Dr. Dougherty has practiced in the same location on Prospect since July of 1987. He started as an associate of Dr. William Kostelecky, who had practiced dentistry in La Jolla for over 40 years. Dr. Kostelecky retired in November of 1992. The practice continues to grow and provide excellence in dentistry and continues to have an emphasis in cosmetic restorative dentistry.
Dr. Dougherty is committed to providing you with the finest dental care available. He has an eye for precision in his work and a knack for putting each of his patient’s at ease. Dr. Spencer has joined our team with the same mission and is here to continue providing the kind of care our patients have come to expect. Please see their respective profiles below.

- University of Oklahoma, Bachelor of Science, Microbiology – 1982
- University of Oklahoma, DDS – 1986
- General Practice Residency, San Diego Vetrans Administration Hospital
- Omnicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society
- American Dental Association
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- Academy of General Dentistry
- San Diego County Dental Society
Dr. Dougherty has enjoyed practicing dentistry in La Jolla for over twenty years. His goal and motivation is providing pain-free, quality dentistry. His commitment to continuing education has provided the foundation for state of the art technology and techniques. His philosophy of preventative, minimally invasive dentistry has been the backbone of his established restorative practice.
Dr. Dougherty, along with his wife, Kelly, share much joy and pleasure in raising their three children, Ally, Jackson, and Avery. In his free time, he enjoys golf, cycling, fishing and skiing.

- Brigham Young University, Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science
- Loma Linda Dental School, DDS
- American Dental Association
- California Dental Association
- American Academy of Cosmetis Dentistry
- Southern California Academy of Endodontics
Dr. Spencer is new to Dougherty Dental and has been practicing for the last few years in Orange County. Dr. Spencer’s practice philosophy is a patient first, preventive based, quality driven style. He strives for a “cavity-free” practice by implementing simple, easy ways to manage cavities. He has spent much of his continued education focused on general, cosmetic and endodontic (root canals) practices. Dr. Spencer is extremely excited about joining Dougherty Dental and becoming part of the family atmosphere that this practice provides.
When Dr. Spencer is not practicing dentistry you can find him spending his time with his wife, Ashley, and two children, Hailey (4 years) and Colton (2 years). He enjoys cycling, golfing, crossfit and playing catch-up with the DVR.
We are pleased to introduce you to our hygiene team. Their ongoing goal is to help you achieve your cleanest, brightest smile through preventative dentistry. They do this by educating you about your personal dental needs in a positive and motivational manner. Please see each of their respective profiles below.

Sharon is happy to have worked with Dr. Dougherty since 1993. She received her dental hygiene degree from Ohio State University and Bachelor of Science from the University of Houston. As an adjunct professor at the Southwestern College dental hygiene program, she helps mentor new dental hygienists. Combining her love for dental hygiene and travel, Sharon has been able to travel many parts of the world as both a professional and tourist. Her goal? Visit all seven continents.
In 1995 Deborah joined the dental practice of Paul Dougherty. Loma Linda University is where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. “One of the aspects of dental hygiene I enjoy is when you finish a procedure and a person loves the way their teeth feel and look.” Deborah and her husband, Curtis, enjoy the Southern California coastal lifestyle, fishing, surfing, and boating as much as possible.
Heidi has been with Dougherty Dental since 2003. She graduated with an Associates Degree and Bachelors Degree from the College of Southern Nevada. She is passionate about Dental Hygiene and is an active member of the San Diego Dental Hygienist’s Association. In her free time, she enjoys wine, travel, and exercise – in that order.
Janis is a native Californian and currently resides in downtown San Diego. She attended Fresno State City College and received her dental hygiene degree from Fresno City College. In her spare time, Janis loves to travel and cook. She is also a sports, exercise and music enthusiast. Janis joined the Dougherty Dental team in April of 2010 and considers this her “perfect” job.
At Dougherty Dental your pleasant experience in our office is our highest priority. Bringing years of experience in the dental field, our dental staff stands ready to be of assistance to you in any way they can. We welcome you to meet our exceptional staff below.

Rodene is a native Californian living in Southern California since 1969. She is married with two grown daughters and three spunky grand kids, who are the light of her life. With over thirty years in the dental industry, she brings her expertise and experience to Dougherty Dental, where she has worked since 2004. Rodene proclaims, “Working for Dr. Dougherty has been the best part of my years in dentistry and I plan on retiring from this practice when the time comes.” When away from the office, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and walking – and of course, spending time with her grandchildren.
Nancy was born and raised in Birmingham, Michigan relocating to San Diego with her family in 2004. After many years as a domestic engineer, Nancy returned to the dental field after her children were grown. Happily settled into the office Nancy states, “I have found my second home with Dr. Dougherty and the staff.” Nancy enjoys tennis, working in her yard, walking her two dogs, cooking, and shopping. Most of all, Nancy delights in her family. She loves spending time with her 2 daughters and visiting her son in Chicago.
Carmen grew up in the Bay Area of Northern California and settled into sunny Southern California life when she married her husband in 2006 here in San Diego. Carmen graduated from BYU-Idaho and has been involved in the dental field since 2000. She and her husband reside happily in Clairemont and she enjoys cooking, decorating, and teaching at her church.
Beverly is a native San Diegan. She resides here with her husband and two daughters. Beverly has been an RDA since 2000 and joined Dougherty Dental in 2005. Her love for the science of dentistry combined with her compassion towards people make Dougherty Dental the perfect work environment for her. Beverly feels very blessed to work with such a wonderful staff. In her spare time Beverly enjoys outdoor activities with her family, exercising and reading.
Andrea Holyfield is a native of San Diego. An RDA since 1993, Andrea has worked with Dr. Dougherty for 6 ½ years. Taking a brief hiatus for Montana life with her husband and 3 children Andrea is happy to be back in Southern California and plans to never leave this office again! Andrea enjoys cooking, walking, and camping with her husband, children, and 2 Labradors.
Darlene is the newest dental assistant to the staff, having joined us in March of 2011. She is a native San Diegan and enjoys working with the Dougherty Dental team. She is happily married and has two grown children. She enjoys gardening, photography, camping and traveling.
We believe ourselves fortunate to work with a great group of specialists conveniently located and available for our patients. With each patient’s best interest at heart, we work together as a collaborative team to ensure each patient receives the treatment best suited for him or her. You will find transition from one office to another seamless!
Dr. Jeffrey Javelet – Endodontist
Dr. Rick Yamada – Oral Surgeon
Dr. John Lofthus – Periodontist
Dr. John Hoss – Orthodontist
Dr. Peter Nordland – Periodontist
(858) 459-7374
850 Prospect St, Suite 7
La Jolla, Ca 92037-4208
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La Jolla Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
(858) 459-0862
7855 Fay Ave, Suite 240
La Jolla, Ca CA 92037-4284
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Dr. John Sottosanti – Periodontist
Dr. Paul Styrt – Orthodontist
(858) 458-1088
4510 Executive Dr # 300
San Diego, Ca 92121-3029
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Dr. Garrett Guess – Endodontist
(858) 558-0222
8929 University Center Ln, Suite 209
San Diego, Ca 92122-1054
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The Tooth Shoppe
Creative Composites
(858) 457-4208
11120 Whispering Heights Ln
San Diego, Ca 92121-4143
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Dear Paul,
What a comforting and reassuring experience in your office thanks to your special care in handling my sensitive teeth. So many thanks for your kindness and calming of my fears. Rick couldn’t have selected a more experienced and soothing dentist for us!
Warmest Wishes,
Julie
Paul-
Thank you so much for the wonderful care you gave me and Julia when we saw you on Wednesday, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it, especially the special and gentle touch of yours for my wife. I could see no one else for my and Julia’s dental care since my Dad’s death. Also, your generosity was really over the top, you shouldn’t have.
Rolf
Dear Dr. Dougherty,
In my experience, it is rare to find a professional who demonstrates character of your stature. You are a strong voice for honesty and accountability. It is a privilege for me to have you as my restorative dentist. I admire and respect your precise attention to the patient, treatment plan, and procedures. While comprehensive and thorough, you consistently display a manner that is genuine, caring, and gentle. I appreciate everything you have done for me and I look forward to the next phase of my treatment!
All the best,
Linda