Dr. Sam Russom
Grew up in Southeast San Diego. Trained at UCSF and Children's Hospital LA. Came back to take care of the neighborhood that raised him.
He explains everything. Because understanding isn't just for the grown-ups.
Dr. Samuel Russom — Dr. Sam to his patients — grew up in Southeast San Diego. His parents arrived in the U.S. as refugees; he was the first in his family to graduate from college. He earned his BA in Biology from San Diego State and his DDS from the UCSF School of Dentistry. For his pediatric residency he went to USC, where he trained at Children's Hospital Los Angeles treating medically compromised and developmentally delayed children.
Dr. Sam believes communication is the cornerstone of good pediatric dentistry. He narrates procedures as he goes — not because kids ask (though they do), but because knowing what's coming makes the whole experience less intimidating. He's been inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society and has served patients at the Southern Indian Health Center in Alpine.
He has a light-hearted attitude and genuinely makes patients and parents laugh during visits. His proudest professional moment: a patient who had severe dental anxiety told him he was "the best dentist ever because I never feel anything." He frames that one a little differently than his diploma.
A self-described nerd, Dr. Sam loves science fiction novels, comics, basketball, volleyball, and hiking. He is also very close to his two nieces, which means babysitting ranks as an official hobby. He takes both activities equally seriously.
UCSF. USC. Children's Hospital LA. Now right here in San Diego.
- ✓ American Dental Association
- ✓ California Dental Association
- ✓ San Diego Dental Society
- ✓ Southern Indian Health Center — Volunteer
He narrates every step. Kids stop being scared. Parents stop worrying.
"Dr. Sam talks to my son like he's a real person — explains what he's doing and why. My kid, who used to cry at the dentist, now walks in and says hi to everyone. Total transformation."
"The most communicative, patient dentist we've ever had. Dr. Russom took extra time with my daughter's anxiety and she came out saying she loved it. I was stunned."
"We've been going for 4 years. Dr. Sam is consistent, thorough, and genuinely funny. My kids ask when their next appointment is. That's not normal for kids and dentists. It is here."
New patients welcome. No scary waiting rooms. Promise.
Dr. Sam sees patients across all five Coastal Kids locations. Book online in 60 seconds or give us a call.