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Coastal Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics
San Diego

Accept Insurance
Extended Hours
Latest Technology
Clean Environment
State-of-the-art
Friendly Staff

Locations & Opening Hours

2780 Cardinal Rd, Suite #A, San Diego, CA 92123
Monday
9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday
9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday
9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday
9 AM - 5 PM
Friday
9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday
9 AM - 3 PM
Sunday
Closed
(858) 463-3722

Our Services

Dental Exams
Teeth Cleanings
Preventive Care
Extractions
Root Canal

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Wall

Where Science Meets Smiles

Meet
Our
Staff

showcase
Nataly is the scheduling coordinator at the Santee office. She has a background in the medical field and is new to dentistry. She has 4 children, 2 German Shepherds, and enjoys attending Padres games at Petco Park and hiking.

Testimonials

OUR CROWING ACHEIVEMENTS
100+ reviews
Hands down the best dentist for kids!! Dr. Kim is top notch and the best doctor ever! She is super kind, fun, gentle and very personable! I am so grateful we found Coastal Kids!!
Kim Lugtu is the best! She has been seeing both of my kids pretty much their whole life. Im very thankful for that and will continue going there as long as she will see them:)
Top notch experience, truly the most comfortable experience you can expect for your reluctant child. We will definitely return and are grateful to have found this kid specialized Dental practice! Bravo, and thanks for doing what you do!
LOVE them!! We have visited 3 dentists in San Diego and Coastal Kids stands out at the absolute top. Professional, efficient, friendly, welcoming, high quality care from the minute you step in the door. I honestly could not think of anything they could be doing better!
Absolutely love love love Carmel Valley Coastal Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics they are so great with kids and truly put my almost two year old and three year old ease. The dentist is amazing and so sweet and caring. I absolutely loved the experience and my kids did too. So thankful to have found them.
The BEST Pediatric Dentist in San Diego! We’ve been seeing Dr. Kim for almost 10 years now. Her genuine, gentle care and compassion for my children have been nothing short of exceptional. Despite my family moving further away, we still make the 40 minute drive to see her.

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Our
Team

Brush Up on Our Dentist's Expertise
Dr. Stephen O’Donnell Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Stephen O'Donnell is a compassionate pediatric dentist dedicated to creating positive dental experiences for children of all backgrounds and abilities. A graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, Dr. O'Donnell was honored with the prestigious Floyde E. Hogeboom Award for excellence in pediatric dentistry. He completed his specialized training at USC and Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach, where he gained extensive experience working with children with complex medical needs.

Dr. O'Donnell's approach to pediatric dentistry is rooted in the belief that every child deserves individualized care in a warm, welcoming environment. He specializes in treating children with special healthcare needs and has valuable experience working with interdisciplinary teams to care for patients with conditions ranging from craniofacial disorders to hemophilia and cancer.

"My goal is to make every child's visit a positive experience," says Dr. O'Donnell. "By treating each young patient as an individual and providing gentle support, we can build confidence that lasts a lifetime."

One of Dr. O'Donnell's most memorable experiences came from volunteering at a mobile dental clinic in California's Central Valley, where he helped transform a fearful kindergartener's perspective on dental care through patience and personalized attention. This experience reinforced his commitment to creating trusting relationships with both children and their families.

When not helping young patients achieve healthy smiles, Dr. O'Donnell can be found hiking with his wife and young daughter, paddleboarding, or exploring San Diego County's diverse restaurant scene. As a self-proclaimed "big kid at heart," he connects with his patients by wearing fun Pokemon and Mario character socks and using storytelling to make dental visits enjoyable.

Dr. O'Donnell's unique combination of advanced training, compassionate care, and playful spirit makes him a trusted partner in your child's dental health journey. He and his team look forward to welcoming new families to their practice and creating positive dental experiences for children of all ages.

Professional Affiliations and Training:
- University of Southern California School of Dentistry
- Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach
- Recipient of the 2019 Floyde E. Hogeboom Award
- Specialized training in treating children with complex medical needs
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We Accept Insurance & Sunbit

Coverage to Smile About
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How we serve you better

Where Science Meets Smiles
Autoclave Sterilization
Uses high-pressure steam to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and spores on dental instruments, ensuring patient safety and preventing cross-contamination between procedures.
Learn more

New Patient Specials

Bright Smiles Await You
4+ Years Old, Full Recall + X-Rays & Pano UCR* 🏷️
If your child needs a more thorough dental evaluation, we want to help. For $264 (pediatric) / $294 (GP), we’ll not only perform our standard cleaning special — exam, cleaning, and x-rays — we’ll include a panoramic x-ray that lets us take a deeper look into your child’s overall oral health. Call today or book an appointment online! *New Patients 4+ Years Old

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Highlights

FAQ

Questions
At what age should my child first visit the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within 6 months after their first tooth appears, whichever comes first.

How often should my child have dental checkups?

Children should visit the dentist every 6 months for regular checkups and cleanings. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits based on your child's individual oral health needs.

Are dental X-rays safe for children?

Yes, dental X-rays are safe for children. Modern dental offices use digital X-rays that emit very low radiation levels. Additionally, protective lead aprons and thyroid collars are used during X-rays to minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when necessary for diagnostic purposes.

How can I prevent cavities in my child's teeth?

To prevent cavities: 1) Maintain good oral hygiene, brushing twice daily and flossing, 2) limit sugary foods and drinks, 3) use fluoride toothpaste, 4) consider dental sealants, 5) maintain regular dental checkups, 6) encourage healthy eating habits, and 7) supervise brushing for young children.

At what age should my child get an orthodontic evaluation?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, there's a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing orthodontists to identify potential problems early.

Is Invisalign suitable for children/teens?

Invisalign can be suitable for teens, and there's even a specific product called Invisalign Teen. However, eligibility depends on various factors, including: 1) the type and severity of orthodontic issues, 2) the patient's maturity and responsibility level, 3) whether all permanent teeth have erupted, and 4) your orthodontist can determine if Invisalign is appropriate for your child's specific case.

Do braces hurt?

While braces don't hurt during application, you may experience some soreness for a few days after getting them and after adjustment appointments. This discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.