Dr. Yamada is a 1989 graduate of the University of California, San Francisco. Shereceived the prestigious fellowship award from the Academy of General Dentistry in 2012.She has dedicated her professional career to providing you with the best that dentistry has to offer. Dr. Yamada is continually educating herself and her team on the newest dental techniques and advances in order to offer you and your family state-of-the-art, comfortable, personalized and antiseptic dental care.
Dr. Yamada is able to share her commitment to education and humanitarian service with future dentists through the UCSD Student-Run Free DentalClinicwhere she serves as an Associate Clinical Professor through the department of family medicine at UCSD. She also travels around the globe, through Smiles for Hope, where she and her team have trained local dentists and provided care to underserved areas of Mexico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Guatemala, Bolivia, Peru,and Nepal. Annually, her office participates in the Smiles For Life campaign, where all proceeds from teeth whitening are donated to children's charities.
Dr. Yamada's professional memberships include the San Diego County Dental Society, California Dental Association, American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Association of Cosmetic Dentists, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, the Crown Council, the American Association of Women Dentists and the San Diego Association of Women Dentists, where she served as the President. Dr. Yamada has special training in Ozone Dentistry, Laser Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry and TMJ (Jaw Pain and Headache) disorders.
On a personal note, Dr. Yamada has served on the board of directors for the Ocean Beach Town Council, Peninsula YMCA and Ocean Beach Merchants Association.Her office participates in the annual O.B. Tree Festival Parade and O.B. Street Fair Fireworks Festival and Chili Cook-off. They have also hosted and supported a variety of other charitable fund-raisers and auctions for the local citizenry.
Born in Southern Ontario, Canada and raised between Toronto, Honolulu and San Diego, nothing quite prepared Kenn for the rigors of living in San Francisco upon graduation from the University of California (San Francisco) in 1998. After six enjoyable years of working in the Bay Area, he decided to move back to America's Finest City in order to be closer to his family and to warm weather and toll-free bridges.
A part-time yoga instructor, Kenn spends his time driving his classic Mustang, researching future travel destinations, and spending time with his cats. He and his partner also enjoy traveling as far as a cheap ticket will allow.
He has been in the dental field for almost 25 years and over half of that time has been with Dr. Yamada. Because healthy gums are the cornerstone of a strong bite and healthy smile, Kenn loves focusing his energy on the periodontal aspect of dentistry, reminding patients healthier gums really can make for a healthier life.
One thing that makes Ocean Dental Care superb in Kenns eyes is its location in the friendly neighborhood of Ocean Beach. What makes this practice truly special to him, however, are the staff and their ongoing commitment to compassionate patient care and open patient communication.
When Justine is not at work, you can find her entertaining her three children and lovable three-year-old labradoodle, Skye. She loves to keep her family healthy, active, and making memories. Some of her favorite hobbies include cooking, reading, and enjoying the outdoors.
She was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area but has now calls San Diego home for the past 16 years. She loves to see live music and anything outdoors. In her free time, she likes to ride her bike, go on hikes, hang out with her dogs, and enjoy the beautiful beach snorkeling or paddle boarding.
Amanda believes that staying up to date on current technology and continuing her education with attending classes and doing scientific research is very important. She is great at relating to her patients on a personal level and passionate about educating them to help maintain and improve their oral health.
Janice received her dental hygiene degree from Diablo Valley College in 2013. Her passion for dentistry started when she joined the US Navy in 2004 as a dental assistant where she learned various aspects of dentistry including cosmetic, endodontics, and periodontics but she mainly worked with an oral surgeon utilizing her skills in sterile technique.
Janice was born in the Philippines, moved to Florida and then the bay area, but San Diego remains home along with her parents and 4 sisters (wow-all women). Janice loves spending time with her family and enjoys cooking and hanging out with her husband and two energetic young daughters.
Jessica completed her dental hygiene degree from Concorde College in 2013 and her dental assisting degree in 2003. She has worked in private practice as well as for the Navy, focusing on cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, oral surgery and periodontal surgeries.
She was born and raised in Los Angeles County but now calls San Diego home for the past 13 years. She, her husband, and their two miniature dachshunds lived in Greece for 4.5 years and recently moved back to San Diego in 2020. There, she volunteered with a local dentist and also started an all-natural, holistic body care line, Pure Organic World, which she still continues today. Her interests include live music, being outdoors, reading, and cooking.
She values continuing her education through attending classes and doing scientific research. She is great at relating to her patients on a personal level and is passionate about educating them to help maintain and improve their oral health.
Dawnes hobbies include horseback riding, yoga, sailing, yarn spinning, machine knitting and crafting. Dawne is an excellent cook, and if you happen to stop by our booth during the Chili Fest, make sure you check out her Vegan Chili!
Elizabeth graduated from Concord College in 2014 for her DA certification. Since that time she has been focusing on Patient Care and Customer Service. She is currently working towards obtaining her RDA as a stepping stone for her main goal as a RDAEF, a dental assistant with extended functions.
Working in the Dental field has allowed Elizabeth to pursue the two things she's most passionate about, helping others and visiting new places. She has had the honor of participating in one of Dr. Yamadas humanitarian trips, gaining experience and taking the time to give back to the community. Thanks to her mentor, Dr. Yamada, Elizabeth has been able to utilize her skills and gain amazing opportunities in her field of work.
When shes not at work you can find her enjoying her free time with her family and dogs. Elizabeth is all about selfcare. She encourages people to take time for the little things in life, such as hiking, reading a good book, or tending the garden. You can always find Elizabeth enjoying her cafecito while enjoying OBs wonderful water views.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 65 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestElzbieta Ruczkowska
3 years ago
Amusing! I am in SD for 11 years this is the best dental office that I find. Highly recommend it.
J S
3 years ago
Very strange place, Twin Peaks style. It starts nice and friendly, but Dr Yamada doesn't seem to hear you once she's set on a solution. It happened twice and in between there were text reminders and calls, like a lot... Somehow something just felt off.
J S
4 years ago
Very strange place, Twin Peaks style. It starts nice and friendly, but Dr Yamada doesn't seem to hear you once she's set on a solution. It happened twice and in between there were text reminders and calls, like a lot... Somehow something just felt off.
Tyler Horney
4 years ago
Straight forward and friendly staff. Modern technology. Great option.
Elzbieta Ruczkowska
4 years ago
Amusing! I am in SD for 11 years this is the best dental office that I find. Highly recommend it.
Deanna Beck
4 years ago
BEWARE! I am a 37 year old woman who was completely desperate in horrific pain after a cracked tooth became very infected. There were zero appts at any other clinic. I called and they stated that yes, they took Metlife my insurance. When I arrived, the front desk gentlemen kept saying I would pay upfront and get a check back for the other half. He also said that they are not in contract with them, but they accept them. It was all VERY confusing and Not what they said on the phone, but I was about to blackout from pain. He later mumbled something about trying to be "transparent" with me and that likely I would receive back about $30 of the $148. Not what was stated on the phone or even in the office before the exam. I got walked into a room and they had me take two x-rays, agreed my tooth was infected and needed to be extracted. The Dr. wrote a perscription for antibiotics. At that time I explained to her that I get severe yeast infections any time I take antibiotics, and always receive an anti fungal prophylactically. She then denied that and told me to go to the store and get better yogurt. Unreal. Then I asked to get ANYTHING to relieve the pain, and she stated that my anxiety medication would interact with any pain medicine. (No benzos, just Buspar and Amitriptyline) I was shocked that she could contemplate letting me leave crying and in so much pain. I've had shoulder surgery 2x and been given medication with ZERO adverse reaction with anxiety meds. She actually printed out a sheet that "proved" she couldn't give me anything for pain. She must have thought I was a moron because it clearly said it's not dangerous but needs to be monitored. She then said since I was a redhead, nothing would work on me. I begged her as it felt like there was an ice pick hammered into my tooth. I told her I couldn't function in this amount of pain and she wrote me a perscription for a nasal spray called Sprix. She proceeded to inject me about 6 times to help the pain but I didn't care because truly a needle felt like nothing compared to the excruciating pain radiating up to my temple and then brain. I tried to eat for the first time in a day and was so numb EVERYWHERE (not just around the tooth) I ended up hearing the crunch of me chewing on my lip and cheek, bleeding everywhere. The numbness wore off about 45 min later and I screamed into a pillow and fell asleep crying. I then called every pharmacy for Sprix and not only did NO ONE carry it, it's over 2k. Yes, you read that correctly. 2k. Thinking back to how lackadaisical she was to writing the prescription, she absolutely knew it was unattainable to me. The next day I went to a well known clinic and told them not to worry I had an x-ray. (The one Ocean Dental charged me $148 for). She looked at it and showed me that it clearly didn't even show the root. She was right. They took a new x-ray and IMMEDIATELY wrote me a script for antibiotics, anti fungal and 5 days of pain medicine. And the visit was FREE. I cried from relief and will be getting all wisdom teeth extracted there, as well as tell my friends and family to go there for the rest of my life. Ocean Dental was a nightmare that tried to make me feel like a drug seeking drama queen when in reality, my tooth infection is so bad they label it an emergency operation. I work with animals professionally and get drug tested often, so the denial of any pain relief or anti fungal was offensive. The x-ray was worthless and I am shocked their doors are allowed to stay open. I have a half inch flap hanging off the inside of my lip from chewing on it so badly because my entire mouth was numbed. And yes, red heads are genetically wired differently pain wise, but No respecting dentist, doctor or surgeon would ever withhold medication, in my situation it was gross negligence.
rick cook
4 years ago
I'm so happy I've been a patient of Dr. Yamada for 14 years . She is the very best dentist I have ever been to in my entire life . I've tried many other dentists and I have been completely satisfied with Dr. Yamada and her fantastic staff . It is such a pleasure to go someone you just trust with your smile . The staff , from Dawne that is a pleasant voice answering the calls as they come in to Justine who helps make the process smooth as it can possibly be . I would highly recommend Dr. Michelle Yamada D.D.S. to anyone wanting to find a dentist that cares and a friendly staff that make you feel very comfortable throughout the entire process . Thank you Ocean Dental Care for your patience with me and the awesome service you provide to me and the community of Ocean Beach !
Tyler Horney
4 years ago
Straight forward and friendly staff. Modern technology. Great option.
Tyler Brindley
5 years ago
Amazing dentist! My 1 hour exam and 1 hour cleaning was directly with the dentist, which is unheard of. The entire appointment was very thorough. I saw every individual tooth thanks to this tiny camera. All my dental issues were discussed and explained in detail and a solution was determined. This dental group gave the impression they care greatly about their clients and their health. I will certainly be back! Thank you!
rick cook
5 years ago
I'm so happy I've been a patient of Dr. Yamada for 14 years . She is the very best dentist I have ever been to in my entire life . I've tried many other dentists and I have been completely satisfied with Dr. Yamada and her fantastic staff . It is such a pleasure to go someone you just trust with your smile . The staff , from Dawne that is a pleasant voice answering the calls as they come in to Justine who helps make the process smooth as it can possibly be . I would highly recommend Dr. Michelle Yamada D.D.S. to anyone wanting to find a dentist that cares and a friendly staff that make you feel very comfortable throughout the entire process . Thank you Ocean Dental Care for your patience with me and the awesome service you provide to me and the community of Ocean Beach !
Deanna Beck
5 years ago
BEWARE! I am a 37 year old woman who was completely desperate in horrific pain after a cracked tooth became very infected. There were zero appts at any other clinic. I called and they stated that yes, they took Metlife my insurance. When I arrived, the front desk gentlemen kept saying I would pay upfront and get a check back for the other half. He also said that they are not in contract with them, but they accept them. It was all VERY confusing and Not what they said on the phone, but I was about to blackout from pain. He later mumbled something about trying to be "transparent" with me and that likely I would receive back about $30 of the $148. Not what was stated on the phone or even in the office before the exam. I got walked into a room and they had me take two x-rays, agreed my tooth was infected and needed to be extracted. The Dr. wrote a perscription for antibiotics. At that time I explained to her that I get severe yeast infections any time I take antibiotics, and always receive an anti fungal prophylactically. She then denied that and told me to go to the store and get better yogurt. Unreal. Then I asked to get ANYTHING to relieve the pain, and she stated that my anxiety medication would interact with any pain medicine. (No benzos, just Buspar and Amitriptyline) I was shocked that she could contemplate letting me leave crying and in so much pain. I've had shoulder surgery 2x and been given medication with ZERO adverse reaction with anxiety meds. She actually printed out a sheet that "proved" she couldn't give me anything for pain. She must have thought I was a moron because it clearly said it's not dangerous but needs to be monitored. She then said since I was a redhead, nothing would work on me. I begged her as it felt like there was an ice pick hammered into my tooth. I told her I couldn't function in this amount of pain and she wrote me a perscription for a nasal spray called Sprix. She proceeded to inject me about 6 times to help the pain but I didn't care because truly a needle felt like nothing compared to the excruciating pain radiating up to my temple and then brain. I tried to eat for the first time in a day and was so numb EVERYWHERE (not just around the tooth) I ended up hearing the crunch of me chewing on my lip and cheek, bleeding everywhere. The numbness wore off about 45 min later and I screamed into a pillow and fell asleep crying. I then called every pharmacy for Sprix and not only did NO ONE carry it, it's over 2k. Yes, you read that correctly. 2k. Thinking back to how lackadaisical she was to writing the prescription, she absolutely knew it was unattainable to me. The next day I went to a well known clinic and told them not to worry I had an x-ray. (The one Ocean Dental charged me $148 for). She looked at it and showed me that it clearly didn't even show the root. She was right. They took a new x-ray and IMMEDIATELY wrote me a script for antibiotics, anti fungal and 5 days of pain medicine. And the visit was FREE. I cried from relief and will be getting all wisdom teeth extracted there, as well as tell my friends and family to go there for the rest of my life. Ocean Dental was a nightmare that tried to make me feel like a drug seeking drama queen when in reality, my tooth infection is so bad they label it an emergency operation. I work with animals professionally and get drug tested often, so the denial of any pain relief or anti fungal was offensive. The x-ray was worthless and I am shocked their doors are allowed to stay open. I have a half inch flap hanging off the inside of my lip from chewing on it so badly because my entire mouth was numbed. And yes, red heads are genetically wired differently pain wise, but No respecting dentist, doctor or surgeon would ever withhold medication, in my situation it was gross negligence.
Varvara Ushakova
5 years ago
They are all great professionals and with great sense of humor! Last time I went to finish my cleaning. Many thanks to Vera, she is great!
Heather Baker
5 years ago
Dr. Yamada and her entire staff are amazing! The office staff takes the time to get to know each patient personally. They want to know what is going on with you and how that can relate to what is going on in your mouth. The hygiene team took their time to make sure I was flossing and brushing properly. Everyone in the office truly cares about each patient.
Janis Tanaka
5 years ago
Went to my first visit and Dr. Yamada and the staff were all both professional and personal. I felt both comfortable and cared for. I thought the checkup, assessment and suggestions reflected a desired high level of knowledge and expertise. I'm very happy to have been referred.
John Snow
5 years ago
I have been a long time client here and went to get some floss in between visits, but it was more difficult than I thought. The new staff was not very friendly and gave me some grief for trying to get floss. Where did Tiffany go!? Why can't I just get some floss without the hassle? Not happy with new staff.
Noelle Yang
5 years ago
Dr. Yamada and her team made me feel very comfortable and right at home. When it comes to my dental health I am very glad I can put my trust in Dr. Yamada's hands.
Margie Curry
5 years ago
Ocean Dental Care is outstanding! Dr.Yamada and her team are very professional, caring, and friendly-it feels like a family. I highly recommend this practice.
Tyler Brindley
5 years ago
Amazing dentist! My 1 hour exam and 1 hour cleaning was directly with the dentist, which is unheard of. The entire appointment was very thorough. I saw every individual tooth thanks to this tiny camera. All my dental issues were discussed and explained in detail and a solution was determined. This dental group gave the impression they care greatly about their clients and their health. I will certainly be back! Thank you!
Eric Davis
5 years ago
I hadn't been to the dentist in several years and Ocean Dental Care was recommended by my girlfriend. I am VERY happy that I made that initial visit and will continue to go back for all my dental needs. The team is amazing, friendly, and fun, and they treat you like family. I look forward to seeing them every visit. The equipment is state of the art and I've tested it for them several times with all the fillings, crowns, and cleanings I've had in the last 8 months. I've had very little discomfort from any of the procedures and they follow up with me later to see how I am doing. I would highly recommend Dr. Yamada and her staff to anyone seeking dental work!
Skye Moody
5 years ago
From a Park Avenue, Manhattan, dentist, to a Seattle dentist, to a dentist in Ocean Beach--Michelle Yamada, DDS, and her staff, the best and most professional (and fun!) by far Is OB dentist Michelle Yamada's practice. Although I've taken meticulous care of my teeth over the years, lately I've developed gum disease and toothaches. Dr. Yamada and one of her hygienists, Vera, have taken such great care of these issues with NO pain, even when doing a deep gum cleaning of all my mouth at one visit. This is the first tie in my life that I actually look forward to visiting the dentist. Thanks to the entire staff at Michelle Yamada, DDS. I love you all.
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