Dr. David Kitchen

Hello and greetings to all my valued patients. I wish I could be your dentist forever but, obviously, that is not possible; so the time has come for me to pass the torch to a younger and vibrant, yet experienced, dental professional, as I am retiring from the practice of dentistry. I have enjoyed, immensely, the past 39 years of providing dentistry and the many people I have had the honor and pleasure to treat. Many of us have been associated for decades and I appreciate the loyalty and camaraderie that these individuals have granted me. I have had a passion for providing the best possible care I could to all the people who have passed through my doors, past and present, but mostly have cherished the relationships that have been developed with my patients, whom we view as friends and part of our dental family.

Barbara and I have searched for, and found, a wonderful successor to care for the people, my patients, who are the foundation of this dental practice. Her name is Dr. Bo Ah Kim and I have found her to be kind and gentle and who has over 10 years of active dental practice. She seems to have the same desire to provide the quality care that I have strived for with respect for our patients’ time and comfort. What is even better for my patients is that her husband, Dr. Hyung Jin Bae is also a dental professional. He is a board certified specialist over 10 years in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry (the treatment of gums and bone that support teeth) and so he will be able to provide that area of dental treatment “in house” whereas I have, in the past, had to refer those procedures “out” to another practitioner in our community.

Though change is always stressful please be comforted that Crystal will continue to be here to provide the gentle and thorough dental cleanings that you have come to enjoy over the past 7-8 years she has been a part of our dental team. I have complete trust in Dr. Kim and she is now my dentist. Maintaining oral health is directly related to overall health and a better quality of life; I urge all of you to maintain regular dental health checkups and treatment here with Dr. Kim and Crystal. As they will be treating me as well, perhaps we will see each other in the office from time to time. I wish all of you the best in life and health and hope that I have somehow enriched your lives as you have mine!

Wonderful Words from our Patients

Specialized Care in Periodontics and Dental Implants

When you visit La Jolla Dental Wellness, you’re in the skilled hands of Dr. Hyung Jin Bae, a board-certified periodontist with advanced training from Columbia, Penn, and Harvard. Dr. Bae brings years of experience in surgical periodontics, focusing on the gums, jawbone, and the foundational support your teeth rely on every day.
Dr. Bae’s passion goes far beyond routine care: He combines precision, technology, and a personalized approach to long-term oral health. His commitment to overall wellness enhances the lives of patients in our region and beyond.

Why See a Periodontist?

Think of periodontists as the architects of your smile’s foundation. Dr. Bae’s unique expertise allows him to diagnose and treat complex issues, rebuild gum and bone support, and place implants with accuracy and confidence. If you’re looking for care that prioritizes both your health and the future of your smile, Dr. Bae’s experience makes all the difference.

What to Expect at La Jolla Dental Wellness:

✔ Personalized Consultation
We take time to understand your concerns, goals, and health history before creating a tailored treatment plan.
✔ Advanced Imaging & Diagnostics
Using 3D scans and digital tools, we focus on precise diagnosis and treatment benefits.
✔ Comfort-First Care
IV and oral sedation options are available to help you feel relaxed and at ease during your care.
✔ Prevention Meets Regeneration
From early gum care to advanced tissue regeneration, we help protect and restore your oral health for the long haul.

Simple Payment Options

Insurance Coverage

We work with PPO insurance plans. If you have dental insurance, we will happily file your insurance forms on your behalf and request that the benefits be reimbursed to you directly. Please note that full payment is required at the start of treatment.
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No dental insurance? No problem! If you are one of the 100 Million Americans without dental insurance, we’ve created a plan specifically for you and your loved ones.
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We offer third–party financing options like CareCredit, and Cherry. Payment options through Cherry Technologies, Inc. are issued by the following lending partners: 
https://withcherry.com/lending-partners

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Visit La Jolla Dental Wellness

Hours

Monday – Tuesday 9am-5pm
Wednesday – CLOSED
Thursday – Friday 9am-5pm

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We are located in the Scripps/XiMed Medical Center on the campus of Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.
Use the main entrance and take the elevator to the fifth floor.

FAQ

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