Provider Bio

Orthodontics is a unique profession that allows me to meet a variety of people while giving the gift of a gorgeous smile. I see myself as a mentor to my young patients; I try to encourage them to be all they can be. I believe that the smiles we create help them to go out into the world with confidence.

I really had no idea how much interacting with people through my work would enhance my life. I always planned on being a lifetime learner, but I had no idea how much I was going to learn from my patients.

I received my Bachelor’s degree in physiology from the University of California, San Diego. I went to the University of the Pacific Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry to achieve my Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree. I continued my training for an additional two years of orthodontic specialty education to earn my Masters Degree in Orthodontics.

I believe it is extremely important to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in my field, especially as technology continues to help orthodontists do our job better and more efficiently. I attend conferences as often as possible so I can offer my patients the best orthodontic treatment available. I read orthodontic journals and am active in my local dental society and orthodontic societies.

23 years ago when I was developing a logo for my practice, I worked with a graphic artist who drew for me a wide variety of tusked animals. The elephant drawing won me over! What I didn’t expect were the elephant-themed gifts that would be showered on me by my wonderful patients over the years. The collection is in the hundreds and they come from all over the world!