Meet Dr. Sanjay Kuruvadi

My passion for orthodontics is beyond what you can imagine! I love seeing people’s lives change with their new awesome beautiful smiles. The rewards of being an orthodontist are many.

I was first attracted to orthodontics because it allows me to tap into my artistic passions. I feel very fortunate to be able to help the people in my community gain confidence and self-esteem, as well as a “Hollywood” smile they can be proud to show off. I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people, and the friendships that I’ve built with my patients and their families are one in a million.

My favorite day is the day when your braces come off, we see your final remarkable result together, and I get the happy smile on your face. I love my work because it can change lives both physically and emotionally. I have seen many patients transform from being introverted people, seemingly afraid of opening their mouths, to smiling extroverts after treatment.

Education and Continuing Education

When I finished college, I was accepted by both medical and dental schools. My instincts led me to follow my older brother, who is a cosmetic dentist and endodontist. I finished my professional education at Howard University, where I finished my residency in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics in 1995. Through scholarship and academic excellence, I was able to move ahead and finish at the age of 23 to become the youngest licensed and certified orthodontist in the country.

I am involved with several orthodontic study groups that help me stay up to date with the newest technological advances in my field. I am also a member of many professional associations that keep me involved with the greater orthodontic and dental communities; I am a member of the following organizations: American Association of Orthodontists, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, California Dental Association, San Diego County Dental Society, and San Diego Academy of Orthodontists.

Since graduation, I have committed myself to learning new techniques and skills through continuing education and professional collaboration. I have put in thousands of hours, paying special attention to orthodontic developments in the US and abroad.

I have greatly benefited by learning from the Japanese for their work with correcting underbites and Europeans for their work with overbites, overjets, and functional appliances like twin blocks. I am one of the few orthodontists in the Metroplex who has extensive experience in treating patients with cleft lip and palate and craniofacial anomalies.

I strive to offer the highest quality of oral healthcare available. I am so excited to offer you the best of US and international orthodontic treatments that stand up to my own high standards.

In the Office

I always keep in mind that my orthodontic work affects your overall oral health. I believe that oral health affects people far beyond their mouths and jaw lines. It includes my orthodontic work and your overall dental health plan. Therefore, all treatments are designed individually to meet your needs with an eye to the whole picture. I will take the time to explain my recommendation, listen to your concerns, and answer any questions.

Furthermore, my work is meant to have a lifelong impact. I believe educating you on how to care for your new smile is the key. My staff and I will spend time instructing you on how to keep your jaw in tiptop shape. We will provide you with whatever tools and information packets you need, and will always be available for further questions as they arise.

Outside the Office

I had a childhood of international proportions. Born in India, I moved to Canada with my family when I was seven. Then two years later, we moved to Mexico, and finally we settled down in the US. My father, a double Ph.D. in plant breeding and plant genetics, is internationally recognized for his achievements and his published articles and books. His work moved us all over.

My mother had a degree in teaching. To her, my education was the number-one priority and that inspired me to work very hard at school and ranked first in all levels, from elementary to dental school. I also received some prizes and scholarships, including some from the governor and the President.

I have lived in San Diego for the past 23 years with my wife and two children. I love to travel and have visited more than 25 countries. My brother and my sister-in-law from Virginia are also dentists, and when we all meet, fortunately or unfortunately we only talk about dentistry!

I value my community and life in general, so I am involved with quite a few nonprofits. I have a soft spot for children—our future—so I help as much as I can to give all children the same opportunities I had. I sponsor 20 to 25 children every year to be involved in sports and other school activities. I donate to charities in India that support underprivileged children and orphanages. I am also a lifelong vegetarian, animal activist, and contributor to PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals).