Being a dentist is an honor, and I feel blessed to have the privilege of working in this profession. I see dentistry as a way that I can use the gifts God has given me to help others and make a difference in their lives. The biggest way I can make a difference for my patients is in gaining their trust. When they know I will be honest and recommend treatment that is in their best interest, I am able to provide the high-quality dental care they deserve.
I love getting to know my patients. The procedures I do every day don’t often change, but the patients always do and that is the fun part. I learn so much from my patients and enjoy their company. Whether it’s getting to know their families over the years or learning about a new restaurant, the people are what make my job so enjoyable!
Education and Experience
I graduated as a dentist in 2009 but have been in the dental field my entire my life. My mom is a dentist and I grew up in her office. My first job was in elementary school when I got to help her secretary file charts alphabetically. Then I learned how to answer the phone and schedule appointments. I then graduated to back-office work, where I would set up the ops or clean and sterilize instruments. I eventually learn to help as an assistant until I finally went to dental school myself.
My mom is the reason I became a dentist. She always made it look like so much fun, and it is. She is a wonderful role model and I’m so thankful for her love and mentorship that helped me to become the clinician I am today.
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI Summa Cum Laude 2005
- Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS), Marquette University School of Dentistry, Milwaukee, WI Magna Cum Laude 2009
- General Practice Residency, University of California at Los Angeles 2010
In practice I am most passionate about taking care of people and helping them to achieve optimum oral health while finding comfort in the dental experience. No one likes to go to the dentist. The most satisfying part of my work is when I can help any person, but especially a child or an anxious patient, leave the dental chair with a smile.
Professional Affiliations and Continuing Education
I am an active member of the:
- American Dental Association
- California Dental Association
- Orange County Dental Association
- Hoag Hospital Medical Staff
I never stop learning and am always striving to improve my knowledge to better serve my patients. I have taken hundreds of hours of continuing education (CE) since I graduated, including lectures, study clubs, hands-on courses, reading journal articles, and consulting with professional colleagues in the dental field.
After I completed my GPR at UCLA, I was asked to teach the Special Patient Care course, which I continued for four years. Teaching helped to enhance the knowledge base I gained during my residency on how to treat patients with head and neck cancer, special needs, dental anxiety, and medically complex histories.
I then wanted to get more involved locally, in Orange County, and joined the medical staff at Hoag Hospital. There I attended the head and neck tumor board meetings for several years and volunteered to give community lectures, including to head and neck cancer support groups.
With CE, I have been part of study clubs and taken many lectures through Spear Education, which helped expand my knowledge base on treating more complicated restorative dental cases. Recently, I have taken many courses on airway and sleep-related breathing disorders that affect both children and adults.
Special Interest
I have a lot of experience working with pediatric patients. In dental school I spent extra time working in the pediatric rotations offered at Marquette. And during my GPR at UCLA, I worked at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles with special needs children.
I have also volunteered at Healthy Smiles of Orange County, providing free screenings for school children, and have given many lectures to elementary kids on the importance of oral health. Prior to joining Arbor Dental Group, I worked in private practice at a Pediatric Dental office. I love working with kids!
Beyond the Office
I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, moved west for my General Practice Residency in 2009, and currently live in Long Beach.
My loving husband Mark and I were married in 2011. We are blessed with three wonderful daughters. When I’m not at work, I am taking care of my girls. We love the outdoors and enjoy exploring all the wonderful activities that Southern California offers. I love cooking, traveling for family adventures, and going to the beach, too.
I’m passionate about being a good mom. I love being involved in my daughters’ social activities and volunteering as an American Heritage Girl Troop Leader. I also enjoy many volunteer activities through our church.
