Meet Your San Marcos Dentists

Miller family portrait

Meet Dr. Nicolle Miller

Dr. Miller grew up in Whittier, California. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of California, Irvine, she went on to complete her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at UCLA. While at UCLA, Dr. Miller served as class president for two years and was named a Regents Scholar of the University of California. She also received a number of other awards and recognitions, including:

  • The California Dental Association Recognition of Outstanding Academic Achievements and Contributions
  • The Naval Health Professional Scholarship
  • Achievement Award in Endodontics from the American Association of Endodontics
  • Award in Excellence from the American Academy of Orofacial Pain

Dr. Miller - Mission Hills Family Dental San MarcosDr. Miller completed her General Practice Residency at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. She has over ten years of experience as a general dentist, many of which were spent in the US Navy where she served as a dental officer for four years, including a 2 ½ year tour on the USS Ogden. She then spent three additional years in the US Naval Reserve completing medical humanitarian missions in Haiti, Arkansas, and Hawaii.

For Dr. Miller, one of the most rewarding aspects of her career is that it enables her to give back both locally and internationally. Through K.I.D.S. International Dental Services, she has provided free dental treatment to underserved children in Guatemala and Cambodia. She also participates in CDA Cares, an annual free dental event sponsored by the California Dental Association.

Spear Dental LogoDr. Miller understands that continuing her education is important in order to stay up to date with the latest techniques and treatments in dentistry. She is a proud affiliate of the Spear Study Group, a small group of elite dental professionals who collaborate on dental cases and build clinical skills.

When she’s not at the office, you’ll find Dr. Miller spending quality time with her husband James, whom she met in the Navy. She also loves traveling, hiking, running, walking her dogs (Sweet Dee and Charlie), and doing Sudoku puzzles.

Professional Memberships

Meet Dr. Kathleen T. Doppenberg

Dr. Doppenberg - Mission Hills Family Dental San Marcos, CADr. Kathleen T. Doppenberg was raised in Southern California and earned her B.S. in biochemistry/cell biology from the University of California, San Diego. In 2005, she obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Creighton University’s School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. After graduating, she went on to work for the U.S. Navy as a general dentist in San Diego and Camp Pendleton, where she provided quality dental care to the men and women of our Navy.

Dr. Doppenberg joined Mission Hills Family Dental in October of 2015. She is dedicated to providing her patients with outstanding care in all aspects of general dentistry. Dr. Doppenberg adds to our practice her wealth of experience and commitment.

Dr. Doppenberg continually attends seminars and hands-on workshops to stay current with the latest techniques and advancements in dentistry. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the Orange County Dental Society, and the United States Dental Institute. Dr. Doppenberg also gives her time and volunteers with the American Red Cross and CDA Cares.

Dr. Doppenberg and her husband, Lt. Col. Bryan James Doppenberg (USAF), have two young boys, Blake and William. They enjoy golfing, traveling, and being involved in their church and their children’s school and extracurricular activities.

Meet the Mission Hills Family Dental Team

Meet our dental team

Marisol - Team Leader

Marisol Team Leader

Marisol started with Mission HIlls Family Dental in 2020. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from National University. She’s a San Diego native and has three amazing kids. She loves music, dancing, and loves going to concerts and comedy shows.

Liz - Patient Care Coordinator

Liz Patient Care Coordinator

Liz has been a great addition to our team. She has worked in dentistry for three years. Liz enjoys going to Disneyland, concerts, traveling, and most of all hanging out with her cute little Corgi.

Maria - Patient Care Coordinator

Maria Patient Care Coordinator

Maria has dedicated the last 10 years working with children and families. Now she’s excited to invest her time in a new career in the dentistry field. She likes to spend quality time with her son and her husband.

Sarah - Dental Assistant

Sarah Dental Assistant

Sarah is one of our great Dental Assistants. She loves working here and cares a lot for our patients. In her free time she likes to read, play video games, watch anime, and attend music festivals. She has two cats that mean the world to her.

Jayson - Registered Dental Hygienist

Jayson Registered Dental Hygienist

Jayson is our full-time hygienist and has 20 years of experience. He loves making people happy and is known to be very gentle. Our patients love him! He enjoys spending time with his family and playing basketball.

Kat - Registered Dental Hygienist

Kat Registered Dental Assistant

Kat discovered her passion for dentistry through being a patient with extensive work. Her curiosity about everything she went through prompted her to go back to school to become a dental assistant. She is always looking to learn new things about the dental field!

Jose - Registered Dental Assistant

Jose Registered Dental Assistant

Jose has always had an interest in and curiosity for the medical field. As an intern at Palomar Medical Center, he worked in a variety of fields, which gave him the opportunity to understand patient care and to provide emotional support to patients and their family members. He loves music, and in his spare time, he enjoys playing drums, hiking, and working on his car.

Gina - Dental Hygienist

Gina Registered Dental Hygienist

Gina is our newest addition to our team. She has been practicing dental hygiene for 24 years. In her spare time, she enjoys running, resistance training, and cooking for family.

Vanessa - Dental Assistant

Vanessa Dental Assistant

Vanessa is our newest dental assistant and has been working in the Dental Field for four years. She makes sure every patient has a great experience. She loves spending time with her three year old son.

Partners/Specialists

Ki Wan Kim, DDS MSD

North San Diego Endodontics

3601 Vista Way Suite 202
Oceanside, CA 92056

760-439-1871

Matthew Madsen, DDS MD

North County Oral & Facial Surgery Center

839 East Grand Ave.
Escondido, CA 92025

760-432-8888
760-439-1871

Robert H. Miner, DDS

Dove Canyon Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

16918 Dove Canyon Road Suite 207
San Diego, CA 92127

858-914-4206

Alan Shelhamer, DDS PC

Shelhamer Oral & Maxillofacial Oral Surgery

6221 Metropolitan Street Suite 103
Carlsbad, CA 92009

760-448-2228

Rich Hardie, DDS MS

Hardie Orthodontics

910 E. Grand Ave. Suite E
Escondido, CA 92025

760-746-3450