Finding your favorite beach is the easy part of moving to Encinitas. Finding a dentist who makes you feel as comfortable as the one you trusted for years? That can take a little longer.
Dr. Claudia Cortadi wants to make that introduction easier. At Ablantis Dental, new faces are welcomed with conversation, personal attention and something people might not expect from a dental visit: a good laugh.
The Encinitas dentist and her team are celebrating recognition in this year’s Best of North County, an honor she credits to the patients who have helped make the practice feel like family.
“It means so much because it came from our patients,” Cortadi said. “I’ve been practicing dentistry for more than 25 years, and knowing that our patients took the time to vote for us makes me incredibly grateful.”
For newcomers and longtime neighbors alike, that relationship starts with being heard.
“We take the time to get to know the person, not just their teeth,” she said.
Someone may arrive missing a dentist they loved. Another may be ready to discuss a concern they have quietly worked around for years. Cortadi wants both to feel comfortable asking questions, explaining their priorities and taking time to understand their choices.
Her outgoing personality helps.
Conversations turn to shared interests, family updates and jokes. Sometimes, she said, a patient arrives nervous and is laughing with her within minutes.
“Changing that feeling from anxiety to trust is one of my favorite parts of what I do,” she said.
That welcome is a team effort, and Cortadi wants the people beside her to share in the Best of North County celebration.
Gabriela has worked alongside her for 20 years, helping establish the practice’s family feeling. Selena brings energy and care to the clinical team. Jessica helps patients navigate insurance behind the scenes.
“Every person on our team contributes to making patients feel welcomed and cared for,” Cortadi said.
They remember family stories, vacations and what is happening in patients’ lives. Those conversations help make the next visit feel familiar.
For many patients over 50, the discussion eventually turns to the bigger picture.
After having dental work completed a little at a time over many years, they want to know how everything fits together. Their questions are practical and personal: How can they keep their teeth, eat comfortably, replace missing teeth and enjoy a smile that looks natural?
Ablantis Dental offers preventive cleanings and exams, fillings, same-day porcelain crowns, dental implants and cosmetic dentistry, including whitening and veneers. For patients with several concerns, Cortadi discusses comprehensive treatment plans that address comfort, function and appearance.
She encourages patients to ask about worn, broken or missing teeth instead of assuming those concerns are simply something to accept with age.
The goal might be enjoying a favorite food again or smiling freely in family photographs. After larger restorative or smile treatments, she often hears the same reaction: “Why did I wait so long?”
Getting started begins with a conversation. A consultation gives patients time to explain what bothers them, discuss possible treatments and decide whether the practice feels right.
“There is no pressure,” Cortadi said. “I want patients to understand their choices and feel comfortable before making decisions.”
Ready to find your dental home in Encinitas? Ablantis Dental is welcoming new patients with a $128 special that includes an exam and digital X-rays. It’s an opportunity to get to know Dr. Cortadi and the team behind this year’s recognition.
Call 760-334-0128 or visit AblantisDental.com to ask about the offer and schedule your appointment. The practice is at 351 Santa Fe Drive, Suite 110, in Encinitas.
