Meet Dr. Luis Vega, a dedicated and passionate oral surgeon whose journey in the field began in the vibrant surroundings of Costa Rica.
It was during his time in dental school, particularly while participating in rotations at the Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic of the Costa Rican National Children’s Hospital, that Dr. Vega’s love for oral surgery was ignited.
Witnessing the profound impact that surgical interventions could have on improving patients’ lives left an indelible mark on him and propelled him to pursue this noble profession with vigor and purpose. Seeking to expand his horizons and deepen his expertise, Dr. Vega embarked on an ambitious move to the United States in the year 2000. His American journey commenced with a challenging but rewarding year as an oral surgery intern at Loma Linda University in California.
Driven by his commitment to excellence, he further honed his skills through a rigorous four-year residency in oral surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
With a deep-seated desire to contribute to the education and advancement of the field, Dr. Vega took on the role of a full-time faculty member at the University of Florida at Jacksonville. His seven-year tenure in Florida was a period of growth and service.
After which, he answered the call to leadership as the oral surgery residency program director at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. During his nearly decade-long directorship, Dr. Vega made significant academic contributions, editing several authoritative books on outpatient oral surgery anesthesia, reoperations, and controversies in oral surgery. He also lent his expertise to numerous journal articles and book chapters, covering a wide spectrum of specialty areas.
Nationally and internationally recognized, Dr. Vega has become a sought-after speaker, especially on topics related to complications in oral surgery and zygoma implants.
His early years, enriched by the outdoors and family in Costa Rica, have always been a touchstone for him. After 17 years of shaping future oral surgeons, he has decided to bring his family closer to the natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle he cherishes. Now residing in the Pacific Northwest with his French wife Marina and their children, Eva, Elena, and Santiago, Dr. Vega is eager to create new memories akin to those of his cherished childhood.
As a resident of the Issaquah community, he is excited to offer not just exceptional patient care, advanced dental implant technology, and extensive surgical experience, but also to welcome you into this new and exciting chapter of their lives. Dr. Vega looks forward to providing you with the highest standard of care and to becoming an integral part of your journey towards optimal oral health.