My road to dentistry is as intertwined with my personal life as the braids in challah bread. I graduated from University of California, Irvine in information and computer science, and became an airlines system test engineer for Panasonic. After working with international clientele, I wanted to develop my educational skills. I had a series of career changes to law, business, and then finally to dentistry. I had the opportunity to graduate from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. There I was able to learn about dentistry and also perform research about implants. I am published in the Journal of Oral Implantology. I was able to orally present my research at the International Association for Dental Research in Boston 2015. I also received a first podium award, Gunther M. Hans Award, for presentations from the platform at the 2015 Case Western Reserve University Professional’s Day. After graduation, I furthered my general practice skills with a hospital residency, Level 1 Trauma Center, Summa Health Hospital in Akron, OH.
After my educational run, I entered private practice in my home state of California. My thirst and passion for knowledge brought me to the Boston area. I entered an international masters program in Frankfurt Germany studying Oral Implantology. There, I was able to continue to learn about my passion for surgery, from surgical extractions to implants and sinus lifts and blood draws for grafts. I am always trying to improve my technique and skills, and after finishing this masters, there are other subject materials on the horizon.
When I don’t have my scrubs on, I like to wear my Lycra and sporting equipment. I try to live an active and healthy lifestyle through the practice of triathlon. I am a former Ironman triathlete (swim, bike, run) and am training to complete a half ironman in 2025. I enjoy cooking and eating the food of the world.
In the past, I have fundraised for SmileTrain which is an organization that provides free surgeries for cleft/lip patients. Also, I participated in the LifeBanc races to raise cancer awareness. I have outreached to the community through the East Cleveland Boys and Girls club teaching about dental health. In San Bernardino, CA, I volunteered to provide free dental care to the homeless and low-income population.
