Dr. Christina Shih
She attended eight schools from pre-K to high school. She's fluent in adapting to any kid, any background, any level of dental fear.
She learned that tooth decay is entirely preventable. She made it her life's work.
Dr. Christina Shih graduated from UCSF School of Dentistry — one of the top dental programs in the country — with a specific mission: to fight childhood tooth decay through prevention and education. In her public health work she learned that tooth decay is the most common childhood disease in the United States. And entirely preventable. That became her reason.
Growing up in Taiwan, Thailand, and multiple states across the US — attending eight schools from pre-K through high school — gave her a rare adaptability and multicultural perspective that shapes how she connects with patients. She meets kids where they are, explains things in age-appropriate ways, and makes visits feel like something to look forward to. One of her most memorable moments: an anxious 10-year-old who now jokes through his appointments.
She is committed to comprehensive care that goes beyond treating immediate concerns to building lifelong healthy dental habits — starting from the very first visit.
When she's not in the office, Dr. Christina is on a golf course in summer, a snowboard in winter, and exploring San Diego's craft brewery scene with her husband and their dog in between. She manages to make every season equally appealing.
UCSF trained. Prevention obsessed. Adaptable by nature.
- ✓ American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- ✓ California Society of Pediatric Dentistry
- ✓ American Dental Association
Kids learn something every visit. Parents trust her completely.
"Dr. Christina explains everything to my daughter in a way she actually understands and remembers. She comes home and teaches us what she learned. That says everything about Dr. Shih's approach."
"We have been going since my kids were toddlers. Dr. Christina is patient, thorough, and ahead of problems before they happen. Our kids have never had a cavity. She deserves all the credit."
"My son was deeply anxious about the dentist. Dr. Shih worked through it with him over several visits until he was completely comfortable. She never rushed. She never made him feel bad about it. Just got it done."
New patients welcome. No scary waiting rooms. Promise.
Dr. Christina sees patients across all five Coastal Kids locations. Book online in 60 seconds or give us a call.