Our Team

Dr. Brad Sainsbury is a board-certified orofacial pain specialist and the owner and clinical director of TMJ & Sleep Therapy Centre of San Diego. His practice is dedicated to helping patients find answers and lasting relief from TMJ disorders, jaw and facial pain, headaches, and sleep-related breathing disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea.
 

Many patients come to Dr. Sainsbury after months or even years of discomfort, poor sleep, and unanswered questions. They may have seen multiple providers and still feel unsure about what is really causing their symptoms. Dr. Sainsbury’s goal is to create a calm, supportive space where patients feel heard, respected, and guided with clarity and care.

Education & Advanced Training

Dr. Sainsbury earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology (Magna Cum Laude) from Central Washington University and completed dental school with honors at the University of Washington. He then pursued advanced specialty training at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, earning a Master of Science in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine—a level of training held by only a small number of dentists nationwide.
 

He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain, a Fellow of the American Academy of Orofacial Pain, and a Fellow of the American College of Dentists. He is also an active member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and works closely with sleep physicians throughout San Diego.
 

A Thoughtful, Non-Surgical Approach to TMJ & Pain

Dr. Sainsbury focuses on evidence-based, non-surgical care whenever possible. Each patient receives a comprehensive evaluation of the jaw joints, muscles, bite, airway, posture, and nervous system to better understand the root causes of pain or dysfunction.
 

Treatment plans are individualized and may include oral appliances, physical medicine, injections, laser photobiomodulation, and coordinated care with other healthcare providers. His goal is not just short-term symptom relief, but long-term comfort, function, and improved quality of life.
 

Surgical Collaboration for Complex TMJ Disorders

While most TMJ disorders improve with conservative treatment, some patients require surgical care. When that happens, Dr. Sainsbury works closely with experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons in San Diego who specialize in TMJ surgery. He helps guide patients through appropriate evaluation, preparation, and post-surgical care so treatment remains coordinated and supportive every step of the way.
 

Sleep Apnea Care & CPAP Alternatives

Dr. Sainsbury also helps patients with obstructive sleep apnea, especially those who struggle with CPAP intolerance. For appropriately selected patients, oral appliance therapy can be a comfortable and effective alternative.
 

Custom oral appliances are designed to support the airway during sleep, helping reduce snoring and apnea events. Dr. Sainsbury collaborates closely with sleep physicians to ensure therapy is properly prescribed, monitored, and confirmed with follow-up sleep testing when needed.
 

Research & Publications

Dr. Sainsbury has contributed to published research in pain management, including a peer-reviewed systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating cannabis-based medications compared to placebo for chronic neuropathic pain (Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, 2021). His research background also includes earlier laboratory work in molecular and cellular biology and participation in university research fellowships.
 

Leadership, Collaboration & Community

Dr. Sainsbury believes the best care happens when healthcare providers work together. He collaborates regularly with ENT physicians, neurologists, sleep physicians, physical therapists, acupuncturists, naturopaths, psychologists, chiropractors and oral and maxillofacial surgeons throughout San Diego.
 

He serves on the Board of Directors of the San Diego County Dental Society and on the Board of Directors of the San Diego County Dental Foundation, where he helps advance access to care and strengthen collaboration between dentistry and medicine across the region.
 

Beyond the Practice

Outside the office, Dr. Sainsbury enjoys spending time with his family, staying active outdoors, and giving back to the community. Most days, however, you will find him doing what he enjoys most—helping patients feel understood and guiding them toward better health, better sleep, and a better quality of life.

Victoria is the Practice Administrator, ensuring the clinic runs smoothly day-to-day. She is passionate about helping patients find relief through the treatments offered at the practice. With a background in pharmaceuticals, over a decade of experience at a regional hospital, and an undergraduate degree from Columbia Basin College, healthcare has always been central to her life.

Originally from the Columbia Basin in Eastern Washington, Victoria was raised with a strong work ethic in a close-knit family. Now living in San Diego, she and Dr. Sainsbury are proud parents of four boys. Outside of work, Victoria enjoys running, biking, hiking, traveling, church activities, and has a deep love for the arts. Working alongside her fiancé, Dr. Sainsbury, Victoria is proud of the positive impact they’ve made on their patients and is dedicated to supporting the clinic's mission and the community they serve.

Katya is the Patient Coordinator here at Dr. Sainsbury's office, bringing four years of experience in the field. What she enjoys most about her role is the opportunity to connect with patients and build meaningful relationships.

Katya finds it deeply rewarding to support patients throughout their care journey and be a consistent, positive presence in their experience. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active—whether it’s hiking, going to the gym, or simply spending time outdoors. She also loves spending time with friends and discovering new spots around town.  

Sophia is a Registered Dental Assistant with over seven years of experience in the dental field. She is passionate about creating positive patient experiences and enjoys building meaningful connections with those she meets in the office. Sophia takes pride in helping patients feel comfortable, informed, and supported throughout their treatment journey, whether they are seeking relief from pain, improved sleep, or better overall health.

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Her compassionate nature and attention to detail make her a valued member of our team, and she loves celebrating patients' successes as they work toward their individual treatment goals.

Outside of the office, Sophia enjoys getting lost in a good book, attending concerts, and spending quality time with her boyfriend and their two cats. She also loves relaxing with a great movie and discovering new favorite films.

Briana serves as the New Patient Treatment Coordinator at our practice. She is dedicated to helping each patient feel comfortable and confident from their very first visit. With a genuine interest in getting to know each person and understanding their concerns, Briana helps make the process of beginning treatment feel simple and welcoming. She takes pride in being a supportive resource for patients as they navigate their next steps toward improved health, restful sleep, and a better quality of life.

Outside of the office, Briana enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends—whether out on the boat, soaking up the sun at the beach, or exploring one of the many fun spots around San Diego. She especially loves making memories with her kids and enjoying the little moments that make life special. A proud SDSU graduate (Go Aztecs!), Briana is grateful to call San Diego home and loves making the most of everything this amazing community has to offer.

Sarah brings more than seven years of combined medical and dental experience to our team, along with a strong clinical foundation from her time serving as a United States Navy Corpsman. Her diverse background includes general and pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, tactical combat casualty care, and healthcare in both clinical and hospital settings.

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What Sarah especially enjoys about working in orofacial pain is the unique combination of medicine and dentistry. With experience in both fields, she appreciates being part of a practice that looks beyond the teeth to understand the bigger picture of a patient’s health. She is passionate about patient-centered care and plans to continue growing her career in dentistry with the goal of becoming a Dental Hygienist.

Outside the office, Sarah enjoys Pilates, cooking for friends, caring for her plants and aquariums, and spending time with her dog. She also loves traveling—especially to Morocco, where she enjoys visiting family overseas.