Why families choose us

Thoughtful, expert pediatric dental care designed around your child and your experience as a parent.

Where early experiences shape lifelong health

Choosing a pediatric dentist is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child. You want a team you can trust — not just for great clinical care, but for how your child feels every step of the way.

Early dental experiences have a lasting impact. Positive visits help children build confidence, develop healthy habits, and feel comfortable seeking care as they grow. Negative experiences, on the other hand, can lead to fear, avoidance, and challenges that carry into adulthood.

At Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry, we’re intentional about getting this right from the very beginning. Our approach is thoughtful, personalized, and designed to create a calm, supportive experience that sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

We also take a more comprehensive view of your child’s oral health — considering not just teeth, but overall development. This includes attention to airway, growth, and how early habits can influence long-term health, allowing us to guide care in a more proactive and holistic way.

Starting off on the right foot

From the moment you arrive, our team will make sure your child feels welcome, comfortable, and at ease. They'll get a chance to meet the team, explore the space, and settle in before their exam and gentle cleaning begins. From there, your doctor will take the time to review any findings with you directly, answer your questions, and make sure you leave with a clear picture of your child's oral health. Every first visit ends the same way: with a smile and a well-earned prize.

Advanced tools that make all the difference

Painless Injection Systems

We use advanced, virtually painless injection techniques to make sure that even the most needle-averse child can receive treatment comfortably and without fear.

Low-dose Digital X-Rays

Our digital X-ray technology delivers faster, clearer imaging with significantly reduced radiation exposure, giving our doctors the detail they need while keeping your child safe.

Solea CO2 Laser

The Solea CO2 laser allows for many procedures to be completed with little to no anesthesia, making treatment faster and more comfortable.

Gemini Diode Laser

When treatment is needed, our gentle approach and advanced techniques make sure comfort is never compromised.

An office kids actually look forward to visiting

Comfort at every turn

We’ve thoughtfully designed every part of our offices to help children feel relaxed, engaged, and even excited to be here. From the waiting rooms to the treatment areas, every detail is meant to make visits easier, for both kids and parents.

Ceiling-mounted TVs in every treatment room

Kids can watch their favorite shows or movies throughout their appointment, keeping them relaxed, distracted, and at ease from start to finish.

Interactive, kid-friendly, life-sized touchscreens

Our waiting areas feature interactive, life-size touchscreens that keep kids engaged and entertained while they wait, turning what could be an anxious moment into a fun one.

Kids play area

Dedicated play areas in our waiting rooms give younger children a chance to explore and settle in on their own terms before their appointment begins.

Toys and books

Thoughtfully selected books and toys in the waiting rooms create a relaxed, home-like atmosphere that helps children feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.

Beverage station for parents

Parents are welcome to help themselves to a beverage while they wait, because we want the whole family to feel at home.

Disney days

Once a week, we bring a little extra magic to the office with our beloved Disney Days, a special touch that turns an ordinary appointment into something truly memorable.

A prize at every visit

Every child leaves with a well-earned prize, because we believe every visit deserves to be celebrated.

Giving back

Deeply rooted in the Santa Barbara community

We believe the best care happens when expertise and genuine connection come together. Our doctors are board-certified pediatric dentists with years of advanced training and experience in caring for children, paired with a calm, thoughtful approach that helps kids feel comfortable and at ease.

Don't just take our word for it.

See what families are saying

Dr. Annie is a miracle worker. Our toddler absolutely fought us when it came to teeth brushing, but Dr. Annie had him completely cooperative within just a few minutes with fun kid-friendly techniques. She took the time to explain how to take the techniques home and how to build good habits to set him up for life. We are so grateful! 

Taryn Martin

Dr. Hannah and the entire staff were amazing—from the scheduling process to the actual appointment. I’ve never experienced a practice that so thoughtfully took my daughter’s temperament into consideration. They truly went above and beyond to make her feel comfortable, which resulted in a very successful first dental visit. We’re so grateful—thank you so much! 

Angelie Wallace

We’ve had such a great experience at Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry. The doctor and all the staff are incredibly kind and professional. My kids enjoy going, which says a lot. My younger son is only two years old, and the nurse was so gentle and patient while helping him brush his teeth. It made the whole visit stress-free for both of us. Really appreciate the care and warmth here. Highly recommend! 

Maribel Garcia

We’ve had such a great experience at Santa Barbara Children’s Dentistry. The doctor and all the staff are incredibly kind and professional. My kids enjoy going, which says a lot. My younger son is only two years old, and the nurse was so gentle and patient while helping him brush his teeth. It made the whole visit stress-free for both of us. Really appreciate the care and warmth here. Highly recommend! 

Mia

Dr Cox and all of her team members are amazing! Elena my daughter had a perfect first appointment. The office is so beautiful and modern. We can’t wait for our next visit. Thank you all so much

Daniela Cadavid

Great experience for a toddler's 1st dentist appointment. Clean waiting room with toys to entertain, all the staff are so kind. Dr. Hayley is great! Also Bluey playing on the ceiling is a great distraction :)

Julia Jacobson

I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Cox and her team. From the moment we walked in, the experience was nothing short of amazing. The staff is incredibly friendly, patient and gentle with kids. The office is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Plus, the waiting area is full of great toys and entertainment that kept my little one entertained and at ease. It’s clear they truly care about making dental visits a positive experience. Highly recommend! My little man loves coming here.

Crystal McGregor

I cannot rave enough about SB Children’s Dentistry. My son has been seen at the practice since he was 1 and we have received nothing but excellent care from Dr.Hayley and this last visit Dr.Hannah! The entire staff is super friendly and welcoming. My son genuinely enjoys going to the dentist because of their approach to treating children.

Erika Adame

Serving Santa Barbara and Goleta

Choose the location most convenient for your family

Santa Barbara

Monday - Friday: 8:30am to 5:00pm

Goleta

Monday - Friday: 8:30am to 5:00pm