Our Comprehensive Dental Team

DDS

University of the Philippines

Professional Association

American Dental Association, California Dental Association, Tri-County Dental Society

Personal Bio

Dr. Ligad has been practicing dentistry since 1993 and is married with three children. In her spare time, she enjoys bowling and watching movies with her family.

Volunteer Experience

Volunteer at Church

Personal Quote

“As a dentist, I try to make every patient’s visit as pleasant as possible. I look closely at each individual’s needs, and together we discuss the different options on how to address the problem. Then I try to provide exceptional clinical services in as painless and comfortable a way as possible.”

Personal Favorites

Dr. Ligad’s favorite TV shows are “House,” “Monk,” and “NCIS.”

DDS

Gulbarga University, India

BS

Osmania University, India

Personal Bio

Dr. Sambangi has been practicing dentistry since 1999 and is married with three children. In her free time, Dr. Sambangi enjoys reading and gardening.

Awards

Office of the Year 2009

Personal Quote

“My goal is to provide an honest approach to the health of your teeth, a practical solution to any condition, a gentle touch to make you feel as comfortable as possible, and a genuine gratitude for allowing me to serve you!”

DDS

Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, CA

BS

La Sierra University, Riverside, CA

Continuing Education

1000+ hours of courses including Endodontics and Implants

Personal Bio

Dr. Rodgers has been practicing dentistry since 1987. He and his wife, Joanna, have been married for over 20 years and have four sons. He enjoys backpacking, running, fishing, riding motorcycles, and miniature gaming.

Personal Quote

"As long as you are my patient, you can expect an endearing attitude towards your treatment needs and comprehensive quality care."

Personal Favorites

Dr. Rodger’s favorite book is Good to Great by Jim Collins, and his favorite movies are the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

DDS

UCSF School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA

BS

UCI, Irvine, CA

Professional Association

Ameican Dental Association, California Dental Association, Orange County Dental Society

Personal Bio

Dr. Pham has been practicing dentistry since 2001. He and his wife have been married since 2003. He enjoys paintball, rollerblading, and vacationing in Vietnam.

Patient Impact

"I provided composite restorations and bridges for a patient at no cost because she qualified for a change-of-life grant."

Personal Quote

"I will take care of your oral health as though it were my own."

Personal Favorites

Film: "Star Wars", TV Show: "House"

DDS

Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, CA

Professional Association

American Dental Association, California Dental Association

Personal Bio

Dr. Lee is married and has a dog named Mika. She describes herself as kind and competent. She is very personable and displays a quiet confidence about her.

Personal Quote

"My patients can expect a quality experience by a compassionate dentist who gives personable care."

Personal Favorites

Dr. Lee enjoys playing the piano and horseback riding.

DDS

New York University, College of Dentistry, New York, NY

BS

Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

Personal Bio

When not busy practicing dentistry, Dr. Park enjoys running, hiking, playing basketball, watching Lakers and Dodgers games, and attending sporting events.

Awards

NYUCD Top Producer, Clinic 4S

Volunteer Experience

Oral Cancer Walk, Harlem, NY (Spring 2007); Smiling Faces, Going Places Mobile Pediatric Dental Program, Long Island, NY (Summer 2007)

Personal Quote

"As your dentist I will provide comprehensive, step-by-step care and recognize that your needs as a patient are unique. I am willing to take the extra effort to listen to your concerns. Through strong communication we can both achieve our goal of optimal dental care and make your dental experience a positive one."

DDS

University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry; Los Angeles, CA

BS

Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA

Residency Program

VA Long Beach Healthcare System; Long Beach, CA

Professional Association

American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, California Dental Association, Academy of Operative Dentistry

Personal Bio

Dr. Refela is a strong believer in patient care and education. When not practicing dentistry, she teaches at UCLA, enjoys watching old movies, photography, hiking, and cooking.

Awards

Dean’s list (UCLA School of Dentistry 2005-2006), National Institute of Health T23 Research Training Grant (2006-2008), Academy of Operative Dentistry Student Award (2009)

Achievements

Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, two publications in 2009

Volunteer Experience

Part-time faculty for Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency program (UCLA Venice Dental Center), church volunteer

Personal Quote

“I am passionate about putting my patients at ease and providing them with excellent, conservative treatment choices. It’s my goal to listen to your concerns and clearly explain my diagnosis and recommendations so that together we can decide on a treatment plan that is best for you.”

Personal Favorites

Dr. Refela’s favorite shows are Everybody Loves Raymond and I love Lucy.

DDS

University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA

Professional Association

Arizona Dental Association, American Dental Association, California Dental Association

Personal Bio

Dr. Nguyen is married and has been practicing since 2008. His hobbies include video editing, photography, and traveling. His favorite destinations include Italy, Greece and Thailand.

Volunteer Experience

UCLA/USC Mobile Clinic

Personal Quote

"Most patients say I'm the gentlest dentist they've ever had. I contribute that to approaching dentistry as if I was the patient and not a lecturer. This helps me deliver great dentistry in an honest, priority phased plan in a way that follows the "platinum rule": to treat patients how they want to be treated instead of how I want to be treated."

Personal Favorites

Dr. Nguyen's favorite TV shows are "The Simpsons" and "Entourage". In his spare time he enjoys watching NFL and NBA games. His favorite sports include basketball, golf, and volleyball.

DDS

University of Southern California; Los Angeles, CA

BS

Chemistry; Occidental College; Los Angeles, CA

Professional Association

California Dental Association, American Dental Association, Tri-County Dental Society

Personal Bio

Dr. Sabat is a Lakers fan. She also enjoys going to her alma mater, USC, for football games. In her spare time, Dr. Sabat enjoys hiking, cooking, and playing soccer and racquetball.

Awards

Best Hand Skills Award, Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society

Achievements

Publication in The Journal of Physical Chemistry

Volunteer Experience

Mobile Dental Clinic, downtown Los Angeles free dental clinic

Personal Quote

“As a patient, you can expect a receptive and positive environment. I believe my patients should be educated about their oral health care so that I, as a dentist, can work with them to improve their overall health.”

Personal Favorites

Dr. Sabat’s favorite TV shows are Modern Family and So You Think You Can Dance.

DDS

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry; Loma Linda, CA

BS

Biology, Loma Linda University; Loma Linda, CA

Professional Association

American Association of Orthodontists, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, California Dental Association

Personal Bio

Dr. Heinrich has been practicing dentistry since 1987. He and his wife have been married since 1979; together they have three children (one girl and two boys). In his spare time, Dr. Heinrich enjoys fishing and his favorite sport is football.

Awards

Years of service in teaching orthodontics at Loma Linda University

Achievements

Associate Professor of Clinical Orthodontics at Loma Linda University

Volunteer Experience

Citizen Voluntary Patrol Ranger, Redlands Police

Personal Quote

“I will do my best to treat you as though you were a family member or friend.”

Personal Favorites

Dr. Heinrich’s favorite book is John Adams, and his favorite movie is Gladiator. Dr. Heinrich also enjoys watch the History Channel.

DDS

MS

University of Southern California; Los Angeles, CA

Residency

General Dentistry, University of Southern California; Los Angeles, CA; Endodontic Specialty, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA

Professional Association

American Association of Endodontists, American Dental Association, California Dental Association, Los Angeles Dental Society, Korean American Dental Association (board member)

Personal Bio

Dr. Lee has been practicing dentistry since 2003. He loves to travel all around the world, and his favorite places are Vienna, Austria and the Canary Islands in Spain.

Volunteer Experience

PDS® Braveheart Outreach, missionary work – core board member in establishing dental program in North Korea

Personal Quote

“I am here to listen to my patients’ concerns so that I am able to address their personal dental needs. My goal is to provide the highest quality root canal therapy for all of my patients, utilizing the latest technology in endodontics that will allow treatment to be more predictable and completed in less time. I will provide my patients with exceptional endodontic care by a highly trained, experienced, and caring professional team.”

Personal Favorites

Dr. Lee’s favorite movies are Gladiator and Braveheart, and his favorite TV show is Entourage.

DMD

University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA

BS

Zoology, University of Florida; Gainesville, FL

Specialty Residency

University of Southern California; Los Angeles, CA

Professional Association

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, California Dental Association

Personal Bio

Dr. Lee is married, and when not practicing dentistry, enjoys baking and playing leisure tennis.

Personal Quote

“As a specialist, my philosophy is to create a positive dental experience for your child by providing gentle dental care. I use age-appropriate techniques along with loving attention to provide the highest standard of care for your child’s health, comfort, and safety. I am passionate about improving oral health and look forward to working with you and your family.”

Personal Favorites

Dr. Lee’s favorite TV shows are Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Office, and watching The Food Network.

MS

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, CA

DDS

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, CA

Professional Association

American Board of Orthodontics (Diplomat), Angle Society (res. guest.), Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontics, California Association of Orthodontics, American Association of Orthodontics, Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honors Society, American Dental Association, California Dental Association

Personal Bio

Dr. Paulson has been practicing dentistry since 2001 and is married with one daughter. In his spare time, he enjoys computers, tennis, metal detecting, collecting coins, reading, hiking, and watching movies, especially Marvel, sci-fi, action, and drama films.

Patient Impact

"A patient and mom came into the office and told me they had been to 4 other orthodontists. They were very concerned because the other orthodontists said they could not fix and solve the problem due to its complexity. I told them I would not deny treatment and would attempt to treat them! After treatment, and the day the braces came off, the whole family was in the office and was crying about how wonderful treatment turned out!"

Personal Favorites

Dr. Paulson’s favorite TV shows are 'American Chopper" and "Mythbusters" and his favorite types of books are science fiction, history and art/photo books."

MD

Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY

DDS

New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY

BA

Biology, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY

Professional Association

Fellow, American Association of Oral & Maxillo-Facial Surgeons; Fellow, California Association of Oral & Maxillo-Facial Surgeons; Fellow, American College of Surgeons; Fellow, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery; Fellow, California Academy of Cosmetic Surgery

Personal Bio

Dr. Mashhadian grew up in Long Island, New York, and has recently moved to Southern California with his wife Shirin and their son Elan. In his spare time, he enjoys restoring collectable automobiles, art, photography, traveling, and reading.

Achievements

Diplomate American Board of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery; Diplomate American Board of Dental Anesthesiology; Diplomate American Board of Cosmetic Surgery; Advanced Cardiac Life Support; Basic Life Support; OSHA Certified

Volunteer Experience

"Dr. Mashhadian has donated his services to treat children with facial clefts in Mexico with the "Thousand Smile" program. beautiful smiles.

DDS

University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA

Certificate in Periodontics

Advanced Education in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, CA

Professional Association

American Academy of Periodontics, American Dental Association, California Dental Association, California Periodontal Society, Tri-County Dental Society, American Academy of Osseointegration

Personal Bio

Dr. Soleiman has been practicing Periodontics and Implant Dentistry since 1999. He and his wife have 3 children. He enjoys basketball, working out, watching movies, and camping with his family.

Awards

TKO/OKU Dental Honor Society (1995-96), American Academy of Periodontology Award for Outstanding Achievement in Periodontists (1996)

Personal Quote

"As a specialist, I take great pride in my work. I am always in pursuit of perfection and never compromise the care of my patients. Each individual has different needs and it is my goal to provide tailor-made care to each person. I plan to make your visit with me as informative, pleasant and, most importantly, as painless as possible. That is why I offer multiple forms of sedation; such as Oral, Nitrous Oxide, and IV Sedation in order to make my patients as comfortable as possible."

BS

Dental Hygiene from USC, Los Angeles, CA

Professional Association

Hispanic Dental Association, American Dental Hygienists' Association

Personal Bio

Carlos Quinonez has been a hygienist for over 4 years. His hobbies are deep sea fishing, scuba diving, snow boarding, and spoiling his wife.

Patient Impact

"A patient told me her gums had bled for as long as she could remember. After her treatment, her gums completely stopped bleeding and she was very grateful. A few weeks later, she presented me with her late husband's favorite tie and said I deserved something special from her heart."

RDH

AAS

Dental Hygiene; San Joaquin Valley College; Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Professional Association

American Dental Hygienists’ Association

Personal Bio

Stephanie is married with two children (a boy and a girl) and two dogs. In her spare time, she enjoys snowboarding, camping, hiking, and bike riding; anything outdoors! Her greatest joy comes from spending time with her family, especially coaching her son’s baseball team.

Volunteer Experience

Little League coach

Personal Quote

“You can expect to be treated with respect and you will receive personalized treatment based on your dental needs. You will leave with a full understanding of your oral health and what you need to do to maintain it. My goal is for you to leave with a great experience and a smile!”

Personal Favorites

Stephanie’s favorite TV show is Modern Family.