Coastal Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics
San Diego

Educational Background
University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
• Graduate Orthodontics Residency Program, Master of Science in Dentistry (July 2022–Sept 2024)
• Doctor of Dental Surgery Program (July 2019–June 2022)

University of the Pacific
• Bachelor of Science in Biology (August 2016–May 2019)

Certifications, Honors, and Recognitions
• ABO Certification
• Invisalign Provider Certification
• Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society
• Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
• Tau Kappa Omega Honor Society

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Why Orthodontics?
Orthodontics clicked for me because I’ve always loved puzzles, and treatment planning feels like building a puzzle that’s different for every patient. I genuinely enjoy working with people who are motivated to improve their smiles and then watching them achieve those goals through months (and sometimes years) of steady, intentional effort. I also love getting to know patients and families over time—orthodontics creates that connection because we see each other every 1–2 months, often over several years, and sometimes for multiple members of the same family.

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Philosophy of Care
My top priority is building trust with both patients and parents—trust that lasts throughout treatment. When families feel heard, involved, and confident in the plan, the overall experience improves and outcomes tend to improve too. I always strive to make sure every patient feels listened to without judgement before leaving my chair, regardless of age.

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Working with Kids and Families
A lot of young patients arrive to an orthodontic consultation feeling nervous or scared, and I love being able to turn that into confidence. Helping kids feel empowered by their smile and their treatment—and seeing how that shift can positively affect the whole family—is deeply fulfilling. Kids also bring energy, curiosity, and honesty into the clinic, and that makes every day feel genuine and never dull.

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A Memorable Experience
During residency, I treated a patient with sleep apnea, breathing issues, and an asymmetric bite due to a lower jaw deviation. She was often sleepy during visits, and I could hear how much she struggled to breathe through her nose while in my chair. After orthodontic expansion, it was clear she felt significantly better—and she understood the difference treatment was making in her daily life. She became incredibly motivated: her brushing improved, she wore elastics consistently to correct her bite, and she never broke a bracket. By the time I graduated, she was on track to finish treatment early with complete resolution of her asymmetric bite—an outcome that felt uncertain at the start. Her case is a constant reminder of what’s possible when patients and doctors are unified in goals and effort.

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Fun Facts and Personal Touch
• Surprising fun fact: I have never had a cavity.
• Free time: lifting weights at the gym, kayaking in La Jolla Cove, oil painting (since I was 12), binging a good TV show, and exploring San Diego (most recently wine tasting in Temecula).
• Favorite local spot: Cliffhanger Cafe at the glider port in Torrey Pines—I take friends there and the view never fails to amaze.

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What’s Unique About My Approach with Kids
I strongly believe in involving kids—even young children—in their own care. Helping them understand progress and milestones keeps motivation high, and it’s incredibly rewarding when they not only feel excited to get braces off but also recognize how much their smile has improved. Practically, I often speak directly to patients during appointments and then repeat information as needed for parents. Even when kids don’t fully grasp every detail, it gives them the chance to ask questions and actively participate in their treatment.

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Dream Superpower
X-ray vision. We take periodic x-rays to monitor jaw growth and movement under the gums, but being able to see everything in real time would be incredibly convenient.

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Favorites
• Favorite children’s book/story: Percy Jackson series. It’s been fun seeing a new generation discover it again with the TV adaptation.
• Favorite childhood snack/treat: CHEESE—still eat a Babybel every day with lunch.
• Favorite activity with family/friends: talking and catching up over a good meal or a scenic walk.
• Favorite part of a clinic day: showing patients the progress they’re making and the milestones they’ve achieved—orthodontics is slow and steady, but it’s always amazing to look back and see how far they’ve come.
• Favorite way to make kids laugh or feel at ease: connecting over current family-friendly movies (debating the best Spider-Man usually reduces anxiety), joking about how old I am compared to them (parents laugh too), and narrating what I’m doing when something is new—some kids feel better knowing what to expect, and if others zone out from boredom, I take it as a sign they’re calm and comfortable.

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Community
As someone originally from the Bay Area, I’ve found San Diego incredibly welcoming both at work and outside the office. The extra sunshine definitely helps. I’m excited to continue getting to know the community through my work at CKDO.

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Family Inspiration
I’m the first dentist/doctor in my family, and I’m deeply grateful for the sacrifices made across generations that gave me the opportunity to pursue this path. I try to honor those sacrifices every day through my approach to patient care as an orthodontist.

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Community Involvement
I’m a volunteer faculty member at UCSD’s medical school, specifically supporting the free dental clinic run by the Pre-Dental Society at UCSD. I volunteer monthly at the orthodontic clinic.

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