Board-Certified Endodontist
Dr. Kelly Kimiko Leong
“My goal is to ease every patient’s worries by making treatment as gentle, clear, and stress-free as possible. When you understand what’s happening and feel comfortable, healing begins before the procedure even starts.”
Dr. Kelly Kimiko Leong is a board-certified endodontist dedicated to gentle, compassionate care at Ocean Endodontics. She has worked in the dental field for more than 24 years, beginning as a dental assistant, serving as an administrative assistant at UCSF’s Faculty Group Practice, conducting dental research at UCSF and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and practicing with over 11 years of experience specific to endodontics. She earned board certification from the American Board of Endodontics in 2017.
A proud native San Franciscan, Dr. Leong graduated from Lowell High School before earning a double major in Psychology and Molecular and Cell Biology, with an emphasis in Immunology and Infectious Disease, from UC Berkeley. She earned her dental degree and endodontic certification from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and completed a prestigious one-year NIH fellowship.
Dr. Leong believes in easing her patients’ anxieties by clearly explaining each procedure, what to expect, why it is necessary, and by tailoring treatment to each patient’s specific pathology. Her top priority is making sure every patient feels comfortable and informed. Her practice philosophy blends cutting-edge technology with a compassionate touch to create an exceptional experience.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Leong is actively involved in dental education. She holds a faculty position as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Postgraduate Endodontics department at Tufts, has been published in professional scientific journals, and delivers lectures and continuing education courses for fellow dentists. Committed to lifelong learning, she regularly attends conferences and synthesizes new research and techniques with tried-and-true standards, always working to improve for both her patients and colleagues.
When time allows, Dr. Leong enjoys relaxing with a good book or TV series. Outside of clinic hours, her number one joy is spending time with her husband, two children, and dog, Nori. She looks forward to welcoming you to Ocean Endodontics.
Credentials & training
- Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics (2017)
- DMD & Certificate in Endodontics, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
- One-year NIH postdoctoral research fellowship
- BA, Psychology and Molecular & Cell Biology (Immunology & Infectious Disease), UC Berkeley
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Postgraduate Endodontics, Tufts
- Native San Franciscan · Lowell High School
Schedule with Dr. Leong
New patients are always welcome. No dentist referral is required.
In our patients’ words
Kind words about our practice
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Rated 5 out of 5
I just got back from having a root canal with Dr. Leong. I swear she is the best dentist. Her bedside manner is amazing. Super friendly and extremely knowledgeable in her field. I was experiencing puffy gums and we talked about my prescriptions, and she explained the connection! I was comfortable during my first visit. Today, Dr. Leong walked me through every step of my root canal as she was doing it. She told me what I would be feeling/hearing next, and exactly where in the process she was. Honestly, probably one of the easiest dental procedures I've had done. I will definitely be going back to Dr Leong again if I ever need another root canal. 10/10 recommend. Thank you sweet Dr. Leong!!
Verified patient Google review (opens in a new tab) · Root canal therapy -
Rated 5 out of 5
Dr. Kelly Kimiko Leong is a superb endodontist. On a few hours' notice, she performed an emergency root canal procedure. It was virtually painless because Dr. Leong took the time to completely anesthetize the affected area, including the effective application of a topical anesthetic so the injections were barely noticeable. Each part of the procedure was carefully explained. She took multiple X-rays during the surgery to ensure that she continued to target the exact locations in the affected tooth. Dr. Leong is a perfectionist and continuously checked her work to make sure it met her high standards. Feeling great the following day. The best dental care I have ever received.
Verified patient Google review (opens in a new tab) · Emergency root canal -
Rated 5 out of 5
I had a cracked tooth that needed quick attention due to the pain I was in. Dr. Leong saw me the same day and fixed it beautifully. She and her staff were friendly, efficient, and handled the pain management perfectly. I couldn't be happier with the results.
Verified patient Google review (opens in a new tab) · Cracked tooth treatment
Every review shown here is a five-star Google review left by a patient of the practice.
Testimonials reflect the experience of individual patients. Individual results and experiences vary and are not a guarantee of the outcome of any future care.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is an endodontist?
What makes Ocean Endodontics different from a general dentist?
Can I be seen quickly if I am in pain?
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Ready to get out of pain?
Book online in a couple of minutes, or call and our team will help you find the soonest time. Same-day visits are reserved for emergencies.