We hope this update to our dental office finds you and your family healthy and well. Our community has been through a lot over the last few months and all of us are eagerly looking forward to resuming our normal lifestyles and routines as soon as possible. While many things have changed, one thing remained the sameour commitment to your safety and well-being.
We wanted to let you know that the County of San Diego and the Department of Health and Human Services has officially cleared us as of May 11, 2020 to perform all levels of dental care including teeth cleanings and to resume our normal practice of dentistry. This should give you added peace of mind to restart your dental care and we just wanted to reassure you that our dental office, as an essential health care provider, has always maintained the highest standards of universal infection control and precautionary guidelines in all manners of disease prevention for over 34 years. Dr. Howard has always made this a priority for both your safety and concern in every level of care we provide you, as well as for the members of his team.
Our dental office has always followed and exceeded infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We do this to make sure that our infection control procedures are current and adhere to each agencies recommendations.
Dr. Howard is proud to be one of only 466 dentists in the world to be an Accredited Member of the prestigious American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His close eye for detail gives him an edge in planning in performing cosmetic treatments, and he knows that even the smallest changes can drastically change the appearance of a smile. He firmly believes that the quality of dental care speaks for itself, which is why he never compromises his treatments. Your new smile will reflect his meticulous nature and his high standards of excellence.
What exactly does your smile need? Are there just a few minor flaws that need to be corrected? Do you need a filling or a crown to repair a broken tooth? Or are you in need of a full smile makeover? Dr. Howard has undergone extensive training in order to offer a wide variety of dental services to all of our patients. Whether you simply want to improve the appearance of your smile or have serious oral health concerns that need immediate attention, we have plenty of dental solutions to offer.
Naturally, the quickest way to evaluate the skills of a cosmetic dentist is to look at some of the smiles theyve created. Over the years, Dr. Howard has had the opportunity to work with many different patients over the years, helping them transform their teeth into the brilliant smiles of their dreams. If you follow the link below, youll have the chance to see our Smile Gallery; be sure to take note of any cases similar to your own so that you can start forming your own idea of what kind of improvements youd like to make.
A great smile shouldnt be out of anyones reach especially not for a lack of affordability. We recognize that different patients will be in different financial situations, which is why weve made sure that a variety of flexible payment options are available. Were happy to accept dental insurance, of course, but for those who dont currently have a dental plan of their own, we can help you explore third-party financing to break your out-of-pocket costs into more affordable payments.
Dr. Howard graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1986 and then completed a one-year General Practice Residency at the V.A. Medical Center in West Los Angeles in 1987. Today, he is proud to be the first dentist in all of North San Diego County and one of only 466+ dentists in the world to become an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), which is an award earned through exceptional skill, clinical excellence, and a deep commitment to the art and science inherent in cosmetic dentistry. To this day, he remains actively involved in the organization as an Accredited Member of the Board of Directors, an Accreditation Mentor, an Editorial Review Board Member of the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry, and more.
Dr. Howard is also a member of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics, a Founding Member of the West Coast Society for Cosmetic Dentistry and the North County Dentists Disability Service. He has received an International College of Dentists Award as well. Over the decades, hes completed thousands of hours of continuing education and is constantly updating not only himself, but his team as well regarding new techniques, materials, and technologies.
Dr. Howard has two grown daughters and two cats named Patience and Snow. Patience is all black and Snow is all-white and deaf as well. To him, they represent the Yin & Yang in life. As for personal hobbies, he has traveled extensively since dental school and enjoys focusing on places that have significant historical findings like Machu Picchu, Israel, Egypt, and Rome. So far, hes been to 35 countries and hopes to reach 100 in his lifetime!
Dr. Howard is also an avid collector of Disney memorabilia and vintage movie posters, especially for Errol Flynn, Gary Cooper, and Alfred Hitchcock movies. He enjoys practicing photography, both related to dentistry and his travels. He is a former martial artists and fighter of Shaolin Kenpo Karate he received his first-degree black belt in that discipline. Today, he still works out regularly and enjoys cycling up and down Coast Highway on the weekends.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 69 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestNicholas Pribuss
2 years ago
My wife and I are so glad we found Nelson's practice after our move to San Diego. We sincerely appreciate their expertise given their decades of experience, their delicate touch, and their frank advice as to what care is really necessary. We are happy to recommend Nelson and his team.
Jay
2 years ago
Friendly staff, and excellent work and service - the best in North County. Great with kids, teens, and adults. Would recommend 100%.
Melissa Adams
2 years ago
I love this place. They are so friendly at the front desk and they are incredibly thorough in their dentistry! I've had 4 wisdoms out and gone from bad gums to great gums! As a child I was banned from dentists as I had such a phobia I used to bite the dentists fingers (apparently), all that's changed lol. I now love going to the dentist and how clean I feel when I'm done. Thanks Dr Howard and team!
Al Hamilton
2 years ago
Dr. Howard's fantastic work and service is above and beyond. I was out of state when I had a dental emergency. He took so much of his time looking for a dentist who can help me, though most of them were closed on weekends. He's so patient, gentle and skilled in everything he does. I'm forever grateful for my perfect teeth and beautiful smile. He's the expert dentist you're looking for.
Chuck Cashmere
2 years ago
I'm 83 yrs young. My prior dental realtionship spaned 34 yrs and I thought was the highest of professional standards. After moving to San Diego I began to seek another dentist. I researched the area and found Dr. Howard. My efforts were highly rewarded. My previous dental experiences were I thought all 5 star, but Dr. Howards standards far exceeded my expectations and My teeth look and feel great. Thank you Dr. Howard.
Tara Razi
2 years ago
I was recommended to Dr. Howard by my orthodontist to fix some translucent teeth and I was very happy with the work Dr. Howard did and how nice his front office staff was. I went back twice to touch up and they were patient with me and wanted to make sure I was happy with the work! They took my insurance too which was great!
Missy Muncy
2 years ago
Dr. Nelson and his staff are very friendly and made me feel at ease with my anxiety the moment I first stepped into their office. The cleaning technicians and Dr. Nelson are very attentive, professional and care deeply for the comfort of their patience and their treatment. I highly recommend coming here!
GINO GABRIELE
2 years ago
He is the best Doctor around town and I'm extremely happy with all his services and his staff is super friendly and helpful.
David Wexhler
2 years ago
Always a pleasure, from scheduling to exam, this office has their act together!
Kevin Bosley
3 years ago
Great experience. Professional and friendly. Really happy I went to see Dr Howard. Thanks again!
Lisbette Baltazar
3 years ago
I absolutely love Dr. Howard and his friendly staff. Hands down the best dentist I have ever had. Dr. Howard is honest, forthright, and patient. I would 100% recommend his services to my family and friends.
Al Hamilton
3 years ago
Dr. Howard's fantastic work and service is above and beyond. I was out of state when I had a dental emergency. He took so much of his time looking for a dentist who can help me, though most of them were closed on weekends. He's so patient, gentle and skilled in everything he does. I'm forever grateful for my perfect teeth and beautiful smile. He's the expert dentist you're looking for.
Chuck Cashmere
3 years ago
I'm 83 yrs young. My prior dental realtionship spaned 34 yrs and I thought was the highest of professional standards. After moving to San Diego I began to seek another dentist. I researched the area and found Dr. Howard. My efforts were highly rewarded. My previous dental experiences were I thought all 5 star, but Dr. Howards standards far exceeded my expectations and My teeth look and feel great. Thank you Dr. Howard.
Tara Razi
3 years ago
I was recommended to Dr. Howard by my orthodontist to fix some translucent teeth and I was very happy with the work Dr. Howard did and how nice his front office staff was. I went back twice to touch up and they were patient with me and wanted to make sure I was happy with the work! They took my insurance too which was great!
David Wexhler
3 years ago
Always a pleasure, from scheduling to exam, this office has their act together!
Missy Muncy
3 years ago
Dr. Nelson and his staff are very friendly and made me feel at ease with my anxiety the moment I first stepped into their office. The cleaning technicians and Dr. Nelson are very attentive, professional and care deeply for the comfort of their patience and their treatment. I highly recommend coming here!
GINO GABRIELE
3 years ago
He is the best Doctor around town and I'm extremely happy with all his services and his staff is super friendly and helpful.
Rod McConnell
3 years ago
A great find. The highest standard of professional & attentive care expected.
Brandon Beck
3 years ago
I've been seeing Dr. Howard's team for years. Maybe even decades. A few years ago I smashed 7 of my teeth in a motorcycle accident and they fixed me up. Can't even tell now. When i get my teeth cleaned they even clean my retainers for me too.
Preston Cain
3 years ago
Dr. Howard and his team has been amazing with my past cleanings and treatments. I know when I go in the office, that the procedures will be done right and efficient. I look forward to my next visit at Dr. Howard's office.
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