At Prospect Dental, a healthy smile is a right. As a leading affordable dentist in La Jolla, we proudly accept Medi-Cal and Medicaid for adults and children, providing our community with compassionate, expert care.
From a boat in 1975 to a life beyond my dreams ✨ I was born in Vietnam and came to the United States at 9 years old with my family—rescued at sea with nothing but hope. I didn’t speak English, we had no money, but we had determination, faith, and a deep belief in education and hard work.
I’m one of nine siblings (seven boys and two girls), and those early years shaped who I am today.
I graduated from UCSD with a biochemistry/cell biology degree, then earned my dental degree from the University of the Pacific in San Francisco. For the past 34 years, I’ve been practicing dentistry in San Diego, and for 30 years I’ve called La Jolla home. I truly love what I do—every single day.
I’m also a proud single parent to two amazing children—my daughter (27) and my son (25)—who are my greatest blessings.
My journey has taken me around the world through mission work in Liberia, Nepal, India, Ecuador, and Mexico. Serving others has been one of the most meaningful parts of my life.
Outside of work, I find joy in mountain biking, yoga, surfing, tennis, pickleball, cooking, music, dancing, traveling, and giving back to my community. Last year, I had the once-in-a-lifetime blessing of traveling to Europe and meeting the Pope—a moment I will cherish forever.
I am deeply grateful—for my family, my friends, my career, my health, and every opportunity God has given me.
My story is proof that no matter where you start, with faith, focus, and hard work, dreams can come true.
Living this chapter with gratitude, purpose, and love for life 💛
Prospect Dental is proud to welcome Dr. Kristina Vu back home to La Jolla.
A lifelong member of the La Jolla community, Dr. Vu grew up with deep roots in the area. She attended Stella Maris Academy for elementary school and went on to graduate from The Bishop’s School. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of the Pacific in Stockton before receiving her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine, Class of 2026.
Throughout dental school, Dr. Vu distinguished herself through leadership, research, fundraising initiatives, community service, and volunteer work. These experiences helped shape her commitment to providing gentle, compassionate, and personalized dental care while creating meaningful, lasting relationships with every patient she serves.
Dr. Vu is especially honored to return to her community and practice alongside her mother, Dr. Kristine Tran, at Prospect Dental. Together, they are continuing a family tradition of compassionate, personalized dental care that has served generations of families throughout La Jolla and the greater San Diego community.
For Dr. Vu, returning to La Jolla is more than beginning her dental career—it is an opportunity to give back to the community that helped shape who she is today. She is excited to welcome both new and existing patients and looks forward to helping individuals and families achieve healthy, confident, and beautiful smiles for years to come.
An Affordable Dentist in La Jolla You Can Trust Content: Founded with a mission to bridge the gap in local healthcare, La Jolla Community Dental provides a warm, judgment-free environment for all. We understand that navigating insurance can be difficult, which is why we have positioned ourselves as the premier dentist who accept medical and medicaid for adults in the region.
Whether you are here for a routine cleaning or a complex extraction, you are treated like family. We use modern technology and gentle techniques to ensure that being one of the top dental clinics in La Jolla CA means more than just great results—it means a great experience.
We Speak Your Language: We help you understand your benefits clearly so you never overpay.
Community-Focused: We live and work in La Jolla, and we are committed to the oral health of our neighbors.
Comprehensive Coverage: Unlike other offices, we are a dentist who accept medicaid for adults, covering everything from preventative hygiene to dentures.
Kid-Friendly: We offer a gentle, fast, and fun environment for children, ensuring they grow up with a positive view of dental health.
Dr. Kristine N. Tran, DDS, is the founder of Prospect Dental in La Jolla, CA. Born in Vietnam, she immigrated to the U.S. as a child, earned a biochemistry degree from UCSD, and a dental degree from the University of the Pacific. She has practiced dentistry in San Diego for 34 years and lived in La Jolla for 30 years, treating patients of all ages and accepting Medi-Cal and Medicaid.
Your brightest smile starts with one small step. Book your La Jolla Dental appointment today and shine!
Monday : 9am – 4pm
Tuesday : 9am – 4pm
Wednesday : 9am – 4pm
Thursday : 9am – 4pm
Friday : 9am – 4pm
