Meet Dr. Larsen

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MEET

Meet Dr. Larsen

Dr. Larsen holds a life vision that dentistry enhances people’s lives and helps them to live healthier overall. She and her team are excited about the latest advances in dentistry and newest technology to inspire their patients to desire the most up-to-date procedures dentistry has to offer.

Since 2009 she has been Visiting Faculty with Spear Education in Scottsdale, AZ – a Faculty of Dentists and Specialists who have a deep desire to make a difference in the life of their Patients, Teams and Communities through the highest quality of dentistry.

Dr. Larsen and her husband enjoy water activities & walking their 2 dogs around Ocean Beach and Point Loma.

Dr. Larsen has wanted to be a dentist since she was in 3rd grade, when her mother worked as a dental assistant for an orthodontist.

“I know how important it is to feel good about your smile. I had a gaps between my teeth and did not smile until I had braces. I remember finally smiling in my school pictures in Junior high and having more confidence.”

Dr. Larsen believes dental care is vital to a person’s overall health, sleep and immune system. She has been providing exceptional dental care in a safe, calm and comfortable environment for over 30-years. She is passionate about helping her patient choose the highest level of care that they desire. She has seen first hand how her patients lives and social health have been enhanced by appropriate dental care.

Dr. Larsen driven to stay ahead-of-the-curve on the latest in dental care. She leads groups of multidiciplinary dentists in Study Clubs, conducts & participates in advanced dental education, employs the latest digital technology and employs the best proven techniques. She believes that only way to do this is through continually pursuing advanced education in dentistry. Dr. Larsen completes at least 4-times the required Continuing Education courses establish by the California Dental Board. Since 2009 she has been recognized as a Visiting Faculty member at the world renowned Spear Education in Scottsdale, Arizona. She participates as a student and as a teacher in multiple hands-on dental workshops each year. This commitment results in her patients receiving exceptional care from prevention to restoring beauty and function to their smiles.

“I have always enjoyed helping others, being detailed oriented and wanting to provide the best care.”

Dr. Larsen believes in a holistic approach to dental health that addresses a person’s sleep, immune system, heart health and social health. All dentists evaluate the condition of the teeth and gum health, but she will also evaluate the jaw joints, function of bite, appearance of the smile relative to the face and assessment of airway issues. She will share with her patients what is possible and what is necessary based on all her experience, judgement and experience. Dr. Larsen works with each patient to determine what is appropriate for them at each stage of treatment.

“I love collaborating with patients on treatment and not dictating a course of action. Every patient is unique with their needs, desires and goals at different times in their lives.”

Following graduation from the Dental School at Oregon Health Sciences University, Dr. Larsen joined the Navy Dental Corps. She served at Naval Training Station (now Liberty Station) for 3-years. She was a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, the first Iraq war.

She fondly remembers moving to San Diego and after only 2-weeks thought:

“I have found my home, that was 30 years ago.”

Dr. Larsen has been in solo practice in Point Loma since 2000. Xceptional Dental is the 3rd dental practice in this location since its construction in 1943 the office may look like a house, but was specifically designed as a dental office by Dr. Sidney Dewhurst. Numerous improvements have been made to keep it technically current while retaining a comfortable feel.

  • 1982-85: UCSB undergraduate
  • 1986-89: Oregon Health Sciences University DMD
  • 2001-08: Dawson Academy (various courses) - St. Petersburg, FL
  • 2009 - Current: Spear Education for Advanced Dental Studies - Scottsdale
  • 2016: Dental Sleep Medicine Residency at UOP Dental School in San Francisco
  • 2019: Diplomate of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
  • America Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • Visiting Faculty at Spear Education for Advanced Dental Studies (limited to 300 members world wide)
  • Dawson Academy: Completed Curriculum
  • Diplomate, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
  • 1989 - 1992: Lieutenant in US Navy Dental Corps - San Diego
  • 1992 - 2000: Associate dentist in private practice - Solana Beach
  • 2000 - Current: Xceptional Dental

YOU DESERVE A BEAUTIFUL SMILE

Phone / Text: 619-223-6767 or click below to schedule your next appointment.