Pediatric Dentist in San Marcos, CA

San Marcos Kids Dentistry is a board-certified pediatric dentist in San Marcos, CA, serving infants, children, and teens at 833 W San Marcos Blvd, Suite 102. Rated 5.0 stars by local families, our team provides gentle, airway-focused dental care. To schedule a visit, call (760) 744-8600.

Looking for a trusted pediatric dentist in San Marcos, CA? San Marcos Kids Dentistry welcomes infants, children, and teens to a bright, kid-friendly office in the heart of the community at 833 W San Marcos Blvd, Suite 102. Care is led by board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Nikki Shafiei, a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, alongside a specialty-trained team that families across the 92078 and 92069 areas rate 5.0 stars. From a baby’s first visit through the teen years, we focus on prevention, comfort, and the airway-and-growth concerns that shape a healthy smile. Every appointment is built around your child feeling safe, and around you leaving with answers.

A Top-Rated Pediatric Dentist San Marcos Families Trust

San Marcos has no shortage of children’s dental offices, so the 5.0-star rating our families have given us means a great deal. Parents tell us they notice the difference from the first phone call: a calm, organized visit, doctors who explain everything in plain language, and a team that genuinely likes working with kids. We treat children only, which means our office, our pace, and our communication are all designed for young patients and the parents who love them. Whether your child is excited or nervous, our goal is the same, a positive experience that builds confidence and lifelong healthy habits.

Why San Marcos Families Choose Us

Pediatric dentistry is all we do, and a few things set our care apart in San Marcos:

  • Board-certified pediatric leadership. Dr. Nikki Shafiei is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry with more than a decade of specialty experience and staff privileges at Rady Children’s Hospital, so even complex and emergency cases are in expert hands.
  • Airway-focused dentistry. We are one of the few pediatric offices in North County that evaluates breathing, mouth breathing, and jaw growth as part of routine care. Learn more about our airway and breathing approach.
  • Comfort and special-needs experience. From sedation and comfort options to special-needs dentistry, our team is trained to make care possible for every child.
  • Two specialties, one roof. We share our building with San Marcos Orthodontics, so families can keep their child’s dentist and orthodontist together on West San Marcos Boulevard.
  • Care in your language. Se habla espanol. Our team serves the many bilingual families of the San Marcos Unified community.

Pediatric Dental Services for San Marcos Kids

We provide comprehensive, growth-focused care for every stage of childhood. Families across San Marcos come to us for:

Every plan is tailored to your child’s age, comfort level, and stage of development.

Meet Your San Marcos Pediatric Dental Team

Our doctors bring specialty training and a shared love of working with children.

Dr. Nikki Shafiei is a board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. With over a decade of experience and hospital-based training in dental trauma and emergency care, she focuses on early prevention, special-needs care, and helping anxious children feel at ease. More about Dr. Shafiei.

Dr. Sabrina Chandra studied molecular and cellular biology at Johns Hopkins University, earned her dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania, and completed pediatric specialty training at the University of Rochester. Families know her for a calm, empathetic approach with nervous children. More about Dr. Chandra.

Dr. Adam Ellenthal brings a background in public health and airway-focused dentistry, with particular experience caring for children with special health care needs. More about Dr. Ellenthal.

Serving San Marcos and North County San Diego

We are proud to care for families throughout San Marcos Unified, from San Elijo Hills and Twin Oaks Valley to Lake San Marcos and the Discovery neighborhood. Many of our patients attend nearby schools like Discovery Elementary, San Elijo Middle, and San Marcos High, and we work hard to fit checkups around busy school and family schedules.

We also welcome families from across North County Inland. If you are coming from a neighboring city, see our pages for Carlsbad, Vista, and South Escondido.

Visit Our San Marcos Office

You will find us at 833 W San Marcos Blvd, Suite 102, right on the main boulevard and easy to reach from Highway 78. Take the Rancho Santa Fe Road exit and follow San Marcos Boulevard to our suite. We are directly across from the Costco Business Center, a short hop from In-N-Out Burger and the Sherwin-Williams store, and just down the street from San Marcos High School. There is plenty of free parking right in front of the office, so drop-off and pickup are quick and stress-free, whether you are coming from Discovery Lake or a stop at Creekside Marketplace.

Office Hours and Contact

  • Address: 833 W San Marcos Blvd, Suite 102, San Marcos, CA 92078
  • Phone: (760) 744-8600
  • Schedule: Call us or request an appointment online anytime.
DayHours
Monday(verify at deploy)
Tuesday(verify at deploy)
Wednesday(verify at deploy)
Thursday(verify at deploy)
Friday(verify at deploy)
Saturday(verify at deploy)
Sunday(verify at deploy)

> DEPLOY NOTE: office hours are not yet verified against GBP (pre-condition 3). Do not publish placeholder times. Fill from the authoritative Google Business Profile at deploy.

Schedule Your Child’s Visit in San Marcos

We would love to welcome your family. Call San Marcos Kids Dentistry at (760) 744-8600 or request an appointment online. Conveniently located at 833 W San Marcos Blvd, Suite 102, proudly serving San Marcos and North County San Diego.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a board-certified pediatric dentist in San Marcos, CA?
Yes. San Marcos Kids Dentistry is led by Dr. Nikki Shafiei, a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, at 833 W San Marcos Blvd, Suite 102.

At what age should my child first see a dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by your child’s first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth. Early visits help us catch concerns and make the dentist feel familiar.

What makes a pediatric dentist different from a general dentist?
Pediatric dentists complete two to three additional years of specialty training focused on children’s growth, behavior, and dental development, so care is tailored to each stage of childhood.

Do you offer care in Spanish?
Yes. Se habla espanol. Our team is glad to support the many bilingual families in the San Marcos Unified community.

Which San Marcos neighborhoods do you serve?
We care for families across San Marcos, including San Elijo Hills, Twin Oaks Valley, Lake San Marcos, and Discovery, as well as nearby Carlsbad, Vista, and Escondido.