We are honored that you are considering our office for the care of your child's teeth. We strongly believe that creating a positive dental experience at a young age will help to create a lifetime of good oral habits and dental health.
We treat every patient the way we would like to be treated ourselves, with respect, honesty, patience and kindness. We believe that every child is an individual, and what works for some doesn't work for all.
Most of the time, children are more than willing to meet us halfway. If we simply slow down and explain what we are going to do and ask the child if he or she has any questions, they will often relax and want to join in the process. Regardless, children are amazing, and our main goal is helping them to understand that taking care of their teeth can be fun!
Dr. Lecia Harmer was born and raised in Michigan. She attended the University of Michigan and graduated with a B.S. in Biochemistry with High Honors. Tired of the relentless weather, Dr. Harmer decided to attend UCLA School of Dentistry. In 2006, she received her D.D.S. concurrently with her M.S. in Oral Biology from UCLA. Dr. Harmer was elected by her professors into OKU, an honor given to only the top 10% of the graduating class. Dr. Harmer also received UCLA's award in Pediatric Dentistry, given to the top two students demonstrating promise in the field of pediatric dentistry. Dr. Harmer completed her pediatric dental residency at UCLA in 2008 and became board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2009. Dr. Lecia is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the California Society of Pediatric Dentists, and the San Fernando Valley Dental Society.
Dr. Elite Mekel was born in New York City and moved with her family to California at a young age, where she grew up in the San Fernando Valley. She received her B.S. from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in Chemistry. She went back to the East Coast for Dental School to attend the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine -- consistently ranked among the top 5 dental schools in the country. There, she dedicated her free time to treating underserved pediatric populations. After 4 years on the East Coast, Dr. Mekel decided it was time to move back to the West Coast (best coast!) to pursue her career in Pediatrics, completing her advanced training in Pediatric Dentistry with NYU Dental Medicine at Rady Childrens Hospital in San Diego and finally became a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist.
Dr. Mekel's focus is on prevention of dental disease and educating her patients and families on the importance of oral health. She also enjoys working with mothers and infants as well children experiencing symptoms of tongue and lip ties to provide care to relieve these symptoms.
Standing at just under 5 feet tall - and always with a smile on her face - Dr. Mekel was clearly destined to become a Pediatric Dentist and she is so excited to be practicing in Southern California so close to where she grew up. In her free time, Dr. Mekel enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, cooking and baking (but, of course, tries not to indulge in TOO many sweets!)
Dr. Mekel is a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, Ambassador at the Breathe Institute, member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the California Dental Association, the California Society of Pediatric Dentists, the San Fernando Valley Dental Society, and the International Affiliation of Tongue and Lip Tie Professionals
During dental school, Dr. Julia discovered her passion was pediatrics. Dr. Julia Endrizzi completed advanced training in Pediatric Dentistry at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, one of the nation's leading hospitals for children.
She has been in private practice since 2010. Dr. Julia specializes in caring for children with special needs and high anxiety and fear. Dr. Julia has a calm, gentle demeanor that soothes even the most nervous little ones.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 52 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestEsther Feldman
2 years ago
My kids love Encino Tooth Fairy! They feel comfortable and Dr. Harmer & staff are amazing with kids!
Alex K
2 years ago
Wow Dr Harmer is super nice and very professional, she provided treatment for my child that is less invasive then other Dentist offered. Thank You :)
thomas einstein
2 years ago
Dr. Harmer is amazing! Kids love her and her staff. She is dedicated to giving top notch dental care. As an anesthesiologist, I have had the pleasure of working with her for over 10 years. She is so patient and so nice to the children she treats that she rarely needs my help. I have observed her sincere compassion with the children she treats. She also has an excellent rapport with the parents, and communicates extremely well with them. I work with many great dentists, and her office is one of the best. Her staff is very welcoming, friendly and skillful. The office is, superbly equipped, extra clean, cheerily decorated and very well organized. Most importantly, the many happy kids and their pleased parents contribute to the positive atmosphere that makes a visit to the dentist such a positive experience for Dr. Harmer's patients. I am also pleased to say that I have worked with her associate Dr. Mekel as well. She is also a gem, and if I would recommend her to any parent looking for a great dental experience for their children.
M Hak
3 years ago
Dr. Lecia Hamner is truely amazing. To be honest I bring both my boyz from Rancho Cucamonga. We drive 1 hour or more depending on traffic. If I did not believe in her expertise and caring nurturing dental office, I would not be here. To all parents she is great and I recommend you all to trust her with your child.
thomas einstein
3 years ago
Dr. Harmer is amazing! Kids love her and her staff. She is dedicated to giving top notch dental care. As an anesthesiologist, I have had the pleasure of working with her for over 10 years. She is so patient and so nice to the children she treats that she rarely needs my help. I have observed her sincere compassion with the children she treats. She also has an excellent rapport with the parents, and communicates extremely well with them. I work with many great dentists, and her office is one of the best. Her staff is very welcoming, friendly and skillful. The office is, superbly equipped, extra clean, cheerily decorated and very well organized. Most importantly, the many happy kids and their pleased parents contribute to the positive atmosphere that makes a visit to the dentist such a positive experience for Dr. Harmer's patients. I am also pleased to say that I have worked with her associate Dr. Mekel as well. She is also a gem, and if I would recommend her to any parent looking for a great dental experience for their children.
Saiphera Karner
3 years ago
We've been going here for years! I took my daughter to the eye doctor the other day for the first time and the lady said "don't worry, it's better than going to the dentist" and my daughter replied, "actually I love going to my dentist better!" That should tell you something!
G Bau
3 years ago
Dr. Harmer is amazing. She's honest and trustworthy. You know the children are in the best hands! The office staff are super sweet and professional. Dr. Harmer is awesome with the children and so easy to understand. Her experience and patience shines through. The kids really love to see her.
Haseena Q
3 years ago
I live in Irvine and drive all the way to Encino because I heard about Dr. Harmer, specifically how she treats her kiddos. My son is extremely difficult and that is an understatement and Dr Harmer's warm approach and overall peaceful office has becoming so welcoming for my son. As a mother, I had a hard time brushing my son's teeth as he has sensory sensitivities so Dr. Harmer improved his hygiene and educated me on how to help my son. I highly recommend Dr Harmer.
Ashley Forchelli
3 years ago
We have been going to see Dr Lecia for almost 10 years! We found her when my daughter had a fall at 14 months and chipped her teeth. Without even knowing us, Lecia stayed open late to wait for us to arrive and took such good loving care of us! She makes going to the dentist something both my children look forward to. She is so kind and thorough, I know we are in the best hands. We adore her entire staff as well. I recommend her 1000%!
M T B
3 years ago
Dr. Harmer is one of the best Pediatric Dentist I have ever met. She is patient, kind, and knowledgeable. I wouldn't trust my kids with anybody else.
Michelle Khairzad
3 years ago
Dr. Harmer is the best pediatric dentist out there. She's extremely passionate about her work, you'll find no one as detailed and experienced as her! The way she speaks and educates both her patients and the parents is so eloquent. She has so much patience and will exceed all your expectations. You will find that she treats everyone like her own family. I love her and will go no where else!
Dennis Kamrany
3 years ago
Dr. Harmer has a fantastic office very professional staff and they go above and beyond. Highly recommended!!
Mariel Estigarribia
3 years ago
I am not one to write reviews in general but I need to let the community know about this gem of a pediatric dentist. I cannot speak more highly of Dr. Harmer! She is so so so good with children of all ages, from toddlers, preschoolers, elementary age children on up. Not only is she good with kids, she is honest, hardworking and essentially the best pediatric dentist I have ever had the pleasure knowing. I wish she took adults as I would gladly line up to be her patient.
Lauren Bishop
3 years ago
Our family LOVES Dr. Harmer! She is thorough yet efficient, kind and so knowledgeable. Super clean & cute office! If you want your children to not just tolerate but actually ENJOY their dentist appointment, do yourself a favor and book their next appointment with Dr. Harmer!
Ali Negahban
3 years ago
Just getting around to writing this review but I have been taking my kids to Dr. Harmer for 3 years now. I have never been to an office that is so well run and so sweet. I know it's hard to imagine but the kids actually look forward to going to the dentist! It's true. The office is so inviting and the entire staff treats the kids so well. We are so lucky to have found Dr. Harmer.
Familia On The Go
3 years ago
We couldn't be more happy on how Dr. Harmer and her staff treat our kids every time we visit her office. Our kids love going to the dentist, right!! You don't say that too often. Her staff, the office, the overall layout it's great to make kids feel like they are at a fun place rather than a dentist office. Again, thank you for making it easy on us parents.
Francis Nang
3 years ago
I have known Dr Lecia for almost 10 years and frankly I haven't met anyone so detailed and passionate about what she's doing and more importantly about doing it the best way possible. Nothing short of being the best!
Taraneh Paravar
3 years ago
Dr. Harmer is a true professional who excels at what she does. She does outstanding work and has a unique ability to ensure the children she treats are at ease and on board with their dental care.
Zahra Afshin
3 years ago
My children have been patients of Dr. Harmer for the past 12 years and we couldn't be more happy. Dr. Harmer is truly the best of the best when it comes to pediatric dentists. As someone who works in the health care industry myself, I feel fortunate to have my children in her care. If you are in search of a highly knowledgeable, compassionate, caring, experienced, and talented pediatric dentist for your children, then Dr. Harmer is the one! You will not be disappointed.
Jae Ferguson
3 years ago
Never been but looks like a great dentist and office staff. Heard that the bedside manner is amazing and that all of the staff are supper friendly!
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