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Pediatric Dentists

Pediatric Dentists in San Diego

83 NPI-verified pediatric dentistry practices in San Diego, CA — avg rating 4.9

83

Verified practices

4.9★

Avg Rating (3 rated)

2

Accept Insurance

0

Owner-Claimed

What Pediatric Dentistry means for San Diego residents

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. They complete 2–3 years of additional training focused on children's oral health from infancy through adolescence, including patients with special healthcare needs. Their offices are designed to be child-friendly, and they're trained in behavior management techniques that help anxious kids feel comfortable.

In San Diego, 83 verified pediatric dentistry practices serve the community, and 2 publish accepted-insurance information. The average patient rating across the 3 Google-rated practices is 4.9 out of 5.

Common Pediatric Dentistry procedures

Infant oral health exams

Early risk assessment for cavities, guidance on teething, fluoride needs, and oral habits

Preventive cleanings & fluoride

Gentle cleanings, fluoride varnish applications, and cavity-prevention strategies

Dental sealants

Protective coatings on back teeth to prevent cavities — especially effective for newly erupted permanent molars

Cavity fillings

Tooth-colored composite fillings sized for baby teeth and young permanent teeth

Habit counseling

Guidance on thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and tongue thrusting that can affect dental development

Space maintainers

Appliances that hold space when a baby tooth is lost early, preventing future crowding

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What to expect: Pediatric Dentistry costs in San Diego

Nationally, pediatric dentistry services range from $80–$200 per exam & cleaning. Sealants: $30–$60 per tooth. Fillings: $100–$300. Most plans cover preventive care at 100%.

Vibe Analysis for pediatric dentistry in San Diego is still being generated as we verify more practices.

Verified Pediatric Dentistry practices

Showing 20 of 83
AJ

Allen Job, DDS, Ms, Mph, INC.

7695 CARDINAL CT

San Diego, CA 92123

(909) 684-5439

NPI Verified
AJ

Anthony J. Scoma, DDS

10549 SCRIPPS POWAY PKWY STE E

San Diego, CA 92131

(858) 271-4200

NPI Verified
AE

Amanda Effat, DDS

8110 Birmingham Way Bldg 282nd

San Diego, CA 92123

(619) 662-4100

NPI Verified
AG

Ankur Gandhi, DDS

2619 Clairemont Dr

San Diego, CA 92117

(562) 716-6453

NPI Verified
AG

Arielle Ganas, DDS

7189 Navajo Rd

San Diego, CA 92119

(619) 741-1500

NPI Verified
BW

Brook Woolsey Jones, DDS

34800 BOB WILSON DR

San Diego, CA 92134

(619) 532-6400

NPI Verified
BP

Brett Parks, D.D.S

7011 Linda Vista Rd

San Diego, CA 92111

(775) 450-8824

NPI Verified
CL

Chieu L Pham, DDS

12395 EL CAMINO REAL STE 218

San Diego, CA 92130

(408) 390-7228

NPI Verified
CJ

Christopher John Eitzen, DDS

11616 IBERIA PLACE

San Diego, CA 92128

(858) 676-5000

NPI Verified
CD

Christy D Lam, DDS

11616 IBERIA PLACE

San Diego, CA 92128

(858) 676-5000

NPI Verified
CH

Chelsea Hope

4074 Fairmount Ave Ste B

San Diego, CA 92105

(619) 996-9543

NPI Verified
CH

Christine Hammer, DMD

4765 Carmel Mountain Rd Ste 210

San Diego, CA 92130

(858) 755-9511

NPI Verified
CK

Coconut Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics

16610 Templeton St

San Diego, CA 92127

(858) 755-1515

NPI Verified
CS

Corbin Smith, D.M.D.

11770 Bernardo Plaza Ct Ste 100

San Diego, CA 92128

(858) 924-8225

NPI Verified
DC

David C Adams, D.D.S., M.s.

420 SPRUCE ST

San Diego, CA 92103

(619) 291-5266

NPI Verified
DT

Lil' Smiles-David M. Toppi D.M.D. Inc

10415 SAN DIEGO MISSION RD STE A

San Diego, CA 92108

(619) 640-3000

NPI Verified
DP

Dr. Paul J. Styrt D.M.D., M.p.h., M.s.

4510 EXECUTIVE DR

San Diego, CA 92121

(858) 458-1088

NPI Verified
DP

Dr.keri,a Professional Corporation

11943 EL CAMINO REAL

San Diego, CA 92130

(619) 216-7336

NPI Verified
D

Dandone

3525 Del Mar Heights Rd

San Diego, CA 92130

(858) 259-5527

NPI Verified
DL

Diana Luc

4050 Beyer Blvd

San Diego, CA 92173

(619) 662-4100

NPI Verified

When should you see a pediatric dentistry?

See a pediatric dentist for all children from their first tooth through adolescence — especially if your child has dental anxiety, special healthcare needs, or developmental concerns. Pediatric dentists are also best equipped to handle dental emergencies in children, including knocked-out teeth and mouth injuries.

Frequently asked questions about pediatric dentistry in San Diego

How many pediatric dentists practice in San Diego?
San Diego, CA has 83 NPI-verified pediatric dentistry practices. The 3 with Google ratings average 4.9 stars. You can compare them on this page or match with one through Dee, our AI matching engine.
How do I choose between pediatric dentists in San Diego?
Credentials matter, but so does fit. Dentalist predicts how each practice feels across 13 dimensions using verified signals like NPI data, specialties, services, Google ratings, and hours, so you can match on what matters to you: anxiety handling, kid-friendliness, scheduling, or cash pricing.
Do San Diego pediatric dentists accept insurance?
2 of the 83 verified pediatric dentistry practices in San Diego publish accepted-insurance information on their profile. Confirm your specific plan with the practice before booking.
How does dentalist.ai match me with the right pediatric dentistry practice in San Diego?
Tell Dee what matters to you and she matches you with verified San Diego practices using Vibe Analysis: 13 dimensions predicted from verified practice signals, not patient review text. You see why each practice was matched. It's free and takes about two minutes.
When should my child first see a dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits establish a dental home, catch problems before they become serious, and help your child develop positive associations with dental care.
How is a pediatric dentist different from a general dentist?
Pediatric dentists complete 2–3 years of specialized residency training focused on children's oral health, growth and development, behavior management, and treating patients with special needs. Their offices use child-sized equipment, kid-friendly decor, and techniques specifically designed to reduce anxiety in young patients.
What happens at a child's first dental visit?
The first visit is usually short and gentle — often called a 'happy visit.' The dentist will count your child's teeth, check for early signs of decay, examine their bite and jaw development, and demonstrate proper brushing. Parents can discuss habits like thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and diet. The goal is to make your child comfortable with the dental environment.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes. Pediatric dentists use digital X-rays with minimal radiation — typically 80–90% less than traditional film X-rays. They also use lead aprons and thyroid collars for additional protection. X-rays are only taken when necessary to diagnose cavities between teeth, monitor development, or evaluate injuries. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry supports their judicious use.
My child is terrified of the dentist. What can we do?
Pediatric dentists are specifically trained in techniques to help anxious children. Options include: tell-show-do (explaining and demonstrating before performing), positive reinforcement, distraction techniques, and nitrous oxide ('laughing gas') for moderate anxiety. For severe cases or extensive treatment, sedation dentistry may be an option. Discuss your child's specific fears at the consultation.