Meet Doris Fill | General Dentist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Doris Fill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Doris, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted the autonomy and freedom to make my own decisions and to build the kind of environment I wanted to be surrounded by. In the beginning, my reasons fluctuated — but over time, I realized that what truly motivated me was the positive feedback from patients and all the meaningful relationships I’ve built along the way.
My focus has always been on creating a place where both patients and staff feel valued, supported, and comfortable —like a family. It’s not just about running a business, it’s about cultivating an environment where everyone feels safe, understood, and cared for.
Finding the right people who share my vision and values has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. When you work with the right team — people who are motivated and genuinely care about others — even the hardest times become easier to overcome.
At its core, my thought process was about building something genuine: a space that reflects compassion, integrity, and teamwork — where both patients and employees can feel proud to be a part of it.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is built around one simple idea — to treat every patient like family. From the beginning, I wanted to create a space where people feel safe, understood, and cared for, not just as patients but as individuals. What sets us apart is that we genuinely care. We don’t sell dentistry — we only recommend what’s truly needed, and that honesty and compassion have built deep trust with our community.

I’m most proud of the environment we’ve created within our team. Everyone supports one another, and we’ve built a culture rooted in kindness, teamwork, and respect. It’s the kind of place where people enjoy coming to work, and that energy naturally carries over to our patients.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. In the beginning, the biggest challenge was finding people who shared my vision — people who cared as much about the patients and the work as I did. But once I found those right people, everything changed. Even the hard times became easier because we faced them together.

Along the way, I’ve learned that growth takes time, and success comes when you stay true to your values. It’s important to surround yourself with good people, keep learning, and never lose sight of why you started.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that everything we do comes from the heart. We’re not just here to fix teeth — we’re here to build trust, confidence, and lasting relationships. Dentistry is what we do, but compassion is who we are.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d want to give them the real San Diego experience — great food, beautiful views, and a little bit of everything that makes this city feel like home.

For breakfast, I’d have my husband cook. He’s the best breakfast chef, and there’s nothing better than starting the day with one of his homemade breakfasts and a relaxed morning at home before heading out.

For a mid-morning snack, we’d stop by Uncle Biff’s for some of their incredible cookies — it’s one of those small local spots that always hits the spot.

Lunch would definitely be at Lucca’s, an Italian sandwich shop that makes the kind of sandwiches you can’t stop thinking about afterward. Another great option would be Con Pane, which has such a cozy atmosphere and delicious bread.

For dessert, I’d take them to The European Cake Gallery for a slice of their famous raspberry cake and then to Azúcar in Ocean Beach for pastries that never disappoint. Dinner one night would have to be New York Giant Pizza, because sometimes you just need pizza and fries — comfort food done right.

On the weekend, we’d end the day at The LOT in Liberty Station to catch a movie — I love the atmosphere there, it’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying good company. In between, we’d spend time walking by the beach, exploring local spots, and soaking in that sunny, easygoing San Diego vibe.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to my family and my team. My family has always been my foundation — their love, patience, and support have carried me through every challenge. They remind me why I do what I do and help me stay grounded and grateful.

And of course, my team deserves so much credit. They share my vision, my values, and my heart for our patients. Without them, none of this would be possible. Together, we’ve built a place that feels more like family than work, and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.

I also want to thank my mentors and everyone who gave me guidance early in my career — their lessons shaped the way I lead today. Every bit of encouragement, advice, and belief in me helped me grow into who I am, and I’ll always be thankful for that.

Website: https://filldental.com/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/doris-fill-dds-san-diego-2?osq=Doris+Fill+DDS

Other: Office Phone Number: 6192238179