Dr. Kenny Tran grew up in San Diego and Orange County, CA. He attended California State University, Northridge where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Environmental and Occupational Health.  His post-graduate studies, his patriotism, and family background serving in the military steered him to join the Navy and served as a Medical Service Corp officer assigned to Camp Pendleton, CA.

While stationed at Camp Pendleton, Dr. Tran facilitated the development of the smallpox and anthrax vaccination programs for the Marines and Navy service members in preparation for possible biological warfare.  Subsequently, he received a personal award from a two-star Marine Corps General, Commandant of First Marine Expeditionary Force (I-MEF).  During this time, he also established an interest in dentistry after collaborating with several Naval Dental Officers.  He resigned his officer commission to attend the University of Missouri in Kansas City (UMKC), School of Dentistry where he earned his DDS degree. During his dental studies, he received an endodontic Honor recognition from faculty and student achievement awards from the American Association of Endodontists.

Upon graduation from dental school, Dr. Tran rejoined Active Duty military service as a Naval Dental Officer and practiced as a general dentist at Miramar, CA.  At this time, Dr. Tran continually developed his passion for endodontics by performing endodontic procedures and attended several endodontic courses.  He decided to pursue post-graduate studies and was selected by the Navy for endodontic residency.  Dr. Tran attended the endodontic program at Loma Linda University, CA where he earned a certificate in endodontics and a Master’s degree for his published research. 

After graduation, he reported to Marine Corps Recruiting Depot (MCRD), San Diego where he earned an Associate Master’s Clinician Award given to junior officers who excel to set themselves apart in their profession. He later transferred to Naval Base Bangor, WA.  In 2017, he resigned his active duty commission in the US Navy after fourteen years of dedicated service and transferred to the US Naval Reserves.  On August 1, 2023, Dr. Tran retired from the US Navy after 23 years of service.

Dr. Tran has remained academically active.  While at MCRD, San Diego, he was an endodontic faculty for more than 20 general dentists in the Advanced Education General Dentistry (AEGD) and General Practice Residency (GPD) programs.  Dr. Tran has been a Clinical Assistant Professor at three different universities: Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry, University of Washington, School of Dentistry and UCSD, School of Medicine.  He has presented lectures to several professional organizations including American Association Endodontists, U.S Navy Dental Continuing Education, Endodontic Study Clubs, and Southern California Academy of Endodontists.

Dr. Tran’s passion is to help those who are less fortunate.  He has mentored many underprivileged students who successfully obtained admissions to dental school and endodontic residency programs. Additionally, he volunteered and provided free root canals to homeless and veterans through UCSD student free dental clinic.  He has provided endodontic care for the elderly at the Gary Mary West Senior Dental Center.

Dr. Tran is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontist.  He achieved his board certification status at record time of only 9 months post graduation, when it took most endodontists 2-8 years to complete the process at that time.   This the highest credential that endodontists can achieve and less than 25% of endodontists do so.    

Dr. Tran attends the American Association of Endodontists continuing education program annually and stays abreast of the latest research by keeping up with multiple endodontic publications. He holds professional memberships with the American Dental Association, American Association of Endodontists, American Board of Endodontists, California Dental Association, and the San Diego County Dental Society.

Besides work, Dr. Tran and his wife are busy with raising two daughters.  Dr. Tran enjoys staying fit and has completed more than 20 half marathons.  He enjoys traveling, spending time with his family, and volunteering in his community (provide free dental care, teach at dental schools, and serve on advisory boards).