What Sets Us Apart

What Sets San Marcos Kids Dentistry Apart

San Marcos Kids Dentistry is built entirely around children. We are led by a board-certified, hospital-trained pediatric dentist, we focus on gentle and comfort-first care, and we combine advanced digital technology with a warm, welcoming environment designed to make every visit positive. Call (760) 744-8600.

At San Marcos Kids Dentistry, we are passionate about nurturing a future filled with healthy, confident smiles. Dr. Nikki Shafiei and our team of child-focused dental experts take pride in supporting your family with deep expertise, gentle care, and the positive energy every child deserves. From the moment your little one flashes their first grin to the day they head off to college, we are committed to growing with your family and providing exceptional pediatric dental care every step of the way.

Led by a Board-Certified Pediatric Specialist

The biggest difference is who is caring for your child. Our practice is led by Dr. Nikki Shafiei, a board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry with hospital-based training and privileges at Rady Children’s Hospital. Pediatric dentists complete years of specialty training focused entirely on children, including kids who are very young, anxious, or have special health care needs. That depth of training shapes everything we do.

A Warm, Welcoming Environment

Stepping into our office, you and your child are greeted by a friendly, calming space designed to make dental visits stress-free. Our priority is to create joyful memories from the very first visit, so your child learns that the dentist is a safe and even fun place to be. Parents are always encouraged to stay by their child’s side, and our team answers every question with clear, thoughtful, and patient explanations.

Gentle, Relationship-First Care

Building a real relationship with your family is central to how we work. By taking the time to get to know you and your child, we customize care and build genuine trust and comfort. For children who feel nervous or need extra support, we draw on proven behavior guidance, sedation options, and real experience in special needs dentistry.

Comprehensive Pediatric Care Under One Roof

We offer the full range of children’s dental care, including:

• Preventive care: cleanings, exams, fluoride and sealants, and education
• Restorative care: gentle fillings and crowns and other treatment when a tooth needs help
• Airway and breathing: early screening for airway and breathing concerns that affect sleep and growth
• Comfort-focused options: behavior guidance, sedation, and special-needs care

For older kids and teens who need comprehensive braces or aligners, our sister practice, San Marcos Orthodontics, shares our building and our philosophy, so families can stay within one trusted team.

Safety and Comfort You Can Count On

We hold ourselves to the highest standard of cleanliness and safety, with rigorous sterilization procedures that bring an added level of protection to every patient. Comfort matters just as much: from quieter electric handpieces to a calm, child-friendly atmosphere, we design each visit to feel easy.

Advanced, Kid-Friendly Technology

We pair compassionate care with modern tools that make visits safer and more comfortable, including low-radiation digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and child-centric entertainment. You can read more on our totally digital technology page.

Clear Communication and Easy Financing

We explain procedures in a calm, fun way kids can understand, and we keep parents fully informed. We also offer flexible payment options to help make care affordable, and we verify your insurance and provide clear estimates up front. You can learn more on our financial and insurance page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes a pediatric dentist different from a family dentist?
A: Pediatric dentists complete additional years of specialty training focused only on infants, children, teens, and patients with special needs, including their unique behavior, growth, and dental development.

Q: Do you see children with dental anxiety?
A: Absolutely. Helping nervous children feel safe is one of our specialties. We use gentle behavior guidance and, when appropriate, sedation, and we never rush or force a child through care.

Q: My older child needs braces. Can you help?
A: Yes. For comprehensive orthodontics, our co-located sister practice, San Marcos Orthodontics, works hand in hand with us, so your family stays with one trusted team.

Experience the Difference in San Marcos

See why families across San Marcos choose us for their children’s dental care. 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.