Today we’d like to introduce you to Linh Tsai.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am Linh Tsai, a pediatric dentist and owner of CarlsbaDDS Pediatric Smiles in Carlsbad, CA. This is my 21st year in practice. I have a Wellness-focused and a whole-child approach to caring for my pediatric patients.
My Ideal Patient
Health-conscious parents who prioritize prevention, and are curious about the mouth-body connection, and want something different from traditional drill and fill dentistry.
What Makes Me Different is that
I treat the child, not just the tooth. My philosophy is conservative, not passive — prevention first, decisive when treatment is needed, never passive watching. I delay sedation, especially in young children. I meet each family where they are; no one-size-fits-all.
My Clinical Approach is that Cavities are a disease process, not just holes. I start with prevention tools (SDF, Curodont, Sealants, Povi One), then Minimally Invasive Dentistry if needed. The goal is to give kids time to grow into accepting dental care without trauma or sedation.
As for what Insurance our office works with; we are an (out of network)
OON PPO hybrid. In-network with Delta Dental Premier only. We help families file all other claims.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We love our North SD county Families! They have been super supportive of CarlsbaDDS Pediatric Smiles since 5/22/2008 when we opened our doors. Covid was hard for us, as it was for everyone. But we recovered with the support of our community.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about CarlsbaDDS Pediatric Smiles?
My Practice Belief
I’m Linh Tsai, a practice owner, I practice wellness pediatric dentistry at CarlsbaDDS Pediatric Smiles in Carlsbad, CA. I’ve been in practice since 2005.
My ideal patient: are smart new moms and dads that prioritize their child’s oral health. They value prevention and understands Minimally Invasive Dentistry is different from traditional dentistry. These parents are curious about how the mouth is connected to their body and the whole child wellness can be achieved when there is a balance.
Practice Type: Wellness-Whole Child centric-We practice Minimally Invasive Dentistry with emphasis on Prevention First.
Team Size: 10 employees; 4 Registered Dental Hygienists, 4 Registered Dental Assistants, 2 Administrative Assistants, and 2 Part Time Pediatric Dental Specialist Associates.
Insurance: We are an OON PPO Practice with a Hybrid model. Our office is only in Network with Delta Dental Premierc, and OON with all other PPO dental insurances. We will help our patients submit their claims.
What Makes Me Different from every other dentist in my city:
My practice philosophy is conservative not passivity. I emphasize prevention first, but still decisive when treatment is needed. I educate my parents without shaming. I see the child, not just the tooth. I lead with modern, thoughtful, and education that align with wellness. I try to connect oral health with whole body health, cavities are a diseased process. I work on delaying sedation in younger children. There is an emphasis on Prevention. I also cater to our different family’s values and approaching Pediatric Dentistry NOT as a one size fits all.
My Clinical Philosophy: I believe that the mouth and body are connected. I believe that cavities are a diseased process. I believe that pediatric dentistry is a transitory therapy. We need to rid of infection first and foremost, and then, we need to cultivate the patient to accept dentistry and not traumatize them. The treatment is better if we can prevent the decay process to progress so that the child has time to grow and be able to receive dental care without sedation. Prevention Dentistry (Sealants, SDF, Curodont, Povi One), then if that is not enough, then minimally Invasive Dentistry is the next best thing. I do not recommend to passively watch the small cavities. I do not go straight to sedation dentistry especially for the young patients. I communicate with parents through kindness but directness on clear expectations. I respect their inputs and values.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I love my work! I get to play all day and be surrounded by amazing team members that share my passion. Thank you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://CarlsbaDDSpediatricsmiles.com
- Instagram: drlinhtsai
