Bluebonnet Pediatric Dentistry

About

Get To Know Dr. Avi Willis

Dr. Avi Willis is a board-certified pediatric dental specialist. He received his DMD from Case Western Reserve University, where he was awarded the top honors in pediatric dentistry and endodontics. Dr. Avi completed a General Practice Residency at Jacobi Medical Center, a trauma-one hospital located in the Bronx, NY. While there, he received comprehensive training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, trauma, and treating children with special needs at the famous Rose F. Kennedy Center. He went on to complete his pediatric dental residency at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. Prior to moving to Southern California, Dr. Avi was on staff at Jersey Shore Medical Center and served as an adjunct clinical instructor of Pediatric Dentistry at Temple University's Kornberg School of Dentistry.

Dr. Avi spent five years studying physics in the UK before attending dental school. He earned a first-class degree at the University of St Andrews and then a Master's degree at the University of Cambridge.

Dr. Avi is passionate about giving back to the community. He has volunteered his time at the Greater Cleveland Medical Clinic, as well as in Ohio elementary schools through the Healthy Smiles Sealant Program. In San Diego, he volunteers in local schools each year in honor of Children's Dental Health Month. In addition to local efforts, he has participated in an international dental mission in Israel, where he treated the children of Jerusalem.

As a second-generation pediatric dentist, Dr. Avi witnessed the need for better oral care and the importance of prevention through his mother. He firmly believes that every child is unique and that pediatric dentists can make a significant impact on a child's life.

During his free time, Dr. Avi can be found spending time with his wife, Yonit, and their young children Ronen and baby Sefira. He also enjoys skiing, cycling, playing the bagpipes, and exploring Southern California's beautiful parks and beaches.

Get to Know Dr. Thomas Berchtold

Dr. Thomas Berchtold, also known as Dr. B, has been a resident of North County since 2010, living there with his wife and four children. Falling in love with the vibrant culture and warm-hearted people of Encinitas and North County was a swift and natural process for his family.

Dr. B commenced his professional journey by pursuing Advanced Education in General Dentistry in Jacksonville, FL. Following that, he spent four years practicing as a general dentist in both Ventura County and San Diego. Subsequently, he transitioned into orthodontics, dedicating the majority of his career to North County, with a brief two-year stint as an orthodontist in Yokosuka, Japan. The rest of his 20-year career was primarily based in various dental clinics surrounding military bases in San Diego, including Camp Pendleton and Point Loma.

Dr. B has extensive specialized training and experience in orthodontics, particularly with early intervention and comprehensive treatment for children of all ages. Embracing a holistic approach to orthodontics, he believes in empowering the body to fulfill its natural functions, intervening with orthodontic treatment when necessary to create an environment for individuals to thrive. Furthermore, he has honed his skills in hospital-based orthodontics, with a focus on adult facial esthetics and reconstruction involving facial surgery and braces.

Driven by a strong sense of responsibility, Dr. B is committed to contributing to the community's strength, independence, and fulfillment through acts of charity and respect, along with the creation of beautiful smiles. His passion for community development and empowerment has already led him to connect with numerous patients and families in various locations throughout the area, even engaging with them while sharing meals at the food court in Costco.

Looking forward to fostering lasting relationships, Dr. B is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in creating an exceptional community and positively impacting the lives of his patients for years to come.

Get to Know Your Friendly Team

Here at Encinitas Pediatric Dentistry & Adults, we care, we listen, and we work together with families because we see you as a part of the team too! 

Whether you and your child come to us for a routine checkup, a filling, or anything else, you’ll always be greeted by sunny smiles from our friendly team. We are here for you and are happy to cheer you on throughout your journey to dental success.
Our staff is knowledgeable and loves taking an educational approach to dentistry to ensure you feel confident and informed every step of the way.

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Dr. Spencer Mauseth

Pediatric Dentist

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Dr. Arielle Ganas

Pediatric Dentist

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Dr. Alexandra Hansen

General Dentist

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Daniella Luna

Dental Hygienist

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Lauren Dizon

Dental Hygienist

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Leandra Alvis

Dental Hygienist

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Your First Visit: What to Expect

We understand that visiting a new dentist can feel intimidating, but we are here to help you know what to expect so you can step into your first visit stress-free. When we meet you, we will be focused on getting to know you and your child. If you have a few moments before your appointment, be sure to fill out your new patient forms online! This helps our team prepare and get to know you and your family before we meet you. 

Once you arrive, a member of our team will give you and your child a tour of our office to familiarize you with our space. You’ll also get a chance to say hello to the team and the doctors. But don’t worry, we know that sometimes it takes a while for little ones to warm up to new people. That is why we always take a patient, compassionate approach to our care. We can go at a pace that feels comfortable for you and your kiddo! 

Once we are settled, we will perform a cleaning and exam to get a better picture of your child’s oral health. Finally, we will work together to create a treatment plan that accommodates your needs, lifestyle, and budget. If you have any questions for our team, don’t hesitate to ask away at any time!

Modern Amenities for Exceptional Care

Our office is designed with your comfort in mind. At every touch point, it is our goal for you to feel at home in our care. When you visit us, be sure to enjoy our complimentary beverage station, warm towels, a play area for wiggly little ones, and in-office entertainment. We even have headphones, Netflix, and video games available! 

Beyond these amenities, we also are committed to using only the latest and greatest when it comes to our tools, technology, and services. By using modern dental techniques, we are able to deliver more comfortable, more effective care. This all helps us create positive dental experiences to help you and your family love visiting the dentist!

Giving Back to Encinitas and Beyond

We love our community and greatly appreciate the support Encinitas has shown us. To show our gratitude, we are happy to give back in any way we can. We feel that as providers in this community, it is our duty and honor to go beyond dentistry by getting involved in local nonprofits and organizations whenever possible. 

This includes our participation in the San Diego Dental Society. As a member of the board, Dr. Spencer is supporting the board’s mission to educate, provide services to groups in need, and participate in community service events. To learn more about our outreach or to see how you can get involved, feel free to contact us.