Meet the Doctors

Paul K. Upatham D.D.S., M.S.

Dr. Paul Upatham received his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2001, and completed his Masters of Science, Craniofacial Biology and orthodontic training at the University of Southern California in 2004. Since then, he has worked in private practice in San Diego, California and is a former clinical instructor at the USC graduate orthodontic program. He is an American Board Certified Orthodontist and a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, San Diego Dental Society, and Edward H. Angle Society Affiliate. Dr. Upatham loves watching his patients’ lives change as their smiles are transformed, and believes that good communication and patient education are very important for treatment success.

Katherine A. Wong D.D.S., M.S.

Dr. Katherine Wong received her dental degree from University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in 2013, and completed her Masters of Science, Craniofacial Biology and orthodontic training at the University of Southern California in 2016. Dr. Wong and Dr. Upatham have worked closely together as partners at La Jolla Village Orthodontics the past few years, and she is excited to be joining Liberty Station Orthodontics. She is an American Board Certified Orthodontist and a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, San Diego Dental Society, and Edward H. Angle Society Affiliate. Dr. Wong’s goal is to have each patient finish with a beautiful, confident, and healthy smile – and for that smile to last a lifetime!

Richard P. McLaughlin, D.D.S.

Dr. Richard McLaughlin completed his orthodontic training at the University of Southern California in 1976. Since then, he has been in the full-time practice of orthodontics in San Diego, California. He has lectured extensively in the United States as well as internationally. He is a member of the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists and the American Association of Orthodontists, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, and is the Southern California Component Director of the Edward H. Angle Society. In addition, Dr. McLaughlin is a clinical professor at the University of Southern California, Department of Orthodontics in Los Angeles, California, and an associate professor at St. Louis University, Department of Orthodontics.

The McLaughlin Program
American Association of Orthodontists
American Dental Association
American Board of Orthodontics
Invisalign
Invisalign Teen
Dolphin Imaging

Invisalign uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners that no one can tell you're wearing. So, you can smile more during treatment as well as after. Invisalign is made with 3D computer imaging technology and has been proven effective. More than 70% of orthodontists in the US and Canada are certified to treat with Invisalign. LEARN MORE

The iTero scanner ensures a more accurate impression from the start, resulting in improved treatment and a more comfortable patient experience. Digital impressions also give you the ability to see your teeth instantly in 3D, improving communication during the consultation and treatment process. LEARN MORE