About Ryan Watkins, DDS
Dreamtime Dentistry is a dental practice in Vista, California, providing general, cosmetic, and restorative care with emphasis on same-day crown technology, advanced imaging, and patient comfort. The practice was founded in 2011 by Dr. Ryan Watkins, a dentist anesthesiologist, and relocated to a newly remodeled Vista office in 2021.
The practice initially opened in Carlsbad with a focus on sedation dentistry for children and underserved populations. Dr. Watkins accepted Medi-Cal and developed referral relationships with San Diego County community clinics and the San Diego Regional Center. In 2012, services expanded to include general dentistry. The 2021 relocation to Vista marked a shift toward general, cosmetic, and family dentistry for fee-for-service and PPO patients.
Dreamtime Dentistry integrates CEREC technology for same-day crowns, CBCT imaging for diagnostics, and intraoral scanning. The practice maintains an in-house lab, allowing crowns to be designed and fabricated during a single patient visit. Dr. Watkins notes that patients often express disbelief when told treatment can be completed the same day, eliminating the need for temporary restorations and follow-up appointments.
The clinical team includes Dr. Kyung Boen, who has over 25 years of experience in dental implants and advanced restorative procedures, and Dr. Joel Altshul, an endodontist specializing in root canal treatments. Dr. Watkins states the goal is to provide comprehensive services in-house rather than requiring patients to visit multiple specialists.
Career Background
Dreamtime Dentistry
Ryan Watkins DDS, Inc.
Dreamtime Dentistry Dental Group
Hapy Bear Surgery Center
Education
Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
Loma Linda University
La Sierra University
Press
Dreamtime Dentistry in Vista, California, has built much of its workflow around same-day crown technology using an in-house CEREC system to design and create crowns during a patient’s visit, eliminating the need for outside labs and second appointments. Dr. Ryan Watkins notes that patients often don’t believe treatment can be completed in one visit until they leave with a permanent crown and no temporary.
Dr. Ryan Watkins launched Dreamtime Dentistry in Carlsbad, California in 2011, initially focusing on patients who were often overlooked, including children and patients with special needs requiring sedation in outpatient settings. A major turning point came in 2021 when the practice relocated to a newly remodeled office in Vista, designed to support comfort, efficiency, and modern tools including advanced imaging systems and in-house crown technology.
Dreamtime Dentistry, led by Dr. Ryan Watkins in Vista, California, is advocating for patient-centered, technology-driven dentistry. Originally established in 2011, the practice has evolved into a comprehensive dental provider offering general, cosmetic, and restorative services, now operating out of a state-of-the-art office integrating advanced technologies including CBCT imaging, intraoral scanning, and same-day CEREC crowns.
Dreamtime Dentistry in Vista, California addresses common dental myths and misconceptions that may mislead patients about proper oral care and treatment options, emphasizing evidence-based dentistry and patient education.
Dr. Ryan Watkins opened Dreamtime Dentistry in 2011 in Carlsbad, California, focusing on patients who struggled to access care, including children from low-income families and those with special needs. By 2021, he relocated the practice to Vista with a fully remodeled office designed around advanced imaging, scanners, and an in-house lab for same-day crowns, signaling a clear shift toward general and cosmetic dentistry.
Dreamtime Dentistry in Vista, California has built much of its workflow around advanced imaging systems, including CBCT scans and intraoral scanning, using them daily to improve diagnosis and reduce uncertainty during treatment. Dr. Ryan Watkins explains that advanced imaging allows the practice to see more, measure more, and plan with far greater accuracy before treatment begins.
Dreamtime Dentistry has strengthened its clinical team to expand in-house services, bringing together experienced specialists including Dr. Kyung Boen (25+ years experience in dental implants, same-day crowns, and restorative care) and Dr. Joel Altshul (endodontist specializing in advanced root canal treatments). Dr. Ryan Watkins notes the goal is to provide comprehensive services without requiring multiple referrals, simplifying the treatment process for patients.
Licenses & Certifications
- Dentist, Dental Board of California, Issued Jan 2004, Expires Mar 2027
- General Anesthesia Permit (Dentist Or Physician), Dental Board Of California, Issued May 2005, Expires Mar 2027
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), American Heart Association
- ACLS, American Heart Association
Boards & Memberships
- American Dental Association

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