As a dentist or more than 20 years, I believe in treatingeach patient as unique. My team and I are committed to Complete Health Dentistryyour dental health and how your overall health affects your mouth and vice versa. For example, how conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure affect your dental health. For patients with health concerns I work closely with your physicians to make sure care is provided in a safe manner. I believe that dental health is a team effort between the patient and the dentist and that we need to have open communication in order to achieve good oral wellness. I always ask the patient what they want to achieve and I want to make sure that treatment fits into their lifestyle. We treat the person not just the mouth. My favorite part of my practice is seeing my patients grow with us from kids into teens to college bound kids and come back to us with their families.
I started as a general dentist in 1994 and over the years have updated my education and obtained certificates in cosmetic dentistry, implants and orthodontics including Invisalign. My favorite part of dentistry is creating beautiful smiles.
I love creating beautiful smiles. It gives me and my team great joy to see someones eyes light up when they see their new and improved smile. We have been told many times that it elevates confidence and changes lives. I have a passion for helping animals. I belong to Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue. It brings me a lot of joy in placing an abandoned dog with a loving family. The love of life are my two dogs. Hobbies include reading and hiking (with the pups).
Dr. Michael K. Gavin graduated from University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry (UMN) in 1973. He joined the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) department, through which he provided services to the Gallup Indian Hospital in Gallup, NM. During his general practice residency, Dr. Gavin treated Native-Americans of the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi tribes. He later returned to UMN where he completed his Endodontic Residency and earned a Masters Degree in 1996.
Dr. Gavin practiced in Fargo, ND for thirteen years, before relocating to San Diego in 1990. He has two lovely daughters, Molly and Erin. His leisure time revolves around his two-quarter horses, as well as, reading historical novels.
Reviews
Rating 4.3 out of 5 based on 53 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestMichael May
a year ago
Very efficiently run office with great staff. Everyone is caring and communicates all necessary information about your dental care. How about an update on your website, staff is not current as well as the ownership has changed over a year ago.
Sheila Goodman
a year ago
Very happy with the care here. Dr. Shepard is always kind and patient, especially the one time I needed to bring my baby with me! I never feel shamed and the staff there are efficient and always checking to make sure I am comfortable. I would recommend Smiles to my family members and friends.
Deborah Edmund
2 years ago
Outstanding care in an emergency situation. The dentist, Dr. Shepard was wonderful. I would recommend her to anyone. She is competent, compassionate and kind. She, also, worked me in the same day to alleviate the pain. Great experience!
Joanna Fields
2 years ago
A one hour appt became a two hour appt. I was left alone in a chair for 30 minutes. She talked a lot, about miscellaneous subjects.
Kent Oberlin
2 years ago
Dr Shepard (DDS), Dr Truong (ortho), Sylvia, Leslie, and the rest of the veteran Smiles of San Marcos dental team are awesome! I have been getting my dental and orthodontic work done here for 7+ years and have no complaints only compliments. They are so friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. I am always greeted on the phone or the front desk with a Hi! and a smile. They really do make you feel like you are at home with a nice waiting room, tidy work rooms, and all around hospitality. I should mention that my wife and two daughters also get their dental work done here. Make an appointment with them you won't regret it!
Megan Bergsma
2 years ago
Dentist was very knowledgable and the staff was very friendly.
Gladys Granum
2 years ago
Beware of dishonest dentist. Went for second and third opinions and didn't find what she wanted to do with my teeth.
Jennifer Jeambert
2 years ago
The dentist consistently runs behind 30 minutes. She talks and lingers with patients and staff. Up-sales are a constant. Any question asked will quickly be answered by her with the most expensive option. She does not listen to her patients when they have questions, she talks over them. Dental hygienist s are temps from all over. You will never have the same one twice which makes continuity of care difficult and challenging. Front desk has one nice employee and one that's rude with patients.
Destinie Beaumont
3 years ago
Decided to go here because it was on my insurance card, and I'm so glad I did. They did a thorough evaluation of my teeth and wrote everything down with prices so I understood everything. They told me what was most important and what could wait. I felt very comfortable there. They got me in 3 days later for my procedures. They gave me a prescription for a light sedative to take before my appt to make sure I was calm and comfortable as I was going to be in the chair for about 3 hours with a deep cleaning, 4 fillings and an extraction. The doctor and the assistant were so kind and besides a little pinch from the numbing shots it was completely painless. If I did feel a little something, I told her right away and they gave me another numbing shot. Since I took a sedative, they made sure I had a ride home and actually cared. I would highly recommend them. My teeth are sparkling clean and it was a much easier and more pleasant experience than I thought it would be.
RMA
3 years ago
I saw probably 7 staff here when I came in (heard more people in back but didn't see them) and only 2/7 were wearing masks properly. Everyone else had their masks off completely or only covering their mouths. Extremely disappointed to see this in a medical professional setting that is high risk of spreading covid-19. I would be reporting them if the city even cared anymore about regulating anymore. 2 stars because the staff who was helping me was wearing a mask and extremely friendly.
Gladys Granum
3 years ago
Beware of dishonest dentist. Went for second and third opinions and didn't find what she wanted to do with my teeth.
Jennifer Jeambert
3 years ago
The dentist consistently runs behind 30 minutes. She talks and lingers with patients and staff. Up-sales are a constant. Any question asked will quickly be answered by her with the most expensive option. She does not listen to her patients when they have questions, she talks over them. Dental hygienist s are temps from all over. You will never have the same one twice which makes continuity of care difficult and challenging. Front desk has one nice employee and one that's rude with patients.
RMA
3 years ago
I saw probably 7 staff here when I came in (heard more people in back but didn't see them) and only 2/7 were wearing masks properly. Everyone else had their masks off completely or only covering their mouths. Extremely disappointed to see this in a medical professional setting that is high risk of spreading covid-19. I would be reporting them if the city even cared anymore about regulating anymore. 2 stars because the staff who was helping me was wearing a mask and extremely friendly.
Domenico Camplisson
3 years ago
It was fine. no problems at all. The staff are all great.
Barbara Fouts
3 years ago
Dr. Jain is great. Love my veneers. Her hygenist is really good, fast, gentle & so very positive. I've always had a great experience.
Bruce Walker
3 years ago
The dental tech did a fantastic job with my clean and deep clean procedure.
Ruby Ferguson
3 years ago
I feel like family when I go to the dentist. Everyone is so personable and nice. I live in Temecula and drive to San Marcos because this is the best dentist office to me and Im will to make the sacrifice to get excellent care.
Destinie Beaumont
3 years ago
Decided to go here because it was on my insurance card, and I'm so glad I did. They did a thorough evaluation of my teeth and wrote everything down with prices so I understood everything. They told me what was most important and what could wait. I felt very comfortable there. They got me in 3 days later for my procedures. They gave me a prescription for a light sedative to take before my appt to make sure I was calm and comfortable as I was going to be in the chair for about 3 hours with a deep cleaning, 4 fillings and an extraction. The doctor and the assistant were so kind and besides a little pinch from the numbing shots it was completely painless. If I did feel a little something, I told her right away and they gave me another numbing shot. Since I took a sedative, they made sure I had a ride home and actually cared. I would highly recommend them. My teeth are sparkling clean and it was a much easier and more pleasant experience than I thought it would be.
Sam Namiq
3 years ago
Dr. Shepard is humble, down to earth person and very social, you feel like with family when you are in the office, the office personnel are very serious when it come safety specially with the COVID19 issue. I thank you all: Mitra and Dr. Shepard, Leslie and all other staff members.
Lynn Adams
4 years ago
Got a run around from another office so called here. They were able to get me in the same afternoon. Pleasant office staff.
Load more