Our Comprehensive Dental Team

DMD

University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA

BS

Universidad Evangelica de El Salvador; San Salvador, El Salvador

Professional Association

American Dental Association, California Dental Association, Los Angeles Dental Society

Personal Bio

Dr. DiStefano has been practicing dentistry since 2000, is married, and has two cats named Max and Cooper. When not practicing dentistry, she is a long-distance runner and loves to travel. She has traveled around Europe, Central America, and New Zealand. Dr. DiStefano lived in Germany for two years and is fluent in Spanish and German.

Awards

Voted one of top dentists in 2010 - South Jersey Magazine, German Association of Periodontology Scholarship

Personal Quote

“I will listen to your needs and present the best options for you. I will make you feel comfortable through my treatment because I want you leaving my office knowing that your fear has changed into a positive experience and that you will come back to see me.”

DDS

Howard University College of Dentistry; Washington, D.C.

Residency

Advanced Education in General Dentistry at Lutheran Medical Center; Brooklyn, NY; Resident at Morris Heights Health Center; Bronx, NY

Professional Association

California Dental Association, American Dental Association, San Fernando Valley Dental Society

Personal Bio

Dr. Tam has been practicing dentistry since 2008. In her spare time, she enjoys arts and crafts, watching movies, and traveling.

Volunteer Experience

Volunteer at Kids’ Community Dental Clinic; Burbank, CA, Panama mission trip

Personal Quote

“As your dentist, I will listen to all your needs and provide you with the best treatment to improve your smile and oral health. I will ensure that you are comfortable from the beginning to the end of treatment and that you leave as a satisfied and happy patient.”

DDS

University of California Los Angeles; Los Angeles, CA

BS

Emory University; Atlanta, GA

Professional Association

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

Personal Bio

When not busy helping patients, Dr. Lam enjoys playing tennis and watching NBA and NFL games.

Personal Quote

“I will listen to your needs and wants and cater your treatment as necessary. I want you to ask any questions you may have because I want you to understand your treatment before we begin.”

DDS

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

MD

University of California; Davis, CA

Specialty Certificate

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California San Francisco; San Francisco, CA

Professional Association

American Dental Association, California Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, California Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Personal Bio

Dr. Yafai has been working in the dental industry since 2002. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his fiancée and playing sports such as tennis, racquetball, basketball, and weightlifting. Dr. Yafai is also an avid photographer, an enthusiastic techie, and enjoys all outdoor activities.

Awards

Cum laude (UCLA), top 5% (UCLA), Wall Scholarship for excellence in research and academics

Volunteer Experience

Multiple communities and hospitals for socioeconomically disadvantaged children and adults in California

Personal Quote

“First and foremost is patient care, and everything else is secondary. My goal is to provide uncompromising care, while still having the patient feel comfortable and confident. I believe this goal can be reached through open communication and active discussion.”

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 2000. 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."

DDS

Columbia University, College of Dental Medicine, New York, NY

BS

Biology & Sociology, UC Riverside, Riverside, CA

Residency

General Practice, Sepulveda Veterans Affairs Hospital; Periodontics, West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Hospital

Personal Bio

Dr. Yun has been practicing dentistry since 2006.

Achievements

Chief Resident, Periodontic Department

Patient Impact

"I once had a diabetic patient who presented with generalized severe chronic adult periodontitis. His oral hygiene was non-existent. After full-mouth osseous surgery and debridement, the patient transformed into a new person. During subsequent follow-up and recall visits, he not only kept his mouth remarkably clean, but he also changed and improved his entire outer appearance. He had his hair styled, got new sleeker looking glasses, got a whole new wardrobe, and lost 25 pounds. His diabetic status, which was borderline uncontrolled was now controlled. His hemoglobin A1C decreased from 7.2 to a 5.8 after the periodontal surgeries. He always credited the start of his amazing transformation to his periodontal surgeries."

DDS

University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

Certificate in Endodontics

New York University, New York, NY 2007

Professional Association

American Dental Association, American Association of Endodontists

Personal Bio

Dr. Khalili has been practicing dentistry since 1996. He has been married since 2001 and has one daughter named Nika, which means clear water and good and delicate in Persian. Dr. Khalili enjoys staying current with world news, watching international soccer matches, and playing tennis.

Patient Impact

"There have been many occasions in which my patients have been surprised at the end of the treatment for feeling no pain throughout the treatment."

Personal Quote

"I will try to be as gentle as possible with the shots. After that, I allow about ten minutes before I start the treatment. The majority of my patients feel no pain or discomfort throughout the treatment."

Personal Favorites

Dr. Khalili’s favorite TV show is "American Idol".

DDS

Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA

MSD

Endodontics, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA

BS

Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI

Professional Association

American Dental Association, California Dental Association, Tri-County Dental Society, American Association of Endodontists, Loma Linda Alumni Association, OKU Dental Honors Society

Personal Bio

Dr. Kim is married with three children. In his spare time, he enjoys tennis, classical music, and playing the violin.

Awards

Chancellor’s Award, Loma Linda University (2007); Student Achievement in Endodontics, American Association of Endodontics (2007); Dean’s List, Loma Linda University (2005-2007); SA Dean’s Scholarship Award, Loma Linda University (2007)

Volunteer Experience

Calimesa SDA Church, House of Decision (Beaumont, CA)

Personal Quote

“You can expect that I will listen to your issues first, and then come up with the best possible solutions and alternatives that are right for you. You can be sure that your care will be of the highest quality in as pain-free a manner as possible. You can also expect that I will listen to your questions following the procedure and give you direction on how to best care for yourself following treatment.”

DMD

State College of Parana, Ponta Grossa, Parana, Brazil

Certificate in Orthodontics

Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery, New York, NY

Personal Bio

Dr. Ferreira has been practicing orthodontics since 1997. He believes that his biggest strengths are his personality, ability to form relationships with patients, and his clinical abilities. In his spare time he enjoys traveling, going to the beach, making friends and cooking.

Personal Quote

"My uncle influenced me to become a dentist (he was a DMD), since I was five years old it was what I wanted to become. I enjoyed all fields of dentistry but orthodontics became my favorite, because of changing people's lives by transforming their appearance. People become so much more confident in life when they have a pleasant smile."

Personal Favorites

Book: "The Lost Island" by A Ilha Perdida, Movie: "Ghost", TV Show: "Friends" and the Discovery Channel