Did you know that teeth are as unique as fingerprints? Its true and, because your teeth are unique, so are your dental needs. Although every patient is different, many share some common concerns, which weve sought to address at Valley Center Smiles.
Quiet Drill: Understandably, the shrill sound of the traditional air-driven hand-piece puts many patients on edge. To minimize this discomfort, we use the new electric dental hand-pieces in our office. Its much quieter than the old drills that patients have come to know and dread.
Safer and More Comfortable X-Rays: Dental X-rays can be uncomfortable because of the old style films that are inserted into the patients mouth. Thanks to the latest in digital radiography we, at Valley Center Smiles, can capture most of the information we need without putting anything into a patients mouth. This new technology is not only more comfortable, but safer too because digital X-rays expose patients to much less radiation than the traditional dental X-ray.
Dr. Carlson was born and raised in Escondido. After high school, Dr. Carlson majored in Economics and Spanish at Vanderbilt University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1998. He then spent several years in the business world before deciding to pursue a career in dentistry.
In 2008, Dr. Carlson graduated from the University of Illinois-Chicago College of Dentistry and moved with his wife and kids to Montana to work with the Indian Health Services (IHS). With the nearest dental specialists nearly 100 miles away, Dr. Carlson had the unique opportunity to undertake complex surgical cases as a general dentist and to treat children of all ages. Though he had to frequently dig his car out of 3 feet of snow, he found his time with IHS to be extremely rewarding and instructive.
Once his two year IHS commitment was complete, Dr. Carlson brought his family home to Southern California in the summer of 2010 where he joined his father and brother at Carlson Family Dentistry in Escondido. There, Dr. Carlson was able to draw from the over 50 years of combined dental experience shared by his father and brother. This allowed him to further develop his confidence and skill in both cosmetic and complex restorative procedures.
In 2011, Dr. Carlson fulfilled his dream and opened his own start-up practice, Valley Center Smiles. Through the years, Dr. Carlson and his team have worked hard to stand out as an exceptional dental office, and as a result the practice continues to thrive and grow. In 2016, Dr. Carlson furthered his dental education by completing an intensive year-long course, training in the placement and restoration of dental implants at the Loma Linda School of Dentistry. He is a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) and is currently working on his Associate Fellowship with the AAID.
Dr. Carlson lives in Valley Center and is very involved in the Valley Center community, having served as President of the Valley Center Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Valley Center. When he is not caring for his patients, Dr. Carlson enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids, surfing, and taking walks with his Wirehaired Pointing Griffons.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 78 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestJaime Purinton
a year ago
I love everything about this office! From the front desk staff to the hygienist (Janee is the best) to Dr. Carlson. I had major anxiety going to other dentists before and now that anxiety is almost gone. They all take extra care to make sure I am comfortable with every procedure they do. If I could give more than five stars I would.
EZ C
2 years ago
Stop.Dont go anywhere else . The best Dentist around. .that's a fact.
Marco Gonzalez
2 years ago
Super friendly, great customer service and a soft handed hygienist. If you live need VC, I highly recommend considering VC Smiles.
Jessica Jenkins
2 years ago
Love the office and the staff. Made my son feel comfortable and safe. Thank you so much!
Larry Graham
2 years ago
I had an emergency. Tooth was killing me so I called and they got me in the next morning. They took very good care of me by explaining everything clearly solving my problem with kindness and gentleness.
Joanne Prince
2 years ago
I have a very big fear of dentists. I have never had a more amazing experience at a dentist. They addressed all my anxiety and made me feel calm and cared for. The doctor was awesome. Kind, gentle, and explained every step. No pain. No long wait times in waiting room or chair. Staff is superb. Pat and Rebecca rock. I love this dentist. I also wanted to add that I don't have insurance so I paid for it on my own. After many years of being quoted such exorbitant prices that I could never get work done. The pricing was fair and reasonable and the work quality is by far the best I have ever recieved. Thank you.
James Morris
2 years ago
This is not my normal dentist I normally go to his brother but I will say since he was filling in that he did an excellent job getting me in first of all the last minute and wonderful customer service from the whole staff
John Mendoza
2 years ago
Caring and personal staff. Great at keeping appointments and remembering to remind me.
Jami Behneman
2 years ago
Everyone in this office is friendly and kind and put you right at ease
Erika Gilbert
2 years ago
The absolutely best dentist office ever! Patty, Janee, Pat, Dr. Carlson and the rest of the crew are amazing and so kind. They really care about all their patients. As someone with life long anxiety about dental visits and terrible dental problems I would give them 20 stars if I could. They always put me at ease and are caring, honest, and do everything in my interest. We are so lucky to have them in our community!
Takashi Joubert
2 years ago
Had my first visit to VC smiles, staff was very friendly and welcoming. Janee and Dr Carlson made the cleaning/exam experience seamless, thorough, and pleasant. Highly recommended.
Barbara Lamond
2 years ago
This is the one dental office that I look forward to visiting. I really enjoy my cleaning time with Janee! Dr. Carlson is great as well. No pressure and excellent care. I would give it 10 stars if possible!
Kenneth Grant
2 years ago
Great dentist. Fantastic staff...the best!
John Noneman
2 years ago
Great staff and Dr Carlson is a great dentist.
Harry Sacks
2 years ago
Always friendly, a great staff (Patti, Jane and Pat). Dr Carlson is the best dentist I've had over the many years of my life. He is very caring. Highly recommend him.
Marsha Pay
2 years ago
Just had my first visit at Valley Center Smiles and it was awesome! Our previous dentist of over thirty years retired recently, and the thought of changing dentists was not a happy one. I shouldn't have worried one bit! Dr. Carlson and his entire staff did everything possible to make me feel comfortable and at home. They worked efficiently and were very thorough, but the best part was that they acted like they had all the time in the world for me, even though I knew they were very busy. There was never one moment of discomfort... through x-rays, exam and cleaning, and my teeth feel great! I'm so happy to have found our new family dentist!
Jon Hans
2 years ago
Very professional. Very clean. Would definitely recommend.
Daniel Ryan
2 years ago
The employees at this office are very friendly and capable locals that are always a pleasure to do business with and leave me feeling happier than when I arrived!
Olivia LeSchick
2 years ago
Way Beyond my most hopeful expectations. Great staff . Dr. Carlson honest, sincere. My First visit June 2020 during early COvid months. My Thirty year Old, 3 tooth bridge had decoupled from teeth. Another high rated dentist could only recommend extraction & implants, but difficult, expensive & risky early COvid. In contrast, Dr Carlson was able to modify reattach old bridge in interim. Todays visit was to reassess bridge status. Old Bridge still serving, but tenuous. He provided several options, including waiting,. Very rare candor & professionalism. I Highly recommend!!
Barbara Victor
2 years ago
I have been going to VC smiles for about a year now and am delighted with the professionalism and service I receive from the entire team. I get my teeth cleaned regularly and got a new bite block for night time use. Highly recommend Dr. Carlson and his team.
Load more