Meet Dr. Steven Paul: San Diego’s Oral Surgeon

Quick answer: Dr. Steven Paul is a highly skilled Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon serving patients in San Diego, CA. With dual M.D./D.D.S. degrees, 23+ years of surgical experience, and over 44,000 procedures performed—including 9,500+ dental implant placements—Dr. Paul brings a rare combination of medical depth and holistic surgical philosophy to the San Diego community.

Most oral surgeons operate at the intersection of dentistry and medicine. Dr. Steven Paul operates at a different intersection entirely—one where advanced surgical training meets a patient-first, whole-body philosophy that’s reshaping what oral care looks like in San Diego.

Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, Dr. Paul relocated to San Diego and quickly built a reputation for delivering surgical outcomes that go far beyond the procedure itself. His patients don’t just walk away with healthier mouths—they walk away understanding why each treatment decision was made, how it connects to their broader health picture, and what to expect well into recovery.

This bio explores who Dr. Paul is, what he treats, how his holistic approach differs from conventional oral surgery, and why San Diego residents are increasingly making the drive—sometimes from significant distances—to sit in his chair.

Dr. Paul’s Background: From Las Vegas to San Diego

Dr. Steven Paul grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, where his path into dentistry was shaped early by a powerful influence: his father, also a dentist. Watching his father care for patients firsthand gave the young Dr. Paul an intimate view of what dental care meant to people—not just clinically, but personally.

That early exposure sparked a curiosity about the human body that would eventually evolve into one of the most rigorous academic and clinical journeys in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Rather than taking a conventional route, Dr. Paul pursued the full dual-degree track—earning both a D.D.S. and an M.D.—something only a small percentage of oral surgeons undertake.

His Las Vegas roots remain part of his story, but San Diego is where he practices today. And the San Diego community has taken notice.

Academic Journey: UNLV, UCLA, and UT Southwestern

Dr. Paul’s academic path reflects the same thoroughness he brings to every surgical case. He completed his undergraduate degree in Integrative and Organismal Biology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)—a foundation that would prove invaluable as his career expanded into whole-body, systemic approaches to oral health.

From there, he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from the UCLA School of Dentistry, graduating at the top of his class. UCLA’s dental program is consistently ranked among the best in the country, and finishing at the top speaks to both Dr. Paul’s intellectual rigor and his clinical aptitude.

He then pursued his Medical Degree (M.D.) at UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas—one of the nation’s premier academic medical centers—before completing a General Surgery Internship and a full residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

The result? A surgeon who thinks like a physician, operates like a specialist, and communicates like someone who genuinely understands what patients need to hear.

What Does Dr. Paul Treat? A Look at His Surgical Expertise

Dr. Paul’s scope of practice spans a wide range of oral and maxillofacial procedures, from complex reconstructive surgeries to routine extractions. Here’s a closer look at the core areas of his practice.

Reconstructive and Corrective Jaw Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery—also called orthognathic surgery—addresses structural misalignments that affect how a patient bites, chews, speaks, and even breathes. Dr. Paul also treats facial trauma, reconstructing bones and soft tissue following accidents or injuries. These cases often require coordination across multiple specialties, and Dr. Paul’s dual medical-dental training makes him uniquely equipped to lead that process.

Implant Dentistry and Full-Mouth Rehabilitation

With more than 9,500 dental implants placed over his career, Dr. Paul is one of the most experienced implant surgeons in the San Diego region. He offers single-tooth implants as well as full-arch restoration through the All-on-4 protocol—a procedure that replaces an entire upper or lower arch of teeth using just four strategically placed implants. For patients who have experienced significant tooth loss, All-on-4 can be genuinely life-changing.

Bone and Tissue Regeneration

Successful implant placement often depends on having sufficient bone and soft tissue to support the implant long-term. Dr. Paul performs bone grafting, soft tissue grafting, and sinus lift procedures to rebuild these structures when they’ve been compromised by tooth loss, infection, or trauma. His use of biologically supportive materials—including Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) derived from the patient’s own blood—promotes faster, more natural healing.

Additional Procedures

Dr. Paul’s practice also includes:

• Wisdom teeth extractions, including complex impacted cases
• Dental cavitation treatment, addressing areas of poorly healed jawbone that can contribute to chronic pain and systemic health issues
• Sedation and anesthesia options, ensuring patients can undergo procedures comfortably regardless of anxiety levels

How Dr. Paul’s Holistic Approach Differs from Conventional Oral Surgery

The term “holistic” gets used loosely in healthcare, but Dr. Paul applies it in a precise and clinically grounded way. His biological approach is built on the principle that the mouth is not a separate system—it’s a gateway to the entire body. What happens in the jaw affects inflammation, immunity, cardiovascular health, and more.

In practical terms, this means Dr. Paul integrates techniques and materials that support the body’s natural healing capacity rather than working against it:

• Ozone therapy to disinfect tissue with minimal chemical intervention
• PRP and PRF to accelerate regeneration using the patient’s own growth factors
• Antimicrobial irrigation protocols that reduce bacterial load without relying heavily on antibiotics
• Metal-free zirconia implants for patients seeking biocompatible alternatives to traditional titanium

Conventional oral surgery is often focused narrowly on the procedure itself. Dr. Paul’s approach considers the patient’s systemic health history, biological markers, and long-term recovery trajectory before, during, and after surgery. For patients who have been frustrated by a lack of whole-person thinking in their previous dental care, this distinction matters enormously.

23 Years and 44,000+ Surgeries: What That Experience Means for You

Numbers don’t tell the whole story, but they do tell part of it. Over 23 years in practice, Dr. Paul has performed more than 44,000 surgical procedures—a volume that puts him in rare company. That kind of experience translates directly into pattern recognition: the ability to anticipate complications before they arise, adapt in real time, and make judgment calls that only come from having seen thousands of cases across every level of complexity.

For patients, this means fewer surprises and more confidence. Whether the case is a straightforward extraction or a full-arch reconstruction, Dr. Paul brings a depth of clinical memory that informs every decision.

His is highly skilled in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery confirms that this experience is backed by formal, rigorous credentialing—not just accumulated hours.

Life Outside the OR: Who Is Dr. P Beyond Surgery?

Dr. Paul—known to many patients simply as “Dr. P”—is, by most accounts, as approachable outside the operating room as he is skilled inside it. He and his wife Jennette are parents to five children, and family plays a central role in how he structures his life.

When he’s not in the clinic, Dr. Paul can often be found outdoors. He’s an enthusiastic camper, hiker, and whitewater rafter—pursuits that reflect both a love of adventure and an appreciation for physical challenge. He also plays tennis and pickleball, and he identifies freely as a foodie, which, in a city like San Diego, means he’s never short of inspiration.

This dimension of Dr. Paul matters to patients for a reason beyond simple curiosity. It reflects the same energy and engagement he brings to clinical practice. Surgeons who stay curious, active, and connected to the world around them tend to be better communicators, more empathetic caregivers, and more adaptable practitioners.

Why Patients in San Diego Choose Dr. Steven Paul

San Diego has no shortage of dental specialists. So why do patients seek out Dr. Paul specifically?

The answer tends to come down to three things: trust, transparency, and outcomes.

Patients who have visited multiple providers before landing in Dr. Paul’s office often describe a similar experience—they finally feel like someone took the time to understand their case rather than rush through it. His dual-degree training means he can explain procedures from both a dental and medical perspective, which gives patients a fuller picture of their treatment.

His holistic philosophy resonates strongly in San Diego’s health-conscious community. Patients who are already thoughtful about what they put in their bodies—and who want their surgical care to reflect that same intentionality—find in Dr. Paul a provider who shares their values and can deliver on them clinically.

And then there’s simply the track record. Over 44,000 surgeries, thousands of implant placements, and a patient base that regularly refers friends and family. That kind of sustained trust, built over more than two decades, is difficult to manufacture.

Dr. Steven Paul is currently accepting new patients at his San Diego practice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Steven Paul

Is Dr. Steven Paul currently accepting new patients in San Diego?
Yes. Dr. Paul’s San Diego practice is actively welcoming new patients for consultations across all surgical specialties, including dental implants, corrective jaw surgery, wisdom teeth removal, and full-mouth rehabilitation.

What makes Dr. Paul’s surgical approach different from a standard oral surgeon?
Dr. Paul holds both an M.D. and a D.D.S., which is uncommon among oral surgeons. His holistic, biologically oriented approach incorporates ozone therapy, PRP/PRF, and metal-free zirconia implants—tools designed to support natural healing rather than simply complete a procedure.

How many dental implants has Dr. Paul placed in his career?
Dr. Paul has placed more than 9,500 dental implants over his 23+ year career, making him one of the most experienced implant surgeons practicing in San Diego today.

What is the All-on-4 procedure and does Dr. Paul offer it?
All-on-4 is a full-arch tooth replacement procedure that uses four dental implants to support a complete set of prosthetic teeth. Dr. Paul offers All-on-4 as part of his full-mouth rehabilitation services.

Does Dr. Paul offer sedation for patients with dental anxiety?
Yes. Dr. Paul provides multiple sedation and anesthesia options to ensure patients can undergo procedures safely and comfortably, regardless of their level of anxiety.

Where did Dr. Steven Paul complete his medical and dental training?
Dr. Paul earned his B.S. at UNLV, his D.D.S. (top of class) at the UCLA School of Dentistry, and his M.D. at UT Southwestern Medical School. He completed a General Surgery Internship and an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency before entering private practice.

What are cavitation treatments, and does Dr. Paul offer them?
Dental cavitations are areas of poorly healed jawbone that can cause chronic pain and have been associated with systemic health issues. Dr. Paul offers cavitation treatment as part of his biological and holistic approach to oral surgery.