Encinitas Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics | Encinitas, CA

Last updated July 18, 2026

Encinitas Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has built a reputation along the North San Diego County coast for turning one of childhood's most dreaded rituals into something kids actually look forward to. The practice, located at 135 Saxony Rd #200 in Encinitas, CA 92024, serves families with a dual focus: specialized pediatric dental care for children and orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages. Its Google rating sits at a perfect 5.0 across 176 reviews, a number that reflects not just clinical competence but the kind of patient experience that keeps families coming back year after year.

The office draws patients from across Encinitas and the surrounding communities, and the feedback from those families points to something specific: children who were once anxious about dental visits leave genuinely excited for the next appointment. That shift doesn't happen by accident. It comes from a deliberate approach to environment, staffing, and patient communication that the team has made central to how the practice operates.

Encinitas Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics handles everything from routine cleanings and cavity prevention education to orthodontics, all under one roof. Families don't need to shuttle between separate providers as a child grows, which simplifies care coordination considerably.

Founding and Background of Encinitas Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

The practice was built around a straightforward idea: pediatric dental care works best when children feel safe and genuinely welcomed rather than managed. Dr. Spencer Mauseth, one of the practice's board-certified pediatric dentists, shaped much of that philosophy through his clinical training. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Creighton University School of Dentistry, graduating cum laude, and then completed a residency at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, where he served as chief resident. That level of training at a major children's hospital gave him direct experience with patients whose dental needs range from routine to complex.

Dr. Mauseth has also carried that commitment beyond the operatory. He serves on the board of the San Diego Dental Society, supporting the organization's mission to educate the public, provide services to groups in need, and participate in community service events. That involvement reflects a belief that good pediatric dentistry extends into the community, not just the clinic.

The practice has grown to include additional board-certified specialists, creating a team capable of handling the full arc of a child's dental development and into adult orthodontic care.

Services and Specialties at Encinitas Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

The practice's service model is designed around two core areas: pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. That combination is deliberate. Parents can establish care for a young child and continue that relationship through braces or aligners without switching providers.

On the pediatric side, the focus is heavily weighted toward prevention and education. Dr. Mauseth in particular is known for teaching patients, not just treating them. Parents report that kids leave appointments understanding why certain habits matter, which is a meaningful distinction from practices that treat and move on. Specific pediatric services include:

• Routine dental exams and cleanings
• Cavity detection and treatment
• Cavity prevention counseling and education
• Treatment planning for children with complex or special needs
• Care for children with dental anxiety

The orthodontic side of the practice serves both adolescents and adults, making the office a practical option for parents who want to address their own alignment issues while managing their children's appointments. Services include traditional orthodontic treatment in a friendly, family-oriented setting.

One area where the practice stands out is its approach to children with different needs. The staff has demonstrated patience and adaptability with children on the autism spectrum and others who require a more tailored, slower-paced approach. That kind of flexibility is not universally available at general dental offices, and it's something families with children who have sensory sensitivities or developmental differences specifically seek out.

Team and Leadership

The clinical team at Encinitas Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics includes two board-certified pediatric dental specialists, which is a meaningful credential. Board certification in pediatric dentistry requires passing written and oral examinations administered by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, going beyond the licensure requirements to practice.

• Dr. Spencer Mauseth, DDS - Board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Graduated cum laude from Creighton University School of Dentistry. Completed residency at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, serving as chief resident. Active board member of the San Diego Dental Society.
• Dr. Avi Willis, DMD - Board-certified pediatric dental specialist. Received his DMD from Case Western Reserve University, where he earned top honors in both pediatric dentistry and endodontics. Known for community involvement alongside his clinical work.

The support staff earns consistent mention in patient feedback as well. Front desk coordinator Laura has been specifically called out by name for going above and beyond in responding to patient inquiries, handling multiple calls and emails with patience and thoroughness. That kind of administrative attentiveness matters in a pediatric practice where parents often have questions between appointments.

Milestones and Track Record

• Dr. Spencer Mauseth holds the designation of Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, one of the field's most recognized markers of clinical expertise.
• Dr. Avi Willis was awarded top honors in pediatric dentistry and endodontics at Case Western Reserve University.
• The practice has established itself as a trusted provider in the Encinitas community, earning a 5.0 rating across 176 Google reviews.
• Dr. Mauseth serves on the board of the San Diego Dental Society, contributing to community education and service initiatives across the region.

What Customers Say About Encinitas Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

Across 176 reviews at a perfect 5.0 rating, the feedback from Encinitas families centers on two things: the patience of the staff and the transformation in how children feel about going to the dentist. Multiple reviewers describe children who previously dreaded appointments now asking when they can go back. That's a specific, measurable outcome, and it comes up with enough regularity to suggest it's the product of consistent practice rather than individual luck.

They are all so patient and kind and good with my kids. My children actually look forward to coming to the dentist and ask me when their next appointment is.

The office environment itself gets attention too. Parents note that the space is clean and stocked with entertainment options that keep kids occupied while they wait, which reduces the anxiety that often builds in the waiting room before a procedure even begins.

My daughter actually loves going to the dentist! It's very kid friendly and clean.

- Kelly

Dr. Mauseth's chairside manner comes up specifically in reviews from parents whose children were nervous or apprehensive going in.

Dr. Spencer's gentle demeanor, ability to connect with children, and approach that makes the procedure comfortable, even for those who are apprehensive, are commendable.

- Nara M

Families with children who have special needs have also shared positive experiences, noting that the staff adapted their approach without making the child or parent feel like a burden.

They were patient and understanding and made us feel welcomed. Highly recommended any child with different needs.

- Melissa Ballesteros

And the front office earns its own share of praise, which is rarer than it should be in healthcare settings.

I have to give big praise for the front desk staff, especially Laura, because they are truly willing to go above and beyond to answer multiple calls/emails.

- Analiese Cantos

Location and Community in Encinitas, CA

The practice is located at 135 Saxony Rd #200, Encinitas, CA 92024, in a community known for its family-friendly character along the North San Diego County coastline. Encinitas draws families who tend to be engaged in their children's health and education, making it a natural home for a practice that invests heavily in patient education alongside treatment.

Dr. Mauseth's involvement with the San Diego Dental Society adds a regional dimension to the practice's community presence. Through the society's board, he supports efforts to bring dental education and services to underserved groups across the broader San Diego area, not just the patients who walk through the office door in Encinitas.

The practice's website is encinitaskids.com, and families can reach the office directly to schedule appointments or ask questions. Given the front desk's reputation for responsiveness, that's a reasonable first step for parents who have detailed questions before committing to an appointment.

Why Choose Encinitas Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

Few pediatric dental practices can point to two board-certified specialists on staff, a 5.0 rating across 176 reviews, and a documented track record of working successfully with children who have anxiety or special needs. Encinitas Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics offers all three, along with the practical convenience of pediatric and orthodontic care in a single location.

What makes the practice worth considering isn't any single credential or amenity. It's the consistency of the outcome: children who leave wanting to come back. For parents who've spent years managing a reluctant child through dental appointments, that shift is significant. The team at 135 Saxony Rd has figured out how to make that happen reliably, and the reviews from Encinitas families make that case more clearly than any marketing language could.

Customer quotes shown above are from public Google reviews.