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Best Dentists in El Cajon, CA (2026)

92 clinics ranked by DR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in El Cajon: Dental Arts San Diego, 4.6★ from 685 Google reviews, open evenings until 8 PM and Saturdays until 2 PM and 17 of 17 services.

  2. 2

    Best for same-day emergencies: Emergency Dental Care, emergency care, open 7 days until 12 AM; ranked #2 of 92.

  3. 22

    Best for kids and families: Renae Wilson, DDS - El Cajon Dentist, pediatric dentist on staff; ranked #22 of 92.

  4. 1

    Best for evenings and weekends: Dental Arts San Diego, open evenings until 8 PM and Saturdays until 2 PM; ranked #1 of 92.

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

92 El Cajon clinics are ranked here by DR Score. 15 are open Saturdays, 2 on Sundays and 10 after 6 PM, based on posted hours. 1 list emergency care. 61 have a Google rating on file.

Top 10 dentists in El Cajon at a glance

Top 10 dentists in El Cajon at a glance
RankClinicDR ScoreRating (reviews)Evenings / weekendsBest for
1Dental Arts San Diego744.6★ (685)Evenings · SatOverall, Evenings & weekends
2Emergency Dental Care73—Evenings · Sat · SunEmergencies
3Dr. Shatha Mechael, DDS73———
4El Cajon Dentistry73———
5Emergency Dentistry73———
6Grace Children's Dentistry73———
7Griffith Morgan DDS73———
8Prime Emergency Dental73———
9Rieland Kenneth DDS73———
10San Diego Healthy Smiles Dr. Ana Cluff & Associates73———

The 92 best dentists in El Cajon, ranked

Ordered by DR Score, a 0–100 score from 6 published factors. Scores refresh weekly.

  1. Ranked #1 in El Cajon

    #1 Dental Arts San Diego

    707 Arnele Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020, United States

    74/100

    Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.6★ from 685 Google reviews, 685 Google reviews.

    • 4.6from 685 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 11 AM–8 PM · Tue 11 AM–5 PM · Wed 11 AM–8 PM · Thu closed · Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM · Sat 9 AM–2 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

  2. 73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #4 because of services: 17 of 17 services offered.

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

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    At El Cajon Dentistry, our dental team of Waseem Alpatty, DDS & Ronda Alpatty, DDS is committed to providing advanced and compassionate care. With experienced general dentists dedicated to excellence, you can rest assured your family's smiles are in the best of hands.

    From El Cajon Dentistry's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  3. 73/10015% of factors measured

    Ranked #10 because of services: 17 of 17 services offered.

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

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Dr. Ana and Diana Cluff are dentists committed to providing the most outstanding level of dentistry to patients. Serving the Chula Vista and Lakeside area, Dr. Cluff assures that as a patient, you can expect the highest quality care in a comforting, gentle environment. She works together with her team to create a personalized treatment vision and helps patients achieve their dental health goals. Her treatment specialities consist of dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, teeth…

    From San Diego Healthy Smiles Dr. Ana Cluff & Associates's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  4. #13 Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics

    480 Magnolia Ave Ste 103, El Cajon, CA 92020

    73/100

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.7★ from 125 Google reviews, 125 Google reviews.

    • 4.7from 125 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Jack Harouni prides himself on providing exceptional patient care. He is the founder of Sacramento Spa Dentistry, one of the most elite and favorably reviewed dental offices in the Sacramento region. Dr. Harouni and his team are excited to bring his expertise and high regards for quality patient care to his new offices in three San Diego locations! SmilePlus Dentistry offers and specializes in a variety of dental services, including: -…

    From Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  5. #16 Jamacha Dental

    767 Jamacha Road, El Cajon, CA 92019

    72/100

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.6★ from 473 Google reviews, 473 Google reviews.

    • 4.6from 473 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sat 8 AM–5 PM · Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Jamacha Dental is a family-owned and operated practice in El Cajon, providing the finest in general and cosmetic dentistry. We want you to feel great about your oral health, so we stay up to date with the latest technology. Our mission is to provide fantastic care in a warm, friendly environment. We can handle routine preventive care, while also offering cosmetic procedures like fillings, teeth whitening and veneers. We even offer short-term orthodontics and Invisalign. We…

    From Jamacha Dental's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  6. #19 Granite Hills Dental Team

    810 Jamacha Road Suite 104, El Cajon, CA 92019

    71/100

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and review volume: 5.0★ from 302 Google reviews, 302 Google reviews.

    • 5.0from 302 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 10 AM–6 PM · Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed–Thu 7 AM–3 PM · Fri–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    As a dentist in El Cajon, our commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation as a leading practice in the community. Our entire team is dedicated to providing you with the personalized, gentle care that you deserve. When you visit Granite Hills Dental Team, your smile is our top priority. At Granite Hills Dental Team, we pride ourselves on providing patients with exceptional customer service and a unique dental experience. At the end of each appointment we send patients…

    From Granite Hills Dental Team's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  7. #20 Sun Valley Dental Care

    1209 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92021, United States

    71/100

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.8★ from 129 Google reviews, 129 Google reviews.

    • 4.8from 129 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri 9 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Looking to find a dentist in El Cajon? When looking for a El Cajon dentist, we hope that you will consider scheduling an appointment with us. Cesar Jimenez, DDS and our staff at Sun Valley Dental Care are dedicated to patients, creating an atmosphere where everyone can feel comfortable, relaxed, and at home. We understand that you have several local dentists to choose from, and our goal is to provide the best patient experience in the greater El Cajon area. Sun Valley Dental…

    From Sun Valley Dental Care's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  8. #22 Renae Wilson, DDS - El Cajon Dentist

    275 W Madison Ave #B, El Cajon, CA 92020, United States

    70/100

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 423 Google reviews, 423 Google reviews.

    • 4.9from 423 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 9 AM–6 PM · Tue 7 AM–2 PM · Wed 9 AM–6 PM · Thu 7 AM–2 PM · Fri–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Our professional and fun team provides each patient a positive and relaxing experience. We pride ourselves on possessing the state-of-the-art dental technology, techniques, and experience you can trust. Above all, new patients can expect what our life-long patients return for: outstanding dental care in an intimate practice where your time and concerns are respected. Plus, we have fun. We're glad you found us!

    From Renae Wilson, DDS - El Cajon Dentist's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  9. #23 Cesar Jimenez, DDS

    1209 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92021

    69/100

    Ranked #23 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 372 Google reviews, 372 Google reviews.

    • 4.9from 372 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Looking to find a dentist in El Cajon? When looking for a El Cajon dentist, we hope that you will consider scheduling an appointment with us. Cesar Jimenez, DDS and our staff at Sun Valley Dental Care are dedicated to patients, creating an atmosphere where everyone can feel comfortable, relaxed, and at home. We understand that you have several local dentists to choose from, and our goal is to provide the best patient experience in the greater El Cajon area. Sun Valley Dental…

    From Cesar Jimenez, DDS's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  10. #24 RSD Dental Group and Orthodontics

    2907 Jamacha Road Ste B, El Cajon, CA 92019, United States

    69/100

    Ranked #24 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.5★ from 269 Google reviews, 269 Google reviews.

    • 4.5from 269 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 8 AM–7 PM · Tue–Thu 8 AM–6 PM · Fri 7:30 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    As a Smile Generation Trusted office, we welcome you to RSD Dental Group and Orthodontics! With state-of-the-art infection control procedures in place, our #1 goal is to keep you and your family safe. We provide comprehensive specialty services with advanced, proven technology and offer customized financial solutions for you. We are proud to be your complete El Cajon dental provider with services including Teledentistry, Same-Day Dental Crowns, Boost Whitening, Oral Surgery,…

    From RSD Dental Group and Orthodontics's own description. Not part of the ranking.
  11. #25 San Diego Smiles

    895 Jackman St, El Cajon, CA 92020

    69/100

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and review volume: 4.9★ from 211 Google reviews, 211 Google reviews.

    • 4.9from 211 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed

    General dentistryCleaningEmergency careRoot canalExtractionWisdom teethImplantsInvisalign+9 more

    In their words

    Dr. Kurt Christensen at San Diego Smiles, in El Cajon CA 92020, are pleased to offer their patients a full range of compassionate, professional dental care services in El Cajon, Santee and Lakeside. Our dental treatment and services include: cosmetic, children's, family, sedation, preventive, orthodontic and implant dentistry; dental crowns, dental veneers, white dental fillings, teeth whitening, dental sedation, clear dental braces, short term dental braces, traditional…

    From San Diego Smiles's own description. Not part of the ranking.

All 92 clinics

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #92, in DR Score order; each links to its full profile.

RankClinicDR ScoreRating (reviews)Evenings / weekends
26Family Dentistry: Nguyen Hung DDS694.3★ (3)
27Avocado Family Dentistry694.9★ (407)
28East County Family Dental Center684.2★ (441)Evenings
29Urgent Dental Assistance673.7★ (3)Evenings · Sat · Sun
30El Cajon Dental & Orthodontics674.1★ (228)Sat
31Professional Family Dental674.7★ (175)
32Simhairy Dental674.3★ (105)Sat
33Dr. Ana I. Cluff, DDS67
34Dr. Kevin C. Osborn, DDS67
35Dr. Yeukkei Cheung67
36Family & Cosmetic Dentistry67
37Hillside Family Dental Center67
38Mina Abdullah67
39Rancho Dental Group67
40Singing Hills Family Dentistry67
41Dr. Selma Y. Younan, DDS673.3★ (12)
42Dental Arts: Alena Nawrocki Emergency Dentist664.9★ (144)Evenings · Sat
43East County Dental Associates664.6★ (100)Evenings
44Western Dental & Orthodontics663.9★ (798)Sat
45Fletcher Hills Dental Arts664.8★ (90)
46Steele Canyon Smiles Dental & Orthodontics654.3★ (263)
47Bright Now! Dental & Orthodontics653.9★ (464)Sat
48Orthodontics Unlimited by Dr. Kuruvadi & Associates655.0★ (80)
49Sycuan Medical Dental Center644.6★ (96)
50Laurel M. Morello. DDS645.0★ (59)
51Bella Dental Group645.0★ (49)
52San Diego Children's Dentistry645.0★ (1)
53Immediate Dental Help642.3★ (3)
54Dr Mays Alshawi - San Diego Dental Lounge644.9★ (48)
55Dr. Tao D. Nguyen, DDS633.7★ (6)Evenings · Sat
56Korel Family Dentistry634.6★ (64)
57CITIDental Rancho634.9★ (54)
58Dr. David B. Joseph, DDS635.0★ (1)
59Dr. Hemant Sachdeva635.0★ (1)
60Family Dentistry633.7★ (3)
61Rancho Dental Arts634.7★ (40)
62Kaiser Permanente Bostonia Medical Offices634.0★ (144)
63CITIDental El Cajon634.8★ (128)
64Keen Dentistry624.7★ (15)Evenings
65Tower Dentistry614.7★ (15)
66Dr. Maribel A. Celebrado, DDS614.3★ (17)Sat
67Magnolia Dental604.9★ (203)
68Dr. Gary A. Olen, DDS594.9★ (16)
69Brenda Evans Louka DDS - El Cajon, CA593.5★ (32)
70Instant Dental Care: S.T. Sawa & Associates D.D.S.594.0★ (12)
71Samar Atto DDS.585.0★ (11)
72Dr. Maria Elda Alsayeh584.1★ (14)
73Graham R Freer Inc575.0★ (5)
74Jared George C DDS562.1★ (14)Evenings
75Horizon Dental Group563.3★ (110)
76J R Gassman DDS565.0★ (4)
77Uriarte Dental Practice Inc562.8★ (10)
78Wokuluk Gary J DDS564.8★ (13)
79Washington Dentistry523.7★ (45)
80Bright Smile Dental Care513.0★ (22)
81STEPHAN FAMILY DENTAL47Sat
82Parcel Gary V DDS47Sat
8340/30 DENTAL47Sat
844030 DENTAL47Sat
85Duran Frank DDS37
86Michael J Maurer DDS,MS, Inc. and Associates37
87Rancho San Diego Dental37
88Dr. H Hermes, DDS37
89La Maestra Dental - El Cajon33
90La Maestra Family Clinic33
91Santee Cottonwood Dental33
92Mansour Raymond N DDS33

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Best dentists in El Cajon by need

One pick per need, with the clinic that comes next. Every pick names the condition it wins on.

Best for emergency in El Cajon

2

Emergency Dental Care

Highest-ranked of 1 El Cajon clinic offering emergency or same-day care: #1 for emergency care, #2 overall by DR Score and open 7 days until 12 AM.

Emergency Care in El Cajon →

Best for kids in El Cajon

22

Renae Wilson, DDS - El Cajon Dentist

Highest-ranked of 9 El Cajon clinics offering kid-friendly care: pediatric dentist on staff, #22 overall by DR Score and open 4 days a week.

Runner-up: Urgent Dental Assistance (#29 overall)

General Dentistry in El Cajon →

Best for implants in El Cajon

17

Center For Oral Facial Surgery: Hendrix William E DDS

Highest-ranked of 89 El Cajon clinics offering dental implants: oral surgeon on staff, #1 for implants and #17 overall by DR Score.

Runner-up: Center For Oral & Facial Surgery (#18 overall)

Dental Implants in El Cajon →

Best for invisalign & braces in El Cajon

13

Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics

Highest-ranked of 84 El Cajon clinics offering Invisalign or braces: orthodontist on staff, #1 for invisalign and #13 overall by DR Score.

Runner-up: Renae Wilson, DDS - El Cajon Dentist (#22 overall)

Invisalign in El Cajon →

Best for root canal in El Cajon

1

Dental Arts San Diego

Highest-ranked of 84 El Cajon clinics offering root canals: endodontist on staff, #1 for root canal and #1 overall by DR Score.

Runner-up: Renae Wilson, DDS - El Cajon Dentist (#22 overall)

Root Canal in El Cajon →

Best for cosmetic in El Cajon

1

Dental Arts San Diego

Highest-ranked of 89 El Cajon clinics offering cosmetic dentistry: #1 for cosmetic and #1 overall by DR Score.

Runner-up: Emergency Dental Care (#2 overall)

Cosmetic Dentistry in El Cajon →

Best for dentures & seniors in El Cajon

1

Dental Arts San Diego

Highest-ranked of 84 El Cajon clinics offering dentures: #1 for dentures and #1 overall by DR Score.

Runner-up: Emergency Dental Care (#2 overall)

Dentures in El Cajon →

Best for budget & insurance in El Cajon

No El Cajon clinic lists Medicaid or insurance in our data yet.

How much does a dentist cost in El Cajon?

Typical prices before insurance, in USD. Each row names its source.

How much does a dentist cost in El Cajon?
ServiceTypical price (USD)Basis
General Dentistry$140–$420DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California
Teeth Cleaning$105–$280DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California
Emergency Care$140–$700DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California
Root Canal$980–$1,960DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California
Tooth Extraction$280–$980DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California
Wisdom Teeth Removal$280–$980DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California
Dental Implants$2,100–$8,400DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California
Invisalign$4,900–$10,500DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California
Braces$4,200–$9,800DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California
Dental Crowns$1,120–$2,520DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California
Dentures$1,400–$4,200DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California
Veneers$1,260–$3,500DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California
Teeth Whitening$280–$840DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California
Dental Bonding$420–$840DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California
Cosmetic Fillings$420–$840DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California
Cosmetic Dentistry$700–$7,000DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California
Full Restoration$21,000–$70,000DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California

Emergency and weekend dentists in El Cajon

Clinics that list same-day or emergency care, or post Saturday, Sunday or after-6 PM hours. Severe swelling or bleeding: go to a hospital.

How we ranked El Cajon dentists

We scored 92 El Cajon clinics on 6 factors: reputation 45%, review volume 15%, recency 10%, access 15%, services 10%, profile completeness 5%. 29 were excluded (2 closed and 27 duplicate listings). 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 El Cajon data
Reputation45%Bayesian-adjusted Google star ratingMeasured
Review volume15%log10(review count) against the city maximumMeasured
Recency10%Share of reviews in the last 12 monthsMeasured
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

Dentists in El Cajon: frequently asked questions

Who is the best dentist in El Cajon?

By DR Score, the top-ranked dentist in El Cajon, CA is Dental Arts San Diego (DR Score 74/100). It has a 4.6★ rating from 685 Google reviews. It is open evenings until 8 PM and Saturdays until 2 PM. Emergency Dental Care (#2) and Dr. Shatha Mechael, DDS (#3) follow. We ranked 92 clinics on 6 factors, last updated October 21, 2026.

Which dentists in El Cajon are open on Saturday?

15 of 92 El Cajon dental clinics post Saturday hours. The highest-ranked are Dental Arts San Diego (until 2 PM), Emergency Dental Care (until 12 AM) and Jamacha Dental (until 5 PM). 2 are also open on Sunday. Hours come from each clinic's listing as of October 2026, so call ahead on holidays.

Where can I find an emergency dentist in El Cajon?

1 El Cajon clinic lists emergency or same-day dental care. The highest-ranked is Emergency Dental Care (#2). 10 clinics are open after 6 PM on at least one weekday. For facial swelling, trouble breathing or uncontrolled bleeding, go to a hospital emergency department.

How much is a dental cleaning in El Cajon?

A dental cleaning in El Cajon typically costs $105–$280 (USD) without insurance. Source: DentistsRanked estimate from typical fees, adjusted for California. Exams and X-rays are often billed separately, and insurance or Medicaid can cover part of the cost.

Who is the best kids' dentist in El Cajon?

Renae Wilson, DDS - El Cajon Dentist is the highest-ranked El Cajon clinic with a pediatric dentist on staff, at #22 of 92 by DR Score. It is open 4 days a week. 9 El Cajon clinics have a pediatric dentist in our data.

How many dentists are there in El Cajon?

DentistsRanked lists 92 dental clinics in El Cajon, CA, and 92 are ranked by DR Score. 15 post Saturday hours and 10 are open after 6 PM. The most common listed service is general dentistry, at 92 clinics. Counts are as of October 2026.

Update log for El Cajon

  1. : DR Scores recalculated for 92 clinics.
  2. : 27 duplicate listings merged.
  3. : 2 closed clinics removed.