Latina-owned · Bilingual (ES/EN)
El Monte Dentist by Dr. Soto
Who we are

Meet Dr. Soto & Our Team

A Latina-owned family dental practice in Downey and El Monte — over 25 years built on honesty, compassion, and a genuine commitment to this community.

Dr. Imelda Soto, DDS — Dentist in Downey and El Monte, CA
Dr. Imelda D. Soto, DDS · Downey & El Monte, CA

Dr. Imelda D. Soto, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery · Bilingual · 25+ Years Experience
🏆 Voted #1 Dentist in Downey Native Spanish speaker Latina-owned practice Family dentistry Los Angeles & Orange County

I have proudly been practicing dentistry for over 25 years, providing dental services in Downey and the surrounding area in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

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.

I take my time to get to know each patient personally. By comprehensively evaluating their needs, oral condition, health and wellness, I am able to properly recommend the best treatment. This includes consideration of saving natural teeth as much as possible, while also offering savings financially.

By also understanding the importance of prevention and routine maintenance, I hope to provide recommendations to empower my patients to take control of their oral hygiene.

I am dedicated to the pursuit of excellence on the treatments I provide. I am also dedicated to my family and spending as much quality time with them as I can. The importance of family is what drives me as a family-based dentist. You will feel that when you walk through our doors.

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Our commitment
to every patient

Gentle Care

We understand dental anxiety. Every patient is treated with patience and compassion — especially those who haven't visited a dentist in a while.

Honest & Ethical

Transparent treatment plans and honest pricing. We recommend only what you truly need, and always explain your options clearly.

Bilingual Team

Our entire team speaks both English and Spanish. Dr. Soto is a native Spanish speaker — every consultation can be fully in español.

Family-Centered

From toddlers to grandparents, we care for the whole family under one roof — creating lasting relationships built on trust.

The people behind
your smile

Our team of experienced dental professionals is pleased to provide comprehensive dental care — ranging from restorative dentistry to periodontal care to beautiful cosmetic treatments. Your health, your comfort, and your smile are our focus.

Rose, Office Manager at Dr. Soto Dentist
Rose
Office Manager
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.

My mother has been a Registered Dental Assistant as long as I can remember. For years she urged me to consider a career in dentistry — now after many years in this field, I can assure you that my decision to listen to my mother was the right call!

I decided to expand my education in business management by attending Cerritos College and Cal State Fullerton. It is extremely important that I work for a dentist that I can stand behind and represent well. This is why I love working with Dr. Soto. She is extremely kind and warm to her patients by providing honest, quality work.

Outside of my life in dentistry, I have managed to raise four great young people! When I get free time, I'm hanging with my kids, volunteering at my church, or having dinner with friends.
Ariana, Dental Assistant at Dr. Soto Dentist
Ariana
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
I joined the team at Dr. Soto the Downey Dentist in 2014 as a dental assistant. Since then I earned my RDA license and plan to ultimately obtain my Extended Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) license.

My personal mission is to make sure each and every patient receives the best dental care that they truly deserve. My favorite part of being in the dental profession is working with patients and helping them gain confidence in their smile.

Making patients feel comfortable and at ease with the services they are receiving is something I am proud of achieving on a daily basis. I find working with Dr. Soto, the staff, and in the environment created at our office makes going to work each day fulfilling and productive.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending family time with my husband and two boys, Jayden and Julian. Being outdoors, hiking, and dining out are my favorite activities.
Louisa, Dental Assistant at Dr. Soto Dentist
Louisa
Dental Assistant
I have been a Dental Assistant since 2018, after graduating from the Downey Adult School Dental Program. While an undergrad, I interned for Dr. Soto The Downey Dentist — and upon graduation I was thrilled to be offered a position on the team.

I enjoy the opportunity I have to work alongside Dr. Soto assisting in daily procedures. I make it a priority to ensure patients feel comfortable and relaxed.

I am working to expand my knowledge in the dental field and obtain my RDA License, then ultimately become a Dental Hygienist.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband and three daughters. I love fishing with my family, cultural activities, and cooking.
Jess, Front Desk at Dr. Soto Dentist
Jess
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.

I am currently working towards a career as a dental specialist, so that one day I can be as great as Dr. Soto! I like to think of myself as an approachable soul who is always happy to help out in any way possible.

In my free time I enjoy going on drives to view nice sights, painting, reading, adding new editions to my Lego collection, and spending time with family and friends.

Meet Our Specialist Team

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.

Dr. Kendrick Park, Orthodontist

Dr. Kendrick Park

Orthodontist
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.

Dr. Craig, Endodontist

Dr. Craig

Endodontist
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.

Dr. Dickinson, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Dr. Dickinson

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
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.

Come meet us in person

Two convenient locations in Downey and El Monte. New patients always welcome.

📞 Downey: (562) 923-7799 📞 El Monte: (626) 415-7775