Dr Myrna E Lazaga
Dentist/Owner
Committed To Dental Excellence
Dr. Myrna E. Lazaga has been a licensed general dentist in California for 25+ years. She is friendly, caring & knowledgeable. She has a passion for dentistry and provides high-quality, comprehensive dental treatment.
What is your background, and how did you start your dental career?
I graduated from dental school in the Philippines, and after I graduated, I immigrated here to the U.S. and joined my husband in Hawaii when he was stationed there as active-duty military. I spent two years in Hawaii. While I was there, I worked as a dental assistant and started taking my written exams for the dental board.
Then we moved here to San Diego because that was my husband's next duty station. That's when I started working with two retired Navy dentists, Dr. Raps and Dr. Cornell, as a dental assistant while also taking review classes at Loma Linda in preparation for my boards. At the same time, my husband was serving in the Navy on the USS Kitty Hawk, and I was taking care of my two boys. When we moved here to San Diego, my youngest was only eight months old and my oldest was a year and a half.
Once I got my dental license, I worked in a dental group practice for one year, and that's where I got my hands wet. I learned a lot of procedures because it was a busy dental office, and I learned to work in a fast-paced setting.
Then, after a year, there was an opportunity to take over the practice of a retiring dentist in National City. Since then, I've kept that practice in National City and added another practice here in Poway because we live in Poway. Ever since, it's been an awesome ride. I've been in practice for more than 20 years.
Why did you choose dentistry?
I chose dentistry because it was more of a compromise with my mother. My mother wanted me to take up medicine, and I wanted to take up accounting. Then my cousin, Dr. Ding Kuntawi, who is a dentist in San Francisco, was the one who encouraged me and said, "Hey, why not take dentistry?"
When that idea was presented to my mom, she went for it. Then I said, "Okay." I took up dentistry and never regretted it.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is, first, that I get to help my patients gain confidence and self-esteem and help them maintain their oral health. You also get to know your patients because you see them regularly over the years. I've seen third generations of patients already, so they've pretty much grown up with me.
The other thing that I really like about dentistry is that sometimes you get to see the results right away. For example, a tooth that's broken down, especially in the front, can sometimes be fixed right there. That immediate result is gratifying as well, especially when you help a person feel comfortable smiling again instead of feeling ashamed of missing or broken teeth.
What do you find most rewarding about helping patients in pain?
The other thing that I love about dentistry is helping patients who come in with a toothache. I've heard some of my patients say that having a toothache is the worst pain. Some folks come to the office because of that pain, especially those who haven't seen a dentist for a long time.
To be able to help relieve that pain is very gratifying because you can see them come into the office teary-eyed and then leave feeling much better. That is really something that inspires and encourages me.
What are your personal hobbies and interests?
Oh, my personal hobbies are a lot. I love baking. I also love sewing, dancing, singing, spending time with my family, hanging out, and going on cruises.
I also love to volunteer in my spare time. One thing that I'm really busy with right now is making chemo caps that I give out for free to people in need. I call it my service project for the Lions Clubs International.
How do you volunteer in your community and in the Philippines?
I also love volunteering, like I said, not only locally but also in the Philippines. I started helping out a church in South Bay. Every year they have a dental mission, and when they started it, I was the first one to volunteer as a dentist. I think we've done it for a second year already.
I also volunteer in the Philippines. It's really heartwarming to see folks getting out of pain, especially people who may not otherwise have access to the dental care they need. A lot of what we do there involves extractions to help patients who are experiencing dental problems and pain.
Do you love animals?
I love animals, and we've volunteered as well to help and support the San Diego Humane Society. We've adopted some of our pets, especially dogs. We've even had parakeets that were adopted from the San Diego Humane Society. Right now, we have a dog, and I love playing with him. His name is Lucky, and he takes my slippers when I get home.
Are you active on social media?
I'm active on Facebook.
Where did you go to school, and what degree did you earn?
I attended Centro Escolar University in the Philippines, and that's where I graduated in 1989. I received my Doctor of Dental Medicine degree when I graduated from dental school in the Philippines.
Why did you move to Hawaii and then San Diego?
I moved to join my husband in Hawaii because that's where he was stationed when he was active-duty military. While we were in Hawaii, I worked as a dental assistant, and I also started taking my dental board written exams.
We stayed in Hawaii for a couple of years, and then when my husband's duty station changed, the next one was here in San Diego. I started working with two retired Navy dentists. They understood my situation, that I was working and at the same time reviewing for my boards. They encouraged me and tried to be flexible with my schedule, especially when it was time for me to attend classes at Loma Linda. That was something that I really, really appreciated from them.
After I got my dental license, I worked with a dental group practice for one year. There, I was able to get my hands wet and learn to work efficiently because it was a fast-paced office. Afterwards, I had an opportunity to take over the practice of a retiring dentist in National City, so I was able to start that private practice on my own.
Because we lived in Poway, I later opened another office here in Poway. Since then, it's been very rewarding, and I don't plan to retire soon.
What is your favorite aspect of providing dental care?
My favorite aspect of providing dental care is, number one, when I see folks who are in pain and we're able to help relieve that pain. That's very rewarding.
You also get to know your patients because you see them regularly. Some patients may come in every six months, while others with different gum or health concerns may need to come in more frequently based on their individual needs. You get to know them, and they become your friends. We treat each other like family at the office.
Their children also grow up with the practice, and I'm actually seeing third generations of patients now. It's so neat because you get to see them grow up as well. Of course, we also want to help them maintain their oral health and feel confident about their smiles.
What do your younger patients call you?
Because the children pretty much grow up at the office, they call me "Auntie Dentist." In Filipino culture, younger people may call an older person "auntie" as a term of respect and affection. Every time I see them, they tell me, "My Auntie Dentist."
What awards and certifications have you received?
I've received advanced training and certification through FASTBRACES, and I've also received training through the International Association for Orthodontics. I've completed additional training involving laser dentistry as well.
Your dental health matters to us, and we're here to support you every step of the way. If you're looking for expert dental care near National City, CA, call (619) 377-7586 or email [email protected] to learn more. Ready to get started? Schedule your appointment below.
September 26, 2025 - Our very own Dr. Myrna Lazaga attended the prestigious Fastbraces® Gala in Texas — and she didn’t just attend… she shined!
Dr. Lazaga was officially recognized as a Senior Master Provider of Fastbraces®, receiving a special award of recognition directly from Fastbraces® inventor, Dr. Anthony Viazis himself!
This achievement reflects her commitment to innovation, continuing education, and delivering faster, more efficient orthodontic solutions for our patients.
