Meet Stephen Dent, M.D.
ENT Specialist & Otolaryngologist

Dr. Stephen Dent is a board-certified Otolaryngologist (ENT Specialist) who has been proudly serving the coastal North County community since 2009. His approach to patient care blends clinical precision, advanced medical knowledge, and genuine compassion — ensuring that every patient receives personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs.
Dr. Dent attended Texas A&M University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Electrical Engineering. He then received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Texas Medical Branch, followed by a General Surgery Internship at the University of California, Davis, and a specialty residency in Otolaryngology at the University of California, San Diego.
After completing his training, Dr. Dent moved to Encinitas, California, where he opened his private otolaryngology practice in 2009. Today, he serves as Division Chief of Otolaryngology at Scripps Memorial Hospital of Encinitas and is credentialed at both the Center for Surgery of Encinitas and Scripps Encinitas Surgery Center.
A long-time resident of San Diego since 2005, Dr. Dent enjoys the friendly atmosphere and coastal lifestyle of North County. Outside of his medical practice, he enjoys beach volleyball, camping, and spending quality time with his family.
Professional Credentials & Memberships
- M.D. – University of Texas Medical Branch
- Board-Certified Otolaryngologist
- Member – American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
- Division Chief of Otolaryngology – Scripps Memorial Hospital of Encinitas
Patients Testimonials
Lisa
Dr. S Dent is an excellent ENT doctor and an outstanding surgeon. He treated and operated on my old problematic, sick right sinus and passages. After it all healed the results were great. No pain, No inflammation! The staff of Dr. Dent’s office was extremely accommodating: questions, appointments, scheduling, and medications. One of the best staff support teams I have ever experienced. The scheduling office also was great in advising my schedule for surgery and documentation. I am giving Dr. Dent and the team 5 stars! Thank you very much
Polly
EXCELLENT support staff, excellent doctor, excellent physicians assistants! From the moment you step in the door you know you’re going to be taken care of properly! Excellent support with making appointments, Short wait time, and expertise that I haven’t experienced in a very long time! So happy to know there’s still a doctor’s office & physician out there who is thorough, who cares, has an entire staff who cares, and does an excellent job! Thank you! Highly recommended by another trusted physician of mine – I am so grateful to know about San Diego Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists!
Paule P.
I love Dr. Dent. He was so patient with me and my nervousness with having an FNA of my Thyroid and put me at such ease and understood my fears and put me at ease through the entire procedure. He is by far the kindest most compassionate ENT I have ever been to see. Because of them, I can now recommend anyone who needs a Thyroid Biopsy to see Dr. Dent, and not to be afraid. Thank you Dr. Dent for the respect given to me in my situation.
Denise W.
I have been a patient of Dr Dent for many years. Very thorough, caring, and professional. The first Dr in years to see that my issues may be an autoimmune issue. I trust I’ll be well taken care of and I truly do recommend that you can trust him too!!!
Mark K.
Dr. Dent has the best bedside manner and best touch of any doctor you could ever find. He has a true healing hand! The staff is exceptional!

