Dr. Marie Moeckel has a long list of credentials, including being a member of the Spear Faculty Club, being a CEREC Docs Mentor, receiving the Outstanding New Member Award of the Heartland Study Club, and multiple mini-residencies. See below for a full list.

Treatment Philosophy

Dr. Moeckel’s priority is in saving natural teeth and tooth structure. Detecting problems early is the key to saving teeth, enabling patients to be proactive in preventing disease progression.

Because the marriage of overall health and dental health are important, she strives to help patients understand the link between dental disease and systemic diseases. Dr. Moeckel prefers to partner with her patients, by educating them so they are able to make the best decisions regarding their treatment and helping them to create manageable long-term plans. Integral to her practice is removing barriers to dental treatment and alleviating any dental anxiety.

“Creating functional and beautiful smiles brings me great joy. The idea that I can prevent patients from future dental deterioration and be a part of a new wave of dental treatment that helps people grow into their later years with a healthy, youthful smile is exciting.”

Education

• Moorhead State University
• The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry

Memberships, Awards, and Credentials

• Member of the California Dental Association (CDA)
• Member of the American Dental Association (ADA)
• San Diego Dental Society
• Spear Faculty Club
• CEREC Docs Mentor
• Heartland Study Club Outstanding New Member Award, 2009
• Who’s Who in Dentistry
• Mini residencies in:
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Sleep Dentistry
  • Advanced Prosthodontics
  • All-on-4 Treatment Planning
  • Invisalign
  • Oral Surgery
  • Implantology and Implant Placement

How She Decided to Become a Dentist

Dr. Moeckel grew up in Fargo, ND. Both of her parents died early, but her stepfather played an integral part in her life. It was watching him and his practice that inspired her to become a dentist. “My stepfather’s practice was a great place of employment. His staff was loved and well cared for,” she said. “I want to create that kind of environment here. I want to practice dentistry at a level that exceeds his wildest dreams, while keeping that genuine connection to the community and the team supporting the cause.”

Life Outside Her Practice

Dr. Moeckel is married and has two boys. Both are water polo players and have creative personalities. They’ve also inherited her late mother’s cat, a very active Bengal, which keeps life at home exciting. She and her husband enjoy traveling, triathlons, and running events. In fact, part of their decision to relocate to San Diego was the climate. It gives them the ability to work out in all disciplines year-round. Dr. Moeckel also enjoys writing, photography, creating art, and cooking.