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Best General Dentists in San Marcos, CA (2026)

51 clinics offering general dentistry, rankedUpdated 0 paid placementsHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall for general dentistry: Dr. Roberto Salazar, DDS, ranked #1 of 51 by service score; ranked on access and profile data; Google ratings not yet collected.

Rankings can't be bought. Booking through us earns you a $60 gift card and doesn’t affect order. How we rank

51 San Marcos clinics list general dentistry and are ranked here by service score. 8 open Saturdays and 3 open after 6pm. Google ratings are not yet collected for these clinics.

Top 10 general dentistry dentists in San Marcos at a glance

Top 10 general dentistry dentists in San Marcos at a glance
RankClinicService score
1Dr. Roberto Salazar, DDS73
2Senior Dental Center - North County73
3Dr. Bruce Schwandt, DDS67
4Dr. Karina Gregg67
5Dr. Natalia Petrova67
6Dr. Nirav Shah67
7Dr. Peter B. Nguyen, DDS67
8Dr. Robert Lin67
9General Dentistry67
10Quang Le DDS67

The 51 best general dentistry dentists in San Marcos, ranked

Ordered by service score: the DR Score plus bonuses for a specialist on staff, reviews that mention the service and same-day care where it applies.

  1. Ranked #1 for general dentistry in San Marcos

    #1 Dr. Roberto Salazar, DDS

    365 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078

    73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #1 for general dentistry in San Marcos on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Dr. Roberto Salazar, DDSFull profile(760) 736-9200

  11. #11 Mission Hills Family Dental

    197 Woodland Pkwy #100, San Marcos, CA 92069

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #11 for general dentistry in San Marcos: Saturday hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon 7 AM–3:30 PM · Tue–Thu 7 AM–6 PM · Fri 7 AM–3:30 PM · Sat 8 AM–4 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Mission Hills Family DentalFull profile(760) 585-9598
    In their words

    At Mission Hills Family Dental in San Marcos, CA, we’re committed to changing the way people think about dental visits, one smile at a time. That means that we take extra effort to go above and beyond your expectations. Our patients are our priority so we always take into consideration what you need, want, and deserve when it comes to your dental care provider. We don’t want to be just some dental office in your town; we want to be your family’s dental home for years to come!

    From Mission Hills Family Dental's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  13. #13 West Coast Smiles - Jovan Plamenac, D.D.S., Inc.

    960 W San Marcos Blvd #120, San Marcos, CA 92078

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #13 for general dentistry in San Marcos: Saturday hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat 9 AM–12:30 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at West Coast Smiles - Jovan Plamenac, D.D.S., Inc.Full profile(760) 736-4300

  14. #14 San Marcos Smile Dental

    3643 Grand Ave Suite A, San Marcos, CA 92078

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #14 for general dentistry in San Marcos: Saturday hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon–Tue 9 AM–5:30 PM · Wed closed · Thu 9 AM–5:30 PM · Fri–Sat 8 AM–3 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at San Marcos Smile DentalFull profile(760) 691-2111
    In their words

    At San Marcos Smile Dental our dentists offer your family both general and cosmetic dentistry. Once the dentist examines you, we can then suggest treatment such as filings, cleanings, crowns, root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, braces, dental implants or partial dentures to replace missing teeth and improve your smile. And for those who like to have a bright white smile we offer teeth whitening trays. At San Marcos Smile Dental our team consists of caring, compassionate…

    From San Marcos Smile Dental's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  15. #15 Platinum Dental, Inc.

    555 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd #100, San Marcos, CA 92078, United States

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #15 for general dentistry in San Marcos: evening hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon 10 AM–7 PM · Tue–Wed 9:30 AM–5:30 PM · Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri 9 AM–2 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Platinum Dental, Inc.Full profile(760) 510-9009
    In their words

    A private dentist office in San Marcos, California. Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, TMJ and Sleep Apnea Therapy A private dentist office in San Marcos, California. We offer quality family and general dentistry, cosmetic dental procedures, dental implants, orthodontics, TMJ, and sleep apnea therapy. For fearful patients, we offer sedation dentistry. Located close to downtown San Marcos, we are minutes away from Restaurant Row. Central to San Diego and North…

    From Platinum Dental, Inc.'s own description. Not part of the ranking.

  16. #16 Sun Smile Dental Group

    1582 W San Marcos Blvd Suite 201, San Marcos, CA 92078

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #16 for general dentistry in San Marcos: evening hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon–Tue 9 AM–5 PM · Wed 10 AM–6 PM · Thu 11 AM–7 PM · Fri 9 AM–3 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Sun Smile Dental GroupFull profile(760) 744-1300

  18. #18 San Marcos Family Dental

    1 Civic Center Dr Suite 230, San Marcos, CA 92069

    47/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #18 for general dentistry in San Marcos: evening hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon 7 AM–4 PM · Tue 9 AM–6 PM · Wed closed · Thu 10 AM–7 PM · Fri 8 AM–4:30 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at San Marcos Family DentalFull profile(760) 981-0429
    In their words

    Having a healthy, beautiful smile is important. Dr. Joanna El-Maasri, Dr. Constantine Reppas, and the San Marcos Family Dental team believe you deserve a confident smile you love. We’d like to be your dental healthcare partners, working toward optimal oral health and an incredible smile for you. Our team believes in caring for our patients as we would a family member: professionally, with compassion and respect for each person’s needs. Our doctors will create a treatment…

    From San Marcos Family Dental's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  19. #19 Bright Now! Dental & Orthodontics

    752 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078

    43/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #19 for general dentistry in San Marcos: Saturday hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat 8 AM–4 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Bright Now! Dental & OrthodonticsFull profile(760) 936-0002
    In their words

    Bright Now Dental San Marcos is a dental practice that offers easy dental appointments, giving you something to smile about. The Bright Now Dental staff is friendly and experienced in taking care of dental services such as teeth cleaning, check-up, dental crown, root canal, teeth whitening, braces, and more. With affordable rates for quality dental care, the Bright Now Dental San Marcos dental staff offers a variety of orthodontists, pediatric dentists, and emergency…

    From Bright Now! Dental & Orthodontics's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  20. #20 Pacific Dental Services

    145 S Las Posas Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078

    43/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #20 for general dentistry in San Marcos: Saturday hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon 8:30 AM–5 PM · Tue 10 AM–6 PM · Wed 8:30 AM–5 PM · Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri 7:30 AM–3:30 PM · Sat 8 AM–3 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Pacific Dental ServicesFull profile(760) 736-4247

  21. #21 lake San Marcos Dental Care

    1635 Lake San Marcos Dr #105, San Marcos, CA 92078

    43/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #21 for general dentistry in San Marcos: Saturday hours.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri closed · Sat 9 AM–3 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at lake San Marcos Dental CareFull profile(760) 304-4490

  22. #22 Kidmazing Dental & Orthodontics

    309 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #22 for general dentistry in San Marcos on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Kidmazing Dental & OrthodonticsFull profile(760) 744-3333

  23. #23 SmileBuilders Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics

    838 Nordahl Rd #145, San Marcos, CA 92069

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #23 for general dentistry in San Marcos on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at SmileBuilders Children's Dentistry & OrthodonticsFull profile(760) 480-6700
    In their words

    Founded in April 2013 by Dr. Marjan Rashedi, SmileBuilders Children's Dentistry provides pediatric dentistry services to San Marcos, Fallbrook, Escondido, and surrounding areas in San Diego County. Our specialty is providing children from infancy to adolescence with exceptional oral health care in an energetic and nurturing environment. We treat all children, including those with special health care needs. We are committed to building lasting relationships with both our…

    From SmileBuilders Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics's own description. Not part of the ranking.

  24. #24 Woodland Dental Group

    979 Woodland Pkwy # 100, San Marcos, CA 92069

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #24 for general dentistry in San Marcos on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Woodland Dental GroupFull profile(760) 745-1100

  25. #25 Grandon Village Dental Office

    577 S Rancho Santa Fe Rd #102, San Marcos, CA 92078

    37/10030% of factors measured

    Ranked #25 for general dentistry in San Marcos on access and profile data; Google ratings are not yet collected.

    Based on access, services and profile completeness; Google ratings not yet collected.

    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    Book appointment at Grandon Village Dental OfficeFull profile(760) 891-0606

All 51 clinics

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #51, in DR Score order; each links to its full profile.

RankClinicDR Score
26Krylow Dental | Susan Krylow, D.D.S.37
27Las Posas Dental Practice and Orthodontics37
28Cabrillo Dental37
29San Marcos Dental Group37
30Anna V Krasnopevtseva DDS37
31San Marcos Dental Studio37
32Smiles of San Marcos37
33Dreamscape Dental37
34Doche Family Dental37
35San Marcos Dental Arts37
36Alta Vista Dental37
37Tree Of Life Dentistry37
38Dr. Rima C. Shahhal, DDS37
39Pediatric Dentistry of San Marcos37
40Discovery Dental37
41McBride Dental37
42San Marcos Dental Center37
43AVAH DENTAL OFFICE37
44Smart Dental34
45Grand Plaza Cosmetic & Family Dentistry33
46Dr. Daniel Tevrizian, DDS33
47Rancho Palomar Dental Care33
48Bruce W Adams DDS33
49North Coast Dental17
50Nelson Y. Howard, D.D.S.17
51The Hills Family Dentistry14

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What is general dentistry?

General dentistry covers routine care: checkups, cleanings, x-rays, fillings and basic treatment of gum disease. A general dentist is usually the first stop for any dental problem and refers patients to specialists when a case needs it.

General dentistry: specialist or general dentist?

General dentists (DDS or DMD) provide this care themselves. There is no specialist for general dentistry; a general dentist may refer you to an endodontist, periodontist, orthodontist or oral surgeon for complex work.

How much does general dentistry cost in San Marcos?

Typical ranges in USD for San Marcos, CA. Your price depends on the tooth, the case and the clinic.

How much does general dentistry cost in San Marcos?
TypeTypical range (USD)BasisAs of
Checkup exam$80–$230DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California—
Exam, cleaning and x-rays$230–$540DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California—

Estimates, not quotes. Ask the clinic for a written estimate. Full general dentistry cost guide for San Marcos

What to expect from general dentistry

Typical ranges for most patients. Your dentist's plan may differ.

General dentistry: visits, chair time and recovery
FactTypically
Typical visits1 visit for a checkup; follow-up visits if treatment is needed
Chair timeAbout 30–60 minutes for an exam and cleaning
RecoveryNone for a routine checkup
When to see a specialistWhen your dentist finds a problem outside routine care, such as a complex root canal, advanced gum disease or bite problems

How we ranked San Marcos general dentistry dentists

We scored 51 San Marcos clinics offering general dentistry on 6 factors: reputation 45%, review volume 15%, recency 10%, access 15%, services 10%, profile completeness 5%. 1 was excluded (1 duplicate listing). Google ratings are not yet collected, so each score is renormalised over the factors we measured. Data from Google listings and clinic websites, refreshed October 21, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Featured clinics are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

DR Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn San Marcos data
Reputation45%Bayesian-adjusted Google star ratingNot yet collected
Review volume15%log10(review count) against the city maximumNot yet collected
Recency10%Share of reviews in the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Access15%Evenings, Saturday, Sunday, same-day/emergency, accepting new patientsMeasured
Services10%Services offered out of 17Measured
Profile completeness5%Named dentists, years open, languages, insurance, photosMeasured

General dentistry in San Marcos: frequently asked questions

Who is the best general dentistry dentist in San Marcos?

Dr. Roberto Salazar, DDS ranks #1 of 51 San Marcos clinics offering general dentistry by DentistsRanked service score. Senior Dental Center - North County ranks #2. The score weighs reputation, access, services and profile data.

How much does general dentistry cost in San Marcos, CA?

General dentistry in San Marcos typically costs $140–$420 USD. By type: checkup exam $80–$230; exam, cleaning and x-rays $230–$540. These are estimates, not quotes. Basis: DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California. Ask the clinic for a written estimate.

Is general dentistry covered by insurance or Medicaid in California?

Most dental insurance plans cover preventive checkups and cleanings, often twice a year, with little or no cost share. Medicaid covers dental care for children in every state; adult dental benefits vary by state. Confirm your benefits before booking.

Does a dental checkup hurt?

A routine checkup is usually not painful. Most patients feel only mild pressure or scraping during the cleaning. People with sensitive teeth or gum inflammation may feel some discomfort, and dentists can often use numbing gel or adjust their technique if you tell them.

Which San Marcos general dentistry dentists are open on Saturday?

8 of 51 San Marcos clinics offering general dentistry list Saturday hours, including Mission Hills Family Dental, Children's Primary Dental and West Coast Smiles - Jovan Plamenac, D.D.S., Inc.. Hours come from each clinic's listing; check with the clinic before you go, since holiday and summer hours can change.

How many dentists offer general dentistry in San Marcos?

51 San Marcos clinics list general dentistry in our data. 8 are open Saturdays. Google ratings are on file for none of them. Counts update when clinics change their profiles.

Update log for San Marcos

  1. : DR Scores recalculated for 51 clinics.
  2. : 1 duplicate listing merged.

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