SmileBuilders Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics - San Marcos

Fantastic experience: This place ROCKS! I wish they had an adult SmileBuilders that I could go to! Every time we go there it is the best experience. My son, (6) got his 2 bottom teeth pulled because the adult teeth were coming in faster than he could get the baby ones out and he said he didn't feel anything and had ZERO pain. I was with him holding his hand the whole time which was nice for both of us. Best place to bring your child for dental work PERIOD.

Fantastic experience: This is the place for pediatric dentistry! My two girls (4 and 1.5) have been coming here since they’ve had teeth. Dr. Jaclyn Barrera and her team are fantastic! They’re never pushy with treatment, take the time to explain to me, and are very patient with the kids- even when they cry. We drive up from mission valley to see them and will continue doing so for my children’s’ care!

Positive experience: Went in yesterday and there was one doctor to help all patients which was right after lunch. Didn’t wait for too long but Dr. needs help too!

Fantastic experience: My kids used to be patients at smile builders until we moved out to valley center and switched to a closer dentist. Our new dentist was not available for a semi emergency (my son had a lot of tooth pain), and smile builders got us in that day and were able to treat him. He was scared but they reassured him and were gentle and patient. So thankful they were here for us!

Fantastic experience: My kids love this dentist

Fantastic experience: Very friendly and professional, I brought my two daughters here and my experience was wonderful.

Fantastic experience: Excelent Job and professional thank you so much!!

Fantastic experience: Great dental office for kids! Both of my children always receive excellent care. The staff is kind, patient, and professional. Highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: The office is amazing. The staff and doctors are so nice. They took great care of my son.

Fantastic experience: They are the best! So nice to my kids!

Fantastic experience: This dentist is amazing I have been coming here since 2020 when my son needs a procedure due to being scared of the Dentist. Not only did they take care of the fear but now it’s a wonderful experience. Front desk is always very helpful, always able to make a schedule work with our busy children.

Fantastic experience: Staff is amazing .wonderful with kids fully recovered.

Fantastic experience: Yesterday (10/28/25) we took our Autistic nonverbal boy to get spacers removed. And I mom was so nervous cause our last couple visit to the dentist have no been not good for him. But Sandra changed that for my son she made him comfortable helped keep him calm and happy. Sandra and the doctor explained to my son step by step what was going on which I believe changed my son experience. We are very grateful for your kindness and patience. We appreciate all of the team. We also drive about and hour and half to SmileBuilders Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics. Thank you again

Fantastic experience: We have been with Smile Builders for over 10 years now! We have never had anything but the best service and they have always gone out of their way to make my children feel comfortable. Recently we had to have some teeth extracted and our dentist was the most calm, gentle, professional, compassionate, and efficient! It was a relief to my son and to myself. I wish I had a dentist as good as the ones at Smile Builders when I was a kid.

Fantastic experience: They take great care of my son, they made him feel great, they treated him with a lot of patience and care, he is no longer afraid of the dentist.

Fantastic experience: The staff has always been kind and gentle with my children.

Fantastic experience: I could not be happier. Third dental group we tried in the area and we finally found an excellent one, took great care of my son, treated me with kindness and respect, explained thoroughly what they wanted to do and why. Would recommend to anyone looking for a pediatric dentist!

Fantastic experience: Every appointment is punctual and only needs to wait 4-10 minutes; treatment is always good: doctor will explain the results, possible problems and any side effects etc in a very detailed format. Also doctors/nurses will answer any question, concern etc. I can see the patients always smile out from the clinic. Excellent!!

Fantastic experience: Sandra was very patient and friendly with my son, the office is very kid friendly. The doctor was very kind and we were out of there within a decent amount of time. My son is very happy with the toothbrush, sticker and prize towards the end. Thank you.

Fantastic experience: My daughter has been coming to this facility for last 10 years and we are so happy and still continuing

Fantastic experience: Been with smile builders for 12+ years. Amazing staff my oldest had a really bad experience with a previous dental office and SmileBuilders had been great since then. All staff is amazing and nice, we’re also with their Ortho department and they are also amazing! Definitely recommend, nice and flexible, reasonable and so helpful!

Fantastic experience: My 3 boys come here and Dr.Shiva has always been wonderful! She has always given us opinions on treatment to make a better informed decision when it comes to treatment plans. The front desk is always kind and welcoming! We make a drive to come here but definitely worth it.

Fantastic experience: It was a great dentist visit Sandra Garcia was super duper helpful kind n caring.. Extraneous bedside manner. I recommend this dentist to everyone.

Fantastic experience: My son has been coming here for the past 6 or more years and the team is incredible. They have taken meticulous care of my sons teeth and smile and mouth care. Great place. Thank you.

Fantastic experience: My first time visiting with my 5 yr old. All staff were welcoming everyone was very kind and professional. My son was anxious. Dental assistant Sandra. G was very friendly she interacted in conversation with my son about his oral health and while waiting on Dr she engaged by explaining to him the xrays. He became calm and comfortable she was excellent. Dr Rashibi was very kind and attentive to my concerns. She answerd all my questions and took time to help me understand the procedure. Front desk assisted me kindly very helpful thorough and friendly. Great experience. I am very grateful my son was seen here. Thank you all.

Fantastic experience: Great care for my two kids here, never a bad experience

Fantastic experience: The front desk staff is super helpful and patient. The dental assistants and the doctors are super friendly and great with the children.

Fantastic experience: Their care, dental work, doctors and staff are amazing!! My youngest son gets so nervous because of previous experience at a previous dentist and they do everything possible to make sure he's comfortable to get his dental work done! My 8 year old goes in there care free now!! I'm so happy with their service and customer service!!

Fantastic experience: Been taking the kids for years and it's always been a great experience.

Fantastic experience: My sister recommended this office to me after having a bad experience at another office in Escondido. I had a 3D X-ray done for less than half of the price from the other office. All the staff here are very nice, patient and caring. Thank you for caring for me and my nephew who’s also a patient here.

Fantastic experience: Helpful, friendly staff are professional and very organized. Always a good experience for my son — he looks forward to going to the dentist!!

Fantastic experience: Staff is amazing they do really good with children. Highly recommend.!!

Fantastic experience: We had a great experience at Smile Builders in San Marcos. The staff were so kind and friendly and the doctor was WONDERFUL with my daughter. My lil girl was a little nervous but everyone was so sweet to her and made her feel so comfortable. She left the office with a smile!

Fantastic experience: Staff in front is super nice and very clean and punctual.

Fantastic experience: The crew at Smile Builders are wonderful and sweet. They have been taking care of my son and his teeth for about 7 yrs he is now almost 12. They have always made him feel comfortable and I’m proud to say he has never been scared to see them. It has so much to do with how kind and calm they are and maybe a little to do with the tv he can watch while getting his teeth done. It is a clean and friendly environment. I just wish they would bring back the video game room they had for waiting kids (we lost it during COVID). Regardless I highly recommend this place to anyone with children who need a dentist.

Fantastic experience: Dr. Kim has been my daughter’s dentist since she was just four years old. In the beginning, my daughter was very hesitant and had a hard time cooperating at dental visits. But Dr. Kim was always incredibly patient, kind, and gentle with her. Over time, I watched my daughter completely turn around, now she feels comfortable and at ease going to the dentist. It’s such a relief as a parent to see a doctor who genuinely takes the time to care for her patients with patience and understanding. We are so grateful for Dr. Kim and highly recommend her and SmileBuilders to anyone looking for a wonderful dentist!

Fantastic experience: Love this office staff is always so sweet and attentive to my children. The care is amazing too

Fantastic experience: Very satisfied with the dentistry here I have been coming here since my kids were very small. I have also recommended them to family and friends.

Fantastic experience: Awesome place for my boy. We used to struggle to get him go to the dentist but now no more struggle. The team are friendly and professional

Fantastic experience: This office is very attentive to your needs. My 4 year old son has been going here for 3 years now. I recently had my sister change dental office because her previous Office was overcharging her for a CBCT, 3D panoramic xray. This office charged less than half.

Fantastic experience: Dr. Kim is so great! All the staff is amazing and explains the process very well. Luis was great with our son and very gentle.

Fantastic experience: UPDATE: One year later, and my now 5 year old does so much better at the dentist, thanks to SmileBuilders gentle care. She still gets a little nervous, but doesn’t have major anxiety like she used to. She is chatty and happy with the dental assistants and the dentists. They answer all her questions, and explain every step of the way to her. Clean, professional, and great staff! My 4 year old daughter is normally really afraid of the dentist. I had put that in the notes at Smilebuilders & the hygienist Maria, had graciously taken the time and effort to read them. She was so sweet in her approach with my daughter, took her time & communicated directly with her the entire time. We have never had such a successful visit at the dentist before, and I’m going to request Maria every single time! I was almost in tears because it feels like we overcame a huge thing today! Thank you Maria!!

Fantastic experience: Love Smile Builders! Their staff is great and super patient with my children. Dr's are very knowledgeable. The girls up front always are super sweet & do a wonderful job make sure their appointments are constant. Appreciate the whole team!

Fantastic experience: Easy scheduling, amazing doctors and overall great staff, I couldn’t be happier with this dental office. Huge appreciation to Betty who goes out of her way to ensure a great visit.

Fantastic experience: Love smile builders been coming here for 9 years now! They are amazing! My kids love it here. They never once was scared, the techs and dentists always make them feel so good!

Fantastic experience: My girls have been coming here for a little over a year and we have always had a great experience . The front desk woman who checks us in is always nice & friendly . The techs and dentist are always gentle and friendly , always explaining everything to me and my girls , doesn’t matter the time of day we go in . Never had a problem rescheduling an appointment and the automatic next visit appointment texts are perfect .

Negative experience: I've been taking my kids here for 10 plus years. Recently my spouse took our four kids ranging 17 to 3 on his own for their check up. Our three year old is not a fan of the dentist or the doctor but we still do our check ups for him like the other three. This visit he was even more elevated than usual and refused to open his mouth, screamed, cried refused and was even foaming at the mouth (because he was scared)..needless to say it was not a great experience. I myself was not there but could only imagine how being the solo parent of not only four kids but of a child who was that intense in that setting would have had me feeling. Probably not my best parenting moment! This office has seen my kids grow and has seen us throughout the years. We do our recommended treatments, 6 month evals and cleanings and recalls so they know our children are cared for, so when CPS shows up at your kids schools due to the office calling them on you!!! WOW!!!!! Instead of them assisting or trying to help in that moment they chose to judge a 15 minute interaction and made a report based off of that. If you have a child that doesn't fit into their perfect box and you dont speak or act the way they believe please beware because your life could be completely ripped from under you. A stranger can then be allowed into you home to tell you if you are being a good parent or not. Shame on them for not having a conversation, this was the most cowardly thing I have ever seen in my life. If you're going to be in the field that requires mandatory reporting then know what your reporting and tell the truth. My kids are not in any danger but taking them to this place would put them in harms way.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely love this place. They are clean, friendly, amazing staff and always make it super convenient for emergencies. Definitely recommend Also love doing our punch cards for each visit.

Fantastic experience: They were kind and accommodating of my special needs child (nonverbal autism) and made the experience quick and less stressful for this mom. My child left with no signs of lasting trauma even though procedure was unpleasant, he high fived them on his way out. Also, they were able to schedule him quickly. Update: my child has grown more confident at the dentist and everything has gone smooth and quick. They show care for him individually.

Fantastic experience: Made my daughter feel very comfortable and relaxed.

Negative experience: They never answer the phones . Surgery center is also a complete mess who can never call you or answer phone calls . It’s always busy and they take more patients than they should . I really wish they would get it together. Update 8/7/2025 They ask you to come in 15 minutes early and you do but they still make you wait past your appointment time . When you have two special needs children who already don’t wanna be there and you are having them wait longer than need be and staff wants to give you attitude like you’re in the wrong ! This place has declined these last couple years . Medi Cal places taking in way more patients than they can handle it’s ridiculous . They rather take in 100 patients and do a subpar job than to have 50 and do a fantastic job . It’s disgusting how these places go about taking care of the most vulnerable children . Paint falling off the walls dirty marks everywhere it’s sick how this place is even still open ! I guess their other patients are fine with waiting 35 past their appointment time but I’m not !! Last point If you know my children need a room and I came in 15 minutes prior like asked too and the room is still not ready that’s a lack of urgency on the staff and they are just flat out lazy !! Will never be coming back to this dentist office ever !

Negative experience: We’re not ones to complain but, the hygienist was rude and very rough on our teen, we had been going there for awhile and once they found out we went to a different ortho for braces instead of Smilebuilders, they changed, front desk was also rude, we won’t be going back and they’ve lost a customer.

Fantastic experience: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I took my 4-year-old daughter to Smile Builders Dentistry, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience! The staff was so kind, patient, and gentle with her from the moment we walked in. They made her feel comfortable and even excited to be at the dentist! Everything was explained clearly, and they handled her check-up with so much care. I’m really grateful for how they treated her highly recommend this office, especially for little ones!

Fantastic experience: great place for kids having their first dental appointment and so on and so forth. helpful staff and timely appointment scheduling on top of good local reviews from the community

Fantastic experience: Have been coming here for over 10 years. Doctors are excellent staff are all friendly.

Fantastic experience: SmileBuilders is a wonderful place for kids’ dental care! The staff is super friendly and great with children. They make each visit fun and stress-free. The dentist and hygienists are patient, gentle, and explain everything in a way kids and adults understand. They also do a great job teaching kids how to take care of their teeth. I highly recommend SmileBuilders for any family looking for a caring and kid-friendly dental office!

Fantastic experience: we just started coming to this dentist office and it has been great, the staff is so friendly and so accommodating. appointments have also been so easy to make. from the front to the back office, they have made this experience so much better. i definitely recommend taking your kids here!

Fantastic experience: Great with all my 3 kids. They love coming to smile builders for all their dental work! Orthodontics is great with my oldest.

Negative experience: Staff was rude, waiting area was messy with paint peeling. Television too loud. One felt like a number. Just another money making machine.

Fantastic experience: My experience was amazing was greeted by the front desk with nothing but smiles, kindness and respect! The whole staff made us feel very welcoming! Thank you all for being the best team we’ve ever had!

Fantastic experience: I've been bringing my kids here since they've been 1 I really love this place the staff is great I recommend them

Fantastic experience: I changed places from True Care to Smile Builders and this was the best decision I’ve made for my kids. Everyone is extremely helpful and they work fast paced. Very glad we are new customers of Smile Builders!!

Fantastic experience: Amazing! Daniel felt really comfortable being in the office. Although its all new to him he was met with wonderful people who were patient with him and everything was done in a timely manner.

Fantastic experience: All the girls at the front desk are very patient, friendly & very easy to talk to. Sandra was amazing with my girls in the back for their cleaning super friendly & fast, as well as very patient with the kids overall a great experience every time

Fantastic experience: Smile builders is great dentist and would recommend to anyone that’s looking for a dentist for their kid. The staff and dentists are wonderful and very helpful. Been bringing my son here for a year and will keep bringing him here for a long time! Really recommend this dentist!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been taking my daughter here since her teeth grew lol all the ladies are excellent and do their best to make the kids AND parents feel comfortable, my daughter always asks for a balloon :)

Fantastic experience: We've had consistently good experiences here :) My 8 yo dtr is autistic, and we've had some difficult dental appointments elsewhere. Our recent smile builders visit with Sandra and Dr. Kelce was the most successful dentist appt my dtr has ever had, I am so grateful!

Fantastic experience: We visited on 24/6/25 it was a quick service nice staff and a friendly environment loved it would recommend

Fantastic experience: Again, wonderful team, friendly and very kind, clean! Receptionist very friendly and will help with any questions you have, back office is great!

Fantastic experience: I absolutely love this children's dentistry. My children are happy when they come for their checkup, because they know that they are being well treated. I am happy to see that the staff care for my children, they make my children and myself welcomed.

Fantastic experience: Thank you to Sandra for her great service. She made my son feel relaxed and did a great job cleaning his teeth. We appreciate all you do. Thank you to the whole team. We always feel welcomed when we come to the office.

Fantastic experience: Been coming here for over 9 years i drive 45 minutes for them and I will until my children are adults honestly the best of the best I recommend them to everyone , customer services 100% sanitation 100% work ethic 100% And beautiful gorgeous smile they are honest about there work and the recommend only the right treatment, they are like a family now for us

Fantastic experience: My kids been here since they been small love the way they are flexible and polite shout out to Roxana always helping me with there appointments

Fantastic experience: Dr. Shiva and Luis dental assistant were so kind and helpful. My son is super anxious about coming here but they were so helpful and kind!!

Fantastic experience: The staff was great, I was able to have my three daughters seen together. The visit was fast and easy!

Fantastic experience: I want to thank Betty for helping me with all of my concerns. She was helpful, polite, and understanding. I appreciate her customer service. Thank you Betty for being Amazing! Thank you Betty and smilebuilders! Barajas Family

Negative experience: They were truly unprofessional I made an almost 3hr drive there for my daughters appointment scheduled at 11am at 8 am they called me asking if i could go in earlier then her scheduled time when i explained i couldnt but would be there at 11 they canceled her appoinment that we had been waiting for over three months and paid a deposit on for no reason other then the dr that was gonna do the treatment left early

Fantastic experience: The office staff was so helpful, kind and accommodating in setting up a transfer of records and consult for my special needs son. Online forms were texted in advance which was very efficient. Everyone in the office was so friendly and attentive. They have lots of options to meet our unique needs. I am so grateful to have my son under their excellent care.

Fantastic experience: We had a wonderful experience with Dr. Shiva at SmileBuilders Children’s Dentistry. My daughter was a little nervous about her appointment, but Dr. Shiva and the entire team were incredibly kind, patient, and gentle. They explained everything in a way she could understand and made her feel completely at ease. The office is very clean, welcoming, and clearly designed with kids in mind. We’re so grateful for the care we received and highly recommend Dr. Shiva to any parents looking for a great pediatric dentist!

Fantastic experience: Dr Marjan Rashedi is amazing with kids and her staff. They go out of their way to make the kids comfortable at the dentist. I have been coming here for several years now and I highly recommend coming here :)

Fantastic experience: They’re were all great and the the person who cleaned my childs teeth and took xRays was absolutely great with her. My daughter gets nervous and scared and she did great with her!

Fantastic experience: Lorena helped us with my son’s treatment today! She was so sweet and made him feel comfortable!

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience at Smile Builders. I couldn’t be more grateful for the amazing care my son received at this dental office. From the moment we walked in, the staff was welcoming which made the experience so much easier for both of us. Sandra called us in and took us to the room, she was nice, patient, and listened to me and the reason for the visit. We were concerned about my son having an extra tooth, but Dr.Pearson, the dentist, took the time to thoroughly explain the situation, answer all our questions, and reassure us that everything would be just fine. Their professionalism and kindness truly put my mind at ease. I’m so thankful for such a positive experience and would highly recommend this office to any parent seeking excellent dental care for their children!

Positive experience: The care providers and receptionists at Smile Builders are friendly and helpful. I love how clean and organized everything was. It was remarkablely quiet and calm in the back area where treatment and exams were taking place. My children appreciate the movies.

Fantastic experience: We love SmileBuilders. They are great all around from the care, the staff, and doctors. I get timely appointments and it is such a comfortable environment for the patients. I also recommend their orthodontist.

Fantastic experience: Been coming to SmileBuilders now for the past 4 years for my son and it has been a great experience for both of us. My son had sealant put into his teeth that was recommended by the dentist. They were thorough and explained the process. Sandra was great with my son and there we no issues. Highly recommend for any parent to take their child for dental work.

Negative experience: I was on my way to the dentist and they called me that if I wasn't there in ten minutes they were gonna cancel on me but after 4 minutes they called again saying that they canceled on me also once you get there they make you wait an hour for them to see you also they don't do filling good they messed up my daughters molers do NOT go to smile builders

Positive experience: We had an ok time. The receptionist didn’t know why we were there, with a scheduled appointment. There must have only been one dentist in, because the wait was very long. Facilities were clean. Did not like the open concept in the back though. We shouldn’t be able to hear the problems other patients come in with.

Fantastic experience: I had the most wonderful experience with Dr. Shiva at Smile Builders during my daughter’s first dental appointment. From the moment we arrived, the staff was welcoming and kind, which helped ease any nervousness. Dr. Shiva was so patient and gentle with my daughter, who was understandably upset and uncomfortable at her first visit. Dr. Shiva knew exactly how to make her feel at ease, and I truly appreciated her professionalism and warmth. She made what could have been a stressful experience for my daughter into a positive one. We are so grateful for her care and highly recommend her!

Fantastic experience: Been going to Smile Builders at San Marcos for 3 years now and every visit have been great. The staffs are friendly and patient. Visits are automatically booked after each appointment, if changes needs to be made, simple call or text works! Reminders are also sent via email and text. The place is also always clean and well staffed. Never had any issue, and my daughter enjoys coming here. I’ve seen the staff handle crying kids very well, they are really kid friendly.

Fantastic experience: I have encountered numerous dentists in the past, and finding one who genuinely cares and exhibits the patience required for my son—who has a significant fear of dental visits—has been challenging. After being referred to this practice, I was initially skeptical due to my previous experiences. However, I was thoroughly impressed. The dentist and her staff exceeded my expectations. She not only demonstrated remarkable patience but also showcased an in-depth knowledge of pediatric dentistry. In fact, she was the first of six dentists we had visited who managed to connect with my son so effectively. Her compassionate approach and dedication have made a significant difference, and I am profoundly grateful for the care and attention provided to my son.

Fantastic experience: Honestly I was very concerned about my daughters treatment but everything went well. The Dr. and her crew were awesome! Thank you so much for understanding and for communicating with us while working on her treatment. you guys perfectly understand that you guys are treating kids.. And thank you for been so compassionate. That says a alot about you guys. I couldn't be happier! and my daughter came out super happy. Thats all I wanted.. Thank you so much!! Keep up the awesome work!

Fantastic experience: I was referred to SmileBuilders. I definitely recommend this office. Excellent customer service by Betty. Dentist very professional . She explained everything with much detail that put us at ease for how the surgery will go for my child.

Fantastic experience: I've had a great experience at Smile Builders dentistry & orthodontics throughout the 3+ yrs that I've been taking my 9 year old daughter there. She's gotten quality care that I've always trusted. And everyone has always been kind and patient with us.

Fantastic experience: Much improvement since my last post. Dr. Rashedi herself as well as her office manager reached out to me and assured me the minor issues would be resolved. I sure appreciate both of them reaching out to me, it was comforting. Both of my daughters has been going to the practice since they were little and I cannot think of any other pediatric dentist more caring and professional. Thank you Dr. Rashedi and her staff for the wonderful years of dental service for our two daughters.

Fantastic experience: The front desk is nice and patient, dental assistant is super sweet and took good care of my kid with special need, dentist answered all our questions. Good place for kids.

Fantastic experience: I definitely recommend Smile Builders Children's Children's Dentistry! The entire experience is top-notch, starting with Betty's amazing customer service. She is always so welcoming and helpful, making every visit a breeze. The dentist is fantastic with young children, creating a comfortable and friendly environment that my kids absolutely love. It's a place where they actually look forward to their dental appointments! If you're looking for a pediatric dentist, this is definitely the place to go.

Fantastic experience: I am so grateful for all the work the doctors have done for my 2 year old daughter. She was in constant daily pain because of complications that affected her baby teeth and because of you, she now is pain free and tells me about how it feels so different because her teeth do not hurt anymore. Thank you again.

Negative experience: Although everyone in the office is friendly, I have had nothing but issues since bringing my kids there. They wouldn’t even see my child who has braces because her wire was in (this was never mentioned to me prior to making appointment). My other child had a tooth abscess caused by work done by their office which led to having to pull tooth. My other child got an infection shortly after dental cleaning and was in the hospital which they linked back to the dentist.

Fantastic experience: I love the great front desk staff Roxana, Daylin & Betty that help our 8 kiddos. Also, the doctors and hygienists do a stellar job with our difficult kiddos. Thanks Smilebuilders for doing an awesome job!!!