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 5.0 out of 5 based on 4 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestGinger Swanson, Ph.D.
2 years ago
Dr. Jeffrey Rohde does excellent work. He offers options and isn't the kind of guy to sell you something you don't need. He's always interested in leading edge technologies which keeps him on his game and in the know. I highly recommend him. Dr. Ginger Swanson, Santa Barbara, CA
Crystal-lee Horton-Young
5 years ago
I am the absolute worst person when it comes to visiting a dentist. I hate it so much that I go for years without getting checkups (which is not the right way to do things, obviously) and end up having cavities because of it. I went to another dental clinic after having some tooth pain, which eventually when away on its own and they told me that my teeth needed tons of work. Two root canals and two caps (not where the pain was - just other teeth in my mouth) and 4 fillings. I decided to get a second opinion and went to Jeffrey E. Rohde and I have to say - NIGHT AND DAY. I have never liked visiting the dentist, but this place is top notch. First of all, they do laser fillings which means no needles, no numbing and no drills where possible. They did a full X-ray of my head, showed me every part of my teeth and told me I would need three small fillings and a fourth larger one which couldn't be lasered because it was metal. Fair enough. The laser fillings were a breeze, felt like nothing and were lightening fast. The other filling, one I would normally be frightened and apprehensive about, was also no big deal. He is so kind and personable and tells you everything being done as it's being done. It was so amazing. I also told him I dont freeze properly very often, and have felt many of my fillings before. Whatever he did - I was totally 100% frozen, and it was absolutely no trouble at all. I am so thankful for these guys, thankful for this clinic. I actually will be going in regularly now for cleanings. They don't try to sell you services, they help you find solutions to problem areas and talk to you about the future of your teeth but only in the way that it pertains to the present. No stress, no pain -- just an excellent time at the dentist. Never thought I'd say that.
Crystal-lee Horton-Young
6 years ago
I am the absolute worst person when it comes to visiting a dentist. I hate it so much that I go for years without getting checkups (which is not the right way to do things, obviously) and end up having cavities because of it. I went to another dental clinic after having some tooth pain, which eventually when away on its own and they told me that my teeth needed tons of work. Two root canals and two caps (not where the pain was - just other teeth in my mouth) and 4 fillings. I decided to get a second opinion and went to Jeffrey E. Rohde and I have to say - NIGHT AND DAY. I have never liked visiting the dentist, but this place is top notch. First of all, they do laser fillings which means no needles, no numbing and no drills where possible. They did a full X-ray of my head, showed me every part of my teeth and told me I would need three small fillings and a fourth larger one which couldn't be lasered because it was metal. Fair enough. The laser fillings were a breeze, felt like nothing and were lightening fast. The other filling, one I would normally be frightened and apprehensive about, was also no big deal. He is so kind and personable and tells you everything being done as it's being done. It was so amazing. I also told him I dont freeze properly very often, and have felt many of my fillings before. Whatever he did - I was totally 100% frozen, and it was absolutely no trouble at all. I am so thankful for these guys, thankful for this clinic. I actually will be going in regularly now for cleanings. They don't try to sell you services, they help you find solutions to problem areas and talk to you about the future of your teeth but only in the way that it pertains to the present. No stress, no pain -- just an excellent time at the dentist. Never thought I'd say that.
Rachel Schultheis
6 years ago
We loved Dr. Fonseca! Our son(a 2year old) had to have quite a lot of work done and she was very good with him. Answered all of our questions and concerns. I would highly recommend seeing her!
Rachel Schultheis
7 years ago
We loved Dr. Fonseca! Our son(a 2year old) had to have quite a lot of work done and she was very good with him. Answered all of our questions and concerns. I would highly recommend seeing her!
Adam Lowenstein
7 years ago
Dr. Rhode was excellent- My first visit to Dr. Rhode was different than any other dentist appointment I've had. His office is clean and beautifully appointed, his staff was friendly and helpful, and my time with him was the most informative session I've ever had in a dentist office. Dr. Rhode explained everything in detail, even showed me up close photos of the front and back of my teeth to explain why everything looked good. The technology in his office is beyond what I've seen before and actually helpful in understanding what is going on in my mouth. Bree, my hygienist, was very gentle and thorough (and I usually HATE getting my teeth cleaned). Nobody tried to upsell me on whitening or braces- just explained what was available and answered my questions clearly. I was also impressed by the fact that there were several small children getting exams and treatments and I did not hear a single cry while I was there. My whole family will be switching dentists to Dr. Rhode.
Adam Lowenstein
8 years ago
Dr. Rhode was excellent- My first visit to Dr. Rhode was different than any other dentist appointment I've had. His office is clean and beautifully appointed, his staff was friendly and helpful, and my time with him was the most informative session I've ever had in a dentist office. Dr. Rhode explained everything in detail, even showed me up close photos of the front and back of my teeth to explain why everything looked good. The technology in his office is beyond what I've seen before and actually helpful in understanding what is going on in my mouth. Bree, my hygienist, was very gentle and thorough (and I usually HATE getting my teeth cleaned). Nobody tried to upsell me on whitening or braces- just explained what was available and answered my questions clearly. I was also impressed by the fact that there were several small children getting exams and treatments and I did not hear a single cry while I was there. My whole family will be switching dentists to Dr. Rhode.
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