Encinitas, CA Dentist
Get to Know
Dr. Tyler McElroy
Dr. Tyler McElroy feels incredibly blessed to call Encinitas his hometown. He grew up playing football and baseball at La Costa Canyon High School, and when he wasn’t on the field, you’d probably find him racing dirt bikes with his brothers on the weekends. Dr. McElroy is one of four brothers and has an identical twin! He enjoys hobbies such as golf, mountain biking, dirt biking, snowboarding, fishing, and watching his favorite sports team, the San Diego Padres. When not in the office, he enjoys spending time with his family and their golden retriever, Kali.
Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?
As a teenager, Dr. McElroy was curious about dentistry, so he routinely shadowed his father, Dr. Greg McElroy, at Smiles By Design and later travelled globally to Mexico and the Dominican Republic to provide hands-on dental care to patients with little to no access to care.
Dr. McElroy then went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of San Diego, where he served as the Pre-Dental Club’s Head of Community Service, organizing outreach programs and volunteering events that provided support and education to underserved families throughout San Diego. These early experiences, grounded in leadership and service, helped solidify his calling to pursue dentistry as a lifelong way to combine hands-on care with meaningful impact.
Where Did You Study Dentistry?
Recognized nationally for shaping clinically advanced, patient-focused dentists, Roseman University equipped Dr. McElroy with the advanced skillset and patient-centered mindset that define his modern, results-focused approach to dentistry. Furthermore, he has dedicated himself to becoming one of the most technologically advanced, comprehensively trained clinicians in San Diego. Some of his areas of extensive training include:
- Dental Implants & Bone Grafting – Pursued hands-on surgical training with Dr. Arun Garg, a global authority on bone biology and co-developer of PRP grafting, and Dr. Samuel Lee, founder of the International Academy of Dental Implantology—covering guided and freehand implant placement, immediate implants, full-arch solutions, and PRP-enhanced healing.
- Same-Day CAD/CAM Restorations – Using CEREC technology in a digital workflow to design and deliver final crowns, veneers, and dental restorations in just one visit.
- Root Canal Therapy (Endodontics) – Trained in the WaveOne endodontic system, Dr. McElroy provides high-precision, minimally invasive root canal therapy in-office, thereby reducing the need for specialist referrals or extended treatment timelines whenever clinically appropriate.
- Clear Aligner Therapy – Clinically trained in Invisalign, SureSmile, and other leading aligner systems, Dr. McElroy provides advanced orthodontic treatment tailored to both esthetics and function, correcting misalignment, bite issues, and smile symmetry with precision and efficiency.
- 3D Cone Beam Imaging (CBCT) – For high-resolution diagnostics, surgical planning, and precision implant placement.
- TMJ & Bite Management – This includes custom occlusal splints and therapeutic BOTOX to relieve jaw pain and dysfunction.
Dr. McElroy’s mission is simple: to make Smiles By Design the last dental office his patients ever need. Where expert-level care, modern technology, and same-day solutions come together in one trusted place.
Outside of the Dental Office, What Do You Like to Do?
Dr. McElroy grew up in Encinitas and comes from a family with four boys (including his identical twin). When he’s not at the office, he enjoys watching sports, including baseball (Go Padres!), motocross, supercross, car racing, and MMA. On the weekends, you’ll often find him golfing, fishing, snowboarding, playing softball/baseball, and spending time with his family and friends.
