Dr. Santiago Alfonso Surillo, DDS

Dr. Surillo and Dr. Whitcomb have had the pleasure
of serving their community in La Mesa for many years.
Because of their commitment to continuing education,
they are able to offer their patients outstanding
care, with state of the art technology, yet with
the old-fashioned caring touch.
Dr.
Santiago A. Surillo received his Bachelor
of Science (B.S.) degree in Biological Sciences
from Fairfield University in 1983. He earned
his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree
from Indiana University School of Dentistry
in 1987.
From
1987 through 1992 Dr. Surillo practiced
general dentistry in his native state of
Puerto Rico under his father’s mentorship.
In 1992, Dr. Surillo
was accepted into the U.C.L.A. School of
Dentistry specialty training program where
he completed an additional three years of
postdoctoral study. He received both of
his specialty certificates in Pediatric
Dentistry and Orthodontics as well as a
Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Oral
Biology in 1995. This specialty training
…at U.C.L.A. is the only postdoctoral program
that offers dual training in both specialties
and provides a unique opportunity for the
diagnosis and treatment of dentofacial imbalances
that may arise in children during their
growth and development. In 1994, he also
completed a one year fellowship in Biobehavioral
Sciences at U.C.L.A. Department of Psychiatry.
In 1996, he joined Dr. Kenneth Whitcomb
for the exclusive practice of Orthodontics
and Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Surillo has extensive
experience in orthodontics for children,
adolescents, and adults, dentofacial orthopedics,
orthodontic treatment of children with cleft
lip & palate, surgical orthodontics,
and pediatric dentistry. Dr. Surillo has
current hospital dentistry staff privileges
at Children’s Hospital-San Diego.
Dr. Surillo is a member
in good standing of the San Diego County
Dental Society, the California Dental Association,
the American Association of Orthodontists,
the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists,
the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry,
and the California Society of Pediatric
Dentists. He is currently the incoming president
for the San Diego Society of Orthodontist
and is a Diplomate of the American Board
of Orthodontics.
Dr. Surillo was
born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico
and is married to his wonderful love, Rosewood,
a San Diego native. They have two little
boys, Martin (August, 1999) and Jean-Paul
(May 2002). In his leisure time he not only
enjoys fishing with his sons but also bicycling,
camping, cooking, movies and a good book.
Dr.
Kenneth R. Whitcomb received a Master's Degree
in Education from San Diego State University
and subsequently his Doctor of Dental Surgery
(D.D.S.) degree, as well as his certificate
in Pediatric Dentistry from Loma Linda University
School of Dentistry. His post-graduate training
was in part funded by a grant from the Cerebral
Palsy Foundation.
Dr.
Whitcomb has also served in the Armed Forces
where he was a pilot for the Strategic Air
Command, as well as the Air-Sea Rescue for
the United States Air Force.
In the community, Dr.
Whitcomb is active in his church and from
1971-92, has served in the Board of Trustees
for the Grossmont Union High School District
serving as Board President five times. He
is also immediate past Chairman of the East
County Regional Chamber of Commerce.