Dr. Kaileen Rodriguez
Board-certified orthodontist, U.S. Navy veteran, and Filipino American who grew up in a Navy family. UCSF-trained. Super Mario enthusiast. Her dream superpower is controlling time — so every kid finishes their braces even sooner.
She went to UCSF on a Navy scholarship — and came home to build confident smiles.
Dr. Kaileen Rodriguez — Dr. Kay to her patients — is a board-certified orthodontist who earned her dental degree at the University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry on a Navy Health Professions Scholarship, which is exactly as competitive as it sounds. She went on to serve as a Navy dental officer, where her achievements included the Navy Commendation Medal and the Surface Warfare Medical Designation. Why orthodontics? "I love how improving smiles gives a self-confidence that is priceless."
Her philosophy on patient care starts with listening — and with clear, simple communication about what's happening and what it takes to reach the goal. That matters even more with kids. "I make sure everything is clear and simple so kids understand and have a good experience at their visit." She loves building the orthodontic game plan together with each child and their family, because every kid is unique and no two treatment plans are ever quite the same.
One of her most memorable patients was a young girl whose open bite — caused by a habit — made it hard to bite into food and left her embarrassed to smile. After orthodontic treatment, she wasn't just happy to smile again; she could finally eat comfortably. "A great smile can also mean great form and function," Dr. Kay says. She puts kids at ease the only way she knows how: by listening, answering every question, connecting over shared interests, and — when it helps — being a kid herself and getting a little silly.
Off the clock, Dr. Kay is most likely playing video games with family and friends (anything Super Mario), traveling, hiking, camping, reading, or visiting National Parks. Around town, you'll find her at Balboa Park or the San Diego Zoo. She's a proud Filipino American from a Navy family — a connection she says helps her relate to San Diego's families and its rich Naval community even more.
UCSF-trained. Navy-decorated. Board-certified.
- ✓ Clear, simple communication — especially with kids
- ✓ A custom game plan for every child
- ✓ Filipino American, from a Navy family
- ✓ Smiles built for form, function, and confidence
She explains every step — and makes kids laugh while she does it.
"Dr. Kay walked my daughter through every part of her treatment in a way she actually understood. She felt in control instead of scared, and she's been so much better about taking care of her braces. We're thrilled."
"My son looks forward to his appointments because Dr. Kay is genuinely fun. She's patient, she's silly when he needs it, and she clearly loves what she does. The whole experience has been easy."
"Our daughter was self-conscious about her bite and could barely chew certain foods. Dr. Kay fixed both — and gave her back her smile. We can't thank her enough."
New patients welcome. No scary waiting rooms. Promise.
Dr. Kay sees orthodontic patients across Coastal Kids. Request a visit online in 60 seconds or give us a call.