Blake K. Kitamura, DDS

Dr. Kitamura was born in Seattle, WA, but his family is originally from Hawaii, so they moved back when he was 2 years old. While growing up in Hawaii, Dr. Kitamura wasn’t always sure that he wanted to pursue a career in dentistry. His father was an orthodontist and inspired him to learn more about the field, thinking that it could be a good career fit for him. When he got to dental school, he began to see the difference he could make in the lives of his patients.

Dr. Kitamura discovered his interest in surgery and knew that he wanted to continue his education to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He enjoyed soft tissue work and the elegance of surgery. In addition, he liked the complexity of putting things back together and getting to fix things instantly rather than over time as with orthodontics. Each of these factors helped Dr. Kitamura realize his dream of being an oral surgeon. Dr. Kitamura loves being able to help patients that may be scared of oral surgery or see treatment as a last resort, and he works hard to ensure everyone has a good and happy experience that makes them want to come back.

Dr. Kitamura attended the University of the Pacific for his undergraduate career, where he majored in biology and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2005. After enjoying his experience in San Francisco, Dr. Kitamura decided to stay in the city and attend dental school at his alma mater. He graduated in 2008 with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.

Dr. Kitamura received an abundance of training following the completion of his education. He first completed a general practice residency for one year at The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu. It was during this residency that he discovered his love for surgery and decided to apply for a surgical internship at Carle Foundation Hospital in Illinois. In addition, Dr. Kitamura completed a four-year oral and maxillofacial surgical residency in Illinois at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. During this specialized residency, Dr. Kitamura underwent hands-on training in the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including learning to administer all forms of anesthesia safely.

After finishing school and training, Dr. Kitamura chose to complete the steps to become board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. To become board certified, he was required to complete a comprehensive exam that tested his knowledge regarding the extensive biological sciences of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Dr. Kitamura is a firm believer in balancing his work and his personal life. He is extremely dedicated to his work, but he also makes sure to take time out of his busy work schedule to enjoy various activities. He loves staying active and takes the time to work out and even run half marathons. He also paddles for a local canoe club. In addition to staying active and enjoying his personal time, Dr. Kitamura also enjoys volunteering in his time off to help the community in local health clinics and children’s hospitals.