Business Spotlight: La Jolla Dental Studio continues to deliver ‘life-changing smile transformations’

La Jolla Dental Studio has been caring for patients in and around La Jolla for decades, with an emphasis on a compassionate approach that alleviates common anxieties that often accompany going to the dentist.

Dr. Tiki Lam, who decided to become a dentist in 2008 while serving aboard the U.S. naval ship Mercy as part of a humanitarian mission to Southeast Asia, leads the practice.

When she returned to the United States, she received a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and cell biology from UC San Diego in La Jolla, then graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy with a doctor of dental surgery degree.  Lam, who participates in a variety of volunteer programs, has received three Congressional Recognitions for her commitment to humanitarian missions and as a good-will ambassador of the US to Guam, Micronesia, Papua Guinea, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Lam discussed her approach to dentistry and future goals for La Jolla Dental Studio:

Q: You’ve mentioned that your own childhood dental experiences influenced your approach to patient care. Can you tell us about how those early experiences shaped the way you practice dentistry today, and what makes your La Jolla practice different from traditional dental offices?

Lam: I’ll be honest—I hated going to the dentist as a child. I spent years in orthodontics to correct misaligned arches, had multiple surgeries to remove extra teeth caused by hyperdontia, and even faced concerns about Gardner’s syndrome. Those long, uncomfortable hours in the dental chair shaped me profoundly. I know what it feels like to be anxious, to dread appointments, and to feel out of control. That’s why at La Jolla Dental Studio, my approach is different. I prioritize patient comfort, take time to communicate, and create an environment where people feel cared for—not judged. My goal is to make dentistry something patients no longer fear, but instead see as a path to health, confidence, and beauty.

Q. How do you blend elements of art and science in your cosmetic and implant dentistry work, and what does this mean for patients seeking smile transformations here in La Jolla?

Lam: Cosmetic and implant dentistry are at the intersection of art and science. The science comes from precise planning, advanced materials, and a deep understanding of biology and biomechanics. The art comes from the way I shape, layer, and design each restoration to mimic nature. Every smile I create is customized to the individual—their facial proportions, skin tone, personality, and goals. I love crafting smiles that look natural, healthy, and truly belong to the person wearing them.

Q. How do you incorporate cutting-edge technology and the latest dental innovations into your practice, and what advantages does this give your patients?

Lam: I stay at the forefront of dental technology because it allows me to deliver care that’s more accurate, efficient, and comfortable for patients. At our studio, we use 3D digital scanners instead of traditional impressions, 3D printing for precise surgical guides and provisional restorations, advanced imaging for implant planning, and minimally invasive techniques supported by the latest materials. These innovations translate into shorter appointments, faster healing, more predictable results, and a level of customization that simply wasn’t possible before.

Q. Based on your personal understanding of dental fear, what specific techniques and approaches do you use to help nervous patients feel comfortable and relaxed during treatment?

Lam: Because I know what it’s like to sit in the chair for hours, I take extra care with patients who are nervous. We offer multiple options to help—from nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) to oral and IV sedation, provided in partnership with our dental anesthesiologist. Beyond that, we make the environment itself soothing: blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and a team that truly listens. Even for surgical procedures, we work hard to make the experience as easy and stress-free as possible. Patients consistently tell us they’re surprised at how comfortable they felt.

Q. Do you have any other particular short- or long-term goals for your practice?

Lam: In the short term, I’m focused on strengthening our position as a premier destination for cosmetic and implant dentistry in San Diego, where patients can experience truly life-changing smile transformations. My goal is to create naturally crafted smiles and veneers that enhance a patient’s unique features rather than look artificial. Looking ahead, I want to make high-quality, technology-driven dentistry more accessible and continue sharing knowledge through education. Ultimately, I hope to redefine what people expect when they visit the dentist—an experience where artistry, science, and compassion come together to create not only beautiful smiles, but healthier and more confident lives.

La Jolla Dental Studio is located at 7334 Girard Ave., Suite 102, La Jolla. For more information, visit www.LaJollaDentalStudio.com or call (858) 459-0691.

–La Jolla Light contributed to this report.

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