Anthony J Scoma, DDS

San Diego, United States

3.4

Open now

18 reviews

By Appointment Only

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Telephone:
+1 858-271-4200
Website:
www.scomapediatricdentistry.com
Address:
12036 Scripps Highlands Dr Suite 100, San Diego, CA, 92131
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Bussiness info

By Appointment Only
Yes

Today

Today 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Open now
Local time (San Diego) 09:20 Friday, 30 May 2025

Business hours

Monday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Dr. Anthony J. Scoma is a pediatric dentist who offers a warm, caring environment for all your child’s dental needs. Dr. Scoma sees children from the ages of six-​months to adolescence in an office setting that is friendly and comfortable.

Dr. Scoma attended Northwestern University Dental School. Upon completion of his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, Dr. Scoma did a two-​year residency in pediatric dentistry at LIJMC-​Schneider Children’s Hospital in New York. Dr. Scoma has been practicing pediatric dentistry in San Diego for over three years and is currently an attending doctor at the Children’s Hospital and Health Center with full surgical privileges. Dr. Scoma is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, California Society of Pediatric Dentistry and the San Diego County Dental Society.

Dr. Scoma offers comprehensive dental treatment including, but not limited to, routine dental care, complete restorative and oral surgery treatment, interceptive ort hodontics, conscious sedation, general anesthesia and hospital dentistry. In addition, Dr. Scoma’s office is equipped with ceiling mounted televisions and games for the kids to enjoy, as well as a wonderful, energetic staff.

Please call to make your child’s first dental appointment.

History

Established in 2001.

Welcome to Anthony J. Scoma, DDS Pediatric Dentistry, a leading dental care practice in San Diego, California. Scoma Pediatric Dentistry was started in the year 2007. We are located at various locations all around San Diego. We provide an array of dental services to meet all your needs. We are associated with professional associations such as American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, California Dental Association, San Diego County Dental Society, and American Academy of Pediatrics.

Meet the Business Owner

Anthony S.

Business Owner

Dr. Scoma is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He graduated from Northwestern University School of Dental Medicine in Chicago, Illinois and completed a two-​year residency in pediatric dentistry at LIJMC-​Schneider Children’s Hospital in New York. Dr. Scoma is a senior attending at Rady Children’s Hospital and has been in private practice in San Diego since 2001.

Dr. Scoma’s soft demeanor and caring personality places each child in a relaxed setting, allowing them to enjoy their time in the office. He feels strongly that every parent needs to be actively involved in the care of their child’s dental development, and therefore encourages each parent to be with the child for all well-​visits, periodic examinations and treatment appointments. Dr. Scoma strives to deliver pediatric dental care in a gentle, non-​threatening, fun environment that promotes excellent dental health and happy young patients.

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18 reviews of Anthony J Scoma, DDS

No registration required
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Excellent customer service! The communication reminders from the 6 month check up to the day of the appointment is great.
My son has always felt comfortable the entire time visit (even as a toddler)! This was one of the many reasons why we are loyal patients.
Their office has extended hours, certain days during the week. They are always willing to work with your schedule.
Highly recommended!
Place rating: 3
San Diego, CA
Doctor is competent and knows what he is doing. The billing is questionable, be careful.
Place rating: 1
Chula Vista, CA
I used to take my two children to Dr. Scoma and he told us that my two children have cavities in their baby teeth and they should be cleaned and filled «Normal correct!» Well, for few years we thought everything was OK until we moved and my children started seeing another dentist. We then found that most of the work was not necessary and he always managed to charge us more money to use white filling and extra services that were not necessary.
If you care about your wallet and don’t want to be deceived, Please seek a second opinion before you get any work done there. They tend to overcharge and recommend a service you don’t need.
Place rating: 1
San Diego, CA
***************BE AWARE!!!********************************
I took my daughter to to see Dr Scoma and he misdiagnosed not one time but 10 times. He marked 10 baby teeth needing fillings. I personally brush and floss my kids teeth at least twice a day, and could not believe when he said that. At the appointment I asked to see the cavities and he said that I would not be able to seen them, but he showed me the obvious one that was behind the front tooth. Which usually at age 2 and a half is pretty normal to have it. He offer few options on how to have it all done at once with general anesthesia at Children’s Hospital, or sedation in the presence of an anesthesiologist and her doctor, etc. Crazy stuff!!!
Couple of days later I called them and asked to schedule to see the doctor for treat only the front tooth, because I did not agree to do all the other «9 cavities». The secretary said that she would have to talk to the doctor since I didn’t want to treat all of them. At that point I was pretty sure that there was something wrong happening in that «practice». I decided to not do anything at all with him because we were moving to New Jersey. I am very skeptical when it comes to a dentist. Thank God!
One month later or so we moved to New Jersey and I researched for a good Pediatric Dentist and found one that is awesome. I took her to him and did not say anything that Dr Scoma have said until the end of the consultation. At this point he did not have the x-​rays with him we were waiting for Dr Scoma’s office send to us. A week later when I received the x-​rays, I took to him together with Dr Scoma’s note and he could not believe it. She only had one cavity on her front tooth. THAT’S IT!!! No more dental work need to be done.
I few really bad to write this review only now because this happened few years back. My daughter is now 5 and her teeth are still very healthy today and never had to do anything since that time.
I still have the paperwork and Dr Scoma’s x-​ray to prove what I am saying here. This dentist and his practice is not trustworthy.
I will definitely report his malpractice to the American Board of Pediatric Dentist.
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
My son Soham has been going to Dr. Scoma’s clinic ever since he was 3 years old. Dr. S coma is really great… He is very patient and cheerful. my son loves interacting with him and all the staffs and is not afraid of going to the dentist. I am thankful to find a good dentist within such a shirt distance from my house. Thanks Dr. scoma.
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
My 3 daughters have seen Dr. Scoma for the past 8.5 years. He has recommended a few things we weren’t really willing to do (braces for our eldest daughter at a young age & extracting a tooth that was in what looked to be a difficult spot). We questioned his reasoning behind his recommendation, let him know what we were willing to do and what we were comfortable with doing. He was happy to answer our questions and although he didn’t pressure us to do what he recommended, he did waited 3 years until we finally said yes to braces.
His referrals for other services (ortho, oral surgery) are strong doctors too. His dental assistants are patient and caring. His office staff are great too (Christine is great).
When in doubt, always ask questions. They are definitely willing to work with you.
M
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
Our son has always gone to Dr. Scoma and he loves going. The staff is very friendly, always making our son feel comfortable. Dr. Scoma is great with the kiddos, and he explains everything very clearly and fully. His work is superb, he treats his patients like people, not just another mouth. We wouldn’t go anywhere else.
Place rating: 1
San Diego, CA
My kid went to see Dr Scoma and he misdiagnosed not one time but 8 times. He marked 8 baby teeth needing fillings. Knowing that my wife takes care of my kid’s teeth well, I went to another dentist for a second opinion. No dental work need to be done. Zero. Nada. This dental visit with Dr Scoma was a few years back and my kid’s teeth are still very healthy today. This dentist is not trustworthy.
My advice… If you’re a victim by a medical malpractice, report to The Medical Board of California.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
There are not enough wonderful things I can say about Dr Scoma and his staff. My girls have been coming here since they were 2 years old and they are now 7 and 9 years old. Dr Scoma and his staff are professional, patient and just amazingly great with the kids. my girls are never afraid to go to the dentist they are very comfortable with Dr Scoma and his staff and that to means a great deal. Great pediatric dentist I would refer Dr Scoma over and over again.
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
My sons have always gone to Dr. Scoma. I have 3 boys and they all love him. His staff is friendly and knowledgable. They have always done a great job at finding me appts. that work for me with all three boys. I am a surgical nurse and have a very high standard when it comes to the care that my family receives. Dr. Scoma has never pushed procedures that were not necessary. One of my twin boys got a small cavity. I was horrified since I pride myself on personally brushing his teeth twice a day but his teeth have very deep grooves. Dr. Scoma walked me thru the entire process of getting the tooth filled. Since my son was only 4 I was concerned. Dr. Scoma answered all my questions and performed the filling and sealants perfectly. I was allowed to stay with my son the entire procedure and my son was medicated, monitored and cared for properly. I have and would recommend Dr. Scoma to any one looking for a quality dentist in San Diego. I do not live near his offices but find that he is worth the drive!
Place rating: 1
San Diego, CA
I was told my son’s fillings were loose and had to be redone. Well, my son didn’t have ANY fillings. He had sealants. They took x-​rays anyway and charged my insurance the maximum allowed.
To quote Taylor Swift, «never, ever, ever, ever» would I take my son back to this place and I would not recommend it to anyone.
Place rating: 1
Escondido, CA
*** Parents beware!!! *** Please get a 2nd opinion before you have him do any work on any of your children. I felt I should have written this review over a year ago. I took my 6 year old son in for a check up with Dr. Scoma because I was referred to him by another dentist. Dr. Scoma said my son had several cavaties, and needed about 6 crowns. My wife and I were absolutely shocked at what he told us, but we believed him. He gladly did the work, splitting up the job in 2 different sittings, so he could get the maximum for one year and the maximum for the next. A total of about $ 4000. We didn’t think anything of it until a year later when one of the crowns came off. We took him back to have it put back on and Dr. Scoma said he has a very bad infection, and that’s why his crown fell off, and said he has several other problems and we needed to schedule another cleaning, more xrays etc… This time I had a strange feeling and took my son to my personal dentist, and told him about this and he xrayed him, and checked him out and found nothing wrong. That’s when the light bulb turned on over my head. I called Dr. Scoma’s office and complained and they said «Well, your dentist isn’t a pediatric dentist so he doesn’t know what to look for». So I then took my son to Grand Dentistry in Escodido (a pediatric dentist), and filled them in on what I’d been through. They gave my son a check up, did their own x rays… again. and they said my sons’ teeth are absolutely fine, no sign of any «infection». When I called Dr. Scoma’s office back to let them know of my 2nd and 3rd opinion, they offered to have me come back in and they would put the crown back on for free. I said «wait a minute… the doctor told me my son has a bad infection and why would he offer to put it back on if the tooth was infected… «They couldn’t answer me.
Basically to sum it up. They are preying on good parents that want to take care of their kids teeth, doing unnecessary work to make $$$. I read the other review by Terry F. and it makes sense. Dr. Scoma knows baby teeth aren’t permanent so he has feels he has free reign to do as much work on them as he can to make money.
Both dentists I had 2nd and 3rd opinions said that it’s very rare to cap baby teeth and that should have been a signal of warning when the dentist went that direction. Please beware of this dentist. Yes he did the work on my son to begin with, so he knows how to do it. but he’s just doing un needed work… STAY AWAY!!!
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
My kids have been going to Dr. Scoma for at least 4 years. The staff isexcellent at encouraging them to tolerate their cleanings. They would try to get as much done as possible, but knew when not to push anymore. Dr. Scoma is equipped with TVs in the ceilings, headphones, sunglasses, and the kids get to choose a small toy at the end of each visit. After the cleaning, Dr. Scoma «counts their teeth», discusses oral hygiene, and answers questions. We’ve been very happy.
Place rating: 5
San Marcos, CA
We referred to the office to have a checkup on our daughter. Both me and my wife were allowed to go back with our daughter and they were able to work wonders on our daughter, she didn’t even fight them which has been a problem for us before. We are fans!
Place rating: 4
Meridian, ID
I’ve been taking my kids to Dr Scoma for almost 4 years and love him. When she was 2 she hated dr visits, and I thought he’d barely be able to get her to open her mouth. But Dr Scoma and his staff had something to distract or cheer them up at every turn– even the heavy Xray blanket had a smiley face to keep kids calm. He did everything he needed– I wish my pediatrician was this good!
They love the movies and the new coin operated prize machine (makes it easier to explain the «just one» concept).
He was also great when my son knocked his tooth in and needed emergency care.
Yes, he’s not the coziest dentist, but I don’t mind his manner at all. Up front and to the point– and I prefer it that way.
My only complaint was that my semi annual «when should my son stop sucking his thumb?» question was always met with «5 or 6». Then when he was 3, the answer was expanded to «5 or 6, but he’ll need braces.» Maybe I should have explained that I wanted to avoid braces, but I thought that was understood. He was off his thumb 3 months later.
Bottom line, I think he’s a great dentist for kids!
Place rating: 5
San Diego, CA
I really like him. Only saw him for a few minutes in the end of everything, hygienists do all the work for first visit.
He told me that I needed to floss her and that parents need to be brushing their kids’ teeth til the age of 5. Over half of kids have cavities before age 5. Straight to the point just as I like it. He is not to be my best friend or child’s father so all the hooplah on the low star online ratings are just weird to me. each to its own.
The more important part of the whole visit is the hygienist and who Chloe had was awesome. Chloe went through the whole thing (xray, cleaning, flossing, and fluoride application with toothbrush) about 30 minutes without any hesitation or trouble at all. At first, she wasn’t sure if she should listen to her but after I said, it’s ok to listen to her, it was smooth sailing. I was soooo shocked. She just laid there and watched a movie from the ceiling with headphones on the whole time she was getting worked on, following directions from the hygenist.
There is a chair for a parent to sit near the child’s feet. It is an open space with 3 chairs. I chose to sit outside the immediate area, almost out of view bc i thnk if she saw me, then she would overreact or get nervous just bc i am there.
You get to pick out a toy from a box and a sticker in the end.
Chloe has perfect teeth. No cavities or problems so I will see them in 6 months for a cleaning and check up. No drugs or intervention from dentist needed.
This was her first time ever to a dentist and only one I visited so there is no one to compare it to but this visit was so perfect, I am not willing to change a thing.
I was able to get the same day appointment. Paperwork and insurance was all squared away even before I made it to the office. Great communication with the front staff!
Picture of dental visit posted under profile.
Place rating: 3
Brooklyn, NY
Dr. Scoma seems competent and his office is really set up to make children happy (DVDs, toys, etc.) BUT his bedside manner needs work. He seems tense, eager to get your visit wrapped up. Even though he says, «Ask me any questions,» his manner doesn’t really encourage it. Ditto with the kids: he just wanted to put the earphones and sunglasses on my daughter and get going on the teeth. Total lack of warmth. He also assumed I would do as he told me to with a Versed prescription — no discussion of cons, just, «It’s best if you do it.» «Sign here.» «Pay $ 100.» In my opinion, drugs should always be discussed and parents encouraged to read more online before agreeing.
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
My kid is a screamer when it comes to medical care. His pediatrician knows it and so does every other doctor he’s had, plus the place he gets his haircut from. You wouldn’t expect this petite kid to be a screamer. Just you wait!
Dr. Scoma and his staff are very professional and welcoming– even to the screamer. It’s a cool office with Disney DVD’s running all day in the waiting room and the dental chairs. They are always willing to answer your questions, whatever they may be. They know how to deal with the screamers and the kids with special needs. What a plus!
If you’re a good little boy or girl, you get to pick from the treasure chest ONE toy. On the desk are stickers like Madagascar, Dora the Explorer, etc. Pretty hard to explain to a 2 year old about picking ONE thing.
Screamer, wiggler, etc. the staff is great at cleaning the teeth and giving them a looksy.