Dr. Esha Patel
ABO certified. Invisalign provider. Kayaks in La Jolla Cove. Oil paints since age 12. Has never had a cavity — a fact she considers a professional credential.
She thinks of treatment planning like a puzzle. She loves puzzles.
Dr. Esha Patel trained at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry — earning her DDS and completing her orthodontic residency with a Master of Science in Dentistry at the same institution. She graduated with honors from UOP's biology program first. She is the first doctor in her family, a distinction she carries with intentional gratitude every day.
Her approach to orthodontics is built on trust — trust that accumulates over years of monthly appointments and translates into outcomes that change how patients carry themselves. She involves kids directly in their own care, speaks to them during appointments (not just around them), and walks them through milestones so they understand exactly how far they've come. Kids who feel in control of their treatment, she's found, tend to take much better care of it.
She is an ABO certified orthodontist, an Invisalign Provider, a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, Phi Kappa Phi, and Tau Kappa Omega — the academic honor society trifecta — and a volunteer faculty member at UCSD's Pre-Dental Society free clinic. Her most memorable case: a patient with sleep apnea, breathing issues, and an asymmetric bite who transformed completely through orthodontic expansion — finishing treatment early with full resolution of her bite and dramatically improved breathing.
When she's not in the office, Dr. Patel lifts weights, kayaks in La Jolla Cove, oil paints (since age 12), and explores Temecula's wine scene. Her favorite San Diego spot: the Cliffhanger Cafe at the Torrey Pines glider port. She also eats a Babybel with lunch every single day and has never had a cavity, which she considers her greatest personal credential.
UOP Dugoni. ABO Certified. Three honor societies. Zero cavities.
- ✓ Volunteer Faculty — UCSD Pre-Dental Free Clinic (monthly)
- ✓ First doctor in her family
- ✓ Inspired by generations of sacrifice
She explained every step. Her patients finish treatment early.
"Dr. Patel is meticulous and communicative in the best possible way. My daughter understands exactly what's happening in her treatment and is fully bought in. Her engagement has made such a difference in her progress."
"We chose Coastal Kids specifically because of Dr. Esha. She is so thorough, so kind, and so genuinely invested in outcomes. My son's treatment has gone exactly as planned and he looks forward to every visit."
"Dr. Patel noticed a breathing concern that our pediatrician had missed. She addressed it as part of her orthodontic treatment and our daughter is sleeping better than she has in years. We are endlessly grateful."
New patients welcome. No scary waiting rooms. Promise.
Dr. Esha sees patients across all five Coastal Kids locations. Book online in 60 seconds or give us a call.