Learn more about Dr. Jonathan Plascencia, DDS, one of our USC Pediatric Residents for 2025-2026

Where are you from?
I grew up in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico in a low-income neighborhood where access to dental care was limited. Later, my family moved to San Diego, so I could pursue a better education and greater opportunities.

What do you do for fun?
I enjoy exploring new restaurants, spending time with family and friends, and traveling whenever I can. I also appreciate finding simple ways to unwind and recharge with the company of my wife and dog.

What inspired you to go into pediatric dentistry?
My own childhood dental experiences had a major impact on me. Growing up, my family believed, “if it doesn’t hurt, you’re okay,” and routine dental care wasn’t part of our lives. I experienced dental disease early on and saw how limited access, language barriers, and lack of oral health education affected families like mine.

These experiences motivate me to break those barriers for other children by providing culturally competent care, focusing on prevention, and helping families understand oral health in a supportive, relatable way.

What’s a favorite memory you have from working at the Clinic?
One of my favorite memories was treating a very anxious patient who entered the clinic crying due to previously poor dental experiences. During the appointment, I guided him through proper brushing and flossing techniques, used positive reinforcement, incorporated age-appropriate distractions, and used euphemisms to keep him comfortable.

By the end of the visit, he was able to regulate his emotions, walked out smiling, and said, “You’re my favorite dentist.” Seeing that transformation reaffirmed why I chose pediatric dentistry.

If I could have one superpower, it would be…
If I could have one superpower, it would definitely be magic! I’d use it to make dental visits fun, like making my gloves change colors, turning the suction into a tiny dragon, or making stickers appear out of thin air. A little magic would make every appointment way more exciting.

Is there something else you’d like to mention?
As someone who grew up in an under-resourced immigrant community, resilience and empathy guide my work. I’m committed to staying current in pediatric dentistry, advocating for marginalized families, and expanding access to oral healthcare for children. I’m excited to continue learning, growing, and making a meaningful difference.

Click here to learn more about our collaboration with the Post-Graduate Pediatric Dental program at USC’s Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital.