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Cosmetic
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Meet
Dr. Howard

Welcome to Nelson Y. Howard, D.D.S.

On behalf of my team of highly trained professionals, I would like to personally welcome you to our website and dental office. We invite you to experience a new kind of dentistry here in Rancho Bernardo, where total quality care is provided with exceptional customer service, caring team members whose goal is your absolute well-being, state-of-the-art techniques designed for your comfort, and in a fun and relaxing environment. We know that your visit with us will be the most rewarding of any dental experience you have ever had. My team and I believe that people should keep their teeth for a lifetime; with a common effort between us, that goal can be achieved.

Please be aware that our ultimate success depends on your commitment to your overall health, both dental and physical. We thank you for the confidence you have placed in us and appreciate the opportunity to assist you in attaining these two important goals.

Whether you’re overdue for your six-month checkup, you want to replace one or more missing teeth with dental implants , or you want to enhance your smile with veneers , we believe every patient who comes to our dental office in your area will leave feeling better about themselves as a person than when they first came in.

I have always felt that a person's smile is their "Window to the World." It is my personal goal to make the world of each person who enters my dental office near Escondido a brighter place to be!

Signature of Rancho Bernardo dentist Doctor Nelson Y Howard Nelson Y. Howard, D.D.S., A.A.A.C.D.

Meet Rancho Bernardo's Accredited AACD Dentist

Meet Dr. Howard

Dr. Howard has been in dentistry for over 37 years now, and in 1999, he received Accreditation Status from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry – making him one of only 490 dentists in the world to ever do so! His experience and education have allowed him to achieve mastery in his field by developing his outstanding skills and committing himself to providing clinical excellence in all of his services – from cosmetic dentistry to sleep apnea treatment . His passion for creating brilliant smiles is well-known throughout Rancho Bernardo.

Meet Dr. Howard
Rancho Bernardo dentist Doctor Nelson Y Howard smiling
Nelson Y., Howard, D.D.S., A.A.A.C.D.

Your Home for Comprehensive Dentistry

Reviews from Our Dental Patients

Changing Lives with Quality Dentistry

“Dr. Howard is awesome! My husband and I have been going to him for over 5 years now! He does fantastic work and is meticulous. Not only that, but he makes your experience as smooth and pain-free as possible! He and his staff are kind and caring and they follow up to make sure that you are satisfied. I would highly recommend him to anyone.”

Lisa B.

“Wonderful experience! Dr. Howard is a great dentist and I always feel comfortable in his chair. He is always happy to answer any questions you may have. Also, if you're ever nervous about shots, here you don't have to be. I have a huge fear of needles, but with Dr. Howard's great technique, I didn't feel a thing! Highly recommend! ”

Mary K.

“Dr. Howard Nelson has been my family dentist for over 10 years and we are very happy to have had him to take care of all of our dental concerns. You couldn't meet a nicer person who is very sensitive and tuned-in to patient needs and goes above and beyond the call of duty.”

Irene M.

 

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Full Menu of Cosmetic Dentistry and Dental Implant Services

Creating
Your Dream
Smile

As time goes on, your teeth may grow weaker and lose their luster. If you want to keep your smile beautiful and strong, you’ll need a dentist who can address all kinds of complex dental situations, including those where you have lost a significant amount of natural dental structure. Do you need dental implants to replace missing teeth, or are you simply looking to enhance the teeth you still have? Dr. Howard and the rest of our dental team in your area are here to take care of all of your needs.

Explore Our Cosmetic Dentistry Services Learn More About Dental Implants
Rancho Bernardo dental patient Corey smiling Corey, Actual Patient

Sedation Dentistry

Overcoming Your
Dental Fear

Over three-quarters of Americans are afraid of the dentist to some degree. Some only feel a little anxiety while others suffer from serious phobias that could discourage them from making much-needed appointments. We can use sedation dentistry to help you stay calm and relaxed during any kind of procedure, so you can put your worries behind you while we take care of your dental concerns and fears.

Learn More About Sedation Dentistry
Rancho Bernardo dental patient Nancy smiling Nancy, Actual Patient

Making Dentistry Affordable

Dental Insurance
& Financing Options

We accept a number of dental insurance plans and are currently in-network with several major PPOs, including Delta Dental Premier. Alternatively, we can offer monthly financing options that break the cost of your care up into monthly installments with little to no interest. So, whether you need preventive dentistry or emergency dentistry , we can help make the cost of dental care more affordable!

Explore Your Financial Options

We Love Educating Our Patients

Whatever your curiosities may be, we have expert answers at our San Diego practice. Read below to see if we’ve covered your question. If not, give us a call or schedule a consultation.

How can I book an appointment online with a dentist?

Booking online with our San Diego dental office is quick and convenient. Just find and click the green rectangular button at the top right corner of our website labeled “Request an Appointment.” From there, scroll down and fill out the short form with your name, contact details, and reason for visiting. You can even choose a time that works best for your schedule.

Once submitted, our friendly team will confirm your appointment by email or phone. If you’d prefer, you’re always welcome to call us directly during business hours to schedule the old-fashioned way. We’ll be happy to talk to you and get an appointment set up.

What is the best way to find a dentist who does dental implants?

When searching for a qualified dentist for dental implants, training and experience matter. Dr. Nelson Y. Howard has over 37 years of experience and is the first dentist in North San Diego County to become an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry—an achievement held by fewer than 500 dentists worldwide.

At our practice, everything is done in-house, from implant dentures to mini dental implants, along with advanced procedures like sinus lifts and bone grafting. If you’re considering dental implants or dentures in San Diego, you’ll find both expertise and convenience with our team. 

What do you do if you can't afford a dentist?

If cost is a concern, the best first line of defense is prevention. This means taking the time to ensure you’re regularly brushing, flossing, and visiting us for dental checkups to help avoid expensive treatments down the road.

At our San Diego office, we also strive to make care affordable. We accept most dental insurance plans and are happy to file claims on your behalf. For patients without insurance, we offer flexible payment options, including cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards.

We also accept CareCredit financing, so no matter what your budget is, Dr. Howard and our team can help you find a solution that works for your financial situation.

What level of education is required to be a dentist?

Dentists must complete a four-year undergraduate degree followed by a four-year dental doctorate program. Many, like Dr. Howard, also pursue residencies and additional continuing education to refine their skills.

Dr. Howard earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1986 and completed a General Practice Residency at the V.A. Medical Center in West Los Angeles.

Over his career, he’s completed thousands of hours of advanced training, served in multiple leadership roles within the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and continues to improve his skills to provide leading-edge care for each and every patient.

Finding Our Nearby Dental Offices

Dr. Howard and the rest of our dedicated dental team in your area are proud to serve you at our Rancho Bernardo dental office as well as our San Marcos office. That way, we can welcome patients from all over the area, including patients looking for a dentist near Mira Mesa or a dental office near Poway! If you’d like detailed instructions on how to find us, you can click on the map below or give us a call.

American Academy of Implant Dentistry logo American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Accredited Member logo Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation Educated logo West Coast Society for Cosmetic Dentistry President and Founder logo San Dieguito Dental Health Society Past President logo North County Dentists Disability Service President and Founder logo
Have Questions? Get Answers.