Certificate in Endodontics
University of Southern California
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Howard University
28 years · Bay Area since 1998
Founded in 1974, Endospecialists is one of the longest-standing, multi-location private endodontic practices in the East Bay. In 2003, Dr. Priya O'Callaghan (USC) partnered with her mentor, Dr. Joseph Schulz (Harvard), and together, steered the practice to become the premier destination for high-tech, patient-centric endodontic care. Trusted by referring dentists and patients alike, Endospecialists is renowned throughout the East Bay for handling complex cases, difficult surgeries and retreatments, and maintaining a deeply honest approach to patient care.
For 28 years, Dr. Priya O'Callaghan has defined her practice through a commitment to diagnostic precision and patient-centered care. She approaches every visit as a collaborative conversation, ensuring referring dentists and patients fully understand the diagnosis and options before any procedure begins.
By prioritizing communication and clarity, she successfully manages high-risk and complex cases that many other offices decline—including significant infections, calcified canals, and intricate retreatments. Patients consistently value her direct, warm, and engaging demeanor, which transforms clinical endodontics into a transparent, comfortable, and empowering experience.
"Sometimes the best decision is not to do a root canal. My responsibility is to help patients fully understand their options so they can make the best long-term choices for their health."
Your consultation is a conversation — not a procedure.
Dr. O'Callaghan believes in total transparency. She explains her clinical thinking out loud, draws custom diagrams, and treats every appointment as a conversation rather than just a procedure.
The most common feedback she receives?
"No one has ever explained dentistry to me this clearly before."
Honest Dentistry: If a root canal isn't your best option, she will tell you.
"My responsibility is to help patients fully understand their options so they can make the best long-term decision for themselves."
Warm, direct, and disarmingly funny, she has a unique gift for easing the anxiety of patients who have been dreading endodontic work for years.
The cases she is most often asked to take on.
Because of her extensive experience, Dr. O'Callaghan is frequently referred cases considered high-risk by both general dentists and other specialists, including complex cases from Kaiser Oral Surgery.
- Advanced Diagnostics & Complex Root Canals
- Endodontic Retreatments & Calcified Canals
- Cracked Teeth & Traumatic Dental Injuries
- Microscope-Assisted Surgical Endodontics
- High-Anxiety Patient Care & Emergency Pain Management
- Evaluating Teeth with Poor or Guarded Prognosis
She has used every system available. GentleWave and laser technology are her standard.
Dr. O'Callaghan offers GentleWave and Laser Technology to every patient as she firmly believes these latest technologies have elevated endodontics to an entirely new level of patient care.
GentleWave is, in her view, the most significant advancement in endodontics since the operating microscope. The reason is clinical: superior disinfection, increased preservation of healthy tooth structure, and better long-term predictability for the tooth.
Every Endospecialists location is equipped with GentleWave technology, surgical operating microscopes, CBCT 3D imaging, and EdgeEndo laser-assisted irrigation.
"We cannot treat what we cannot see."About GentleWave
Trained at USC. Practicing in the Bay Area since 1998.
Dr. O'Callaghan began her academic path at Memphis State University, where she was accepted into Howard University's dental program during her junior year. She completed her specialty training in endodontics at USC and has practiced in the Bay Area since 1998.
Certificate in Endodontics — University of Southern California
Doctor of Dental Surgery — Howard University
- American Association of Endodontists
- California Dental Association
- Alameda County Dental Society
- Berkeley Dental Society
- Contra Costa Dental Society
- Board Eligible
Born in India. Raised in Australia. Home in the Bay Area.
Dr. O'Callaghan's global journey has given her a uniquely rich perspective on people and care. Born in India, she lived in Kenya and grew up in Australia before moving to the United States on a tennis scholarship. After getting married in Ireland, she settled down in the Bay Area, which she proudly calls home.
When she's off-duty, you can find her:
- Hiking scenic Bay Area trails
- Discovering local restaurants and gardening
- Chasing laughs at stand-up comedy shows or enjoying live music
Dr. O'Callaghan is thrilled to see her passion for dentistry inspire the next generation. Her daughter is currently attending Roseman Dental School, where she was invited as the only D1 student to poster-present at the 2026 American Association of Endodontists Convention. Her son is currently attending UC Santa Barbara, showcasing a strong natural talent for business.
Ready to see Dr. O'Callaghan?
Same-day access · Four East Bay locations · No referral required