Our Comprehensive Dental Team

DDS

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

BS

Biology from San Diego State University, San Diego, CA

Professional Association

American Dental Association, California Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists, Implant Study Club, San Diego County Dental Society

Personal Bio

Dr. Afshar has been practicing dentistry since 2000. She and her husband have been married since 2003; together they have a 6 year-old daughter. In her spare time, Dr. Afshar enjoys leisure activities, ballroom dancing, reading, and cooking.

Patient Impact

"A patient came into my office and was concerned about her teeth. She had many loose teeth and was a heavy smoker. Throughout her treatment at our office, we helped her kick her smoking habit and helped her discover, with the help of her physician, that she was diabetic, which had gone unnoticed for years. After 7 visits, she had her smile back AND her health!"

Personal Quote

"What you can expect from me, is open communication and options for the best clinical treatment for you mouth and overall health."

Personal Favorites

Dr. Afshar's favorite book is "The Power of NOW" and her favorite quote is "Be the change you want to see" by Ghandi.

DDS

University of the Pacific, San Francisco, CA

BS

San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA

Professional Association

American Dental Association, California Dental Association

Personal Bio

Dr. Habashi has been practicing dentistry since 1996 and is married with three children. In his spare time, he enjoys playing tennis, running, and hiking with his family.

Patient Impact

“I responded to an emergency call on a Friday evening from a patient of mine who had knocked out his two front teeth and lacerated his lip in a basketball game. These were teeth I had veneered years before. I was able to re-implant the teeth and suture the lacerations which resulted in complete healing. All this took place one week prior to his wedding.”

Personal Quote

“My many years of experience have taught me to treat my patients as if I’m treating my immediate family. This philosophy has proven to develop a more comfortable and trusting relationship between the patient and dentist. I am comfortable and confident working with every personality regardless of age, fear level, or extent of treatment needed.”

Personal Favorites

Dr. Habashi’s favorite TV shows are “Entourage” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

DDS

New York University College of Dentistry; New York, NY

BA

Biology, State University of New York at Binghamton

Fellow

Endodontics, St. Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital and Columbia University; New York, NY

Professional Association

American Dental Association, California Dental Association, San Diego County Dental Society, American Association of Endodontists

Personal Bio

Dr. Karpman has been working in the dental industry since 1979. He and his wife have three boys and one girl. In his spare time, Dr. Karpman enjoys snowboarding, weekends in the desert, watching his sons play baseball, and his daughter’s theater performances. He also likes to bike ride to the beach, run, and play tennis. He is also reacquainting himself with the guitar.

Awards

American Association of Endodontists Award (AAE) for Excellence in Endodontic Research, International College of Dentists Citation for Excellence in Journalism, New York State Regents Scholarship

Personal Quote

“My patients can expect to be cared for as I would care for a friend or family member. When I evaluate patient needs, I recommend the exact treatment I would choose for myself. I strive to have patients leave our care confident that the best efforts have been put forth on their behalf.”

DDS

The Royal London Hospital, London, England

MS

Endodontic Specialty, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA

MBA

UCI, Irvine CA

Professional Association

Professional Standards, Peer Review and Ethics Committee American Association of Endodontics 2005- 2006; AAE; ADA; CDA; Tri-County Dental Society

Personal Bio

Dr. Abedi has been practicing dentistry for 17 years and is an Assistant Professor at Loma Linda University, Department of Endodontics. He enjoys teaching Endodontics and has lectured extensively in his specialty field both in the United States and abroad.

Personal Quote

"All my patients have their own jokes and anecdotes in regards to root canals. It is our goal in the Endodontic Department to listen to our patients, understand their needs and strive to deliver a "Perfect Patient Experience," by utilizing our team, and the best and latest materials. Our success is measured one smile at a time."

Personal Favorites

Dr. Abedi enjoys cycling, reading and spending time, coaching his two children in soccer. His favorite movie is "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly".

MS

Periodontics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR

DMD

University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

BS

Biology, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA

Professional Association

California Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontology, California Society of Periodontics, Academy of Osseointegration

Personal Bio

Dr. Sood has been practicing periodontics since 2002. In his spare time he enjoys racquetball, bike riding, hiking, running, and traveling around the world with his wife and son.

Awards

O. Jack Penhall Clinical Research Award, University of Pittsburgh

Personal Quote

"Giving my patients full knowledge of their dental procedure will allow us to work as a team to achieve that perfect smile. With a gentle touch and a relaxing atmosphere, patients will walk out with less pain than they expected. I am here to help patients fight periodontal disease and teach them about the benefits and success of dental implants."

Personal Favorites

Dr. Sood's favorite TV Show is "Seinfeld."

MD

State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, College of Medicine, Brooklyn, NY

DDS

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

Professional Association

California Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Personal Bio

Dr. Izadi has been practicing oral and maxillofacial surgery since 2003. He and his wife have been together since 1992 and they have 4 children. He enjoys tennis, reading, and traveling.

Achievements

Dentoalveolar Surgery (Extractions), Preprosthetic Surgery, Dental Implants/Bone Grafting, Biopsy

Personal Quote

"Many of the patients that are referred to me are very fearful of having any dental work done for a variety of reasons. I am able to offer a variety of anesthesia options that alleviate most, if not all, of their anxiety about having surgery."

RDH

Foothill College, San Jose, CA

Professional Association

American Dental Hygienist Association, California Dental Hygienist Association

Personal Bio

Solmaz Bavafa is married and loves going to the movies, working out at the gym, and traveling.

Personal Quote

"My main focus when I am with a patient is to gain their trust and ensure their happiness. From the beginning of their visit, my patients know the process that I will be performing on them. It is important to me that the patient is informed and comfortable throughout the procedure. I am continually asking how they are doing to make sure that they leave my room happy, with a big smile, and plans to return in the future."

Personal Favorites

Solmaz Bavafa enjoys watching her favorite TV shows "American Idol" and "Make Me a Supermodel".

AAS

Dental Hygiene & Dental Assisting, Saint Cloud Technical College, Saint Cloud, Minnesota

AA

Saint Cloud State University, Saint Cloud, Minnesota

Personal Bio

Darlene is married and has two sons. She describes herself as friendly, kind, and knowledgeable in her field.

Personal Quote

"While in my care you can expect a thorough examination of your teeth and treatment that is specifically designed for you. I am committed to educating my patients so that they can go home and continue the treatment we have started."

Personal Favorites

Darlene enjoys spending time with her family when she’s not in the office. She loves playing with her sons and having family time at the beach. While at home Darlene enjoys "Harry Potter" books and movies.

MS

Natural Resources Management from CSU San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA

BA

Ornamental Horticulture from CSU San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA

Personal Bio

Kevin Schieffer has been in the dental field since 2004. In his spare time, he enjoys sports, Saturday football leagues, and weekly baseball leagues.

Achievements

An instructor for P.A.R.T. (Professional Assault Response Training)

Patient Impact

"I had an elderly patient scheduled to come in for treatment. I looked up in his records and found it was going to be his birthday on the day of his appointment. I purchased a cake and some party decorations. We had a great party. He told me that in his 90 years of life, no one had ever had a birthday party for him. He past away a few weeks after, but I will never forget the smile on his face that day. His wife called to thank me, when she notified me of his passing, and told me he spoke of that day over and over again."