Welcome to Oildale
Oildale has always been a hardworking, close-knit community, and its families deserve dental care that feels just as dependable. If you are searching for a family dentist near Oildale, CA, Santa Rita Dental is ready to welcome you. Led by Dr. Tisa Siadatie, our team provides gentle preventive care, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency dental services, along with dental implants, Invisalign clear aligners, and tooth extractions. Patients of every age can count on clear explanations, honest recommendations, and a relaxed, happy environment.
Getting to our office is easy. From Oildale, head south on Highway 99 and take the Stockdale Highway exit. Drive west a short distance and you will find us at 3873 Stockdale Highway. Most Oildale residents can reach us in about 15 to 20 minutes, and our evening and Saturday appointments make it simple to fit a visit around work, school, and family schedules.
A Brief History of Oildale
Oildale’s story begins with the Kern River itself. A massive flood in 1868 left behind hundreds of acres of rich soil on the north bank, across the river from Bakersfield. For decades, the land saw little more than farming and grazing. That changed in 1899, when members of the Elwood family dug a well by hand near the river bluffs and struck oil at just 70 feet.
The discovery launched the Kern River Oil Field, which grew into one of the largest oil fields in the United States. Land that had sold for about two dollars an acre suddenly fetched two thousand dollars or more. Workers poured into the area, and a town took shape to house them. For several years, residents used both “Waits” and “Oildale” as the community’s name before Oildale finally stuck.
As the oil industry matured, small company settlements such as Oil Center and Oil City were gradually moved off the oil leases and into Oildale, and many of those original field houses still stand on local streets today. Flooding remained a challenge until Kern County built higher levees in 1929. The town’s post office closed in 1954, giving Oildale a Bakersfield mailing address, though it remains its own unincorporated community.
Oildale also holds a special place in American music. Country legend Merle Haggard was raised there in a converted railroad boxcar his parents bought in 1935. His songs helped define the Bakersfield Sound, and in 2015, the family’s boxcar home was moved to the Kern County Museum, where visitors can see it today. Meanwhile, the oil field kept producing, revitalized in the 1960s by steam injection methods that keep it active more than a century after that first hand-dug well.
Living and Working in Oildale
Life in Oildale offers small-town character with big-city convenience. The community sits just north of downtown Bakersfield, so residents enjoy quick access to shopping, dining, and healthcare while still coming home to quiet neighborhoods. The oil and energy industry continues to provide steady employment, alongside jobs in agriculture, logistics, and services throughout Kern County.
Families appreciate local schools, affordable housing, and easy access to the Kern River for biking, walking, and picnics. With Bakersfield College and other educational opportunities a short drive away, Oildale is a practical, welcoming place to put down roots and raise a family.
The Must-Sees of Oildale
Discover memorable attractions within a short drive of Oildale:
- Kern County Museum: Just across the river, this museum features Merle Haggard’s boxcar home, a Pioneer Village, and exhibits on the region’s oil and music history.
- Kern River Parkway: This scenic trail system follows the river for miles and is perfect for walking, running, and cycling.
- Hart Park: A favorite family destination northeast of Oildale, with shady picnic areas, lakes, and riverside trails.
- Panorama Park and The Bluffs: A wide walking path along the bluffs offers sweeping views of the Kern River Oil Field and valley below.
- California Living Museum: This zoo and botanical garden showcases native California animals and plants in a relaxed, kid-friendly setting.
- Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace: Enjoy dinner and live country music at this legendary venue celebrating the Bakersfield Sound.
Comprehensive Care for Oildale Families
At Santa Rita Dental, we believe great dental care starts with trust. Our team takes time to listen, answer questions, and create treatment plans that fit your goals and budget. We work with many major insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, MetLife, and United Healthcare, and we offer flexible payment options such as CareCredit and in-house financing. Whether your child needs sealants, you want a brighter smile, or you have a sudden toothache, we are here to help.
Schedule Your Visit With a Trusted Family Dentist Today
Oildale families have relied on hard work and community for more than a century, and you deserve a dental team that shares those values. As your family dentist near Oildale, CA, Santa Rita Dental is committed to keeping every smile healthy, comfortable, and confident. Call us at (661) 412-7747 to book your appointment, ask about your insurance benefits, or learn more about our services. We look forward to meeting you and your family soon.