About
Welcome to New Smile Dental
Calm, comfortable, and genuine care
New Smile Dental has been serving the Clairemont community since 1985, built on the belief that dental care should feel as peaceful as it is effective. Dr. An Nguyen brings a mindful, patient-centered approach to every visit, combining over 30 years of experience with modern techniques and a genuine commitment to making patients feel heard, comfortable, and confident in their care. From your very first appointment, you'll notice the difference: a serene environment, a warm and collaborative team, and a practice that takes the time to truly listen.
Meet the dentist behind New Smile Dental
Dr. An Nguyen
Dr. An Nguyen has dedicated more than 30 years to the art and science of dentistry, graduating in 1996 from the University of Southern California and building a career rooted in clinical excellence, patient-centered care, and a deep commitment to the communities she serves. She has been part of New Smile Dental for 26 years, and in that time, she has become a trusted constant for patients across Clairemont, Bay Ho, Bay Park, North Park, and beyond. Many of those patients have been coming to see her for over two decades.
Dr. An's approach to dentistry is inspired by principles of mindfulness, balance, and compassion. She believes that a calm, peaceful environment is an essential part of healing, and patients consistently notice it: in the tranquility of the office, in the gentleness of her touch, and in the way she takes time to truly listen before she ever begins an exam. Every treatment plan is designed with intention and clarity, so patients feel informed, supported, and comfortable every step of the way.
Beyond her private practice, Dr. An shares her expertise as a faculty member at UC San Diego, helping shape the next generation of dental professionals. And each year, she travels to Vietnam to volunteer her time and skills, providing dental care to communities with limited access to treatment. It is this same spirit of generosity and service that she brings to every patient who walks through the doors of New Smile Dental.
When she is not caring for patients, Dr. An practices meditation, spends quality time with her two boys, and finds joy in reading. These habits keep her grounded, curious, and present both in and out of the operatory.
The people who make every visit feel like coming home
Meet the team
From the moment you walk through the door, you will feel the difference a truly positive team makes. Every member of the New Smile Dental team genuinely enjoys what they do, supports one another, and treats every patient with kindness and respect. There is no negative energy here, just a warm, collaborative group of people who are committed to making your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Here's what you can look forward to
Your first visit: straightforward, stress-free, and all about you
At New Smile Dental, your first visit is about more than checking teeth. It is about understanding the full picture of your oral health and what matters most to you. We make it easy to get started, with same-day appointments available within 24 to 48 hours in most cases and digital paperwork sent straight to your phone so you can complete everything before you even arrive.
From the moment you reach out, our goal is to make dental care feel simple, convenient, and genuinely welcoming.
Patient Experience
We begin every new patient visit by listening. Your concerns, your goals, and your past dental experiences all matter to us, and we take the time to understand them before we begin.
From there, Dr. An performs a comprehensive evaluation that may include digital X-rays, an oral exam, a gum health assessment, and a professional cleaning when appropriate. After the exam, she walks you through her findings in a clear, easy-to-understand way, discusses your options, and answers every question you have.
Our team then provides a detailed breakdown of costs and insurance benefits, so you can make confident, informed decisions about your care. Whether you want to start treatment the same day or take time to review your plan at checkout, over the phone, or by email, there is no pressure here, only clarity and support.
What to Bring
To help us make your first visit as smooth as possible, please bring the following:
Modern technology and comforting touches
The tools we use and the environment we create work together to give you a better experience and a better outcome. From advanced in-office technology that saves you time to the small, thoughtful details that make the office feel like a calm retreat, every element of your visit is designed with your comfort and care in mind.
Fresh flowers throughout the office
Dr. An fills the office with fresh flowers as a signature touch that patients notice and remember. The natural beauty and subtle fragrance bring a sense of calm and positive energy to the space, making every visit feel a little more uplifting and a little less clinical. It is a small detail that says a lot about how much care goes into every aspect of your experience here.
Digital X-rays
New Smile Dental uses digital X-rays to capture detailed, high-quality images of your teeth and supporting structures with significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays. Images are available instantly, allowing Dr. An to review findings with you in real time and explain exactly what she sees in a clear, easy-to-understand way.
CEREC same-day crowns
With CEREC technology, New Smile Dental can design, mill, and place a custom crown in a single appointment. There is no temporary crown, no second visit, and no waiting weeks for a lab. The result is a precise, natural-looking restoration that fits beautifully and gets you back to your life faster, all without sacrificing quality.
Fotona laser
The Fotona laser allows Dr. An to offer a range of advanced, minimally invasive treatments with greater precision and comfort than traditional methods. In addition to laser teeth whitening, the Fotona laser is used for NightLase, a non-surgical treatment that tightens tissue in the soft palate and throat to reduce snoring and address mild sleep apnea, and Naselase, a non-invasive treatment designed to strengthen and support the nostrils for improved airflow. These options mean more effective care with less discomfort and faster recovery.
Giving back to the communities that mean the most
Care that goes beyond the office walls
Each year, Dr. An Nguyen travels to Vietnam to volunteer her time and expertise, providing dental care to communities with limited access to treatment. During these trips, she addresses pain, restores function, and brings relief to patients who might otherwise go without care. This commitment to service is not separate from who Dr. An is as a dentist. It is a direct reflection of the same compassion, skill, and generosity she brings to every patient at New Smile Dental. When you choose this practice, you are choosing a dentist who believes that quality care is something everyone deserves.
