Greg Skeens D.D.S. Encinitas Family Dentistry – Encinitas, CA

Last updated August 08, 2026

Greg Skeens D.D.S. has been caring for families in Encinitas, CA since 2007, operating out of a suite at 519 Encinitas Blvd # 108 in the North Coast Business Park. The practice covers the full spectrum of general and family dentistry, with a particular focus on implant dentistry, and has built a steady reputation among North County San Diego residents for straightforward, honest care. With a 4.9-star rating across 216 reviews, the office draws patients who have often cycled through other practices looking for something less transactional.

Dr. Gregory Skeens brings an unusual background to a suburban dental office. He trained at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, completed an advanced education in general dentistry residency, and then spent years as a Navy dentist and naval officer before settling in Encinitas. That path, which included serving aboard the USS Peleliu and providing care in some genuinely austere environments, shaped a clinical approach that patients describe as conservative, competent, and refreshingly free of unnecessary upselling.

The practice is categorized as a family dentistry office, and that framing fits. Children, adults, and older patients all come through the same door on Encinitas Blvd, and the team is structured to handle that range without shuffling people off to specialists for every procedure.

History and Founding of Encinitas Family Dentistry

Dr. Skeens founded the practice in 2007, a few years after completing his military service. His dental education at Loma Linda University was funded through an academic Navy scholarship, and he distinguished himself early: he finished all clinical requirements six months ahead of his class and was invited to join the faculty, where he taught for four years while serving as a naval officer.

In 2003, he deployed aboard the USS Peleliu, providing dental care to roughly 2,500 marines. During that deployment he also delivered humanitarian dental care to Indigenous communities in Iraq and Africa, work that sits well outside the typical resume of a suburban family dentist. When he transitioned out of the Navy and into private practice, he brought that same orientation toward practical, patient-focused care to Encinitas.

The practice has operated continuously since 2007, and the longevity of the staff reflects a stable, well-run office. Registered dental hygienist Sarah has been with Dr. Skeens for over 17 years, a tenure that speaks to the internal culture as much as anything else.

Services and Specialties at Greg Skeens D.D.S. in Encinitas

The office handles a wide range of dental needs under one roof, which is part of its appeal for families who'd rather not manage multiple provider relationships. The core service list includes:

• Preventive care: cleanings, exams, and X-rays
• Restorative dentistry: fillings and tooth extractions
• Cosmetic dentistry: veneers and dental bonding
• Dental implants
• Emergency dental care

Implant dentistry is a particular strength of the practice. Dental implants require both surgical precision and long-term restorative planning, and having a dentist with advanced training in general dentistry handle the full process, rather than splitting it between an oral surgeon and a restorative dentist, can simplify things considerably for patients.

The cosmetic side of the practice gets attention too. Reviewer Josh described coming in on short notice for composite bonding on two front teeth, noting the results were 'incredible.' Dental bonding done well is a technically demanding procedure, and same-day or short-notice access for that kind of work is not common.

The practice also offers an in-house yearly dental plan, which provides a structured, affordable path to consistent preventive care for patients without traditional dental insurance. That kind of program tends to attract patients who are thinking about long-term oral health rather than just addressing acute problems.

Team and Leadership

• Dr. Gregory Skeens, D.D.S. – Founder and lead dentist. Graduate of Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (2001), former Navy dental officer, advanced education in general dentistry residency, and member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and San Diego County Dental Society. Known among patients for being down-to-earth and for a sense of humor that takes the edge off dental anxiety.
• Sarah, R.D.H. – Registered dental hygienist with over 17 years at the practice. Her approach to hygiene goes beyond cleaning teeth; she focuses on the connection between oral health and overall systemic health, which reflects a broader clinical philosophy that runs through the whole office.

The front desk and support staff draw consistent praise in patient feedback for being friendly and patient, particularly with people who come in nervous. That kind of front-office culture doesn't happen by accident in a practice that's been running for nearly two decades.

What Customers Say About Encinitas Family Dentistry

Patients who leave reviews for Greg Skeens D.D.S. tend to circle back to a few consistent themes: the staff is genuinely kind, the office doesn't push unnecessary work, and the clinical results are solid. Across 216 reviews, the practice holds a 4.9-star rating, which is difficult to sustain over time without a fundamentally well-run operation.

Dr. Skeens is by far the best dentist that my family and I have ever been to. He is kind and patient and very knowledgeable about the dental work that is completed.

- Mathew Lee

The 'no upselling' point comes up repeatedly in patient feedback. One reviewer put it plainly, noting that the office provides personalized care without 'shady attempts at upselling,' and that out-of-pocket rates run lower than comparable local dentists. For patients who've had the experience of sitting through a treatment plan that seems padded, that kind of restraint registers.

Dr. Skeens and his office are very kind and knowledgeable. I appreciate Dr. Skeen's honest and conservative management of dental health.

- Michelle Schiewe

Another great experience visiting Dr. Greg Skeens! He and his team was able to get me in on short notice to put some composite on two of my front teeth and they look incredible.

- Josh

The physical environment also gets noticed. Stephen J. Lautenschlager described the office as 'immaculate' and noted the use of current technology for treatments, which matters to patients who want to know their care reflects modern standards.

Exceptional dental care! Dr. Skeens and his team are truly top-notch. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and at ease. The office is immaculate, and they use the latest technology for treatments.

- Stephen J. Lautenschlager

Location and Community in Encinitas, CA

The practice sits at 519 Encinitas Blvd # 108, Encinitas, CA 92024, inside the North Coast Business Park off Encinitas Blvd. The location is accessible for residents throughout the Encinitas area, and the suite-based setup in a professional park gives the office a quieter, less clinical feel than a standalone dental building might.

Encinitas is a coastal city in northern San Diego County with a strong sense of community and a population that tends to be health-conscious and engaged with their providers. Home values in the broader market have appreciated at roughly 8.5% annually in recent years, with projections settling closer to 4.2% going forward. That kind of real estate stability reflects a community with deep roots, and it's the kind of neighborhood where a family dental practice can build multigenerational patient relationships over time.

Dr. Skeens' history of humanitarian dental work, including care for Indigenous communities during his military deployment, reflects a values orientation that carries into how the practice operates locally. The in-house dental plan and the consistently noted affordability suggest a deliberate effort to keep quality care accessible to a wide range of patients, not just those with premium insurance.

Why Choose Greg Skeens D.D.S. Encinitas Family Dentistry

What sets this practice apart is the combination of genuine clinical depth and a culture that doesn't treat patients as revenue targets. Dr. Skeens trained at a rigorous program, served in demanding military environments, and built a practice over nearly two decades that has maintained a 4.9-star rating across 216 reviews. That's not a marketing outcome; it's an operational one.

For families in Encinitas looking for a dentist who will handle everything from a child's first cleaning to a parent's dental implant, and who will give them an honest read on what actually needs to be done, Greg Skeens D.D.S. at 519 Encinitas Blvd is worth a call.

Customer quotes shown above are from public Google reviews.