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Padre Dental Group Dr. Preston Kaenel graduated from USC School of Dentistry in 1997. Dr. Valerie Kaenel received her bachelor's degree from UC San Diego in Biology and her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from USC. Hillcrest Top Dentist They both graduated in the top 5 of their class earning a place in OKU Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a dental honor society.

Dr. Preston Kaenel chosen top dentist. We are a cosmetic and family practice located in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego. Dr. Preston Kaenel and Dr. Valerie Kaenel are a husband and wife team.
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Hi, I am Dr. Preston. Together with my wife Dr. Val, we established Padre Dental in 2001. I see myself as a very conscientious, hardworking individual. I like being able to take the time with each patient and finding out what are the individual needs of each person. The best part about dentistry for me is all the great new technology.
Our philosophy at Padre Dental Group is to offer full service dental treatment for the whole family. We enjoy working with all ages. Combining artistry and advanced technology, Dr. Preston and Dr. Valerie Kaenel use the latest material and techniques to create the smile you want. Through individualized care, together we will set realistic goals and give you a dental treatment plan that will suit your specific needs. We hope you experience your next dental visit with us. Our dental office is conveniently located in Hillcrest, San Diego.
Are your teeth chipped or stained? Or perhaps you are missing teeth? Cosmetic dentistry may be for you. With so many new materials and procedures available today, teeth can be bleached, bonded, veneered and crowned. Spaces can be filled with implants, bridges or partials. We work closely with dental specialists in the area for procedures such as implant placement, oral surgery, gum surgery, and orthodontics. We invite you to read about some of the procedures we offer and contact the office for your consultation.
What are dental implants? They are a replacement for your missing tooth root. It is the next best thing to your own natural tooth. Implants provide an excellent option for restoring missing teeth. Replacing anywhere from one tooth to an entire mouth, implants provide a titanium root to place a crown, bridge, partial or denture on top.
Reviews (30)
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Monica S.
Feb 02, 2022
I've been looking for a dentist for the last couple of years and highly recommend Padre Dental. Kelly at the front desk was super friendly and made me feel welcomed. Can't say enough about Dr. Val! She immediately made me feel comfortable and had a great checkup and cleaning. Again highly recommend this Dentist office in Hillcrest.
Mike C.
Jul 21, 2021
Had my first visit with Dr. Preston, and the entire staff are awesome. Dr. Preston was amazing, even though I just met him for the first time, I can tell he cares about his patients. Everyone is very professional, and explained everything that needed to be done. Haven't been to the dentist in a while so I have lots of dental get done. Highly recommend Padre Dental, you won't be sorry.
Pete T.
Jul 09, 2021
Five stars for Dr. Val and the team at Padre Dental Group! From Kelly at the front desk to Kelly the dental hygienist to Dr. Val and everyone in between. One of the most professional and genuinely caring group of individuals you could ever come across. They care immensely about their jobs and more importantly, about their patients. Without getting into too much dental detail, my lovely wife Becky needed extensive dental work.

She was referred by a friend to Dr. Val. After an initial consultation the work was completed in four visits over the course of about six weeks. There was no overcharging. No upselling of unneeded work. Dr. Val was up front, forthright and honest about everything. No shady practices at all. The results are absolutely stunning. Not only did Dr. Val and the fine people at Padre Dental Group give Bex her smile back. They also restored her pride, confidence and self esteem. It is a joy to see Becky smiling with pride again.
M. E.
Mar 12, 2021
Friendly, gentle, clean dental practice. Everyone is welcoming and the space is comfortable!
Tara S.
Mar 09, 2021
This is the best dentist I have ever had! I called them because I was having severe tooth pain a couple years ago, and my regular dentist told me they couldn't get me in for a month. I live in Hillcrest so I looked up dentists near me, called Padre and even though I was a new patient to them, they got me right in. I have been seeing Dr Val ever since!

The office is warm and inviting, and even though I don't love going to the dentist, I do walk out of there with a smile. Kelly at the front desk is awesome too! Everyone is very friendly and thoroughly answers all of your questions.
T. ORourke
Oct 12, 2020
I'm not always an easy person to please when it comes to dentistry, but Padre Dental has always come through for me. Great husband/wife dentists, friendly and thorough hygienist, immaculate and state-of-the-art office. Well-run office, too. I feel really cared for here. Highly recommended.
Madi D.
Jun 17, 2020
Super responsive and great. I go to Dr. Val and she's the best dentist I've had! Very thorough
Amy W.
May 01, 2020
I've been a customer of Padre Dental for over 10 years. I absolutely love the staff and the way they accommodate you. It's such a clean office (can't complain about the view either) and always seems calm and relaxing; exactly what you need when you're entering a dentist office. Parking can be a bit tricky, but that's just the territory of Hillcrest. Give yourself a bit of time in case it takes a bit to park.
Paige Smith
Feb 10, 2020
I would absolutely recommend Dr. Val and Dr. Preston to anyone! I hadn't been able to go to a dentist for almost a decade and was worried that I would have a bad experience given the length of time without one. I gave Padre Dental a shot and I'm so glad I did! Dr. Val was very kind and straightforward. The treatments we did worked wonders on my teeth! And Kelly at the front desk is wonderfully friendly! I'm so glad to have found a great dentist. Thanks guys!
Betty Choate
Jan 29, 2020
Husband & I in for prophylaxis. Everyone in the office is most pleasant. Appointment times in AM are promptly kept. Dr. Preston answers all questions patiently & never appears rushed. Husband's dental hygienist equally impressive. Very nice office facility with a lovely aquarium!
M. S.
Jan 16, 2020
I was very apprehensive about going in because I hadn't seen a dentist in 5 years. I am so happy with the service I received. Everyone was friendly and professional. Even though my appointment was at the end of the day I did not feel like I was being rushed out, the dentist took time to explain everything to me. I really appreciate that the dentist did not try to push or sell anything to me(i.e. you need to use this toothpaste, this toothbrush.) The woman who checked me out was friendly and didn't mind answering my questions about follow up appointment. If I had dentist like this in the past, I might not have waited so long to get it.
Arthur Edelman
Dec 22, 2019
My wife and I recently moved to San Diego. I have found Dr. Preston Kaenel to be a fabulous dentist! He is thorough, tells me what he is going to do before he does it, respectful, very skilled, extremely knowledgeable, willing to educate me, gentle, professional, and genuine. His entire staff is professional, helpful, friendly, and great to deal with. I highly recommend Dr. Kaenel!
Travis Ziegler
Dec 11, 2019
Dr. Val and Dr. Preston are by far the most amazing dental providers I have ever seen. I've had a few dental situations come up and every single time they fit me into their schedule and get me seen with the best care. I couldn't be more thankful for Padre Dental.
JoAnne Lanouette
Dec 03, 2019
Outstanding, caring, professional dental care. I have been going to Padre Dental for over 6 years and I could not be happier. The front desk smooths the way with appointments, insurance, and billing. Friendly. I have regularly cleaning and checkups, had two crowns, and just had one emergency visit. Dr. Valerie Kaenel is gentle, caring, and informative. I completely trust her.
Brett Southern
Jul 16, 2019
I had a horrible dental experience with Padre Dental. The worst experience was when my front tooth broke right up to gum. Dr. Val said we'll figure something out, problem was she never did because she couldn't handle it. Her solution was to blow me off and now with the broken tooth still in my mouth I'm looking at a very expensive procedure to have it fixed, total dental negligence and I'm considering a lawsuit.

Plenty of other issues especially given my fiance terrible advice about not having a root canal she promptly found another Dentist and all was well. Also found Kelly hard to communicate with. I would definitely not recommend this dentistry to anyone. By the way the broken tooth is still in my mouth 3 years later. BEWARE
Broderick L.
Jul 13, 2019
Your treatment experience starts when you open the door. Queen Kelly welcomes you with knowledgeable professional efficiency and sincere attentiveness. Glowing praise is well deserved because a front desk can make or break a dental office. This husband-and-wife Dental team along with supporting staff work seamlessly to address your individual concerns with detailed concentration. Dr. Val executes her dental procedures with progressive technical function and a fresh artistic appeal.

I believe that your smile and dental health is the billboard of your existence. If you want the best, forget the rest and make an appointment with Padre Dental now! Trust me. you will be glad you did.
Meredith Johnston
May 26, 2019
I love my dentist office. From their receptionist to my hygienist to my dentist, literally only fun, nice people work there. They are always helpful, super respectful about your time, incredibly warm and comforting, and I know I'm getting outstanding care. I've been so grateful since I got this recommendation from a former colleague! Paying it forward to let others know!
Misty M.
Dec 31, 2018
While we have had a positive experience before, this office failed us when needed. We came into the office about 3 weeks ago for my husband's cleaning and check up. Dr Val gave him a once over and announced that his teeth were "fine" and didn't need a cleaning or exam, and could wait til "next year". No X-ray, no real exam but a glance in his mouth.

He hadn't had an exam or cleaning in over 6 months. We came to Abu Dhabi for 3 months as we are stationed here through his contractor. About two days ago, my husband started having incredible tooth pain. We had to scramble to find a dentist in Khalifa City who takes our insurance, and he has a deep abscess which needs a root canal. If he had been properly examined and X-rayed, as covered by our insurance and as requested, this cavity would have been found to be forming before he went through all this pain and difficulty of trying to find a dentist while overseas.

I am so disappointed that the dentist rushed his visit and did not do xrays. I honestly feel that this is negligent on your staff's behalf. If you had done the appt, it would clearly have shown the cavity on X-ray. Now we are having to pay out of pocket, and hope our insurance reimbursed us. I understand our apt was late in the afternoon and maybe you guys wanted to leave, but now it's moved to a point where we may be out of money, and he's in incredible pain, for want of due diligence. We will not be returning when we come home in March.
Bob I.
Jun 15, 2018
Dr Preston is a kind caring professional dentist and his staff are great people. He took care of me in the corner office with a fantastic view is San Diego. He replaced a filling that had dropped and did magnificent work. I was leaving on a trip and got a same day appointment. Wonderful.
Janis H.
Jan 12, 2018
I have been going to Padre Dental for more than 15 years. Both dentists there are truly wonderful. I have always been very scared of being in the chair due to a terrible dental experience in childhood, Dr Preston is very understanding about my anxiety and tendency towards panic attacks. They are both very gentle and patient. They are also very knowledgeable in all of the latest treatment options and technological advancements in dentistry. This is the best place in San Diego in my humble opinion!
Mark Matelka
Jul 13, 2017
Been a patient for 9 years and have always had excellent work done for a reasonable price. They treat everyone like a valued patient, clearly explain treatment options and have worked with me to keep my teeth their best. I've had fillings, periodontal maintenance, a tooth pulled, crowns, a mouth guard made and all the work I've had done was outstanding.

When I needed a referral for an implant they gave me a great recommendation and I was very happy with their work also. I can honestly recommend them to everyone based upon my years of experience.
Xoch L.
May 17, 2017
The actual dental service is good. I'm giving them a bad review because their receptionist customer service. I went about 6 months ago for a dental clean up. Despite me not wanting to schedule an appointment as I can't predict or remember what will happen in 6 months time. They still put me an appointment for today. I did not confirm an appointment and after hearing a voice message today of the appointment.

I called them that I was not going to go today. I explained that I went 6 months ago and that I didn't want an appointment for the day, but somehow I still had an appointment today. Abby I think is her name, was condescending with her voice tone. She said well we have send you emails and texts, so my question is-did I confirm or said I was going "no".

I told her, I heard your voice message and I can't make it today as I did not want appointment and somehow you had me scheduled for one. She was upset and said next time cancel 48hrs in advance. I did not make an appointment, so some how she made it sound as it was my fault. I work as anyone else. I will not be going to appointments I never agreed to or did not schedule. It is a shame that they coerce you into appointments that you did not want. I will be in the search of another Dental place
Teresa G.
Dec 24, 2016
I had not been to the dentist in a while, so I was a bit nervous about what my exam results might be, but luckily there was not much to report! It never feel like they are "pushing" anything on you, or making things seem worse than they are. Dr. Preston and his staff are all very friendly, and personable. They also take the time to go through any and every question you might have, which is so so nice, when most doctors are in and out as fast as they can be. I will keep coming here as long as they are in business!
Austin Vawter
Nov 15, 2016
I had an excellent experience at Padre dental group. Everyone was very friendly and professional. From the moment I arrived, Bobbii made me feel right at home. Dr Val did a perfect job on my dental bonding and was half the price of another dentist that I visited before checking out Padre dental group. They have earned my business and I will continue to have Dr Val as my dentist in the future.
Alex White
Nov 12, 2016
Top to bottom the highest quality dentistry you will find anywhere. Staff is excellent, office is first rate, and the quality of care is simply unmatched. In addition they are very upfront about cost providing you with a variety of options. I have had a collection of dentists over the years, some better than others, however, Padre is on a whole different level. Very happy to have found these guys. I haven't read through their reviews but I would be astonished to find any that did not praise these guys and the work they do.
Ben C.
Nov 10, 2016
Friendly and professional from top to bottom. Immaculate facilities. Makes going to the dentist a pleasure. Thanks for the great experience!
Kathy C.
Jul 27, 2016
Dr. Preston is my favorite dentist of all time! He is highly professional, does a great job, and has a fun sense of humor. Great chair-side manor and has a fabulous salt water fish tank in the lobby-very zen! And the view from his office is incredible! Highly recommend Padre Dental!
Katy S.
Jun 14, 2016
I'm so pumped this is my new dentist, I could not have had a better experience. Bobbi at the front desk was incredibly friendly and helpful. Dr. Preston is sort of like the dream dentist - highly intelligent, kind and patient. Excellent bedside manner and at no moment did I feel rushed. Plus, the office is really beautiful and the view from the 7th floor is spectacular. Highly recommend.
Wesley M.
Dec 02, 2015
Padre Dental has administrative scheduling problems. Coupled with limited availability, scheduling is very difficult and it is hard to schedule, keep, or reschedule appointments. Twice, we have made follow-up appointments BEFORE leaving the office (several months in advance) that were later cancelled by Padre Dental. Both times Padre called to explain that "they don't have appointments at that time of the day and we should have never been able to schedule that time in the first place".

But we did, with the receptionist, in person. Rather than rectifying their mistake and finding a similar date & time next to our original appointment, the best they could do was push us out to the end of their calendar, which was several months out, well beyond the suggested follow-up for a cleaning. *Edit: Speaking with the dentist directly, he was able to rebook a time close to our original appointment, so I'm upping our rating back to 4 stars.
Karen M.
Aug 06, 2014
Great dentist and dental hygienist! I've been going here for a few years now. I'm glad I found Padre dental.