San Marcos Cosmetic Dentist
Get to Know
Nelson Y. Howard, D.D.S.
For Dr. Nelson Y. Howard, the best part of being a San Marcos cosmetic dentist is caring for other people in so many transformative ways, including fixing a broken tooth, getting someone out of pain, restoring their confidence, diagnosing a hidden disease, or even helping them overcome a lifelong fear of oral healthcare. No two days are ever the same, and he utilizes his vast clinical knowledge and 37+ years of experience for every procedure, creating rewarding outcomes that can often last a lifetime. If you’d like to learn more about his background, just keep reading below.
Why Did You Want to Become a Dentist?
Dr. Howard decided to become a dentist when he was in the seventh grade and needed to write an essay about what he wanted to be when he grew up. He had just returned from a visit to the orthodontist and was endlessly fascinated by all of the interesting wire sculptures the doctor had in his dental office. He couldn’t think of anything more fun! From that point on, he focused on becoming a dentist too one day – and over 40 years later, he’s never regretted his decision.
Where Did You Study Dentistry?
Dr. Howard graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1986 and then completed a one-year General Practice Residency at the V.A. Medical Center in West Los Angeles in 1987. Today, he is proud to be the first dentist in all of North San Diego County and one of only 490+ dentists in the world to become an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), which is an award earned through exceptional skill, clinical excellence, and a deep commitment to the art and science inherent in cosmetic dentistry. To this day, he remains actively involved in the organization as an Accredited Member of the Board of Directors, an Accreditation Mentor, an Editorial Review Board Member of the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry, and more.
Dr. Howard is also a member of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics, a Founding Member of the West Coast Society for Cosmetic Dentistry and the North County Dentist’s Disability Service. He has received an International College of Dentists Award as well. Over the decades, he’s completed thousands of hours of continuing education and is constantly updating not only himself, but his team as well regarding new techniques, materials, and technologies.
What are Dr. Howard's Interests?
Dr. Howard has two grown daughters and two cats named Patience and Snow. Patience is all black and Snow is all-white and deaf as well. To him, they represent the Yin & Yang in life. As for personal hobbies, he has traveled extensively since dental school and enjoys focusing on places that have significant historical findings like Machu Picchu, Israel, Egypt, and Rome. So far, he’s been to 35 countries and hopes to reach 100 in his lifetime!
Dr. Howard is also an avid collector of Disney memorabilia and vintage movie posters, especially for Errol Flynn, Gary Cooper, and Alfred Hitchcock movies. He enjoys practicing photography, both related to dentistry and his travels. He is a former martial artists and fighter of Shaolin Kenpo Karate – he received his first-degree black belt in that discipline. Today, he still works out regularly and enjoys cycling up and down Coast Highway on the weekends.