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.