How long have you been in business?
We opened Harbor Dental in Point Loma in 2018. It’s been over 6 years, but it seems like yesterday!

Why did you open a business in Point Loma of all places?
I was born and raised in Loma Portal. The maternal side of my family has been in Point Loma for many generations. My great-grandpa, George Kettenburg Jr., built sailboats in Point Loma in the early 20th century.

What do you love most about what you do?
Helping people gain confidence through their smiles is incredibly rewarding - but even more so when we become a trusted part of a person’s health care team.

 What’s one thing you’d like locals to know about your business or how you serve the community?
We’re not a corporate chain, we’re your neighbors. We live in Point Loma, sponsor local schools, support small businesses, and donate dental services to people in need right here in Point Loma.

What’s something interesting, fun, or unique about your business that might surprise us?
We constantly reinvest in our office - from clinical education to new technology. Providing high-level care is the way in which I derive fulfillment from my work.

What’s a memorable experience you’ve had with a customer or client?
We’ve seen time and again how a smile enhancement can be the key to unlocking a patient’s confidence, joy, and connection with others. It’s never just about the teeth - it’s about how the teeth inspire them to become the best version of themselves. That’s the kind of magic that’s cool to witness.

What inspired you to start your business—or join it?
I wanted to create the kind of dental office I’d want my own family to come to - high-quality, comfortable, convenient, and community-oriented. In fact, the most enlightening moments for our team are when my family comes into the office and sees that operationally nothing changes - proof in the pudding that everyone is treated like family.

What’s a lesson you’ve learned the hard way in business?
Trying to be everything to everyone. There is such a large range of types of oral health care that people are searching for, and not everyone fits within the framework of our proactive philosophy of care. It’s somewhat liberating when you come to accept this reality because when you’re a young health care professional, you simply want to heal and/or help everyone you come into contact with.

What’s your go-to way to recharge after a long day?
Family, Padres, and burritos

Do you have a favorite book that has inspired you at work?
It’s hard to narrow it down to one…
Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink

What’s a hidden gem business in Point Loma that more people should know about?
Jennings House Cafe - it’s cozy, historic, and always has neighborly vibes.

Do you have any special offers you can make to our newsletter readers?
Our office currently donates 50% of our in-office membership fee to PLA. We voted on this as a team and felt like this was a great opportunity to “do good” while raising awareness for an organization that positively impacts our community and local businesses.