I’m so blessed to be in a profession where I can make a living helping people and still raise a family and be involved in their lives.
As a dentist, I have the opportunity to meet all kinds of people with different needs and fears. I am almost more challenged to help them mentally than physically. When I am able to help people overcome their fears and gain confidence in their smiles, and then project that confidence and inspire others, I can truly feel their appreciation. This makes me feel that I have made a difference in the individual’s life and makes what I do worthwhile.
Education and Experience
I have practiced dentistry for almost 25 years, having chosen the dental field because I revel in the science behind caring for and treating the whole person, emotionally and physically.
- Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of California at Irvine 1993
- Bachelor of Science in Dental Materials Science and Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS), University of California at San Francisco 1998
In practice, I take pride in making patients comfortable enough to share with me their fears of challenges and then helping each person overcome them. I especially enjoy when I am able to help a patient feel comfortable and confident in their smile, as that improves their self-esteem. Then they can start looking beyond themselves and have a positive impact on other people.
Professional Affiliations and Continuing Education
I am an active member of the:
- American Dental Association
- California Dental Association
- Orange County Dental Society
- ITI Study Club
- Spears Study Club
These organizations provide a range of opportunities for me to learn from leaders in oral healthcare, including meetings, lectures, seminars, and publications. By participating in continuing education, I stay current on the latest advancements in oral healthcare.
Through my studies I have achieved Laser Diode Certification, Nobel Biocare Implant Certification, and Invisalign® Certification.
Beyond the Office
My husband Raymond and I met at UCI and married after I graduated from dental school in 1998. Our family has resided in Quail Hill since 2003.
Raymond and I have three children: our son Kyle is studying at UCLA; our daughter Kate will be going to the University of Michigan in the fall of 2022; and our son Drew is attending University High School. Krystal, our White German Shepherd, rounds out the family.
In my free time, I enjoy working out to help manage stress and keep me strong physically, as dentistry is mentally and physically challenging. I also enjoy cheering on my kids’ sports teams, including soccer, basketball, and volleyball. I enjoy taking Krystal to the dog park for socializing and playing ball. And I like getting together and eating with our extended family and friends.
Our family loves to travel around the world, experience new adventures. More importantly, I love learning about other cultures and realizing how we are all very similar.
In the Community
I enjoy doing activities in the community because I like doing things with people whom, due to proximity, will likely be around more and who also most likely share the same core values. I am inspired by them to hopefully inspire others.
Once a week, I volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Society at my church. I carry carloads of groceries from the Second Harvest Food Bank, unload them at the food pantry and kitchen at our church, and sort the food to provide for families in need.
What I like most about this volunteer opportunity is that it’s behind the scenes, helping with humility. One of the benefits of my strength workouts comes into play here, too: I am able to physically carry these heavy items, which helps the other church volunteers, many of whom are elderly.
