General Dentistry · Daly City, CA · Bay Area

General Dentistry

With a Level of Precision Most Practices Cannot Match.

Operating microscopes. Evidence-based diagnostics. Comprehensive exams that go well beyond a cavity check. The same AACD-level standard applied to cosmetic work — brought to every routine appointment.
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General Dentistry in Daly City

Your Routine Dental Care — Delivered at an Exceptional Standard

General dentistry is the foundation of lifelong oral health. Done well, it catches problems at their smallest—before they become complex, expensive, or painful. Done at the standard level most practices operate at, it often misses things that operating microscopes, comprehensive diagnostics, and evidence-based occlusal analysis would have found early.

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Dr. Kenneth Hovden brings the same AACD Accredited precision to routine care that he brings to complex cosmetic and restorative work. Operating microscopes are used throughout the practice—not reserved for cosmetic cases. Comprehensive exams include oral cancer screening, TMJ assessment, 20+ clinical photographs, pocket measurements, and bite analysis. Every restoration is placed to last as long as possible with the least possible disruption to healthy tooth structure.

His philosophy to do the least dentistry possible to keep you healthy means you will never be recommended a treatment you do not need. If a watch-and-monitor approach is appropriate, he will say so. If an onlay is more conservative than a crown, he will place the onlay—even though it takes significantly more skill and time. The treatment recommendation reflects what is genuinely best for your tooth, not what is fastest or most profitable.

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AACD Accredited Fellow

1 of 80 worldwide—same precision, every visit

Operating Microscopes

Precision that no standard practice can offer

Evidence-Based Care

Kois Center diagnostics & Spear occlusal training

Additive Philosophy

Doing the least dentistry possible to keep you healthy

Financing Available

Financial office open: Mon–Thu 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

What We Provide

General Dentistry Services All Under One Roof

Comprehensive care for your long-term oral health—from routine cleaning to complex restorations—delivered with operating microscope precision at every stage.

Comprehensive Exam & Diagnosis

A full diagnostic workup, including oral cancer screening, TMJ evaluation, muscle palpation, 20+ clinical photographs, pocket measurements, bite analysis, and X-ray review. Not a quick look—a thorough clinical picture of your complete oral health. Problems caught here cost a fraction of what they cost after they progress.

Professional Cleaning & Hygiene

Professional cleaning removes calculus (hardened plaque) that brushing and flossing cannot reach—particularly below the gumline where periodontal disease begins. The examination that accompanies every cleaning is a full diagnostic reassessment, not a brief visual check. Patients are also coached on technique specific to their anatomy and risk factors.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Composite resin fillings match the natural colour of your teeth, bond directly to tooth structure (requiring less healthy tooth removal than amalgam), and are free of mercury. Under an operating microscope, composite placements achieve a level of marginal precision and surface adaptation that significantly extends their service life compared to standard placement.

Restoration

When a tooth is too damaged for a filling but does not require full coverage, an onlay—a more conservative restoration—preserves significantly more natural tooth structure than a crown. Very few dentists offer onlays as a standard alternative because they require considerably more skill and time. Dr. Hovden’s additive philosophy means he recommends the most conservative option the clinical situation allows.
Learn About Crowns & Onlays →

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed pulp tissue, cleans and seals the canal system, and saves a tooth that would otherwise require extraction. Dr. Hovden served as a Former UOP Faculty Member for 39 years in the Department of Endodontics at Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. Operating microscope use throughout means cleaner canal preparation and a more complete seal.
Learn About Root Canals →

Gum Disease Treatment

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the supporting structures of the teeth—and the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Early detection at comprehensive exams is the most effective treatment. When disease is present, scaling and root planing remove bacterial deposits below the gumline. Ongoing periodontal maintenance prevents recurrence and protects long-term tooth retention.

Night Guards for Bruxism

Tooth grinding and clenching (bruxism) causes significant wear, cracked teeth, jaw pain, and headaches—often without the patient being aware it is happening. Custom night guards are precisely fabricated to fit your specific bite. Dr. Hovden’s Kois Center occlusal training means that he addresses the causes rather than just managing symptoms.

Preventive Guidance & Home Care

Evidence-based guidance on what actually makes a difference, not generic advice. Dr. Hovden is known for teaching patients things “no dentist has ever told them” at routine appointments: adjusting your brushing angle to prevent calculus buildup, the RDA values of common toothpastes, the acidity of mouthwashes, the link between missing teeth and airway health, and more.

Financial Aid Available

Do not delay necessary dental care over cost. The long-term cost of untreated problems is almost always significantly higher than treating them at the appropriate time. Financing is available at this practice. Your team will discuss payment options at your appointment so you can move forward with the care you need.

The Difference in How We Examine

What a Comprehensive Exam Looks Like When It’s Actually Comprehensive

A standard dental check takes 15 minutes and looks at what is visible. Dr. Hovden’s comprehensive examination takes significantly longer and looks at what is measurable—including things most dentists do not check at all. The depth of the examination directly determines how early problems are caught, and catching problems early is the most powerful preventive tool in dentistry.

One of Dr. Hovden’s most widely cited patient reviews describes a first visit that included cancer screening, TMJ evaluation, muscle palpation, 20+ photographs, pocket measurements, and bite analysis—and concluded with the honest recommendation that veneers were not needed. That diagnostic depth is applied to every new patient examination, regardless of what brought them in.

  • Oral Cancer Screening
    Systematic examination of all soft tissue, including tongue, floor of mouth, palate, throat, and lymph nodes. Oral cancer detected early has a dramatically better outcome than late-stage disease.
  • TMJ & Muscle Assessment
    Palpation of the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints identifies early signs of dysfunction — before they become pain, clicking, or locking. Bite analysis determines whether occlusal factors are contributing.
  • 20+ Clinical Photographs
    Standardised photographs from consistent angles allow accurate comparison across visits, early detection of change, and clear communication about what is happening in the mouth.
  • Periodontal Pocket Measurements
    Gum health is assessed by measuring the depth of pockets around every tooth. Changes in pocket depth over time are the most reliable early indicator of periodontal disease progression.
  • Bite & Occlusal Analysis
    How the teeth come together affects not just the teeth but the jaw joints, muscles, and surrounding structures. Kois Center occlusal training means bite assessment at this practice reflects the current evidence base in this field.
  • Operating Microscope Examination
    Hairline cracks, secondary decay, failing margin adaptation, and early lesions invisible to the naked eye are routinely identified under the microscope: changing treatment recommendations in ways that save tooth structure and expense.
Our Practice Philosophy

“Do the Least Dentistry Possible to Keep You Healthy.”

Most patients assume dentists recommend treatment because it is necessary. The reality is that the incentive structure of dentistry sometimes produces recommendations that are more aggressive than the clinical situation requires. Dr. Hovden’s philosophy runs counter to this, and his patients notice it immediately.
His additive dentistry approach means replacing what was lost without removing what remains. An onlay before a crown. An implant before a bridge (which requires grinding down adjacent healthy teeth). Whitening before veneers (which permanently alter enamel). Monitoring before treating (when that is the clinically appropriate choice).

This philosophy extends to preventive guidance. Rather than generic advice, Dr. Hovden teaches patients what genuinely works: the specific brushing angle to prevent calculus at the gumline, the RDA values of common toothpastes, which mouthwashes are acidic and counterproductive, and how oral health connects to systemic health. Patients leave appointments knowing more than they did when they arrived.

Dr. Hovden has been completing well over 200 hours of continuing education per year since 2020. As a visiting faculty member at the Spear Institute and Clinical Instructor at the Kois Center, he helps set the standard for others. He is also a Former UOP Faculty Member for 39 years in the Department of Endodontics, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and the founder of the Bay Area Aesthetic Masters study club, committed to raising the level of care of local dentists for over 20 years.

“I came in expecting to spend $20–30k on veneers. Dr. Hovden talked me out of it. That alone tells you everything about his integrity. He spent over an hour with me on the first visit — cancer screening, TMJ evaluation, muscle palpation, 20+ photos, pocket measurements, bite analysis. This wasn’t a sales consultation; it was an actual diagnostic exam. His philosophy is ‘do the least amount of dentistry possible to keep you healthy.’ Beyond the big picture advice, he taught me things no dentist ever has — the correct angle to brush to prevent calculus buildup, why most mouthwashes are acidic and counterproductive, the RDA value of toothpastes. He clearly cares more about long-term outcomes than billing. If you want a dentist who will be honest with you even when it costs him money, this is the guy.”

Jay R. — Google Review

The Precision Difference

Operating Microscopes Used Throughout—Not Just for Cosmetic Work

A very small number of restorative and general dentists use operating microscopes. Dr. Hovden uses them throughout his practice: for diagnosis, for filling placements, for crown preparation, for root canal treatment, and for examination. The difference in what can be seen and what can be done under microscope magnification is not subtle.

As an educator at IDEA (The Interdisciplinary Dental Education Academy), Dr. Hovden has trained dentists from across the USA and internationally in the use of operating microscopes to enhance the quality of their dentistry for over 20 years. He does not just use microscopes—he teaches others how to use them correctly.

  • Earlier, More Accurate Diagnosis
    Hairline cracks, early decay, and failing restorations that are invisible to the naked eye are routinely detected under the microscope. Catching these at their smallest stage determines the treatment required, and it is often the difference between needing a filling or a full crown.
  • More Precise Fillings & Restorations
    Composite fillings placed under microscope precision achieve better marginal adaptation to the tooth: a tighter seal, less gap for bacterial infiltration, and longer service life. The same precision advantage applies to crown preparation, onlay seating, and all other restorations.
  • More Conservative Preparation
    Seeing exactly where decay ends and the healthy tooth structure begins means removing less. Preserving more natural tooth structure at every intervention is one of the most important things a dentist can do for long-term tooth health.
  • Better Root Canal Outcomes
    Root canal treatment under the microscope allows cleaner identification and preparation of the canal system, more complete removal of infected tissue, and more accurate sealing. This directly improves the success rate of the treatment.
  • A Teaching Standard, Not a Marketing Claim
    Dr. Hovden has trained dentists internationally in microscope-enhanced care for over 20 years. The standard he applies in his own practice reflects what he teaches other dentists to achieve. It’s not just a talking point, but a documented clinical approach.
Why This Practice Is Different

General Dentistry Backed by the Highest Credentials in the Field.

The precision and philosophy that defines Dr. Hovden’s cosmetic and restorative work applies equally to your routine care. You do not get a different standard depending on the appointment type.

AACD Accredited Fellow—1 of 80 Worldwide

The highest credential in cosmetic dentistry awarded after rigorous peer-reviewed evaluation of clinical cases. One of only two in the Bay Area. The same artistry and precision applied to smile makeovers is brought to every filling, crown, and restoration.

Visiting Faculty — Spear Institute

One of the visiting faculty at dentistry’s most prestigious continuing education institution. Advanced restorative, occlusal, and aesthetic expertise at a teaching level built into every clinical recommendation.

Clinical Instructor — Kois Center

Evidence-based occlusal and restorative training. Every treatment recommendation at this practice reflects the Kois approach to diagnosis: comprehensive, systematic, and driven by clinical evidence rather than convention.

Former UOP Faculty Member — 39 Years

Department of Endodontics, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. Teaching root canal therapy at the university level for 39 years reflects a depth of knowledge and technical standard that directly benefits every patient who needs this treatment.

Well Over 200 CE Hours Per Year Since 2020

California requires 40 hours. Dr. Hovden completes well over 200, including the latest in materials science, diagnostic protocols, and restorative techniques. The treatments available at this practice reflect the current state of the art in dentistry.

Bay Area Aesthetic Masters — Founder

Dr. Hovden founded the Bay Area Aesthetic Masters study club, which is committed to raising the level of care of local dentists for over 20 years. The same commitment to excellence that drives this study club drives the standard of care at every appointment.

Your Questions, Answered

General Dentistry FAQs

Something not covered here? Call 650-755-6000 or book your appointment.

Dr. Hovden provides comprehensive general dental care, including thorough exams with 20+ clinical photographs, professional cleaning and hygiene, tooth-colored composite fillings, dental crowns and onlays, root canal therapy, gum disease treatment, night guards for bruxism, and preventive oral health instruction. Every service is delivered using operating microscopes and evidence-based diagnostic protocols that exceed standard general practice.

Three things stand out. First, operating microscopes are used throughout the practice for diagnosis and treatment, revealing detail invisible to the naked eye. Second, his additive dentistry philosophy, in which he recommends the most conservative treatment the clinical situation allows. Third, diagnostic depth; Dr. Hovden’s comprehensive exams include TMJ assessment, cancer screening, bite analysis, and 20+ clinical photographs. Not just a cavity check.

Operating microscopes reveal detail invisible to the naked eye: hairline cracks, the true extent of decay, precise margin fit. Diagnostic accuracy under a microscope changes treatment recommendations. Catching a crack early means a filling rather than a crown, or a crown rather than an extraction. Dr. Hovden has trained other dentists in microscope-enhanced care through IDEA Dental Education Academy for over 20 years.

A crown covers the entire tooth. An onlay covers only the damaged portion, preserving significantly more natural tooth structure. Onlays require considerably more skill to place correctly, which is why very few dentists offer them as a standard alternative to crowns. Dr. Hovden’s additive dentistry philosophy means he recommends onlays before crowns whenever clinically appropriate. He does the least amount of dentistry necessary to restore the tooth to full function.

For most patients, professional cleaning and examination every six months is appropriate. Patients with a history of gum disease, higher decay risk, or medical conditions affecting oral health may benefit from more frequent visits. The comprehensive examination at each visit assesses not just teeth but gum health, bite function, TMJ, and soft tissue to provide a complete picture of oral health at every appointment.

Yes. Dr. Hovden uses tooth-colored composite resin for all fillings. They match natural tooth colour, bond directly to tooth structure (requiring less healthy tooth removal than amalgam), and are mercury-free. Under an operating microscope, composite placements achieve a level of marginal precision that significantly extends their service life.

A comprehensive exam includes oral cancer screening, TMJ evaluation and muscle palpation, 20+ clinical photographs, pocket measurements, bite and occlusal analysis, a review of your medical history, and assessment for signs of bruxism. It is significantly more thorough than a standard dental check. The goal is to understand your complete oral health picture, not just address the immediate concern.

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection of the tissues supporting the teeth—the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Early-stage disease (gingivitis) is reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. More advanced disease (periodontitis) requires scaling and root planing to remove bacterial deposits below the gumline. Early detection at regular checkups is the most effective treatment.

Yes. Custom night guards are precisely fabricated to fit your specific bite and are very different from over-the-counter options. Dr. Hovden’s Kois Center occlusal training means the underlying bite factors are also assessed; he addresses contributing causes rather than just managing symptoms. Bruxism that is left unmanaged causes significant wear and is a leading cause of cracked teeth and failing restorations.

Yes, financing is available at Dr. Hovden’s practice. Do not delay necessary care over cost concerns. The long-term cost of untreated dental problems is almost always significantly higher than addressing them promptly. Your team will discuss options at your appointment.

General Dentistry at an AACD Standard. Your Routine Care, Done Right.

Operating microscopes. Comprehensive diagnostics. An additive philosophy that treats only what genuinely needs treating. Book your appointment with Dr. Hovden, serving Daly City and the Bay Area for over 40 years.

Book Your Consultation Call 650-755-6000

901 Campus Dr, Suite 202, Daly City, CA 94015 · Mon–Thu 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Financing Available