Dr. Kim Lugtu
Clinical Director & Board Certified Pediatric Dentist — and the reason families drive 40 minutes past a dozen other dentists.
She grew up in these same neighborhoods. She actually gets it.
Dr. Kim Lugtu grew up in Rancho Peñasquitos and went to Mt. Carmel High School — so when she says she understands San Diego families, she really means it. She was one. She graduated magna cum laude from UC Riverside and earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at UCLA School of Dentistry. (Overachiever. But the good kind.)
From there she headed to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for her pediatric dental residency — one of the most prestigious programs in the country. She didn't just survive it. She finished as chief resident, meaning her peers and faculty thought she was the best of the best. Then she came back to San Diego, because this is home.
She's also a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry — a voluntary distinction that fewer than half of all pediatric dentists pursue, because it's genuinely hard. She pursued it anyway. That tracks.
When she's not in the office, Dr. Kim is probably on a dental mission trip in Nicaragua or the Philippines, or traveling somewhere new, or being very aggressively loved by Mochi, her dog. Mochi is not a patient but absolutely would get a perfect report card.
World-class training. Zero intimidating vibes.
- ✓ American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- ✓ California Society of Pediatric Dentistry
- ✓ American Dental Association
They moved across town. They still come back.
"Hands down the best dentist for kids!! Dr. Kim is top notch and the best doctor ever! She is super kind, fun, gentle and very personable! I am so grateful we found Coastal Kids!!"
"Kim Lugtu is the best! She has been seeing both of my kids pretty much their whole life. I'm very thankful for that and will continue going there as long as she will see them."
"The BEST Pediatric Dentist in San Diego! We've been seeing Dr. Kim for almost 10 years now. Her genuine, gentle care and compassion for my children have been nothing short of exceptional. Despite my family moving further away, we still make the 40 minute drive to see her."
New patients welcome. No scary waiting rooms. Promise.
Dr. Kim sees patients across all five Coastal Kids locations. Book online in 60 seconds or give us a call — we'll find a time that works for your whole crew.