Meet Dr. Stephen H. Munroe, a board-certified periodontist who proudly calls San Diego home. Originally from Washington, D.C., and raised in Toronto, Dr. Munroe brings world-class training and a whole-body philosophy to his dental practice.
Dr. Munroe believes your oral health connects deeply to your overall wellness. He lives this philosophy every day by making time for regular exercise, eating a nutrient-dense diet, and taking high-quality supplements. When you sit in his chair, you benefit directly from this holistic view. He knows that building a healthy lifestyle helps reduce inflammation, manages systemic conditions, and speeds up healing, which leads to much better dental outcomes.
As a Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology, Dr. Munroe provides expert care across a wide range of services. Whether you need dental implants, gum contouring, extractions, or bone grafting, his rigorous specialty training ensures you are in highly capable hands. He also puts your comfort first, using minimally invasive techniques and offering sedation options to create a relaxed, stress-free experience.
When he steps away from the office, Dr. Munroe loves an active life with his wife, their two sons, and the family dog, Sota. You will often find him cheering loudly at his boys' sports games, exploring the outdoors, and engaging with the local community. By blending exceptional clinical skills with a compassionate, whole-body approach, Dr. Munroe empowers you to achieve a healthier smile and a more vibrant life.
Education & Training
- Diploma in Advanced Periodontics: University of Southern California (2000–2003)
- Doctor of Dental Surgery: Howard University College of Dentistry (1996–2000)
- Bachelor of Science in Biology: McGill University (1992–1996)
Honors & Awards
- Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology
- California Society of Periodontology Basic Science Research Award (2003)
- Western Society of Periodontology Resident Leadership Award (2003)
- Colby Scholarship, University of Southern California (2000–2003)
- President of the Oral Cancer Society (1999–2000)
- Class Treasurer, Howard University Dental Class of 2000
Publications
- Human Cytomegalovirus-Associated Periodontitis in Renal Transplant Patients, Transplantation Proceedings (2003)
- Oral Detection of Cytomegalovirus in Kidney Transplant Patients (Published abstract in the Journal of Periodontology)
- Mandible Ramus, a Novel Source of Autogenous Block Grafts for the Restoration of Maxillary Atrophy
Professional Memberships
- American Dental Association (since 1996)
- American Academy of Periodontology (since 2000)
- California Dental Association (since 2000)
- San Diego Dental Society (since 2000)
Tanya Lee Brown
Lori Judd
Dr. Monroe and his staff are very kind and caring. They have treated me with the utmost respect. I am one who is very apprehensive about dental work. With them they put me at ease. I appreciate all they do!
Michelle Mack (Boo VB)
Travelling here from West Virginia and had a dental "urgency" involving an implant. Staff was so accommodating, got in within hours of my first contact. Dr. Monroe was super efficient, knowledgeable and personable. He was able to provide me with the reassurance I needed to continue my visit here in comfort. I highly recommend him for anyone's periodontal needs. Thank you. DR. Monroe and staff.
Elaine Cohen
Staff is caring and went above and beyond in making an extraction procedure as pain free, as possible. Dr Monroe is absolutely the Best!! He kept me informed at every step, and made sure my comfort level was not diminished. I highly recommend Hillcrest Periodontics for all your dental needs!!
Carol Blum
Great staff and Dr. Munroe, all who somehow managed to put me at ease, despite how nervous I was. Thank you!!!
Ron Recksiedler
Never thought I would be looking forward to visit a dental office but Steve’s office makes me feel comfortable. All the accolades his office gets is real. Professional, talented and complete. Experts at what they do.
Daniel Johnson
Every interaction I have had with anyone in their office has provided confidence. Their team is professional, courteous, friendly, and more. When my concern got the better of me and I contacted them later in the day about a procedure I had done that morning, they treated me with compassion and reassured me that everything was fine. They even followed up with a call the next day to make sure I was doing well. Thank you to everyone. You all work together so wonderfully!
Lee S
Great experience from from front desk to the dental chair . Dr Monroe and his staff makes visiting the dentist pleasant and safe !
Pier BARATTOLO
Everyone on the team is extremely friendly and supportive. From the receptionist to Dr Munroe everyone had an extremely high level of empathy and went above and beyond my expectations in terms of taking the time to take care of me and making sure everything went well with the procedure.
Alan Medoff
Wonderful service from extremely professional people. All of the people working in the office were friendly, kind, and efficient.
james thompson
I had a filling come out so I called Dr Munroe’s office. They had an opening and got me in same day. Carlos, Cali and Dr Munroe were all great! The office is beautiful too! I couldn’t be happier with my experience. Thank you!
Robert Scherer
Great, professional, all around as good an experience as a person can have at a periodontic's office. Really appreciate all the team here. Thank you!
Joyce Graham
Great office staff. Kind and considerate. Dr. Munroe is one of the best dentists I have seen.
Kirsten Lindsy
Dr. Munroe has done two extractions and two implants for me over the past couple years. Being in my 20s, it's important to me that the implants are high quality and will last a long time. Dr. Munroe and his staff showed the highest level of empathy and concern for my outcome. Both implants look and feel amazing. He is thorough in his explanations and assessments, yet also respectful of the patient's time and will not take longer than needed. His staff always called me after extractions and implant procedures to ask how I was doing. After a lifetime of sub-par dentistry, I am so happy to have found Dr. Munroe. I'd recommend this practice to everyone I know for any procedure, simple or complex.
Chloé Lauer
Dr. Munroe and his staff are incredibly supportive. I felt cared for and treated like a whole person. Thank you!
Michael G
Dr. Munroe and his staff were amazing! They made me feel so comfortable during my implant and procedure. Dr. Munroe is highly skilled and made my procedure easy. I couldn’t be happier with my choice and highly recommend his practice. The office and staff are super clean and friendly. They made a tough procedure go smoothly and I am all healed up. I would recommend to friends and family. Thank you so much for taking great care of me!
Biz Kassa
Thank you so much for taking care of regular cleaning of my teeth today. This office is welcoming, professional and friendly environment. Very clean and easy to find convenient parking spots. I recommend this office to anyone and everyone I know.
Karen B
I was welcomed into the clean waiting from of the office... with a wait of less than 5 minutes- in the chair! Doctor Munroe is a warm, kind man. I have been to see him twice for 2nd opinions. He is my go to! Thank you to the entire office!
Randolph Lee
Thoughtful, competent professional service. Very thorough and comprehensive. Dr. Munroe took time to answer questions and explain procedure.. Highly recommended!
Cheryl Singleton
Everyone was as nice and professional as always. Even with sticker shock of implants, Dr. Munroe and staff radiate confidence and helpfulness.
Geri Z
I recently had a challenging experience of having two wisdom teeth removed at Dr. Munroe's office, and I must commend the entire staff for their exceptional care and professionalism. Dr. Munroe's expertise made the procedure as smooth as possible, and the supportive staff ensured my comfort throughout. Grateful for their outstanding service!
Melanie Bentley
Very organized with good care and easy parking. Surgery was effective, with a not too difficult recovery. My only suggestion would be to pre-confirm how much your insurance will cover as mine didn't cover much, so my out-of-pocket costs were high...I had sticker shock for sure.
Jonathan Simpson
Dr. Munroe pulled a tooth and prepared it for an implant. The procedure was painless.
Tom Eaton
Quick, courteous, easy. Thank you Janet, Dr. Munroe, and staff. - Tom Eaton
Patricia Crover
Dr Monroe was wonderful. His staff are friendly and professional. He is very personable and articulate. He was very good about educating us for the best option for my problem. I would highly recommend Doctor Monroe to anyone
Cle Michelle
Had 4 other opinions on a dental procedure and this is the only Periodontist that tried to charge me thousands in out of pocket expenses. Not trustworthy AT ALL and when I called to bring it to their attention Front desk gave me the run around and refused to call or even email me back. Do NOT waste your time or money! They are seemingly nice but definitely a rip off.
Wyatt E.
I highly recommend Mission Hills Periodontics & Implantology! The Staff ( Linda, Ili, Callie, Jessica, and Talia ) are Very Professional and Very Personable. Also Efficient and Knowledgeable in their Field. I asked a lot of questions. Dr. Hernandez was also very helpful and He too answered all of my questions like a Professional. Thank You All So Much!
Maria Djuric
Very friendly office. Staff were very helpful and outlined procedure really well.
Daniel Vanwaus
Excellent care! I have white coat syndrome and I was so relaxed all of the way through. Ask for a pillow and the massage chair!
Raquel Birman-Greene
Janet is truly the best! Her meticulous way of cleaning and taking care of my teeth, saves me from getting major work done. She’s also very kind and has very soothing energy.This is the first time that I ever look forward to going to the dentist
Eileen Prisby
Dr. Munroe is a consummate professional, who not only is a superb periodontist, but puts people first. His philosophy is shared by everyone on staff, and because of that, his patients are treated with the utmost respect, kindness and friendliness. I can't imagine going to anyone else!
Pamela Hardaway
Went in for consultation for extractions. Dr. Munroe and staff were very friendly, professional, and thoroughly explained the procedure and the time it would take to complete. Scheduled an appointment to complete the work. I would highly recommend them
Andrea Lynch
I am extremely grateful to this team, they are helping me achieve a healthy smile and have been extremely helpful and educational when it comes to maintaining oral care for lifelong results.
Alexandra Corsi
The best in San Diego. I’m fortunate to receive an impeccable service. Great team
D N.
Great experience. Dr. Munroe was very patience and took a great deal of his time explaining procedures.
Artemis
I have had teeth my whole life and Janet is the first person to ever make me feel at ease while getting them cleaned. She is excellent!
Harlan Menkin
Janet is the best dental hygienist I have ever experienced! She also preps me with a painkiller which is extraordinarily effective without giving me hours long "lockjaw". I enjoy coming to Hillcrest Periodontics. Thanks!!
Tori Ebanks
Dr. Munroe and the whole team treated me so well. Constantly explaining what was going on and reassuring me that everything was going well. I would definitely recommend them for all your dental surgery needs. My case was complicated but they didn’t make it feel that way at all during the procedure.
Karen Valentino
Attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable staff. I appreciated that Dr. Munroe took a conservative approach to my problem.
Allan Bjorklund
The implant was done with no pain and very quickly. It was wonderfully done.
Darla Phillips (HD)
Everyone I interacted with was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. I felt cared for, and valued, 100%. This was my first visit and I will definitely return.
Robin Rendon
Dr. Munroe made me feel comfortable and picked up on my unease with past dental work. He sat with me and thoroughly explained the procedures to be done. He explained the benefits of a past gum replacement surgery he had performed seven years earlier. I am surprised at myself saying I look forward to having him do my implants! (An implant I had at another office was so painful I had sworn off having any more implants!) Linda sat with me and outlined the costs involved. She didn't push me to sign anything nor make an appointment that day, (I felt pressured at another office). The office is decorated in calm and soothing colors. Check out the soothing golden painting in the exam room!
Christina Schick
Such a professional and kind staff! They are all very knowledgeable. Dr. Munroe is not only a very skilled surgeon but he is personable. He takes the time to listen to his patients and understand their concerns. This office is one of a kind!
Shannon En
Both of my parents were recommended to be seen by Mr. Munroe. Both of my parents mouths had complications because of the poor work of the dentist. My father hasn’t been able to chew any solid food for 2 months now after having to go back in several times only to find that the work that was done was extremely faulty. I’d like my parents to get all the money they wasted on him back. It’s pretty enraging.
Ray Torres
I had oral surgery today to include the extraction of a molar, bone grafting and sutures. Dr. Steve Munroe and his assistant Ryan were outstanding in providing painless care. Dr. Munroe explained the procedure in detail and assured me he would take good care of me. Ryan prepped me and was friendly and extremely professional. Overall it was a stress free procedure. I recommend this office and aforementioned doctor and assistant!
Rick Rosiejka
EVERYONE at Hillcrest Periodontics is GREAT! I hate any dentistry---let alone major dentistry, but these people really made me feel confident in their ability and care. Dr. Munroe took the time to fully explain options in a clear and understanding way. The work was done quickly and painlessly!
Carla BaNu Dejesus
I had no doubt that the customer service would be exemplary, because my wife referred me.❤️ It was☺️ I had no doubt that Minnie Pauz ??would make a grand interest-she did, and let me tell y’all the staff (my apologies on not remembering names just yet-I will) was absolutely phenomenal, understanding and great foes for Minnie Pauz ? ty for the water, the stool, and comic relief ❣️Minnie Pauz wasn’t ready for y’all ?? I did have anxiety about just getting an exam ?However!! Dr. Munroe asked me why I had major issues with coming to the dentist. I told him about a few traumatic experiences to which he thankfully did not dwell on but quickly reassured me that I was in good hands. Anxiety tried to creep back when he said he had to measure my gums?he calmly and simply said you’re ok breathe through your nose and gently went to work. I am still not a fan of Going to the dentist, however I do need a lot of work to keep this smile intact. So while I am no longer that anxious about the very long process due to the well laid out plan of “attack” Dr. Munroe and my wife Janet (gentle double teaming was necessary)who is the head assistant at Mission Hills Endodontics which is right next door both thoroughly and expertly explained to me. Linda was fantastical with accommodating us with scheduling ??And super great with “our lil girl”?So one down 3 to go☺️??See y’all soon! Who’d of thought I would be saying that about getting my teeth Debreifed???? #thankthegawdsforsedation #dentalfearisrealbutconquerable #iwantmysmilebadenoughtocommit
Andi Swensen
Everyone I came into contact with was pleasant. I left in a better mood than when I came in.
Mary Lou Moore
Dr. Munroe is very professional, caring and excellent in his field. I have some anxiety about dental work and he and his staff put me at ease right away. Highly recommend!
Susan Ham
I see Dr Munroe's staff for maintenance on my Periodontal disease. I picked Dr. Munroe for my tooth extraction and it went well. Didn't feel anything. Yeah!
James Linman
Very professional and friendly office. I would recommend them without any question.
Janel Medina
Everyone is so kind, professional, and friendly. I absolutely love how diverse the staff are in this office.
Contact
1000 West Washington St. Suite #1
San Diego, California 92103
(619) 356-5989
Hours
Tues-Fri: - 8:00am - 5:00pm
Office is nice and clean great bedside manner Staff is nice