SAN CLEMENTE & TALEGA, CALIFORNIA

Dentistry for the whole household.

Family, cosmetic, and orthodontic care under one roof, in a quiet office at the edge of Talega.

IN OUR PATIENTS’ OWN WORDS
Google
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5.0.6
4.6
verified by Trustindex
Trustindex verifies that the company has a review score above 4.5, based on reviews collected on Google over the past 12 months, qualifying it to receive the Top Rated Certificate.
THE PRACTICE

Arrive as a patient, stay as a family.

Talega Dental Group brings general, cosmetic, and orthodontic care under one roof, so a cleaning, a crown, and a smile plan are handled by the team that already knows your history. Treatment gets planned before it gets started, explained in plain language, and paced to what you actually want done.

The practice sits at the edge of Talega, a short drive from the coast, and has grown almost entirely by referral from the families who already come here.

01
One dentist, one treatment plan
02
Evening appointments twice a week
03
Same-day emergency care
Dr. Ben talking a patient through the plan
IN THE OPERATORY / SAN CLEMENTE OFFICE
Paperwork handed over at the front desk
RECEPTION
Treatment under way
TREATMENT
The hallway at 1151 Puerta Del Sol
THE ENTRANCE
Posted on Google Google
Frank Firmat profile picture
Frank Firmat
28 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent, kind, and generous. I love these guys.
Posted on Google Google
D profile picture
D
34 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
A+ Dental office! They know what they’re doing. They’re very caring. Not in a hurry. They spend quality time with you. Just Good people. I like Doctor M. He has a gentle touch. I don’t feel scared when I’m there. They go out of their way to explain everything. Laura and the girls upfront spend the time with you, To make sure you understand the treatment options and the payment plans. Thank you 😊
Posted on Google Google
Adrian Sander profile picture
Adrian Sander
79 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
gooood so gooood
Posted on Google Google
Captain Trina profile picture
Captain Trina
104 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
+0
Great staff, super helpful in a desperate time where a crown cracked and was cutting into the side of my tongue! Had to extract the tooth little pricey but worked with me, thank you Laura! Great Dentist very gentle and steady hands! That's a scary thing to have a knife in your mouth 😳 one slip ...Yikes! I appreciated them getting me in right away! Highly recommend this Dentist office! 5 ☆ 4Sure!
Posted on Google Google
Nesrin H profile picture
Nesrin H
135 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
If there were 100 stars, I'd put a million stars. The front office and team are amazing. Honest, clean, kind, all around great people to be with. I needed a root canal, and they were the first I seen on Google. Didn't even bother with others. First visit and they will forever be with me. Getting that root canal wasn't as bad as I thought. Im humbled by their kindness Overall I am deeply humbled What an amazing visit I had. God always bless them and guide them.
Posted on Google Google
yannycakes profile picture
yannycakes
135 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
if i could give 10 stars i would! everyone here is so pleasant and kind, smiles all around and the most excellent care i’ve ever received. i would recommend everyone in all of San Clemente to please come here for yourself, your children, even your other family members. do yourself a favor and allow these beautiful people to help take care of your teeth. I love Talega Dental Group 🫶
Posted on Google Google
Ethan Briens profile picture
Ethan Briens
141 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Best dental cleaning experience! Everyone was super kind, on time, and didn’t try to sell you on every product like other dentists do. 10/10 recommend!
Posted on Google Google
jer ha profile picture
jer ha
175 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Came in because I had to go be best man at my brothers wedding and my front tooth was broken at the gumline the day before. They were able to get me in and got me all fixed up. Very kind and they did a good job. I'd recommend them again. Thanks!
Posted on Google Google
Meeya B profile picture
Meeya B
203 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Wonderful
Posted on Google Google
Kursten Kadian profile picture
Kursten Kadian
244 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Lora was so nice and understanding. My teeth feel clean and look clean, absolutely love it here. Thank you so much Lora
THE DENTIST

Meet Dr. Ben Meshkinfam, D.D.S.

Raised in West Los Angeles, Dr. Ben studied at UC Irvine before earning his doctorate at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. A post-doctorate program at LAC + USC Medical Center took him into complex cases — patients in cancer treatment, patients with developmental disabilities — work that still shapes how he plans and explains treatment.

UC IRVINE
PACIFIC, DDS
LAC + USC POST-DOCTORATE
IMPLANTS · ENDODONTICS
Dr. Ben Meshkinfam in a white coat
23+
YEARS IN TALEGA
Family, cosmetic, and orthodontic care under one roof.
Dr. Ben
Family, cosmetic and orthodontic care under one roof, from the dentist who examines you.
TRAINING AND EXPERTISE

Where Dr. Ben trained

The dentist who examines you is the dentist who finishes the work.

University of California, Irvine
UNDERGRADUATE

University of California, Irvine

Undergraduate study in Irvine before dental school.
University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
DOCTOR OF DENTAL SURGERY

University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry

His dental degree, from one of the oldest dental schools in California.
Los Angeles County + USC Healthcare Network
POST-DOCTORATE

Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center

Hospital training with patients from severe cancers to the developmentally disabled.
SERVICES

Everything handled in-house

No shuttling between offices mid-treatment, and no repeating your history to a stranger.

EMERGENCY DENTAL

In pain today? Call and we will get you seen.

Same-day appointments are held open for emergencies. Reach out immediately rather than waiting for it to settle.

01
Severe or persistent tooth pain
02
Chipped or cracked teeth
03
Dental abscess or swelling
NEW PATIENTS

What the first visit looks like

An hour, unhurried: records, a full examination, and a written plan you take home before anything is scheduled.

Reception at 1151 Puerta Del Sol
01

Arrival

A short form, a seat, and a start time that holds. Most first visits run about an hour.
Digital X-rays in the operatory
02

Records

Digital X-rays and photographs, put up on the screen beside the chair and reviewed with you.
Dr. Ben examining a patient
03

Examination

A full examination — teeth, gums, bite, and jaw — with anything found shown to you as it is found.
A hygiene appointment in progress
04

Plan & cleaning

A written plan with priorities, options, and costs, and a cleaning the same day where time allows.
TECHNOLOGY

Equipment you see us use on you

Images go up on the screen beside the chair, so the thing being discussed is the thing you are looking at. Records are kept visit to visit, which is what makes a small change visible early.

01
Digital X-rays

Digital X-rays

A fraction of the radiation of film, on screen within seconds and turned toward you. The image goes up beside the chair, so the tooth being discussed is the one you are looking at. Each set stays in your file, which is what makes a small change visible early.
02
Intraoral photographs

Intraoral photographs

Close-range photographs of each tooth, kept in your file for comparison. They show what is hard to see in a hand mirror, at a size you can actually read. Held against an earlier set, they turn “it looks fine” into something you can check for yourself.
03
Digital scanning

Digital scanning

Crown and aligner impressions taken as a scan, not a tray of putty. The model builds on screen while you sit, so a poor impression does not send you home and back again. The same file is what the lab works from.
04
Sedation options

Sedation options

Discussed at the planning appointment, not sprung on the day. If you would rather be less aware of a longer visit, say so early and it gets built into the plan. What is available, and whether it suits you, is a conversation with Dr. Ben before anything is booked.
MEET OUR TEAM

Care from people you get to know

Front desk, hygiene, and Dr. Ben work from the same records, so nothing has to be explained twice.

Laura

OFFICE MANAGER

May Gahavrehchi

HYGIENIST

Mina Karmoosa

REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT
IN OUR PATIENTS’ OWN WORDS

I found my dentist for life.

“
The entire staff did a wonderful job. I had a full cleaning, xrays, and a bonding put on a chipped front tooth which I’m extremely happy with. I can’t tell at all where the chip used to be, and my teeth feel perfectly clean.
ZOCDOC PATIENT REVIEW
“
My experience with Talega Dental Group was wonderful, from the phone call to my dental treatment. They worked me in the same day and stayed late for me to finish some much needed treatment. Everyone there is exceptional.
GOOGLE PATIENT REVIEW
“
As I’ve gotten older I feel less comfortable overall with dental issues, but I feel Talega Dental Group tries very hard to minimize the patient’s experience. Everyone is pleasant and efficient, and the whole team is professional in every way.
VERIFIED PATIENT REVIEW
FINANCING

Spread treatment over monthly payments

Move the slider to the treatment amount you are planning for and pick a term. The estimate assumes an approved 0% APR plan with the amount split evenly across the term.

Larger work — implants, veneers, a full course of orthodontics — can be spread across monthly payments instead of settled in one visit, with the real terms worked through at your consultation.

TREATMENT AMOUNT $4,000
$500$20,000
TERM
ESTIMATED MONTHLY
$167 24 months at 0% APR
$4,000 total
INSURANCE

Nine HMO and twenty-one PPO plans accepted

Call with your plan details before your first visit and the front desk will check your coverage, confirm what is included, and tell you what the visit will cost.

Delta Dental
Cigna
United Healthcare
Aetna
Guardian
MetLife
Humana
Principal Financial Group
GEHA
Ameritas
Careington
United Concordia

Not listed, or unsure what your plan covers? Call and the front desk will check.

ABOUT US
23+
YEARS IN TALEGA

A neighborhood practice, built one referral at a time

Talega Dental Group has served San Clemente and the surrounding Talega area since 2003, offering family and cosmetic dentistry focused on comfort, quality, and advanced care. The practice sits in the Talega Business Park, a short drive from the coast, and has grown almost entirely by referral from the families who already come here.

A patient checking in at the front desk
A treatment plan discussed chairside
A tooth model used to explain treatment

2003

FOUNDED

Family-owned

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE

Talega Business Park

SAN CLEMENTE, CA
SMILE DESIGN

The millimeter you notice every morning

A smile plan here starts with photographs, models, and a conversation about what you would change if you could change one thing. Shape, length, and shade are agreed before any tooth is touched.

01
Photograph & model — records before any opinion
02
Design & preview — you approve shape and shade first
03
Place & refine — fitted, adjusted, reviewed at follow-up
A patient seeing the result in the hand mirror
Checking the result close up
smile design
WHY TALEGA

Six reasons families stay

Most patients in the chair were sent here by someone already in it.

01

One dentist, one plan

The dentist who examines you finishes the work.
02

Family-owned since 2003

Independent, and rooted in this neighborhood.
03

Same-day emergencies

Call and we will get you seen.
04

Evenings until 7pm, twice a week

Back-to-back appointments for a whole household.
05

Insurance & financing

Nine HMO and twenty-one PPO plans, plus monthly payment plans.
06

By referral

Most patients arrive sent by someone already in the chair.
OUR OFFICE

Our family welcomes your family

Ground-floor suite in the Talega Business Park, with parking at the door.

A patient greeted at the front desk
THE FRONT DESK
A patient in the reception area
A treatment plan talked through before the appointment
Dr. Ben working chairside
A patient fitting a clear aligner
A check-up in progress