Coastal Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics
Carmel Valley

Dr. Kim Lugtu is a board-certified pediatric dentist who brings warmth, expertise, and a mother's touch to pediatric dental care. A proud UCLA School of Dentistry graduate, Dr. Lugtu completed her specialized pediatric dentistry training at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident, demonstrating her exceptional leadership and clinical skills.

Born and raised in San Diego's Rancho Penasquitos neighborhood, Dr. Lugtu's journey in dentistry has been driven by her passion for working with children. Her approach to pediatric dental care is deeply rooted in creating personalized, child-centered experiences that foster positive associations with dental health from an early age.

"Every child deserves a dental home where they feel safe, understood, and celebrated," says Dr. Lugtu. "I strive to create an environment where children can develop healthy oral habits while actually enjoying their dental visits."

As a mother of two, Dr. Lugtu brings a unique perspective to her practice, treating each young patient with the same care and attention she would give her own children. Her creative approach to putting children at ease includes wearing whimsical shoes featuring beloved characters like Disney Princesses and Pokémon, which never fail to spark joy and conversation with her young patients.

One of her most rewarding experiences was receiving a letter from a former patient she had treated for emergency trauma more than a decade ago. The patient's heartfelt expression of gratitude reinforced Dr. Lugtu's belief in the lasting impact of compassionate care.

When she's not creating healthy smiles, Dr. Lugtu can be found cheering on her children at soccer games, crafting elaborate birthday piñatas, or exploring diverse cuisines throughout Southern California with her family. She shares her home with her husband Brian of over 10 years, their two children, and their beloved senior dog, Mochi.

Dr. Lugtu's commitment to gentle, nurturing care, combined with her technical expertise and genuine love for working with children, makes her a trusted partner in your child's oral health journey.

As the oldest of four siblings, Dr. Cyrus Aghdam grew up in Maryland and is a proud native of the state. His education includes an orthodontics certificate from Eastman at the University of Rochester and completion of the Spark Clear Aligners Master Course. Dr. Aghdam is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) and has a true passion for the art of smile transformation.

After joining our practice, Dr. Aghdam has made an exceptional impact on patients by partnering with them to bring them a beautiful, more confident smile through orthodontic care. He enjoys the rewarding experience of seeing patients enjoy their new smiles, as well as the challenge of navigating complex cases and delivering the best outcomes. Outside of work, Dr. Aghdam enjoys relaxing evenings watching TV; his favorite show is The Office!

Dr. Anna Grinberg Ahani brings warmth, expertise, and a genuine passion for patient care to her dental practice. A graduate of the prestigious University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Ahani enhanced her expertise through a General Practice Residency and Implant Fellowship, demonstrating her commitment to providing comprehensive dental care at the highest level.

Her journey into dentistry began with her own childhood experiences, where a compassionate family dentist showed her how positive dental care could be. This early influence shaped her philosophy of patient care, which emphasizes creating comfortable, welcoming experiences for patients of all ages.

Dr. Ahani's approach to dentistry is rooted in empathy and understanding, treating each patient as she would her own family. She takes pride in explaining procedures clearly and ensuring patients feel informed and in control of their dental health decisions. Whether working with adults or children, she strives to create an environment where anxiety transforms into trust and confidence.

Beyond her clinical expertise, Dr. Ahani is known for her gentle chairside manner and ability to make dental visits enjoyable, especially for younger patients. She finds particular joy in helping children develop positive associations with dental care, often turning procedures into engaging experiences that leave them smiling.

When she's not creating beautiful smiles at the office, Dr. Ahani enjoys an active lifestyle with her family, including playing tennis, hiking (with Annie's Canyon Trail being a particular favorite), and swimming. She's also passionate about cooking, baking, and exploring new cuisines through travel. In a surprising twist, she recently conquered her fear of dogs after her family welcomed a Giant Schnauzer into their home – a testament to her belief in facing challenges with an open mind.

Dr. Ahani's commitment to excellence in dentistry, combined with her warm personality and patient-centered approach, makes her a trusted partner in her patients' oral health journeys. She looks forward to welcoming you and your family to her practice, where creating beautiful, healthy smiles is not just a profession, but a passion.