Dr. Robert J Berkenmeier, DDS

Dr. Robert Berkenmeier is a highly accomplished general dentist. In his life before dentistry, Dr. Bob majored in chemistry as a part-time student and chemist for a subsidiary of Mobil Oil, Standard T Chemical. Primarily engaged in the quality control of raw materials and finished products for the paint industry, he developed an understanding of the scientific process and the appreciation of well designed materials and their applications. These skills suited well his future in the dental field. Upon graduating in 1984 from the Ostrow School of Dentistry of the University of Southern California, he was fortunate to immediately procure associateships in the offices of Scott Adishian, DDS, a U.S.C. Prosthodontic Specialist, and Dr. Cherilyn Sheets, DDS, a highly regarded and nationally recognized general dentist. In addition, he worked with Dexter Smith of U.S.C. performing dental materials research under the guidance of Dr. Terry Donovan. The influence of these remarkable mentors shaped …his early career to one of recognition of and dedication to dental excellence. After the birth of daughter Erin in 1986, Dr. Bob and wife, classmate Janice Sugiyama, DDS , began their practice in the classic California beach town of Carpinteria in August of 1987. Feeling a need to connect with the community he accepted membership in the Rotary Club of Carpinteria, which further reinforced commitment to high ethical standards and community service. His involvement with many civic and business organizations continue today including The Rotary Club of Carpinteria and the Carpinteria Valley Chamber of Commerce among others. He was recognized as Carpiterian of the Year in 2007. Professionally he is currently a member of the Santa Barbara-Ventura County Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. He recently retired as Chairman of Peer Review for SBVCDS after 12 years of service. "My hobby and primary duty for 18 years from 1986 until 2004 was to focus on our daughter.” She has since graduated from Santa Clara University in 2008 and is living in the SF Bay Area. I have now rededicated myself to our dental practice and am defining and inventing a life committed to serving my patients and community for many years to come.