What I find so rewarding about dentistry is how multifaceted it is and how I can improve the overall quality of a persons life by educating them about their dental health. My success is due to honestly caring for my patients on a personal level. I am passionate about providing excellent dentistry in a comfortable, non-threatening environment, both for my patients and my team.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in microbiology and molecular genetics from the University of California Los Angeles. I continued on there to receive my Master of Science in biochemistry and my Doctorate of Dental Surgery.
I recently completed a master program with the Global Institute of Dental Education (gIDE) and UCLA for advanced surgical techniques in dental implant surgery. I average more than 100 hours a year in continuing education.
I am also one of the founders of Dentalcompare, an online buyers guide for dental professionals. It is a web resource for dentists and hygienists that educates them on dental materials and helps them stay on top of the latest concepts and technologies in dentistry. I am currently working as clinical editor for Dentalcompare, and have written dozens of articles on topics that rangefrom practice management to digital imaging.
I was the first in the western United States to adopt Solea laser technology for our practice. I now have the privilege of training doctors new to the technology. I also have the opportunity to regularly travel across the country consulting, speaking, and lecturing on lasers, CAD/CAM technology, and digital dentistry.
It may be a clich, but I love dentistry because I like to help people. I enjoy spending meaningful time with my patients, having real conversations, and getting to know the person in my chair. The technical stuff is just that; its the people that make my days enjoyable.
I consistently participate in continuing education to remain current in all aspects of the dental field. Dentistry is a rapidly evolving profession and requires hours spent outside the office in classrooms and labs to ensure patients receive the most up-to-date, relevant care. It is very rewarding to apply the most current information to my daily practice; it benefits everybody.
I am a native of northern California and have lived in Santa Barbara since 2002. My husband Bobby is a local fireman, and we have two amazing sons, Ryder and Jarrett. They keep us extremely busy with various sports and activities and I wouldnt have it any other way. We also enjoy riding dirt bikes, camping, and exploring the world.
I have a deep and genuine interest in providing quality dental care to each and every one of my patients, and I truly enjoy interacting with them. I have been practicing for over 30 years and I have had the opportunity to get to know many generations of families. Not a day goes by that I don't feel lucky to be practicing in a field I love.
I attended the University of California Santa Barbara for my Bachelor of Arts in cell biology as well as my Master of Science in biochemistry. My Doctorate of Dental Surgery was earned at the University of California San Francisco in 1976. In 2000, I attended Santa Barbara College of Law to obtainmy Juris Doctor degree.
I am a native of San Diego and have lived in Santa Barbara for 34 years. I love to spend time with my wifeErika, our six children, and six grandchildren. When I have free time, I enjoy winemaking, listening to music, being outdoors, and traveling.
Growing up in my native country of Brasil, I knew that helping kids was what I wanted to do. During college I became interested in dentistry and it soon became clear it was the field I was called upon to pursue all along.
I graduated from a 5-year dental program at the University of Mogi das Cruzes in Sao Paulo, Brasil, and practiced dentistry for over 8 years in my own growing dental practice. I left it all behind with the dream to pursue a specialization in Pediatric Dentistry in the United States. I attended a two year dental program for internationally trained dentists in order to earn my D.D.S. degree and become licensed to practice dentistry in the United States. After working for several years in California as a general dentist seeing only pediatric patients, I had even more conviction to pursue a specialization in Pediatric Dentistry. I attended a three year Post Doctorate program in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Puerto Rico to earn my specialist degree and dedicated extensive time in the research department working on my thesis. I have published several papers about different topics including the guidelines and protocols for the dental treatment of pediatric patients with special needs.
I am fluent in Portuguese, Spanish and English which allows me to serve patients from diverse backgrounds. I consider myself very fortunate to be a Pediatric Dental specialist because it really fulfills my desire to help kids which is one of the things I love and cherish the most.
I moved to the beautiful city of Santa Barbara in order to be near my mom, my sister, and her family who have all lived here for years. I love spending free time riding bikes with my nieces, taking cooking classes with my sister, and doing yoga and beach walks with my mom. I look forward to providing excellent dental care for your children, giving them even more reasons to smile!
Reviews
Rating 4.1 out of 5 based on 9 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestAlex Cronin
2 years ago
My partner visited the offices of Kendall and Rhodes and came home in such extreme pain I have never seen pain so extraordinary. I have seen people cut limbs off accidentally and still not be in similar pain. Recommendation was to take Tylenol. Spare yourself, unless you enjoy pain.
Alex Cronin
3 years ago
My partner visited the offices of Kendall and Rhodes and came home in such extreme pain I have never seen pain so extraordinary. I have seen people cut limbs off accidentally and still not be in similar pain. Recommendation was to take Tylenol. Spare yourself, unless you enjoy pain.
LaRisa Chambers
3 years ago
Dr Dart is patient and kind and the utmost professional! I get very anxious visiting the dentist and he made me feel at ease and adjusted his style to work with my anxiety. Meghan is a great hygienist too! Very nice and detailed! Extra thanks to dental assistant, Jamie! She was very kind, friendly and went above and beyond to get my bleaching trays made in just a few hours. I highly recommend this entire dental practice.
ERIKA G
3 years ago
I was referred to this office by my long time dentist, who is preparing to retire. I was assigned to Dr. Daniel Fordice. I cannot say enough great things about Dr. Fordice, as well as Megan, my hygienist. I have a medical condition, Sjogren's Syndrome, which (among other things), affects my dental health. I was thrilled to find out that both Dr. Fordice and Megan are very familiar with this disease, and it's complications. Besides being impressed with their in depth knowledge, I was delighted to find everyone at this office to be extremely friendly and professional. They have recently relocated to their new location on Arrellaga St. I'm being totally honest when I say that this has to be the most beautiful and modern dental facility I've ever seen. I actually look forward to going to the dentist again! I cannot say enough great things about Dr. Fordice, Megan, and the rest of the staff here. I highly recommend this dental office.
LaRisa Chambers
3 years ago
Dr Dart is patient and kind and the utmost professional! I get very anxious visiting the dentist and he made me feel at ease and adjusted his style to work with my anxiety. Meghan is a great hygienist too! Very nice and detailed! Extra thanks to dental assistant, Jamie! She was very kind, friendly and went above and beyond to get my bleaching trays made in just a few hours. I highly recommend this entire dental practice.
ERIKA G
4 years ago
I was referred to this office by my long time dentist, who is preparing to retire. I was assigned to Dr. Daniel Fordice. I cannot say enough great things about Dr. Fordice, as well as Megan, my hygienist. I have a medical condition, Sjogren's Syndrome, which (among other things), affects my dental health. I was thrilled to find out that both Dr. Fordice and Megan are very familiar with this disease, and it's complications. Besides being impressed with their in depth knowledge, I was delighted to find everyone at this office to be extremely friendly and professional. They have recently relocated to their new location on Arrellaga St. I'm being totally honest when I say that this has to be the most beautiful and modern dental facility I've ever seen. I actually look forward to going to the dentist again! I cannot say enough great things about Dr. Fordice, Megan, and the rest of the staff here. I highly recommend this dental office.
Kiki Schmodson
4 years ago
Great folks. I've been going here for years, seeing Dr. Rhode and Megan. Both are very capable, friendly, communicative. My teeth look great.
Connecting Thru Sign Language
4 years ago
Wonderful appointments and expert dental care over the past 8 years! I love Kelly Kendall and her staff. Communicative, experienced and caring.
Kiki Schmodson
4 years ago
Great folks. I've been going here for years, seeing Dr. Rhode and Megan. Both are very capable, friendly, communicative. My teeth look great.
Connecting Thru Sign Language
5 years ago
Wonderful appointments and expert dental care over the past 8 years! I love Kelly Kendall and her staff. Communicative, experienced and caring.
Marilyn Scott
5 years ago
Always professional, competent, pleasant, courteous, & make every effort to set up your visit at a time that fits into your schedule.. A pleasure doing business with them,
Ben Owen
5 years ago
We were quoted $68 over the phone for my daughter's cleaning & checkup then charged $266 without explanation.
Marilyn Scott
6 years ago
Always professional, competent, pleasant, courteous, & make every effort to set up your visit at a time that fits into your schedule.. A pleasure doing business with them,
Ben Owen
6 years ago
We were quoted $68 over the phone for my daughter's cleaning & checkup then charged $266 without explanation.
Erin Engstrom
6 years ago
I have been a patient here for the past three years, and have always had a positive experience. The space is clean and comfortable, with coffee and tea available in the waiting room. The front desk staff and dental hygienists are professional, kind, and responsive. I don't typically have an issue with scheduling as long as I make sure to make my appointment a few weeks out. Dr. Kendall is personable and kind, offers helpful recommendations and clear explanations. Fortunately I am not someone who needs to visit the dentist often (besides regular cleanings/check ups), but I owe that to Dr. Kendall and the rest of the staff for keeping my teeth healthy!
Erin Engstrom
7 years ago
I have been a patient here for the past three years, and have always had a positive experience. The space is clean and comfortable, with coffee and tea available in the waiting room. The front desk staff and dental hygienists are professional, kind, and responsive. I don't typically have an issue with scheduling as long as I make sure to make my appointment a few weeks out. Dr. Kendall is personable and kind, offers helpful recommendations and clear explanations. Fortunately I am not someone who needs to visit the dentist often (besides regular cleanings/check ups), but I owe that to Dr. Kendall and the rest of the staff for keeping my teeth healthy!
Load more