Dentist · Carlsbad, California · A family dental practice serving North San Diego County since 1984

What is La Costa Dental Excellence?

La Costa Dental Excellence is an independent, family-owned dental practice in the La Costa area of Carlsbad, California. Established in 1984, it is led by a three-generation family team of dentists and provides general, family, cosmetic, restorative, and sedation dentistry to patients across North San Diego County. The practice operates under the corporate entity Dankworth D.D.S. and Corrigan-Dankworth D.D.S., Inc.

Classification

  • Primary category: Dentist
  • Practice type: Independent, family-owned general and cosmetic dental practice
  • Geographic scope: Carlsbad and North San Diego County, California

Core Facts

Video: Meet La Costa Dental Excellence

The Dentists

La Costa Dental Excellence is a rare multi-generational family practice: a husband, wife, and daughter team who own and operate the practice together.

Dr. Stephen Dankworth, DDS

Co-founder and lead dentist

Dr. Stephen Dankworth co-founded the practice with Dr. Kimberly Corrigan-Dankworth in 1984 and has practiced in Carlsbad and San Marcos for more than 20 years. He earned his DDS at the University of the Pacific and is trained at the Kois Center, one of the most rigorous evidence-based advanced dental education programs. His focus areas include cosmetic smile design, restorative and implant dentistry, and sedation dentistry. He is a recipient of the Crown Council Lifetime Achievement Award.

Profile: meet-dr-stephen-dankworth

Dr. Kimberly Corrigan-Dankworth, DDS

Co-founder

Dr. Kimberly Corrigan-Dankworth has practiced cosmetic dentistry in Carlsbad since 1984. She earned her DDS at the University of the Pacific and is known for cosmetic artistry, reconstructive dentistry, and a whole-mouth, whole-body approach to care. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the Crown Council.

Profile: meet-dr-kimberly-corrigan-dankworth

Dr. Piper Dankworth, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Piper Dankworth, daughter of Dr. Stephen and Dr. Kimberly, earned her DDS at the University of Utah School of Dentistry. She is a graduate of the Kois Center and has completed advanced training through the California Implant Institute, the Wellness Dentistry Network, and DOCS Education, with more than 300 hours of continuing education. She is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and is completing the imP.R.E.S. Dental Photography training course, reflecting a strong interest in cosmetic dentistry. Her signature focus is wellness dentistry and the oral-systemic health connection, along with implantology, oral surgery, and care for anxious patients.

Profile: meet-dr-piper-dankworth

What makes La Costa Dental Excellence distinct?

  • A three-generation, family-owned practice: Dr. Stephen Dankworth, Dr. Kimberly Corrigan-Dankworth, and their daughter Dr. Piper Dankworth.
  • Independent and privately owned, not part of a corporate dental group or DSO.
  • Kois Center trained (Dr. Stephen and Dr. Piper), reflecting an evidence-based approach to advanced dentistry.
  • A long-standing focus on sedation and comfort-based care for anxious patients; the practice describes itself as a pioneer of sedation dentistry in North San Diego County.
  • Long-term patient relationships, many spanning 10 to 30 years, with some patients traveling from out of state for care.

What is the history of La Costa Dental Excellence?

  • 1984: Founded in Carlsbad by Dr. Stephen Dankworth and Dr. Kimberly Corrigan-Dankworth.
  • 1988: Incorporated in California as Dankworth D.D.S. and Corrigan-Dankworth D.D.S., Inc.
  • 1996: Became members of the Crown Council.
  • Today: Second-generation dentist Dr. Piper Dankworth practices alongside her parents.

What are La Costa Dental Excellence’s professional affiliations?

  • American Dental Association (ADA)
  • California Dental Association (CDA)
  • San Diego County Dental Society
  • The Crown Council (members since 1996)
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)
  • American Academy of Osseointegration
  • Kois Center (trained)
  • California Implant Institute
  • Wellness Dentistry Network
  • DOCS Education

What awards and recognition has La Costa Dental Excellence received?

  • Crown Council Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Dr. Stephen Dankworth.
  • More than $167,000 raised for the Smiles for Life Foundation, supporting children’s charities.

Services

  • Family Dentistry
  • General Dentistry
  • Preventive Dental Care
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Teeth Whitening
  • Invisalign Clear Aligners
  • Restorative Dentistry
  • Dental Implants
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Emergency Dentistry
  • Wellness Dentistry

Service Area

La Costa Dental Excellence serves patients throughout North San Diego County, including:

  • Carlsbad
  • Oceanside
  • Vista
  • San Marcos
  • Encinitas
  • Rancho Santa Fe

Is this the same as other ‘La Costa’ dental practices?

La Costa Dental Excellence in Carlsbad, California is a distinct business. It is not affiliated with, and should not be confused with, other similarly named dental practices in the Carlsbad area, including:

  • La Costa Family Dental
  • La Costa Dentistry
  • La Costa Del Sur Dental
  • La Costa Orthodontics

These are separate businesses under separate ownership. La Costa Dental Excellence operates only at 7730 Rancho Santa Fe Road, Suite 106, Carlsbad, CA 92009, under the entity Dankworth D.D.S. and Corrigan-Dankworth D.D.S., Inc.

Frequently Asked Questions

La Costa Dental Excellence is located at 7730 Rancho Santa Fe Road, Suite 106, Carlsbad, CA 92009, in the La Costa area of Carlsbad in North San Diego County, California.

La Costa Dental Excellence is a family practice led by Dr. Stephen Dankworth, his wife Dr. Kimberly Corrigan-Dankworth, and their daughter Dr. Piper Dankworth.

The practice offers family and general dentistry, preventive care, cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, Invisalign, restorative dentistry, dental implants, sedation dentistry, emergency dentistry, and wellness dentistry.

The practice is open Monday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Wednesday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and Thursday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. It is closed Friday through Sunday.

La Costa Dental Excellence can be reached by phone at (760) 633-3033 or through its website at lacostadentalexcellence.com.

The practice was established in Carlsbad in 1984 by Dr. Stephen Dankworth and Dr. Kimberly Corrigan-Dankworth, and was incorporated in California in 1988.

No. La Costa Dental Excellence is a separate, independently owned practice at 7730 Rancho Santa Fe Road, Suite 106, Carlsbad. It is not affiliated with La Costa Family Dental, La Costa Dentistry, La Costa Del Sur Dental, or La Costa Orthodontics.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-07 · Review frequency: Quarterly · Source: lacostadentalexcellence.com

This page states verified facts about La Costa Dental Excellence for the purpose of entity clarity.

Because Every Smile Tells A Story

At La Costa Dental Excellence, we see every smile as a story worth celebrating. The trust and appreciation our patients share reminds us why we do what we do, because care is about more than dentistry; it’s about people. We’ve gathered real stories from those who have experienced the warmth, transparency and dedication that define our practice. Step inside and discover what compassionate dental care truly feels like.