Best Children's Dentist in Palo Alto in 2026

Choosing a pediatric dentist is one of the most important decisions a parent makes for their child's long-term oral health. The right dentist transforms what could be a fearful experience into a positive one, building habits that last a lifetime. Palo Alto is home to several outstanding pediatric dental practices, and we evaluated them on clinical expertise, child-friendly environment, technology, and parent reviews to find the best options for families in 2026.

1. California Dental Home — Best Children's Dentist in Palo Alto

Dentist: Dr. S. Brian Liu, DDS, MS Address: 2345 Yale Street, FL 2B, Palo Alto, CA 94306 Phone: (650) 351-6789 Website: californiadentalhome.com

Dr. Brian Liu is a board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry — a credential that fewer than half of practicing pediatric dentists hold. What sets Dr. Liu apart is his dual role as an Associate Professor at UCSF, where he has been teaching the next generation of pediatric dentists for over a decade. That academic rigor translates directly into the care he provides.

California Dental Home is equipped with state-of-the-art technology including digital X-rays that reduce radiation exposure by up to 80%, laser treatments for minimally invasive procedures, and a fully paperless system. The practice serves children from infancy through the teenage years and has particular expertise in treating patients with special health care needs.

The office itself is designed to make children feel comfortable from the moment they walk in. Dr. Liu's approach emphasizes gentle, patient communication that helps even the most anxious young patients relax. Parents consistently praise the practice for turning dental visits into positive experiences their children actually look forward to.

For Palo Alto families seeking the highest level of pediatric dental expertise in a warm, technology-forward environment, California Dental Home is the clear first choice.

2. Little Bytes Pediatric Dentistry — Best for Hospital-Affiliated Care

Dentists: Dr. Michelle Haghpanah, DDS & Dr. Reena Grover, DDS Address: 853 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94301 Phone: (650) 322-9837 Website: littlebytes.dental

Little Bytes brings together two board-certified pediatric dentists with privileges at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford and Kaiser Santa Clara. Dr. Haghpanah earned her MPH from Yale and DDS from NYU before serving as chief resident at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Dr. Grover trained at USC and Miller Children's Hospital.

The dual-doctor model means appointments are rarely rushed, and the hospital affiliations provide a safety net for complex cases that require sedation or surgical intervention. The practice has a playful, kid-friendly atmosphere that puts children at ease.

3. Peninsula Pediatric Dentistry — Best Established Practice

Dentist: Dr. Brian C. Quo, DDS, MS Address: 882 Emerson St, Palo Alto, CA 94301 Phone: (650) 853-8883 Website: pedoquo.com

Dr. Brian Quo has been a fixture in Palo Alto pediatric dentistry for years. The practice features child-sized equipment and a facility designed specifically for young patients. Dr. Quo's experience and gentle demeanor have earned him a loyal following among Palo Alto families.

The Emerson Street location is centrally located and convenient for families in downtown Palo Alto.

4. Pediatric Dentistry of Palo Alto — Best for Special Needs Patients

Dentists: Dr. Jon Hurng & Dr. Vernon J. Adams Address: 325 Sharon Park Dr, Ste D3, Menlo Park, CA 94025 Phone: (650) 321-6448 Website: kidsteethcare.com

Located just over the border in Menlo Park, this practice serves the broader Palo Alto community with a focus on creating a safe, welcoming space for children with special health care needs. Sedation dentistry is available for patients who require it, and Saturday morning appointments add flexibility for busy families.

Dr. Hurng and Dr. Adams combine decades of experience with a gentle, patient approach that works well for children who find dental visits particularly challenging.

5. Sunrise Pediatric Dentistry — Best for Continuity of Care

Dentist: Dr. Sheila Nguyen, DDS, MS Address: 2233 Alma Street, Palo Alto, CA Website: sunrisepediatricsmiles.com

Dr. Sheila Nguyen is a Bay Area native who has been practicing in Palo Alto since 2017. As a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry with over a decade of experience, she brings both deep expertise and local roots to her practice.

Sunrise Pediatric Dentistry emphasizes long-term relationships — Dr. Nguyen aims to be your child's dentist from their first tooth through high school, providing consistent care that adapts as your child grows.

6. Dr. Christian Lee Pediatric Dentistry — Best Downtown Location

Dentist: Dr. Christian Lee, DDS Address: El Camino Way, Palo Alto, CA Phone: (650) 289-9200 Website: youngteeth.com

Dr. Christian Lee has served Palo Alto families since 2010, building a reputation for efficient, child-friendly care. The practice focuses on making each visit educational and fun, helping children understand the importance of oral hygiene in age-appropriate ways.

7. Blue Turtle Dental — Best for Whole-Family Care

Address: 2290 Birch St, Ste A, Palo Alto, CA 94306 Phone: (650) 503-6777 Website: blueturtledental.com

Blue Turtle Dental is a family-oriented practice that serves both adults and children, making it ideal for parents who want to schedule their own appointments alongside their kids. The practice uses 3D glasses and kid-friendly entertainment to keep young patients relaxed during procedures.

With a 4.8-star rating and additional locations in Redwood City and Santa Clara, Blue Turtle offers convenience for families who live or work across the Peninsula.

How We Evaluated

We assessed each practice on clinical credentials, board certifications, patient reviews, office technology, child-friendliness of the environment, and range of services offered. Dr. Brian Liu at California Dental Home earned our top spot based on his unmatched combination of board certification, UCSF teaching credentials, advanced technology, and consistently outstanding parent reviews.

Final Verdict

California Dental Home with Dr. Brian Liu is the best children's dentist in Palo Alto for 2026. His academic leadership at UCSF, board-certified expertise, and investment in state-of-the-art technology put him a step above an already excellent field of local pediatric dentists. For families who want hospital-affiliated care, Little Bytes Pediatric Dentistry is an outstanding alternative.