David L. Kitchen, D.D.S. was raised in Southern California and attended San Diego State University (SDSU) for his undergraduate studies and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) for his dental degree. He has been practicing general dentistry in the La Jolla area since 1986. Though proficient in all areas of general dentistry, he maintains a special interest in the area of Esthetic (Cosmetic) Dentistry, which involves creating a natural and visually pleasing effect using the latest restorative materials and procedures to restore or enhance the teeth and smile.
Dr. Kitchen is married with two grown daughters, the oldest of which recently produced his first Grandson. When not in the office, Dr. Kitchen trains in Soo Bahk Do (traditional Korean martial art); has attained the level of 5th Dan (equivalent to 5th degree black belt in other martial arts styles) and has earned his Master Instructor certificate (Sa Bom). He enjoys the ocean, gardening, loves to cook and is a wine connoisseur.
Welcoming you to our dental practice, at the front desk, is our office manager, Barbara. With more than 25 years of experience in dentistry, having worked both at the reception deskandchairside, Barbara is happy to serve as your concierge in regards to scheduling, insurance billing and coordinating your treatment with the back office staff. She is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of dentistry and in working with insurance companies to help maximize your reimbursement benefits. Her infectious laugh can often be heard throughout the office.
When not at the office, Barbara works on her fitness with one of our great patients, a personal trainer, who owns and manages Bird Rock Fit, a gym in La Jolla. She loves to spend time with her Grandson, Jack, and enjoys playing with her dog, Kira, a Siberian Husky.
I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, in June of 2015. During my time in dental school I had the opportunity to volunteer in clinics providing care for underprivileged patients; those experience helped me to realize the importance of educating people in maintaining proper oral hygiene. In treating some severe gum disease cases I was able to see the overall health benefits gained from attaining and maintaining good oral hygiene. I enjoy working with all our patients and helping them to those ends while utilizing all the education and skills I've acquired from school, treatment experience and from working with Dr. Kitchen and our very knowledgeable Staff. When I'm not in the office providing dental care I like to spend time with my family; I love going to the movies, watching sports (especially soccer) and playing with our family pets, a Siberian Husky and a Toy Poodle.
This fall, as a transfer student from San Diego Mesa College,I will be attending San Diego State Universityand will major in communication studies. I was born and raised in Detroit, MI, and moved to San Diego 7 years ago. In my free time I love surfing, singing, playing with my dogs, going to the movies, and spending time with family and friends!
I am the social media manager for Dr. Kitchen's office. I help manage their Instagram account, @lajollateeth, and their Facebook page, @SDcosmeticdental. I also create monthly newsletters for Dr. Kitchen's patients, and help Barbara around the office.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 28 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestAshley Shelton
2 years ago
I recently switched to Dr. Kitchen after being less than thrilled with my previous two dentists . I love the office and office staff. Very personable and kind. Dr. Kitchen is great with what he does. Had my first crown and no discomfort at all. They are also very accommodating with appointment times.
CANDY RUSH
2 years ago
THIS IS THE BEST DENTAL PLACE I HAVE BEEN TO IN AGES! DR KITCHEN IS AN EXPERT AT INVISALIGN, HIS BED SIDE MANNER IS EXCELLENT AND HIS OFFICE STAFF AND ASSISTANTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOMING, POLITE, AND PROFESSIONAL. I HAVE BEEN SEEING DR KITCHEN FOR OVER 5 YEARS FOR ALL MY DENTAL NEEDS AND WOULD NOT GO ANYWHERE ELSE! THANK YOU DR KITCHEN AND STAFF! (BARBARA AND CRYSTAL)
Carol Zwahlen
2 years ago
Dr Kitchen and his Staff are professional, knowledgeable, kind and courteous. My husband, John, and I feel very fortunate to be in the care of Dr Kitchen and his Staff.
Carol Zwahlen
3 years ago
Dr Kitchen and his Staff are professional, knowledgeable, kind and courteous. My husband, John, and I feel very fortunate to be in the care of Dr Kitchen and his Staff.
Josh Nelson
3 years ago
Very pleased! Bottom back molar has been through two on-lays and then a CEREC crown; all in the space of 8-9 years. All the work done was based on the lowest price I could find. The CEREC just broke... (in all fairness, I had to have a root-canal done which drilled through the CEREC, weakening it; not the CEREC's fault per-se). Went down to Mexico to see if I could save some money; they wanted to do a second CEREC crown; really pushed the CEREC. I didn't want another CEREC. They offered to do a Zirconia crown for the same price (about a 1/3 of US prices). Because they pushed the CEREC I kind of lost confidence in that specific dentist. It was clear to me that the lowest price is probably not the best deal for this tooth (two on-lays and a crown in 9 years...). Went to see David and Barbara, who were recommended very highly. David explained the pros and cons of CEREC crowns to me, which confirmed my feelings of not proceeding with one (he doesn't offer them for quality reasons). The expertise David commands was well worth the cost. David even came up with a no-cost solution, that will serve me in the medium-term, for a second tooth that I can't afford to fix right now. I'm in great hands with David and Barbara.
Jordan Human
3 years ago
Love them!!!! Dr. Kitchen helped when everybody else was closed.
Josh Nelson
3 years ago
Very pleased! Bottom back molar has been through two on-lays and then a CEREC crown; all in the space of 8-9 years. All the work done was based on the lowest price I could find. The CEREC just broke... (in all fairness, I had to have a root-canal done which drilled through the CEREC, weakening it; not the CEREC's fault per-se). Went down to Mexico to see if I could save some money; they wanted to do a second CEREC crown; really pushed the CEREC. I didn't want another CEREC. They offered to do a Zirconia crown for the same price (about a 1/3 of US prices). Because they pushed the CEREC I kind of lost confidence in that specific dentist. It was clear to me that the lowest price is probably not the best deal for this tooth (two on-lays and a crown in 9 years...). Went to see David and Barbara, who were recommended very highly. David explained the pros and cons of CEREC crowns to me, which confirmed my feelings of not proceeding with one (he doesn't offer them for quality reasons). The expertise David commands was well worth the cost. David even came up with a no-cost solution, that will serve me in the medium-term, for a second tooth that I can't afford to fix right now. I'm in great hands with David and Barbara.
Jordan Human
4 years ago
Love them!!!! Dr. Kitchen helped when everybody else was closed.
Janar Wasito
4 years ago
Super dentist, who is a 6th degree karate blackbelt, sdsu/ uc trained, and barbara is super helpful.
Janar Wasito
5 years ago
Super dentist, who is a 6th degree karate blackbelt, sdsu/ uc trained, and barbara is super helpful.
JENNIFER TARDIBUONO
5 years ago
I have had the great fortune to meet David and Barbara Kitchen in 1999. It is now 2018 and just left the office for a teeth cleaning a filling and crown work. Not only do I love his expertise but I actually get excited to see them both. I live on Maui and have been there since 2003. I have seen a couple of dentists on Maui but unfortunately no one measures up to Dr. Kitchen!! I come every time I am home here in San Diego. In this day and age having the certainty of having the best dentist on the planet is sooooo reassuring and awesome. I love them!! And it is pretty cool getting birthday cards and Merry christmas cards form the Kitchens... I look forward to it every year!! Thank you guys for always getting me in even at a moments notice!!! My health and my heart thank you!!! Much love and Aloha, Jennifer Tardibuono Algar
Richard Thompson
6 years ago
Great dentist! Could not be happier.
JENNIFER TARDIBUONO
6 years ago
I have had the great fortune to meet David and Barbara Kitchen in 1999. It is now 2018 and just left the office for a teeth cleaning a filling and crown work. Not only do I love his expertise but I actually get excited to see them both. I live on Maui and have been there since 2003. I have seen a couple of dentists on Maui but unfortunately no one measures up to Dr. Kitchen!! I come every time I am home here in San Diego. In this day and age having the certainty of having the best dentist on the planet is sooooo reassuring and awesome. I love them!! And it is pretty cool getting birthday cards and Merry christmas cards form the Kitchens... I look forward to it every year!! Thank you guys for always getting me in even at a moments notice!!! My health and my heart thank you!!! Much love and Aloha, Jennifer Tardibuono Algar
Robert Shoaf
6 years ago
My wife and I love Dr. Kitchen, Barbara, and the rest of the staff. The location is very nice and parking is always validated and free. Crystal was the hygienist that saw me today and she worked quickly and effectively. This is the 2nd or 3rd different hygienist that I've seen in the few years I have been here, but all are great!
Melody Kopsch
6 years ago
I have been a patient of Dr. Kitchen for the past 7 years. I was always terrified of going to the dentist, but Dr. Kitchen and his wonderful staff make my time at their office very comfortable. I now look forward to getting my teeth cleaned because Dr Kitchen and his team are the best!!
Crystal
6 years ago
I started coming to this office recently and it's the best dental office I've ever gone to! The people are all very nice and accommodating and make me feel very comfortable. I recommend them highly.
Katie Bowen
6 years ago
I've been a patient of Dr. Kitchen for 14+ years. From simple cleanings, to fillings, to fixing cracked teeth (not my finest moment), bonding and composites, I've had them all! Dr. Kitchen, Barbara and the hygienists go out of their way to make their patients comfortable. Scheduling is a breeze with text confirmations, convenient location and parking is free. I've received a lot of compliments on my teeth and I owe it all to Dr Kitchen. I highly recommend!!! :)
Gazy Berry
6 years ago
Kristol the hygienist was terrific. .this is a great n modern dentist facility with a great dentist, Dr. David Kitchen, plus Barbara the receptionist is so so efficient n pleasant
Richard Thompson
6 years ago
Great dentist! Could not be happier.
Crystal
7 years ago
I started coming to this office recently and it's the best dental office I've ever gone to! The people are all very nice and accommodating and make me feel very comfortable. I recommend them highly.
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