Dr. Nelson Y. Howard graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1986 and completed a one year General Practice Residency at the V.A. Medical Center in West Los Angeles, California, in 1987. He has a private practice limited to Cosmetic, Functional, and Restorative Dentistry at his Center for Advanced Cosmetic Dentistry in San Marcos, California.

Dr. Howard was the first dentist in all of North San Diego County and is one of 200+ dentists in the world to be an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), the largest association of dentists specializing in cosmetic dentistry in the world. This award was earned by Dr. Howard for his clinical excellence, exceptional skill, and deep commitment in the Art and Science of Cosmetic Dentistry.  Dr. Howard is the President and Founder of the West Coast Society for Cosmetic Dentistry, and was a past President of the Southwest Chapter of the AACD.  Dr. Howard was also a past President of the San Dieguito Dental Health Academy (SDDHA), and is the President and Founder of the North County Dentists Disability Service.

Dr. Howard is also a member of both the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation because of his commitments to excellence in both Implant Dentistry and Oral Conscious Sedation. Dr. Howard also mentors other doctors who are beginning to utilize Oral Conscious Sedation in their practices. Dr. Howard and his highly-trained team of assistants have placed numerous dental implants in those people who are missing teeth and desire a more permanent, non-removeable solution to their aesthetic and functional needs.

Dr. Howard has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education courses and is constantly updating himself and his staff in advanced cosmetic materials, procedures, and techniques.  In addition, Dr. Howard incorporates a dental laser in his fee-for-service practice and has published numerous articles on various topics within the area of Cosmetic Dentistry. He has lectured nationally to other dentists and dental organizations, and been a guest speaker at several major dental meetings focusing on advanced techniques in Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry and Successful Marketing of a Fee-for-Service Practice.