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Coastal Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics
Eastlake

Accept Insurance
Extended Hours
Latest Technology
Clean Environment
State-of-the-art
Friendly Staff

Locations & Opening Hours

2015 Birch Rd., Unit 103, Chula Vista CA, 91915
Monday
9 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday
9 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday
9 AM - 5 PM
Thursday
9 AM - 5 PM
Friday
9 AM - 5 PM
Saturday
9 AM - 3 PM
Sunday
Closed
(619) 391-9287

Our Services

Dental Exams
Teeth Cleanings
Preventive Care
Extractions
Root Canal

Smile
Wall

Where Science Meets Smiles

Meet
Our
Staff

showcase
Nataly is the scheduling coordinator at the Santee office. She has a background in the medical field and is new to dentistry. She has 4 children, 2 German Shepherds, and enjoys attending Padres games at Petco Park and hiking.

Testimonials

OUR CROWING ACHEIVEMENTS
100+ reviews
Hands down the best dentist for kids!! Dr. Kim is top notch and the best doctor ever! She is super kind, fun, gentle and very personable! I am so grateful we found Coastal Kids!!
Kim Lugtu is the best! She has been seeing both of my kids pretty much their whole life. Im very thankful for that and will continue going there as long as she will see them:)
Top notch experience, truly the most comfortable experience you can expect for your reluctant child. We will definitely return and are grateful to have found this kid specialized Dental practice! Bravo, and thanks for doing what you do!
LOVE them!! We have visited 3 dentists in San Diego and Coastal Kids stands out at the absolute top. Professional, efficient, friendly, welcoming, high quality care from the minute you step in the door. I honestly could not think of anything they could be doing better!
Absolutely love love love Carmel Valley Coastal Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics they are so great with kids and truly put my almost two year old and three year old ease. The dentist is amazing and so sweet and caring. I absolutely loved the experience and my kids did too. So thankful to have found them.
The BEST Pediatric Dentist in San Diego! We’ve been seeing Dr. Kim for almost 10 years now. Her genuine, gentle care and compassion for my children have been nothing short of exceptional. Despite my family moving further away, we still make the 40 minute drive to see her.

Gallery

serving smiles

Our
Team

Brush Up on Our Dentist's Expertise
Dr. Samuel Russom Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Samuel Russom is a board-certified pediatric dentist who brings warmth, expertise, and a playful spirit to children's dental care. After completing his dental education at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), where he served as Vice President of his class and graduated as a member of the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society, Dr. Russom pursued his passion for pediatric dentistry through specialized training at the University of Southern California (USC).

His decision to focus on pediatric dentistry stems from a genuine love for working with children and a deep understanding of the importance of positive early dental experiences. "Having a good experience at the dentist is crucial," Dr. Russom explains. "Early positive experiences lead to better oral health outcomes in adulthood and a lifetime of healthy smiles."

Dr. Russom's approach to patient care combines clinical excellence with a light-hearted, engaging manner that puts both children and parents at ease. He believes in making dental visits fun while delivering top-quality care, often using humor and playful banter to help children feel comfortable. One of his favorite moments is making kids laugh while working on their teeth – a skill he's mastered over the years.

A particularly meaningful experience in his career involved helping a 7-year-old patient overcome severe dental anxiety. After successful treatment, seeing her return pain-free, eating well, and actually enjoying dental visits reinforced his commitment to pediatric dentistry. "Moments like these remind me why I chose this field," he shares.

When he's not creating healthy smiles, Dr. Russom can often be found unwinding at local coffee shops with a good fantasy novel – he's currently immersed in Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive series. A self-proclaimed "comic and fantasy nerd," he brings this same enthusiasm and imagination to his dental practice, making each visit an adventure for his young patients.

Dr. Russom's dedication to his work is deeply rooted in the values instilled by his hardworking parents, who held multiple jobs to support his education. This background drives his commitment to providing honest, high-quality care to every patient who visits his practice.

Whether he's sharing jokes with patients, discussing proper oral hygiene with parents, or hosting a BBQ (his favorite weekend activity), Dr. Russom approaches everything with genuine enthusiasm and care. His unique combination of professional expertise and playful personality makes him a trusted partner in your child's dental health journey.

Education and Achievements:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of California San Francisco (UCSF)
- Pediatric Dentistry Residency, University of Southern California (USC)
- Member, Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society
- Vice President of UCSF Dental Class
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We Accept Insurance & Sunbit

Coverage to Smile About
+ Others

How we serve you better

Where Science Meets Smiles
Autoclave Sterilization
Uses high-pressure steam to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and spores on dental instruments, ensuring patient safety and preventing cross-contamination between procedures.
Learn more

New Patient Specials

Bright Smiles Await You
4+ Years Old, Full Recall + X-Rays & Pano UCR* 🏷️
If your child needs a more thorough dental evaluation, we want to help. For $264 (pediatric) / $294 (GP), we’ll not only perform our standard cleaning special — exam, cleaning, and x-rays — we’ll include a panoramic x-ray that lets us take a deeper look into your child’s overall oral health. Call today or book an appointment online! *New Patients 4+ Years Old

Learn
About
Us

Highlights

FAQ

Questions
At what age should my child first visit the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within 6 months after their first tooth appears, whichever comes first.

How often should my child have dental checkups?

Children should visit the dentist every 6 months for regular checkups and cleanings. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits based on your child's individual oral health needs.

Are dental X-rays safe for children?

Yes, dental X-rays are safe for children. Modern dental offices use digital X-rays that emit very low radiation levels. Additionally, protective lead aprons and thyroid collars are used during X-rays to minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when necessary for diagnostic purposes.

How can I prevent cavities in my child's teeth?

To prevent cavities: 1) Maintain good oral hygiene, brushing twice daily and flossing, 2) limit sugary foods and drinks, 3) use fluoride toothpaste, 4) consider dental sealants, 5) maintain regular dental checkups, 6) encourage healthy eating habits, and 7) supervise brushing for young children.

At what age should my child get an orthodontic evaluation?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, there's a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing orthodontists to identify potential problems early.

Is Invisalign suitable for children/teens?

Invisalign can be suitable for teens, and there's even a specific product called Invisalign Teen. However, eligibility depends on various factors, including: 1) the type and severity of orthodontic issues, 2) the patient's maturity and responsibility level, 3) whether all permanent teeth have erupted, and 4) your orthodontist can determine if Invisalign is appropriate for your child's specific case.

Do braces hurt?

While braces don't hurt during application, you may experience some soreness for a few days after getting them and after adjustment appointments. This discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.