Dr. Debbie Kim is a Cleveland, Ohio native who grew up in Poway, California after her family moved there when she was 12 years old. Besides the reward of restoring patients’ teeth and smiles, Dr. Kim enjoys meeting and creating long-lasting relationships with her patients and their families. She calls it a privilege and honor to earn their trust and to treat them as needed.
Dr. Kim offers all aspects of general dentistry including fillings, crowns, dental implants, veneers, extractions, soft tissue laser treatment, periodontal (gum) disease management, and family dental services. She is particularly passionate about cosmetic dentistry and the use of dental implants as a high-quality, permanent solution to missing teeth.
Prior to heading down the dentistry path, Dr. Kim started to play golf at 12 years old. She picked up the game fast and traveled and competed in junior golf tournaments across the United States. She was ranked the No. 1 female junior golfer in her age division five consecutive years. She also was named San Diego’s Player of the Year two consecutive years. Dr. Kim continued to play golf competitively in college while pursuing a psychology degree at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Dr. Kim chose to enter the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of University of Southern California after graduating from UCLA, rather than pursuing golf professionally. She always knew she wanted to be a healthcare provider or scientist. While there, She received the prestigious Terrance Donovan Dental Material Award and graduated with honors in 2002.
Although she didn’t make golf a career, playing the game competitively taught her many life skills such as perseverance, focus and discipline. She credits her physical and mental training for golf with getting her though dental school, which was a demanding program.
Dr. Kim has practiced in San Diego since 2002, and served as a clinical instructor and lecturer for dental hygiene students at Concorde College for four years.
Dr. Kim is a big believer in giving back to the community. She volunteers for TeamSmile and the Fallbrook Smiles Project, both of which provide free dental services to underprivileged children in San Diego.
When she isn’t working or on the golf course, Dr. Kim enjoys yoga, hiking and spending time with her family. She is a sports fan and enjoys attending sporting events – especially UCLA football and basketball games.
