I am a Pediatric Dental Specialist who brings the art and science of dentistry together with the experience, commitment, and compassion needed to provide a positive and educational dental experience. I feel truly blessed to be an advocate and educator for children's dental health in this community and county.
I am a California native and spent much of my early years in the coastal communities. After I finished my residency at UCLA, my wife, Karen and I moved to Santa Cruz County. In February of 1994, we opened Santa Cruz Children's Dentistry. Over the years, my family has grown to five children: four boys and one girl. Since the opening of my practice in 1994, I have experienced a very positive and proven impact of preventative education on a second generation of patients!
It is of lifetime importance that your childs first visit to a Santa Cruz pediatric dentist is a positive one. At Dr. Porters office, your Santa Cruz Pediatric Dentist, a child will experience a new age in childrens dentistry. It is the passionate goal of my office to promote prevention, dental education and chair-side parental support. This proven philosophy has dramatically reduced the time my patients spend in the dental chair over the course of their early life!
My passion includes children with autism, cerebral palsy, post-traumatic stress, negative early dental experiences and many other special needs. I grew up with a brother who has special needs. Because of this experience, I have selected a very special team for those with special needs. My skills and heart for these special children are at the very center of their dental experience. Finally, I just feel honored to have been able to care for the children of Santa Cruz County for the past 20 plus years!
I attend several courses each year for the development of my practice. These include courses in orthodontics, pediatric dentistry and office management. It is my responsibility to keep current with new developments in the field of preventative pediatric dentistry. Whether its taking a course in clear aligner treatment, finding an alternative to tooth movement without conventional braces or working with new aesthetic options in treating tooth decay, I want to bring the best possible care to my patients.
Over the years, my wife and I have enjoyed watching our children participate in little league baseball, basketball, flag football, wrestling, soccer, water polo, swimming, junior life guards, surfing, dance and gymnastics. You name it, our kids have tried it! On the weekends, we enjoy spending time reconnecting as a family. Our vacations are mostly geared around our childrens sporting endeavors. We also enjoy road-trips and adventures in our family van. By road, we have visited 13 states taking in the amazing beauty of our country. The high lights include; horseback riding in the Grand Tetons, skiing at Oregons, Mount Bachelor, and exploring the underground caves of South Dakota. If we are not spectating at our childrens sporting events, we can be found mountain biking or near the beach. When I have a few moments to spare, I enjoy reading by a warm fireplace.
At the office of Brent J Porter D.D.S., your Santa Cruz Pediatric Dentist, we are the proud supporters of Second Harvest Food Bank and Toys for Tots. Each holiday season we are a donation station for these two wonderful organizations. We also support many childrens charitable organizations including Make a Wish Foundation, Special Olympics, United States Olympic Committee and a very special camp for handicapped children called Camp Attitude. In addition, we support our local community by sponsoring Santa Cruz Gymnastics, Scotts Valley Little League and Capitola Junior Lifeguards.
As a Santa Cruz Childrens Dentist, Brent J. Porter D.D.S. and Team select only the best of the best to serve our patients and their families. As a team. we are here to make a lasting difference in your childs dental experience. All our staff members are friendly, knowledgeable, and highly proficient in their office duties. Should you have any questions or concerns before, during or after a visit to our office do not hesitate to talk with one of our staff members, they would be happy to address your individual needs.
As a premier pediatric dental and orthodontic practice in Santa Cruz since 1994, our office is filled with state-of-the-art diagnostic and dental treatment technology. As your Santa Cruz Childrens Dentist, Brent J. Porter, D.D.S. and Team ensures accuracy and early detection of oral complications for the children and young adults of our practice.
Our patients, ranging from infants through teens, are the heart of our patient centered practice. We believe both our children and young adults deserve only the very best! Our team works hard to deliver a superior experience, educate and excite the Santa Cruz youth about coming in for their next dental or orthodontic visit.
Santa Cruz Childrens Dentistry is a pediatric dental specialty practice. We are expressly dedicated to protecting the dental health of children through education. Our services in childrens dentistry include monitoring growth and development, preventative techniques, interceptive/corrective orthodontics and behavior management. We treat healthy children including those with special needs. Most importantly, we enjoy the company of children and believe every child deserves a positive dental experience.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 207 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestIan Nabal
a year ago
Fun atmosphere for the kids in the waiting room , everyone is super nice and my child is happy when we leave ! Thank you
Christopher Searcy
a year ago
We are visiting Santa Cruz for just 6 months and are thus away from our regular dentist. Dr. Porter was nice enough to fit us into his schedule on the next business day and saw us right away. My daughter was having trouble with her expander and Dr. Porter gave us good advice about how to avoid further issues.
Jasmine
a year ago
As a mom with a tornado of a toddler, these appointments cause a bit of anxiety for me. My son also expressed that he was feeling a little bit scared to go to the dentist this time and you made him feel so safe as well as included in the process. This is a BIG deal since he's in that "I want to do it myself" stage. Every time we come I am more reassured that we picked the best dentist's office in town! Big thanks to Dr. Porter and the team. Y'all are the best in the biz! We'll see you again in 6 months.
alexis mckee
a year ago
My son loves going to the dentist thanks to Dr. Porter and his wonder team
David Pendleton
a year ago
I can't say enough about Dr. Porter and his team. Our 8 year old actually enjoys going to the dentist?! Dr. Porter really treats his patients with care and everyone in the office is extremely friendly and helpful. We are so lucky to have found them!
Nancy Hawkins
2 years ago
I was very impressed by Dr.Porter and his staff. My teen is on the Autism Spectrum and they gave him time to feel safe and to check out his surroundings. They were very kind and put us both at ease. I was very happy that I found them :)
violet hurtado
2 years ago
The dental assistant shes so nice shes good with kids her interaction with my son was awesome and the the ladies at the front dest are so nice anf the dentist too..the place is awesome
Kathy Vega
2 years ago
Very welcoming staff and appreciative to serve us. My 3 year old son loved it!
Mira Goto
2 years ago
First trip to the dentist must be scary, but Dr Porter made it fun! My son got to high five the staff, explore the halls, and even got a toy for being so brave! The staff answered all our questions & we feel confident he'll get the care he needs here!!
Cali Slaughter
2 years ago
Friendly, warm, welcoming staff and clinicians. Would recommend to anyone with young kids - they go the extra mile to help your child feel comfortable! Thanks to them, my kid loves going to the dentist.
Nicole Hopping Santos
2 years ago
We have had multiple routine appointments for our kids and procedures too, and Dr. Porter and his team are truly ALWAYS so amazing. We are so grateful for them!!
Maria Sofia Caulier
2 years ago
My little one loved this dentist! Thank you for being so loving and making such a playful experience with my little one!!
Tayah H
2 years ago
Dr. Porter and his team are extremely welcoming. They made me and my six year old feel right at home & the exam was very gentle. After the appointment, my son said:"that made my teeth feel good. When can we go back there?"
Mitchell Victoria
2 years ago
I have known Dr. Porter and his family for years and I have been able to get my teeth clean and healthy after every appointment.
Andre R
2 years ago
Dr.Porter is a thoughtful and empathetic communicator. He clearly explains the current situation and a strategy/plan for addressing it. He thinks from the perspective of the patient.
Jared McConnell
2 years ago
Been going here since I was a kid and always a helpful and healthy experience with Dr. Porter and the staff. Never had any trouble and always felt welcomed by the front desk staff and everyone I've come into contact with!
Anna Mura
2 years ago
Dr Porter is simply the best! So great with my kiddos. And the staff is equally amazing too. Always so accommodating.
P. H.
2 years ago
Dr. Brent J. Porter and his team went above and beyond in making us feel comfortable and welcomed. From the beginning, getting all our information over the phone to set up the appointment, then mailing us ahead of time the paperwork we would need to fill out - they are so organized! The office is conveniently located in a nice area with ample parking. The office itself is clean and nicely decorated with an ocean/surf theme that my kids enjoyed. They were able to see both of my children side by side and made them feel very comfortable during their dental exam. Dr. Porter was very detailed and answered any and all of my questions. Each of my children received welcome bags filled with amazing goodies for them along with thoughtful keepsakes for parents; it was such a nice gesture. Like I said, they really went above and beyond - with their care and attention to details! Dr. Porter and his team are wonderful and we are so happy and feel lucky to have found a pediatric dentist we can trust. My kids are already looking forward to their next appointment in six months :) Thank you, Dr. Porter and team!!
Sandy Hadveck
2 years ago
Dr. Porter and his staff have taken excellent care of my daughter. for many years. Today she had her wisdom teeth removed. The procedure was quicker than expected and went well. Dr. Porter personally pushed her wheelchair to my car. I have a photo but my teen might be embarrassed so I decided not to post it. 6-6-22 Didn't realize this review was not posted.
Rachel Hager
2 years ago
Dr. Porter has treated all four of my children! I cannot recommend a better pediatric dentist than Dr. Porter! He has provided braces and filled mini cavities over the past 25 years! The team is amazing at helping children feel comfortable in whatever procedure is being done from a routine cleaning to mini root canals. If Dr. Porter is in your area you definitely should go there for your pediatric dental needs!
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