Functional Aesthetic, Cosmetic, and Wellness Dentist in Mission Valley, California

Dr. Rob Frey, DDS, MPH, is a functional aesthetic, cosmetic, and wellness dentist at Espire Dental Mission Valley in Mission Valley, California, serving adult patients across Mission Valley and greater San Diego. He provides wellness-focused general dentistry, natural-looking cosmetic dentistry, veneers, Invisalign, smile makeovers, same-day CEREC crowns, salivary diagnostics, emergency dental care, periodontal care, oral surgery, and complex treatment planning.

Known for his exceptional attention to detail, light touch, and approachable sense of humor, Dr. Frey helps patients feel comfortable, informed, and genuinely cared for at every visit. His approach connects oral health, function, esthetics, and long-term wellness, with a clear belief that healthy dentistry should look natural, feel balanced, and support the person behind the smile.

Education and Advanced Training

Dr. Frey earned his degree in Biology from Pacific Union College before completing both his Master of Public Health and Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees at Loma Linda University.

He later completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency, where he received additional training in oral surgery, root canals, emergency care, and complex treatment planning. Dr. Frey has completed more than 500 hours of continuing education, graduated from the Kois Center, and is continuing the accreditation process with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). This training supports his work in precise treatment planning, functional esthetics, risk reduction, and wellness dentistry.

Cosmetic Dentistry with Function at the Center

Dr. Frey creates smiles that look healthy, balanced, and natural. He does not separate esthetics from function because a smile that looks beautiful also needs to support stable chewing, a healthy bite, strong teeth, and lasting comfort.

Patients visit Dr. Frey for:

• Wellness dentistry, focused on prevention, risk reduction, and long-term oral health
• Smile makeovers that improve tooth shape, color, balance, and confidence
• Porcelain veneers for natural-looking esthetic enhancement
• Invisalign clear aligners for adult tooth movement and bite improvement
• Same-day CEREC crowns for efficient, precise restorative dentistry
• Salivary diagnostics to evaluate bacterial, pH, immune, and collagen breakdown markers
• Periodontal disease and gum disease evaluation
• Emergency dental care, oral surgery, and complex treatment planning

His treatment style is detail-oriented, data-driven, and highly personalized. Patients understand what is happening, why it matters, and how each recommendation supports a healthier, more stable result.

Why Dentistry

Dr. Frey’s path in dentistry is shaped by his public-health background and his belief that dental care should do more than repair damage after it happens. His Master of Public Health training gives him a broader view of risk, prevention, and how oral health connects to overall wellness. That perspective shows in his interest in salivary diagnostics, wellness dentistry, and comprehensive planning.

He looks beyond a single tooth to understand why cavities, inflammation, wear, bite problems, and esthetic concerns developed in the first place. That is where his approach becomes different: less reactive, more intentional, and built around helping patients gain control over their long-term health.

Philosophy of Care

“Most dentistry is reactive. My approach is different. I focus on identifying why problems happen in the first place and design a plan to reduce your risk long-term.”

A Comfortable and Inclusive Dental Experience

Patients describe Dr. Frey as friendly, knowledgeable, professional, attentive, and easy to talk to. He explains treatment step by step, checks in throughout care, and makes space for real questions instead of rushed decisions.

Dr. Frey is especially committed to creating an affirming dental experience for LGBTQ+ patients and the broader LGBTQ+ community. His goal is for every adult patient to feel respected, safe, and fully seen in the dental chair. Patients also appreciate the modern, clean office environment, efficient appointments, and comfort amenities such as Netflix and a warm blanket.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

A first visit with Dr. Frey is unhurried, comprehensive, and built around diagnosis before treatment. He evaluates gum and bone health, tooth structure and decay risk, bite function and wear, and facial esthetics and harmony. The visit includes digital X-rays, a periodontal screening, an oral cancer screening, intraoral photos, digital scans when needed, and a clear discussion of findings.

Dr. Frey uses records, photography, imaging, and salivary diagnostics to show patients exactly what he sees and track changes over time. Patients leave with a precise plan, not a pieced-together guess.

Outside the Office

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Frey enjoys working out, bio-hacking, exploring local food scenes, and photography. He brings the same curiosity and attention to detail to life outside the office that he brings to dentistry. He may be fearless with fillings, but spiders are another story.

Cosmetic, Restorative, and Clear Aligner Dentist in Mission Valley and Greater San Diego

Dr. Leslie Strommer, DDS, is a dentist at Espire Dental Mission Valley, serving patients in Mission Valley and the greater San Diego area. With more than three decades of experience, she is known for combining advanced cosmetic and restorative dentistry with a warm, thoughtful, and highly personalized approach to care.

Dr. Strommer helps patients improve the health, function, and appearance of their smiles with natural-looking results. Her areas of focus include cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, clear aligners, teeth whitening, composite veneers, and porcelain veneers.

Cosmetic dentistry with natural-looking results

Dr. Strommer specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry designed to enhance both confidence and long-term oral health. She brings more than 20 years of experience in clear aligner treatment, whitening techniques, and both composite and porcelain veneers.

Her approach balances esthetics with function, helping patients achieve smiles that are not only beautiful but also comfortable, healthy, and durable. She is especially mindful of recommending treatment that supports the patient’s goals while avoiding unnecessary procedures.

For patients considering cosmetic dentistry in Mission Valley or the greater San Diego area, Dr. Strommer offers a careful, artistic, and function-focused approach to improving their smiles.

A patient philosophy built on clarity and kindness

Dr. Strommer’s patient philosophy is simple: be present, be kind, and be clear. She creates a relaxed, judgment-free environment where patients feel safe asking questions, understanding their options, and making informed decisions about their care.

Patients value her calm communication style and her ability to explain complex dental treatment in everyday language. Her care is built on listening, trust, precision, and empathy.

Education and advanced training

Dr. Strommer earned her dental degree from the UCLA School of Dentistry. She is also a long-time member and mentor at the Kois Center, where she has remained active for more than a decade to continue learning and stay connected to advanced dental innovation.

Her involvement with the Kois Center reflects her commitment to comprehensive care, thoughtful diagnosis, and treatment planning that supports both esthetics and long-term oral health.

Community involvement

Dr. Strommer has also served on the Board of Directors for the San Diego County Dental Foundation for nine years. Through this work, she dedicated time to helping expand access to dental care within the local community.

Services and areas of focus

At Espire Dental Mission Valley, Dr. Strommer’s areas of focus include:

• Cosmetic dentistry
• Restorative dentistry
• Clear aligner treatment
• Teeth whitening
• Composite veneers
• Porcelain veneers
• Natural-looking smile enhancement
• Function-focused cosmetic treatment
• Personalized treatment planning
• Judgment-free dental care

Life outside the office

Outside the office, Dr. Strommer enjoys staying active through hiking, Zumba, Pilates, and spin classes. She also enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with close friends, and sharing good food, especially Thai and Italian cuisine, and one book she enjoys is The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success.

Implant, Same-Day Crown, and Complex Restorative Dentist in Mission Valley, California

Dr. Scott Strommer, DDS, is an implant, same-day crown, and complex restorative dentist at Espire Dental Mission Valley, serving patients in Mission Valley, San Diego, Linda Vista, Serra Mesa, and the greater San Diego area. A native San Diegan with more than 35 years of clinical experience, Dr. Strommer is known for advanced restorative dentistry, CEREC same-day crowns, dental implants, porcelain veneers, and comprehensive treatment planning.

Dr. Strommer’s clinical focus includes dental implants, same-day crowns with CEREC, porcelain veneers, complex restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, advanced treatment planning, comprehensive dental care, and care for complicated dental cases involving missing, damaged, weakened, or worn teeth. His background is especially valuable for patients who need more than routine dentistry and want a dentist who understands how function, comfort, appearance, and long-term oral health fit together.

Education and advanced training

Dr. Strommer earned his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from the University of California, San Diego. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the UCLA School of Dentistry. Throughout his career, he has pursued advanced education in modern restorative dentistry, dental implants, CEREC technology, and complex dental procedures that require precision, planning, and a strong understanding of long-term oral health.

Kois Center mentor, clinical instructor, course facilitator, and advanced CEREC trainer

Dr. Strommer has served as a Kois Center Mentor since 2011 and a Kois Center Clinical Instructor since 2015. He is also a Course Facilitator for Implants at the Kois Center in Seattle, supporting other dentists as they strengthen their skills in diagnosis, treatment planning, implant dentistry, and comprehensive care.

He is a certified advanced trainer in CEREC technology, which allows dentists to design and create high-quality same-day crown restorations. For patients with damaged, weakened, or worn teeth, Dr. Strommer’s CEREC expertise supports efficient restorative care with careful attention to fit, function, and esthetics.

Why dentistry

For Dr. Strommer, dentistry has been a lifelong San Diego calling, not simply a profession. He has built more than three decades of trust by combining advanced clinical skill with genuine care for people, especially patients whose dental needs feel complicated or overwhelming. His commitment to service also extends beyond the dental office. In 2013, Dr. Strommer and his wife, Dr. Leslie Strommer, founded Dentistry for Humanity, a nonprofit organization created to inspire dentists to improve access to dental care in their communities.

What to expect at your first visit

A first visit with Dr. Strommer is unhurried, organized, and focused on understanding the full picture before treatment is recommended. Patients receive a comprehensive exam, digital X-rays, a periodontal screening, an oral cancer screening, intraoral photos, and a clear conversation about their dental goals. For patients with complex restorative needs, missing teeth, worn teeth, or cosmetic concerns, Dr. Strommer explains the findings in plain language and connects each option to long-term function and appearance. Treatment plans are presented clearly, so patients understand what is recommended, why it matters, and how care will move forward.

Outside the office

Outside of dentistry, teaching, and service work, Dr. Strommer enjoys riding his motorcycle around town, practicing yoga, working out, and spending relaxed time in the backyard with chips and salsa. He still plays soccer with his college teammates from UCSD, and he and his wife, Dr. Leslie Strommer, love to travel.

Dr. Kent Akin is a highly skilled periodontist with a steady hand, a sharp mind, and a genuine passion for helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles. Whether you need gum grafting, dental implants, or full-mouth rehabilitation, Dr. Akin is dedicated to making your treatment experience as seamless and comfortable as possible.

A Journey Rooted in Excellence

Originally from Diamond Bar, California, Dr. Akin’s path to periodontics is impressive and inspiring. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology, with minors in French and Chemistry, from the University of San Diego and a Master’s in Public Health from Drexel University in Philadelphia. His true calling emerged when he pursued his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the UCLA School of Dentistry, where he developed a deep appreciation for the art and science of periodontics.

Determined to offer the highest standard of care, Dr. Akin completed his advanced training at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Hospital, where he served as Chief Periodontics Resident. There, he specialized in complex cases—including medically compromised patients and full-arch implant rehabilitation—while mastering moderate sedation techniques to help ease dental anxiety.

Precision, Passion, and Patient-Centered Care

Dr. Akin’s clinical expertise is matched only by his compassion for his patients. From restoring receding gumlines to placing dental implants with meticulous precision, his goal is to enhance your smile's function and appearance. He takes the time to understand each patient’s unique needs, ensuring that every treatment plan is personalized, collaborative, and comfortable.

What truly sets Dr. Akin apart is his ability to make even the most complex procedures feel approachable. Patients appreciate his clear, reassuring communication and his commitment to educating them about their options. For Dr. Akin, informed patients are empowered patients—and he’s dedicated to guiding them through their treatment journey with honesty, empathy, and a touch of humor.

More Than Just a Dentist—A Craftsman at Heart

Outside of the office, Dr. Akin’s meticulous nature extends to his passion for leatherworking. This hobby began with crafting a leather case for his laptop and evolved into an art form. His attention to detail in leatherworking mirrors the precision required in periodontics, proving that whether he’s restoring a smile or creating a one-of-a-kind leather piece, Dr. Akin’s craftsmanship is truly in his DNA.

He’s also a self-proclaimed foodie who believes food is a universal language that brings people together. That's why his passion for restoring patients’ smiles goes beyond aesthetics, he wants them to enjoy the simple pleasure of a great meal!

Ready to Meet Dr. Akin? Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Dr. Kent Akin combines expertise, artistry, and a genuine passion for patient care. Whether you’re looking to restore your smile, improve your gum health, or meet an exceptional periodontist, Dr.

Akin is ready to welcome you. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile—because your teeth deserve nothing but the best!

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