits are designed to ease anxiety, encourage cooperation, and promote positive lifelong dental habits.
  • Comprehensive Pediatric Dentistry: Preventive, restorative, growth-focused, and emergency dental services for infants through teenagers.
  • Community-Oriented Practice: Proudly caring for Vista-area families with an emphasis on education, prevention, and compassionate treatment.
Friends smiling at SSan 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 Vista Families via Highway 78

San Marcos Kids Dentistry is proud to be a top choice for families in Vista looking for specialized pediatric care! While our office is located at 833 W San Marcos Blvd, Suite 102, we are just a quick trip for our neighbors in the Vista community.

The commute from Vista is incredibly simple and typically takes only 10 to 15 minutes. Most families find that taking Highway 78 East to the Rancho Santa Fe Road exit is the most direct route. From there, it’s just a short drive to our office, located right near the Costco Business Center and In-N-Out Burger.

Our location is perfectly suited for busy parents. Since we are located just down the street from San Marcos High School and close to local shopping, you can easily swing by for a check-up 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 over a decade of experience caring for children of all ages and abilities. She completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2011 and went on to complete a hospital-based pediatric dentistry residency, where she gained advanced training in dental trauma, emergencies, and complex pediatric cases.

Dr. Nikki is deeply committed to early prevention, community outreach, and creating positive dental experiences that help children develop confidence and lifelong healthy habits.

  • Staff privileges at Rady Children’s Hospital, Department of Surgery, Division of Dentistry
  • Extensive experience treating infants, children, and patients with special needs
  • Strong emphasis on prevention and early intervention
  • Active involvement in community service and outreach

Dr. Sabrina Chandra

Dr. Sabrina Chandra brings a global perspective and heartfelt 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 pursued pediatric dentistry specialty training at the University of Rochester.

Known for her calm, reassuring presence, Dr. Sabrina helps children feel comfortable 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
  • Focused on prevention, education, and family involvement
  • Creates a supportive, welcoming environment for children
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dr adam

Dr. Adam Ellenthal

Dr. Adam Ellenthal provides compassionate, individualized pediatric dental care with a strong focus on meeting children where they are. His background includes training in public health, airway-focused dentistry, and caring for children with special health care needs.

Dr. Adam partners closely with parents to develop thoughtful treatment plans that support both oral health and overall well-being, helping children feel confident and supported throughout their visits.

  • Background in public health and airway-focused dentistry
  • Experience caring for children with special health care needs
  • Calm, friendly approach that helps reduce dental anxiety
  • Dedicated to building long-term relationships with families

Certifications & Credentials

What Financing and Insurance Options Do We Offer?

At San Marcos Kids Dentistry, we aim to make pediatric dental care clear and manageable for Vista families. Our team explains costs upfront and assists with insurance coordination before treatment begins.

We provide:

  • Help verify insurance benefits and coverage
  • Participation with many major dental insurance plans
  • Insurance claim submission on your behalf
  • Clear treatment estimates before services begin
  • Multiple payment options, including major credit cards

Because insurance participation may change, we encourage families to contact our office to confirm coverage details. Any remaining balance after insurance is the responsibility of the parent or guardian, and our team is always happy 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 delivers comprehensive pediatric dental services designed to support healthy development, comfort, and confident smiles.

Newborn & Infant Care

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

Cleanings & Checkups

Routine exams and professional cleanings support healthy gums, reinforce home care, and help prevent early tooth decay.

Fluoride & Sealants

Protective fluoride treatments and sealants strengthen enamel and guard vulnerable teeth against cavities.

Orthodontic Screening

Early evaluations monitor jaw growth, tooth eruption, and bite development to guide proper treatment timing.

Airway Breathing

Airway-focused assessments identify breathing patterns and growth concerns that may affect sleep and development.

Tooth Decay & Cavities

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

Before & After Gallery

Viewing real patient results helps families understand what pediatric dental care can achieve. Our before-and-after gallery showcases smile improvements created through gentle, personalized treatment tailored to each child’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a pediatric dentist can bring up many questions. These answers help Vista families know what to expect at San Marcos Kids Dentistry.

Yes. Our pediatric dental team provides care for infants, toddlers, children, and teens. Early visits help monitor development and establish healthy habits from the beginning.

Most routine visits last between 30 and 45 minutes. Appointment length may vary depending on your child’s age, comfort level, and treatment needs.

That’s completely okay. First visits are designed to be gentle and educational, allowing children to explore the office, meet the team, and build comfort at their own pace.

When possible, we strive to accommodate urgent dental concerns promptly. If your child is experiencing pain or discomfort, contact our office so we can guide next steps.

We use child-friendly explanations, positive reinforcement, and a calm approach tailored to each child’s personality. Our goal is to create trust and reduce anxiety at every visit.