Twenty-five years. One doctor. Every visit.
Veinticinco años. Una doctora. Cada cita.
I have proudly been practicing dentistry for over 25 years, providing dental services in Downey and the surrounding area in Los Angeles County. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction that many of my patients have been with me for many years — and many drive long distances to come to my office here in Downey.
I am focused on being gentle, compassionate, and understanding of each and every one of my patients' dental concerns. I am dedicated to making their experience as pleasant and rewarding as possible.
"Care should feel like you're being looked after — not processed."
I take my time to get to know each patient personally. By comprehensively evaluating their needs, oral condition, and overall health, I'm able to recommend the right treatment — including consideration of saving natural teeth wherever possible.
By also understanding the importance of prevention and routine maintenance, I hope to empower my patients to take control of their own oral hygiene.
I am dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in the treatments I provide. I am also dedicated to my family, and to spending as much quality time with them as I can. The importance of family is what drives me as a family-based dentist. You'll feel that when you walk through our doors.
— Dra. Imelda Soto, DDS
A board-certified, female-owned, bilingual practice in a category that doesn't usually feel any of those things. Here is what makes the chair different.
Dr. Imelda Soto holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and maintains active membership in the California Dental Association. Every procedure meets the highest clinical standards — no shortcuts, ever.
Since the late 1990s, Dr. Soto has treated tens of thousands of patients across Downey and Los Angeles County. That depth of experience means faster diagnoses, fewer surprises, and treatment plans you can trust.
Our office follows OSHA and CDC sterilization and infection-control guidelines to the letter. Instruments are sterilized between every patient. You'll always see clean, gloved hands and a fresh setup — every single time.
Unlike corporate chains that assign whoever is available, Dr. Soto personally sees her patients. As one of the few female dentists in Downey, she brings a perspective of warmth and attentiveness that many patients — especially women and families — find immediately reassuring. The dentist who starts your treatment is the one who finishes it.
Dr. Soto has served Downey for over two decades. She is not a franchise — she's your neighbor. Trusted #1 by the people who actually live here, not by a corporate marketing team.
Dr. Soto is a native Spanish speaker and deeply understands the cultural values and health priorities of the Latino community. Every consultation can be conducted fully in English or Spanish — because your health is too important to get lost in translation. Sin apuro.
We understand dental anxiety. Every patient is treated with patience and compassion — especially those who haven't visited a dentist in a while.
Transparent treatment plans, recommended only when truly needed, always explained in the language you actually think in.
Our entire team speaks English and Spanish. Every consultation can be fully in español — no translator, no friction, no apuro.
From toddlers to grandparents, we care for the whole family under one roof — building relationships that last decades.
Experienced dental professionals supporting Dr. Soto and every patient — your health, your comfort, and your smile are our focus.
Front office
My name is Rose and I'm office manager here at Dr. Soto the Downey Dentist. I have been in the dental field since 2004 and my passion for dentistry grows more and more each day.
Front desk
Hello! My name is Jessica, but I am known around the office as “Jess.” I am part of the front desk team and my main mission is to help our patients feel welcomed and happy.
In addition to Dr. Soto's comprehensive general dentistry, our practice partners with board-certified specialists to deliver the highest level of care under one roof — no extra appointments at other offices, no separate insurance runs, no chasing referrals.Además de la odontología general integral de la Dra. Soto, nuestro consultorio se asocia con especialistas certificados para ofrecer el más alto nivel de atención bajo un mismo techo.
Visiting specialist
UCLA Orthodontics · NYU College of Dentistry · DDS
Dr. Park received his B.A. in Economics from UC San Diego before earning his D.D.S. from NYU College of Dentistry, where he graduated at the top of his class of 400 students. He completed his orthodontics residency at UCLA, then the #1 program in the country. One of his greatest joys is giving patients a smile that builds self-confidence. Outside the office, Dr. Park enjoys Broadway, reading, and mentoring younger students.
Visiting specialist
USC Graduate · Root Canal Specialist · 20 Years Experience
Dr. Craig is a root canal specialist with nearly 20 years of experience. He studied locally at USC and has been active in various dental organizations for many years, often volunteering his time to community groups. When he's not in the office, Dr. Craig enjoys golfing, hiking, and watching NFL RedZone on Sundays.
Visiting specialist
Board Certified · Columbia University DDS · UCSF MD
Dr. Dickinson is a board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon who performs specialty procedures right here in our office — from bone grafting and implants to wisdom teeth extraction with general anesthesia. A Pomona College graduate with his DDS from Columbia University and MD from UCSF, Dr. Dickinson brings top-tier surgical expertise with the comfort and convenience of a familiar setting. Outside the office, he enjoys surfing, skiing, fishing, and traveling with his wife and four children.
No surprises, no rush. The first visit is a conversation, then a careful exam, then a plan you understand before anything begins. Sin sorpresas. Sin prisa.
We talk first — what brought you in, what hasn't worked before, what makes you anxious. Then we look. Hablamos primero. Después, examinamos.
Comprehensive digital X-rays, a full clinical look, and photos when they help. Everything Dr. Soto sees, you see too, on the screen beside you. Lo que ve la doctora, también lo ves tú.
A written treatment plan, explained in English or Spanish, with priorities, options, and timing. Nothing begins until you say yes. Nada empieza hasta que tú decidas.
Not processed. Not rushed. The dentist who greets you is the dentist who treats you — and remembers your last visit, your kids, and the tooth you broke at that wedding.
No procesado. Sin prisa. La doctora que te saluda es la doctora que te atiende — y recuerda tu última visita, a tus hijos, y aquella muela que se rompió en una boda.
New patients always welcome. Same-day emergency slots reserved daily.
Nuevos pacientes siempre bienvenidos. Citas de emergencia el mismo día.
