Our Comprehensive Dental Team

DDS

University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines

BS

University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines

Professional Association

University of San Agustin Dental Student Association President, 1970

Personal Bio

Dr. Zapanta has been practicing dentistry since 1970 and considers his biggest strengths to be his professional chair side manner and his concern for his patients’ well-being. He is married with 5 children and in his spare time enjoys golf, carpentry, drama, history, and dental literature.

Personal Quote

"I am very gentle. Your concern is first and foremost. Your overall oral health is my priority. I am a perfectionist: I do my work to the best of my knowledge and abilities."

Personal Favorites

Dr. Zapanta’s favorite TV show is "Dateline NBC".

DDS

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

BS

Biology, University of California San Diego; La Jolla, CA

Residency Program

Montefiore Medical Center; Bronx, NY

Professional Association

American Dental Association, California Dental Association

Personal Bio

When not busy practicing dentistry, Dr. Nazareno enjoys reading, dining out, and vacationing in New York City and Las Vegas.

Volunteer Experience

University of California San Diego Free Dental Clinics

Patient Impact

Communication and listening to my patients.

Personal Quote

“I work closely with my patients to create and execute the best individualized treatment plans for them. Expect a compassionate dentist who will listen and address your concerns. I want my patients to leave happy, knowing we are getting their dental health in great condition by using the latest dental technology possible.”

Personal Favorites

Dr. Nazareno’s favorite book is Tuesdays with Morrie, and her favorite movies are The Lord of the Rings trilogy and 50 First Dates.

DDS/ Orthodontic Residency

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

Professional Association

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

Personal Bio

Dr. Khan knew he wanted to be a dentist at a very young age: “My uncle and brother are dentists. I used to go volunteer at my uncle’s office while growing up and as a result I became fascinated with dentistry. The rest is history.” Dr. Khan is married and has one child. When not busy practicing dentistry, he enjoys playing sports, watching movies, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Patient Impact

"I remember treating a patient whose lower jaw had overgrown compared to his upper jaw and I prepared his pre-surgical orthodontic phase and set him up for surgery. Following surgery, I finished the post-surgical orthodontics phase and I remember the day I took his braces off and the tremendous show of gratitude from his parents was beyond anything that I had experienced before. I know I made a huge impact on this individual and his family."

Personal Quote

"To me, orthodontics is more than just putting braces on and creating beautiful smiles--it is about delivering the total experience from the initial consult to the day the braces come off. I want to leave a positive impact on the patient for a lifetime."

Personal Favorites

Dr. Khan's favorite book is "The Kite Runner," his favorite film is "The Dark Knight," and his favorite TV show is "Grey’s Anatomy."

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."

MD

State University of New York, Stony Brook School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY

DDS

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

Professional Association

American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Personal Bio

Dr. Hou has been practicing dentistry for over 10 years. He and his wife have been married for over 16 years; together they have 3 boys. In his free time he enjoys skiing.

Personal Quote

"You can expect a friendly staff to greet you, explanations of the procedures including risks/benefits, and all of your questions answered."

Personal Favorites

Dr Hou's favorite book is "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card and his favorite movies are the entire trilogy of "Lord of the Rings."

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."

BS

Biology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA

Professional Association

American Dental Association, California Dental Association

Personal Bio

Delara is married and has a beautiful daughter and two dogs. She loves to travel with her family and has been to over thirty countries on six continents.

Personal Quote

"When you come to visit me, you can expect the most thorough and gentle care from start to finish. I am committed to having good communication and comfortable interaction with my patients."

Personal Favorites

Delara is an avid runner and has run both the Pacific Shore Marathon and the San Diego Marathon. She also enjoys reading, yoga, and Pilates.

RDH

New York University College of Dentistry; New York, NY

BS

New York University; New York, NY

Professional Association

California Dental Hygienists’ Association

Personal Bio

Summer has been in the field of dentistry since 2000 and is married with three dogs named Winston, Bailey, and Gizzy. In her spare time, Summer enjoys traveling, experiencing diverse cultures, cooking, swimming, camping, playing with her dogs, and hanging out with her friends and family.

Achievements

Laser certification, nitrous and oxygen certification, anesthesia certification, CPR certification

Volunteer Experience

Clinic with a Heart, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry; Community Outreach, New York University College of Dentistry; Free dentistry days within her community

Personal Quote

“As my patient, I want your experience to be more than just the act of dentistry itself. It is my goal to educate you as well as provide you with the highest standard of care. To me, excelling at dental hygiene is about building a trusting relationship with all of my patients. This is what allows me to provide you with the quality and individualized care you deserve.”