Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz Smiles, Expertly Cared For
Heit Family Dentistry brings skilled, compassionate dental care to the heart of Santa Cruz. From urgent needs to long-term care, our team is here for you.
4.6★ on Google5 reviewsLocal favorite
In network with
Care
Our treatments
Comprehensive care for every member of the family, from routine cleanings to full restorations.
Cleanings & check-ups
Routine exams, cleanings, and digital x-rays.
Fillings
Tooth-colored composite, done in one appointment.
Crowns & bridges
Restoring cracked, worn, or missing teeth.
Root canals
Relieving the pain and saving the tooth.
Extractions
Simple and surgical, including wisdom teeth.
Whitening & cosmetic
Whitening, veneers, and bonding.
4.6★ · 5 reviews
What people say
Insurance & cost
Insurance & payment
Select your plan to see whether we are in network and how billing works.
1Your plan
Pick your plan above and we'll tell you exactly where you stand — no form, no phone call first.
Every treatment plan comes with a written estimate before anything is scheduled, and we offer interest-free payment plans in house.
Your first visit
What to expect
From booking your appointment to leaving with a written treatment plan.
You call or send the form
We call back the same business day. If you are in pain, say so — we hold slots for it.
Paperwork before you arrive
Emailed ahead, so there is no clipboard in the waiting room.
Exam, x-rays, cleaning
About an hour, and we walk you through what we find on the screen.
A written plan
You leave knowing what is urgent, what can wait, and what it costs.
Your team
Who you'll actually see
Dr. Alex Rivera, DDS
General dentist
Practicing since 2009. Known for taking the time to explain things and for going slowly with nervous patients.
Dr. Nina Patel, DMD
General dentist
Restorative and cosmetic work. Trained at UOP, and the person to ask about whitening that actually lasts.
Marisol Ortega, RDH
Dental hygienist
Fifteen years chairside. Gentle with sensitive teeth and unfailingly cheerful at 8am.
Questions
Common questions
Usually not, and we'd rather over-numb than under-numb. Tell us you're nervous and we'll go slower, explain each step, and stop whenever you raise a hand. We also offer nitrous if that helps.
That's most new patients, and nobody here is going to lecture you. We'll look at where things stand, deal with anything urgent, and build a plan you can actually work through.
Say so early and we'll sequence the work so the urgent things happen first. We offer interest-free payment plans in-house and can set up third-party financing for larger treatment.
Yes, from about age three. First visits are short and mostly about getting comfortable in the chair.
Swelling, a knocked-out tooth, a cracked tooth, or pain that's keeping you awake. Call us — we keep same-week slots open and can often see you the same day.
Visit us
Come see us
Send this and we'll call you back the same business day to find a time that works. Nothing is booked until we speak.
- Where
- 903 Cedar St, Santa Cruz, CA · Directions
- Hours
- Monday9am – 5pm
- Tuesday9am – 5pm
- Wednesday9am – 5pm
- Thursday9am – 5pm
- FridayClosed
- SaturdayClosed
- SundayClosed
- Parking & access
- Free parking in the lot behind the building. Ground floor, no steps, and the entrance is wide enough for a wheelchair or stroller.