At The Spot for Smiles, we are not only focused on providing the best pediatric care for children and getting them excited about their oral health, but also building trusting relationships with them that encourage a positive association with dentist visits. We are committed to providing the best overall experience for both our little patients and their parents, from your initial phone call to the moment you leave our offices. We can’t wait to meet you and your kiddos!
Dr. Lilly was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at University of California, Davis. She went on to attend University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco where she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Following dental school, Dr. Lilly served as an active-duty general dentist and Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy for several years. She traveled throughout the country—starting her military training in Newport, Rhode Island and then was stationed in both Chicago, Illinois and Washington state. She provided dental care to recruits, sailors, and veteran families. She also had the unique opportunity to work in a pediatric-centered office and mobile dental clinic in Seattle, where she ultimately discovered her passion for pediatric dentistry!
Dr. Lilly is excited to come full circle to California and join The Spot for Smiles to provide the highest quality care to the children in her community and treat them as if they were her own family. The Navy has taught her that teamwork and building a sense of camaraderie can leave a tremendous positive impact early on. She strongly believes in creating a positive environment and utilizing a team approach to dental health by educating her patients on oral conditions and integrating early prevention techniques. Outside of the practice, Dr. Lilly enjoys running, hiking, and exploring all things outdoors. She recently added a new member to her family, a mini Australian Shepherd named Coconut!
Dr. Brett Martin was born and raised in Folsom, California. He graduated with a B.S. in biological sciences, with an emphasis in molecular and cellular biology from UC Davis. He then completed his dental studies at UCLA, where he received his D.D.S. degree. During his time at UCLA, he was one of the founding members of the national Student Professional and Ethics Association (SPEA), which is responsible for promoting high ethical standards in the field of dentistry. While volunteering at Give Kids a Smile and an underserved pediatric dental clinic, Dr. Martin found his passion for pediatric dentistry.
Dr. Martin completed his pediatric specialty training at UCSF, where he also received a M.S. degree in oral and craniofacial biology. Outside the dental office, Dr. Martin enjoys spending time with his family and friends, hiking, and golfing. Dr. Martin is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (Board Certified) and is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Norma Cortez was introduced to the field of dentistry as a young student who worked part time in her father’s dental lab. Her long-time passion for dentistry along with her love of children led her to find her place in pediatric dentistry for several years now. Dr. Cortez (aka “Dr. Norma” as all the kids and parents call her) received her undergraduate and DDS degrees from the Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador.
After running two successful practices in El Salvador, she moved to Los Angeles where she practiced in pediatrics for 10 years. In addition to being fluent in English and Spanish, she received commendations from her peers. The opportunity to move to Northern California came in 2019 where she’s been practicing ever since. Dr Cortez is an affiliated member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the California Dental Society and Sacramento District Dental Society.
During her free time, Dr. Norma enjoys hiking, traveling and visiting museums as she is always curious to learn more, just like her young patients!
Dr. Ian Marion has long been dedicated to his advocacy and craft of creating a positive dental experience for children while also instilling healthy habits that they can take into adulthood.
Dr. Ian received his undergraduate degree at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, followed by his DDS at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco. He then went on to complete a general practice residency at St. Barnabas hospital in New York City, and a Pediatric Dentistry residency at the University of Washington in Seattle. Additionally, Dr. Ian received a Master of Science in Dentistry while at the University of Washington.
After completing his residency, Dr. Ian accepted a position as a faculty member at the University of Illinois Chicago where he helped teach the next generation of dentists how to expertly care for children, while also working with local communities to perform dental outreach providing free screenings and treatment to at-risk communities. Despite having traveled across the US, Dr. Ian was born and raised in California and is excited to be back home taking care of the children in his community.
Dr. Ian is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and recipient of their Master Clinician Scholarship. He has advanced training in pediatric dentistry including laser treatments, esthetic crowns, and minimally invasive dentistry.
In his free time, Dr. Ian enjoys hiking, watching Marvel movies, visiting zoos and aquariums, and watching California sports teams.
Dr. Estella Kim is providing dental anesthesia services throughout the Sacramento Valley area. With an outstanding record in academics, she is also a member of American Dental Association, California Dental Association, Sacramento District Dental Society, California Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists, American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists, American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, and International Anesthesia Research Society.
Dr. Estella Kim is a graduate of Loma Linda University. Dental Anesthesiology program, a two-year post-doctorate residency. Her anesthesiology training included rotations through cardiology, internal medicine, and hospital-based medical anesthesiology at Riverside County Regional Medical Center and Loma Linda University Medical Center. The remainder of her training consisted of providing anesthesia for pediatric and special needs patients at the Special Care Dentistry Clinic at the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry.
Dr. Seiden is a native of Chicago, Illinois, went to college at Brown University, and returned to the University of Chicago for medical school and general pediatrics internship. He performed his anesthesia residency at Stanford University, followed by pediatric anesthesia fellowship at Northwestern University/Childrehen’s Memorial Hospital. Dr. Seiden has worked in the Sacramento area as a pediatric anesthesiologist at Sutter Memorial, Sacramento, and Kaiser, and was a faculty member for five years at Lurie Children’s Hospital where he was the associate chief medical informatics officer. At Lurie, Dr. Seiden, advocated for patient safety, and conducted research on reducing anxiety and pain in pediatric patients.
One of Dr. Seiden's greatest goals is to try and make anesthesia as stress free for children and families as possible. Every technique is tailored to the unique needs of each child and family, using a variety of techniques such as tablet (iPad) distraction, magic tricks, and medications as needed. In a highly acclaimed study, Dr. Seiden demonstrated the anxiety-reducing benefit of tablet-based distraction for children during the start of anesthesia. In his free time, Dr. Seiden enjoys spending time with his son and family, photography, camping, and woodworking.
For dental procedures, Dr. Seiden provides general anesthesia, where a mask (inhalation) at the start of anesthesia can usually avoid the need for any shots or needles until after the child is asleep. Typically, breathing tubes are placed in the nose or in the mouth. For more information about these techniques and other frequently asked questions, you can visit Dr. Seiden's website, https://www.mobiledreams.net/faq
Dr. Ian and our team are excited to get to know you and your kiddo! Based on your child’s age, we will gently assess their smile and oral development, conduct a thorough cleaning, provide helpful tips for a healthy smile, and answer any questions you may have regarding your child’s dental care. For our new patients, we offer an $89 special which includes a gentle cleaning, an exam, and digital x-rays.
When you step into either location at The Spot for Smiles, you’ll be greeted with the cheery brightness of our office space and the friendly faces of our knowledgeable and compassionate team. Both parents and kiddos can relax or have some fun before their appointment begins!