ORTHODONTIST & DENTOFACIAL ORTHOPEDIST
Dr. John Freda is a board-certified orthodontist at Smile Arc Orthodontics in 4S Ranch, San Diego. A Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, he completed residency training in craniofacial and surgical orthodontics, clear aligners, and digital workflows, and is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.
Dr. Freda’s path into orthodontics started in third grade, when he fractured his front teeth during a school game and needed early braces, which also helped correct a childhood lisp. Being the first kid in his class with braces taught him early how much a smile shapes a child’s confidence, speech, and sense of self. He chose orthodontics because he loves building relationships and creating confident, healthy smiles that can genuinely change lives.
Education and Training
| Degree | Institution |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (full academic scholarship) | Syracuse University |
| Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), graduated second in class | University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine |
| Orthodontic Residency | Montefiore Medical Center, New York City |
Dr. Freda grew up in Buffalo, New York, in a close, supportive family. He attended Syracuse University on a full academic scholarship before returning home for dental school at the University at Buffalo, where he graduated second in his class and was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the dental honor society. His orthodontic residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City included craniofacial and surgical orthodontics, clear aligners, digital workflows, and interdisciplinary care. He received the Leo M. Davidoff Award for Excellence in Teaching and represented his program at the AAO Political Action Committee Annual Session in Washington, D.C. After residency, he moved to San Diego to match his love of the outdoors and an active lifestyle.
Board Certification and Professional Memberships
Dr. Freda is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, the oldest and one of the most respected specialty boards in dentistry. Earning the credential means voluntarily completing a rigorous peer evaluation that demonstrates advanced knowledge, clinical skill, and a commitment to ongoing excellence.
His professional memberships include:
- American Dental Association
- American Association of Orthodontists
- Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
- California Association of Orthodontists
- California Dental Association
- Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
- San Diego County Dental Health Foundation
- American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
His membership in the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine reflects a specific interest in how orthodontics and airway health connect, which supports Smile Arc Orthodontics’ work in airway-focused expansion for adults and teens.
Approach to Patient Care and Beyond the Office
Dr. Freda treats children and adults with personalized, compassionate, and leading-edge care, drawing on his training in surgical orthodontics, clear aligners, and digital treatment planning. He feels grateful for the trust patients place in him and is honored to guide them through their care.
Outside the office, you will usually find him rock climbing, his biggest hobby, or hiking, skiing, and exploring new places with family and friends. One of his most meaningful experiences was a dental mission trip to La Romana in the Dominican Republic through Remote Area Medical. And even under the San Diego sun, he remains a proud Buffalo Bills fan.
Schedule With Dr. Freda
To meet Dr. Freda, call (858) 277-8088 or request a complimentary consultation. Smile Arc Orthodontics is located at 17085 Camino San Bernardo, Suite 220, San Diego, CA 92127, serving 4S Ranch, Rancho Bernardo, and the surrounding North County communities.
