I love what I do. It is very rewarding to be able to interact with exceptional people every day. The gratification I get when sharing the benefits and results of orthodontics with another individual is like nothing else.
I was fortunate to grow up in the North County of San Diego. I attended USDHS and Palomar Junior College. Subsequently, I transferred to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where I received my Bachelors Degree in Biology. I then graduated from dental school in 1991 from the University of the Pacific with a degree as a Doctor of Dental Surgery.
I continued my studies at the University of Southern California where I earned a degree in Orthodontics and a license to practice the art exclusively. During this time, I underwent Orthodontic Therapy myself, both to correct my bite and gain some perspective on the experience of braces.
After graduating from Orthodontic Residency, I went to work with my father, a practicing Orthodontist for thirty years. I later purchased his practice and continue to work with a number of colleagues in the fields of Invisalign, TMJ, Growth and Development, and Speech Therapy.
In March of 2008, I earned the designation as a lifetime Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. I continue an active membership with the American Association of Orthodontists, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, the American and California Dental Associations, and I am a graduate of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. I take over 30 hours of continuing education each year and remain current with the latest technological advances in the orthodontic field.
I have worked at Kieffer Orthodontics since 2003 and I love my job. I am our business manager and financial coordinator and work up front with Cortney. I began working at Kieffer Orthodontics after traveling internationally for a few years following college, where I studied business management. I enjoy interacting with our patients and being a part of a warm and professional team dedicated to creating beautiful smiles. I have always appreciated the family-like bond our team shares and the trust and integrity with which we care for our patients. My free time is spent with my husband and two sons. We enjoy spending time with our family and friends, traveling, and enjoying the beach and outdoors. I love hiking, yoga, reading, making jewelry, and learning new things.
I have had the pleasure of working at Kieffer Orthodontics since the beginning of 2015. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to work in such a professional, warm and fun work environment. I graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelors in Social Work and enjoy working with people from all walks of life. At Kieffer Orthodontics, as our insurance coordinator, I enjoy helping make the sometimes difficult parts of orthodontics easy to understand for our patients, including insurance and billing questions. I married the man of my dreams in 2014. In our free time, we love to surf, spend time with friends in local coffee shops or travel to wherever the waves are good!
I have worked at Kieffer Orthodontics since 1999 and in the field of orthodontics for over twenty five years. I am a Registered Dental Assistant and am our Treatment Coordinator. I also hold licenses in Orthodontic Assisting, x-ray and coronal polishing. I love my job and feel fortunate to work with an awesome team where I can feel proud of our results. There is nothing more gratifying than helping to create beautiful smiles. When Im not working, I enjoy yoga, running, the ocean, volunteering, and spending time with family, friends and my dog.
I have worked at Kieffer Orthodontics since 2010. I originally joined the team as our Sterilization Technician where I enjoyed assisting with our patient flow and equipment and instrument sterilization. In 2016, I became a Dental Assistant and in 2018, I received my Registered Dental Assistant and Orthodontic Assistant Licenses. I enjoy working with our patients as they move through their orthodontic treatment and contributing to the success of our practice in a variety of ways. In my free time, I enjoy reading, walking on the beach, and spending time with friends and family.
I have been in the dental field since 1986 and have worked at Kieffer Orthodontics since 2005. The first ten years of my career were spent in Pediatric Dentistry. I attended Palomar College and received my Registered Dental Assisting License along with my x-ray and coronal polishing licenses. In addition, I have received my Orthodontic Assisting License. I enjoy getting to know all of our patients and sharing in their lives as we achieve beautiful smiles. In my free time, I like to read and be with my family and friends.
I have been in the orthodontic field for over 20 years and feel blessed to have joined an amazing team at Kieffer Orthodontics! I received my Registered Dental Assisting license in 1997 and graduated from SDSU in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in business management. I love making people smile and our patients experience is most important to me. Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love the outdoors enjoying swimming, hiking, biking and camping.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 25 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMolly Halterman
2 years ago
I am so pleased with Dr. Kieffer Orthodontics. Dr. Kieffer was able to screen my 15-year-old son for a tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) his first time examining him for orthodontic care. Not only did he notice the physical impairment of my son's tongue, but he was able to identify key issues that a tongue-tie could exhibit. He noted that my son had frequent unexplained headaches, had exceptionally restless sleep and mouth breathed while asleep. To confirm his diagnosis, he directed us to see an ankyloglossia specialist, Dr. Dabir, as well as a myofunctional therapist, Danielle Klee, M.A, CCC-CLP. Once it was determined that he did have a tongue-tie, my son had a few months of myofunctional therapy, then a mild surgery to release the tongue-tie and was completely healed within a few weeks. Looking back a year later, I find that my son doesn't get headaches, wakes up in the same position as he falls asleep in and no longer mouth breathes. He is more focused and rested that he has ever been. I appreciate Dr. Kieffer's efforts in making his patients the best physical and emotional version of themselves all by simply adjusting their facial structure and mouth. Also, I appreciate our 'tongue-tie' team, Dr. Kieffer, Dr. Dabir and Danielle Klee and their coupled efforts that led to this positive outcome.
Ryon Lee Media
2 years ago
Doc Kieffer is an amazing Orthodontist, and his back and front office staff are super knowledgeable and friendly! I highly recommend Doc Kieffers office and services!
Jane
2 years ago
I'm happy that so many other people had great experiences here, but that was not my experience whatsoever. I went here for several years and had several different treatments, none of which were effective and all of which were very expensive and uncomfortable. Dr. Kieffer comes across as a nice man but that has not been my experience with him at all. The first time I saw his true colors was when I said I did not want Invisalign (which would be my fourth orthodontia treatment) and he proceeded to pull up pictures of other kids (his patients, i'm guessing) who had crooked teeth and said "is that really what you want to look like?" I was twelve and very insecure of my appearance. He not only implied that my appearance was unattractive, but also that those other patients he showed me photos of were unattractive as well. I personally would not want photos of me or my child to be used as an example to make other kids feel bad for looking similarly. Looking back on this incident, I still can't believe how an adult who works with so many kids could act like such a bully and make a child feel so insecure just so he could make some more money from my treatment. My mom explained to them when I first started going there that I had a very intense dental phobia. Not only did they not do anything whatsoever to accommodate me (to my knowledge), it FELT like they enjoyed knowing that they were upsetting me every time i went. One time I had to get an impression taken of my mouth and i was so nervous that i started crying and hyperventaing when it was put in my mouth. Instead of taking it out, the employee just left it in and told me to stop moving. Then when she took it out, she said it wasn't good enough, made another impression, and shoved it in my mouth without asking or telling me what she was doing. The same thing happened over and over again and ultimately i got 8 impressions that day, none of which came out because I could not calm down. They did not give me any time or space to do so either. I left the office in tears and cried for the whole rest of the day. I still think about that day a lot. I feel like that was a very unnecessary trauma that they caused me. Another extremely frustrating incident was when I was getting fitted for a retainer by Debbie (who, according to the website, still works there). It was too tight and she could not get it off, so she started using a sharp metal instrument to pry it off. I said i was worried she was going to cut my mouth and asked if i could take it off myself. She said "sweetie, i've been doing this longer than you've been alive." I'm not sure why she took offense to me asking if i could take it off myself but then, unsurprisingly, she cut my tongue so hard that IT BLED FOR ALMOST 30 MINUTES. She handed me a tissue for the blood but did she bother to even apologize? Of course not. The only staff members who treated me with any sort of politeness or dignity were Carolyn and the front desk staff (this was many years ago though, so i think the staff has changed a lot). I think that maybe everyone else treated me with so much hostility because they didn't know how to handle someone with dental phobia? I'm not sure. No matter the reason though, it was wrong. I've had a lot of time and therapy to reflect on my experiences at this place and now understand that I was a child who was very scared and was unnecessarily traumatized by these careless people over and over. These people contributed so much to my dental phobia to the point where now, i can barely step foot in a dentist's office. If i had a child who needed orthodontia treatment, I would not take them to Dr. Kieffers office even if treatment was completely free.
Debra Cunningham
2 years ago
My treatment at Kieffer Orthodontics went very smoothly and I love my new smile! Dr. Kieffer was really great to work with; he always listened and fully addressed any of my questions or concerns. The rest of the team were friendly and professional and they kept the office spotless, which I really appreciated during COVID. I also appreciated that they were flexible with scheduling and always sent appointment reminders. A great experience all around!
Jared S
3 years ago
Dr. Kieffer and team were awesome! They were very punctual and great in communicating future appointments and treatment. The office is super clean and has a chill atmosphere. I highly recommend Kieffer Orthodontics!
Debra Cunningham
3 years ago
My treatment at Kieffer Orthodontics went very smoothly and I love my new smile! Dr. Kieffer was really great to work with; he always listened and fully addressed any of my questions or concerns. The rest of the team were friendly and professional and they kept the office spotless, which I really appreciated during COVID. I also appreciated that they were flexible with scheduling and always sent appointment reminders. A great experience all around!
Jane
3 years ago
I'm happy that so many other people had great experiences here, but that was not my experience whatsoever. I went here for several years and had several different treatments, none of which were effective and all of which were very expensive and uncomfortable. Dr. Kieffer comes across as a nice man but that has not been my experience with him at all. The first time I saw his true colors was when I said I did not want Invisalign (which would be my fourth orthodontia treatment) and he proceeded to pull up pictures of other kids (his patients, i'm guessing) who had crooked teeth and said "is that really what you want to look like?" I was twelve and very insecure of my appearance. He not only implied that my appearance was unattractive, but also that those other patients he showed me photos of were unattractive as well. I personally would not want photos of me or my child to be used as an example to make other kids feel bad for looking similarly. Looking back on this incident, I still can't believe how an adult who works with so many kids could act like such a bully and make a child feel so insecure just so he could make some more money from my treatment. My mom explained to them when I first started going there that I had a very intense dental phobia. Not only did they not do anything whatsoever to accommodate me (to my knowledge), it FELT like they enjoyed knowing that they were upsetting me every time i went. One time I had to get an impression taken of my mouth and i was so nervous that i started crying and hyperventaing when it was put in my mouth. Instead of taking it out, the employee just left it in and told me to stop moving. Then when she took it out, she said it wasn't good enough, made another impression, and shoved it in my mouth without asking or telling me what she was doing. The same thing happened over and over again and ultimately i got 8 impressions that day, none of which came out because I could not calm down. They did not give me any time or space to do so either. I left the office in tears and cried for the whole rest of the day. I still think about that day a lot. I feel like that was a very unnecessary trauma that they caused me. Another extremely frustrating incident was when I was getting fitted for a retainer by Debbie (who, according to the website, still works there). It was too tight and she could not get it off, so she started using a sharp metal instrument to pry it off. I said i was worried she was going to cut my mouth and asked if i could take it off myself. She said "sweetie, i've been doing this longer than you've been alive." I'm not sure why she took offense to me asking if i could take it off myself but then, unsurprisingly, she cut my tongue so hard that IT BLED FOR ALMOST 30 MINUTES. She handed me a tissue for the blood but did she bother to even apologize? Of course not. The only staff members who treated me with any sort of politeness or dignity were Carolyn and the front desk staff (this was many years ago though, so i think the staff has changed a lot). I think that maybe everyone else treated me with so much hostility because they didn't know how to handle someone with dental phobia? I'm not sure. No matter the reason though, it was wrong. I've had a lot of time and therapy to reflect on my experiences at this place and now understand that I was a child who was very scared and was unnecessarily traumatized by these careless people over and over. These people contributed so much to my dental phobia to the point where now, i can barely step foot in a dentist's office. If i had a child who needed orthodontia treatment, I would not take them to Dr. Kieffers office even if treatment was completely free.
Ashley Good
3 years ago
We personally visited all of the well-known pediatric orthodontists when we moved here from Australia in 2015. My daughter was 8 at the time and her mouth was a mess! The x-rays looked like the inside of a shark's mouth, with teeth immediately behind one another or jutting straight out of her gum in addition to some protruding gum issues. She had been wearing an expander in Australia and the treatment plan was extensive and complicated. Dr Kieffer's treatment plan was quite different from everyone else's but my gut instinct was to go with him. He had a different vision and interpretation for what was happening with my daughter's mouth. It was the best decision I could have made! He's fixed her protruding gum already and he planned in advance for eventualities that would have been detrimental to her progress, but could be expected as she grew. No one else had the foresight that he has demonstrated. We adore every person in that office. They have taken exceptional care of my daughter and they are all a delight to be around. We couldn't be happier.
Daisy Palmatier
3 years ago
I have been going here since I was a kid and have gotten care that has surpassed what is expected. The whole team is super friendly and professional and they all are amazing at what they do. It is so welcoming being a patient here as the staff is always friendly and very gentle they make the entire experience of getting orthodontic work enjoyable. Dr.keiffer is an expert at his craft and is a perfectionist when it comes to your smile. He will go above and beyond to make sure you achieve the smile you've always wanted. I went through a round of braces at his office and could not be happier with my smile. He even helped my family by lowering the price when he knew we couldn't afford it. I can't say enough good things about this place and truly if your looking for a perfect smile this is the best place to go for it.
Jared S
3 years ago
Dr. Kieffer and team were awesome! They were very punctual and great in communicating future appointments and treatment. The office is super clean and has a chill atmosphere. I highly recommend Kieffer Orthodontics!
Daisy Palmatier
4 years ago
I have been going here since I was a kid and have gotten care that has surpassed what is expected. The whole team is super friendly and professional and they all are amazing at what they do. It is so welcoming being a patient here as the staff is always friendly and very gentle they make the entire experience of getting orthodontic work enjoyable. Dr.keiffer is an expert at his craft and is a perfectionist when it comes to your smile. He will go above and beyond to make sure you achieve the smile you've always wanted. I went through a round of braces at his office and could not be happier with my smile. He even helped my family by lowering the price when he knew we couldn't afford it. I can't say enough good things about this place and truly if your looking for a perfect smile this is the best place to go for it.
Ashley Good
4 years ago
We personally visited all of the well-known pediatric orthodontists when we moved here from Australia in 2015. My daughter was 8 at the time and her mouth was a mess! The x-rays looked like the inside of a shark's mouth, with teeth immediately behind one another or jutting straight out of her gum in addition to some protruding gum issues. She had been wearing an expander in Australia and the treatment plan was extensive and complicated. Dr Kieffer's treatment plan was quite different from everyone else's but my gut instinct was to go with him. He had a different vision and interpretation for what was happening with my daughter's mouth. It was the best decision I could have made! He's fixed her protruding gum already and he planned in advance for eventualities that would have been detrimental to her progress, but could be expected as she grew. No one else had the foresight that he has demonstrated. We adore every person in that office. They have taken exceptional care of my daughter and they are all a delight to be around. We couldn't be happier.
Kyle K
5 years ago
Very kind and helpful staff. Dr. Kieffer defenetly knows what he's doing. Also there have a great location by the beach.
Madison Shaver
5 years ago
Kieffer Orthodontics is a wonderful place to go. The staff is always welcoming the minute you walk through the door and very personable. They know what is best for my child and always willing to do what is right.
Christine Van Slyke
5 years ago
Amazing Staff, Best Results and Happy Patients!
Tahnee Quintanar
5 years ago
I love everything about this place . Friendly and professional. Thank you for our beautiful smile
Madison Shaver
6 years ago
Kieffer Orthodontics is a wonderful place to go. The staff is always welcoming the minute you walk through the door and very personable. They know what is best for my child and always willing to do what is right.
Christine Van Slyke
6 years ago
Amazing Staff, Best Results and Happy Patients!
Tahnee Quintanar
6 years ago
I love everything about this place . Friendly and professional. Thank you for our beautiful smile
Kyle K
6 years ago
Very kind and helpful staff. Dr. Kieffer defenetly knows what he's doing. Also there have a great location by the beach.
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