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At Zak Dental, we are dedicated to continuously teaming up with the most qualified dental professionals and specialists. Learn more about our Star Dental Team of general/cosmetic dentists, oral surgeons, orthodontists, endodontists, hygienists, and periodontists.
Dr. Ilya Zak is the Founder and Visionary of our Wellness³² Dental Team. His passion for dental care took hold at a tender age of 10 when he began to shadow his dentist father, Dr. Boris Zak and volunteer at a local dental lab. He solidified his calling when he graduated from University of Southern California Dental School in 1990, and shorty after opened his first practice in an underserved community of Simi Valley in 1994.. He enriched his career and scope of practice by also completing his TMJ/Pain Management residency at White Memorial Hospital and became a qualified medical examiner for TMJ dysfunction in California. Dr. Zak’s passion is mentoring other dentist professionals. He served as a part-time clinical instructor at his alma mater, USC Dental School, and is currently a clinical instructor of the UCLA Dental School. Dr. Zak brought his experience as an educator into the Zak Dental practices by adopting many of the quality assurance steps practices an dental education institutions in the private settings of all Zak Dental locations.
Dr. Howard Kopel, DDS, attended USC School of Dentistry and has been working in the field for more than 3 decades. He has received excellent training in every dental field, and he has received numerous awards for excellence in oral cancer diagnosis. He utilizes his keen understanding of comprehensive dental care to ensure that his treatment plans are optimized for the ultimate goal of enhancing patients’ wellness. In his free time, Dr. Kopel loves to race fast cars, play tennis, and spend time with his family.
Dr. Michael Vito is an alumnus of University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, a top 5 dental school where he received Doctor of Dental Surgery. Dr. Vito has additional training in hospital based dentistry, treating medically compromised patients. He continues to keep current with the latest research and advancements by taking regular CE classes including Laser Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Implants, and Invisalign. He is committed to providing excellent and comprehensive dental care to each and every one of his patients. He practices all aspects of general dentistry. He looks forward to help you maintain great oral health through his gentle and empathetic care. In his spare time, he cherishes spending time with his family, traveling coaching baseball. Dr. Vito believes in treating all of his patients as if they were family.
Dr. Moya is a native Angeleno who grew up in the east San Gabriel Valley and its environs, living for a number of years in New Jersey and New York while pursuing his undergraduate and graduate studies at Rutgers and NYU. He has been practicing dentistry since 2007. Dr. Moya's aim is to cultivate a systematic and reasoned approach to dentistry, delivering an end product that is altogether long-lasting, stable and beautiful, and--perhaps most importantly--exceeds your expectations. An amateur violinist with a particular interest in Baroque and other early music, he is the founder of the @voxsaeculorum composer's association and served as composer-in-residence for the Long Beach-based Kontrapunktus Baroque Ensemble from 2016 to 2018.
Dr. Stephen Robin graduated the USC School of Dentistry in 1988. He earned his Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 1993. He is an Associate Clinical Professor at the USC School of Dentistry, part-time faculty with the USC Mobile Dental Clinic, and volunteers regularly in Ecuador. His father was a Dentist and his middle son is a Pediatric Dentist. Dr. Robin enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his family and his dogs. As a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, his extensive experience in the dental field is a true asset to the Zak Dental Family.
Dr. Charles Chung graduated from Loma Linda University’s School of Dentistry in 1999. While there, he went on many volunteer missions in southern California and South America that involved dental work and inner-city volunteering. He is a member of the American Dental Association and California Dental Association. His work is always precise and performed calmly, making him very popular with patients.
My name is Dr. Zach Ward, and I am excited to be coming back to the bay area after a few years away. I graduated from La Cañada High School in 2008, after which I received my Bachelor’s of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Economics. Toward the end of my time there, I discovered that I did not want a career in economics. A family friend invited me to his dental practice. I saw a few patients get new smiles, and I knew what I had to do. Four years later, I left the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, D.M.D. degree in hand, and set out to make my way back to Southern California. Dental school provided me with many opportunities to learn and serve in the nearby community. I was privileged to serve as Class President all four years and was able to coordinate service opportunities for classmates throughout the area. While I felt prepared to treat patients upon graduating, I chose to train for an additional year in an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at UCLA. This past year, I have been working at the UCLA clinic in Venice and gaining valuable experience in a variety of complex treatments, including endodontics, oral surgery, implant placement and restoration, full mouth rehabilitation, and occlusal management to help with chronic TMJ issues. This training has prepared me to serve you with the highest standard of dental care available to patients today. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Kate, and our three children, Henry (5), Benjamin (3), and Grace (born May 2021). I am and always have been an avid Dodgers, Lakers, and UCLA fan (but will not hold it against anyone for being a Trojans fan). I am thrilled with the opportunity to be a part of this practice. I have always admired their passion for dentistry, his kindness, and his conservative approach, and I look forward to providing the same service to all of you.
Dr. Hessam Toossi is a graduate of the University of Southern California (USC), where he received his DDS degree. He joined Dr. Zak's team in 2019 and has been a staple of our Wellness32 Team!
Dr. Dina Adami received her DDS degree from the University of Southern California. She went on to complete her advanced specialty degree in Endodontics form the University of California, San Francisco. She has been a staple of our Wellness32 team since 2021.
I received my DDS degree from Loma Linda University and joined Dr. Zak's amazing team in 2021. Before that, I was a working dentist in India after I received my BDS degree in 2015. Dentistry has always been my passion and providing the right treatment with utmost care and compassion to all my patients is my mantra. Outside of work, I love to travel and enjoy delicious foods from all around the world.
Dr. Raffi Asadorian joined our Wellness32 Team in 2019. He received his DDS from the University of California in San Francisco in 2012. He specializes in a wide scope of oral surgical procedures including impacted 3rd molar and complicated extractions, alveoloplasty, and biopsies.
Dr. Robert I. Zama was born in Romania where he attended Dental School at University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa. He graduated in 2010 with the title of Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry. After immigrating to the United States, Dr. Zama attended the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists at USC where he was top of his class in Restorative Dentistry. Dr. Zama takes great pride in his work and goes above and beyond to meet his patients expectations and provide them with quality and painless dental care. In his spare time Dr. Zama enjoys spending time with his son. His hobbies also include, hiking, mountain biking and traveling. One of his passions aside from dentistry is learning new languages. In his free time, he likes to restore old watches, clay sculpting and playing the piano.
Michael Gavin graduated from Saint John's University in 1969 as a dentist. He then went to the University of Minnesota of Dentistry and graduated from there in 1976. He opened his own practice in 1977 and has been practicing endodontic treatment since. In his spare time he likes to practice horsemanship and read histories of various topics.
I received my DMD from University of Illinois at Chicago. After that I did a residency at UCLA in the department of Advanced Education in General Dentistry. I stayed on as a contract dentist for the same clinic at UCLA for several years. I treat each patient as if they were a member of my family and hope to help them with their dental needs. My hobbies include spending time with my kids, going on hikes and watching the NBA. I have been part of the Wellness³² Team since 2019.
Dr. Aiham Machhadani graduated from Damascus University in Syria in 1999. He then continued his education at California's Dr. Duggan Study Institute. Dr. Machhadani then continued his education at Columbia University, earning his specialty certification in Endodontics in 1999. For nearly 20 years, Dr. Machhadani has serviced patients in southern California. In his spare time, Dr. Machhadani lives an active life playing soccer and tennis.
Dr. Mai Phan initially received her Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Irvine. Then, Dr. Mai Phan went on to obtain her DDS from USC. She is a gentle individual by nature, and strives to provide great services and care to her patients. Dr. Mai Phan tries to complete her work in a fashion she truly stands behind. Her expertise as a dentist is laser assisted periodontal management, hygiene cosmetic fillings, veneers, inlay/onlays, teeth whitening. In her spare time, D. Mai enjoys books, traveling and spending time with her family.
Originally from Orlando, FL, I graduated from the University of Florida College of Dentistry in 2010 and went on to complete a one-year advanced dentistry program at the VA Medical Center in Birmingham, AL. I then returned to Orlando and practiced as an “exodontist” (tooth extraction dentist) at a community clinic in Orlando, FL while growing my own emergency-based dental practice focusing on extractions and IV sedation. After the birth of my son in 2019, my wife and I decided to move to San Diego for a change of scenery and to spend more time outdoors. I now divide my time between my office in Orlando, FL and Dr. Zak Dental Clinics in San Diego, CA. I devote at least 100 hours per year to continuing education focused on oral surgery and the safe administration of IV conscious sedation. I am a firm believer in the Golden Rule and strive to treat all patients with understanding and compassion.
Dr. Bowman graduated from Northwestern University dental school. He enjoys the variety of people he meets practicing dentistry. When not at work he can frequently be found at the dog park with his terrier Walter.
Dr. Tiffany Lu received her DDS degree from Nova Southeastern University (NSU). She continued on to receive a specialized degree in Orthodontics from Loma Linda University (LLU). In addition to her extensive experience, she is an active diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. She looks forward to taking care of your smile through Orthodontics!
A graduate of the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, Dr. Ronak Makadia received her DDS diploma in 2015. She went on to receive her advanced specialty degree in Endodontics from Nova Southeastern University. She has been a vital part of our Wellness32 Team since the start of 2022!
Dr. Cassie Starr was born in Bangkok, Thailand and moved to the United States at the age of 12. She graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry in 2014 and has been practicing dentistry for over 7 years. She enjoys keeping up with the latest dental technology through continuing education. She is dedicated to helping her patients achieve a healthy smile by providing the highest quality care, while ensuring a positive and relaxing environment. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the San Diego County Dental Society. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys traveling, swimming, cooking, and watching comedy movies.
Dr. Schaeffer graduated with honors from the University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry in 1996. In his 25 years as a dentist, he has attended numerous graduate education programs and has earned certificates in CAD/CAM dentistry from Sirona as well as implant dentistry from the Misch International Implant Institute. He strongly believes in giving back to the community and recently volunteered with the US Navy aboard the USNS Comfort on its 2018 Humanitarian Mission to South America.
Dr. Kristen Miller is graduated from UCLA with general dental education and UCSF with her orthodontist training. She graduated the class as top 5% students. She was also the Vice President of her dental school class. Dr. Miller participated in the UCSF mobile clinic. She is fluent in Spanish.
Bio Coming Soon!
Dr. Nischit Shah moved to sunny California to join our Wellness32 Team from Boston. He has a passion for restoring healthy smiles through his advanced degree as a Periodontist, which he received from the Boston University of Dental Medicine. Outside of dentistry, Dr. Shah loves to watch movies, listen to a variety of musical styles, play basketball, and travel.
Dr. Alassy is periodontist trained in periodontal surgery, implant surgery and gum grafting. Prior his specialization in periodontics, Dr. Alassy had general dentistry experience since 1997. He received the Fellowship award from the American Academy of General Dentistry in 2019. He started practicing in Minnesota in 2004 after completion of his advanced dental certifications. Additionally, his cosmetic dentistry training from UCLA is utilized daily in the surgical procedures he performs. Patient comfort is a priority. Dr. Alassy uses techniques to minimize or eliminate discomfort and anxiety during treatment. He takes the time to listen to his patients and provide close, personal attention to best customize their care. When not working, he thoroughly enjoys spending time with his wife and son. His favorite outdoor activities include alpine skiing, biking as well as nature photography.
I am originally from Ojai, where I attended Nordhoff High School. I subsequently completed my undergraduate studies at UCLA before leaving the Southern California sun for the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. After dental school, I elected to stay in beautiful Ann Arbor and continue my training in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, as well as complete medical studies at the University of Michigan Medical School. It was during that time, that I met the love of my life, and we started our family. From there, I followed my passion and did a fellowship in Craniofacial Surgery and Pediatric Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. After finally completing my training, I began practicing in West Michigan, where I have been for the last 10 years. I have focused on dental implants, exodontia, orthognathic surgery, pediatric anesthesia, and cleft lip and palate surgery. I remain faculty at Michigan State University, and was the previous chair of Dentistry and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at Spectrum Health System, the largest hospital system in the state of Michigan. I am double board certified by the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. I make the promise to all of my patients that no one will be more knowledgeable of the current literature base, and that I will always practice cutting edge, evidence based dentistry and medicine. My patients deserve this. I happily bring with me my amazing wife Kelli, my daughter Colleen, and my son David. We are avid explorers of all that California has to offer, from the amazing hiking trails, to incomparable beaches. We are thrilled to be a part of this amazing community.
Joshua Parfitt DMD is a board eligible Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon. He was raised in a small rural town in Oregon, attending Linfield College where he graduated with a B.S. in physiology. Dr. Parfitt was a prolific collegiate swimmer in the long distance events. He attended the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health and graduated as valedictorian. Additionally, Josh met his wife Nina, and started residency in Oral & maxillofacial surgery at Highland General Hospital in Oakland, receiving certificate of specialty in 2019. Following the years of hospital training, the San Diego area became home and they are excited to start the next stage of life. In their free time, Dr. Parfitt takes advantage of the local activities than San Diego weather offers; including running, biking, and triathlons.
Sonya (Sophia) Zak joined the Zak Dental team in 2010 following her graduation from Stanford Graduate School of Business with a PhD in Management Sciences. She also received a dual BA/BS degree from UC Berkeley in Business Administration and Psychology in 2004. She currently oversees all non clinical operational support functions of Zak Dental including Revenue Cycle Management, Patient Journey, Marketing & Team Building and Business Intelligence. She is passionate about utilizing her deep understanding of culture and social behavior. in optimizing our Patients’ Wellness³² Journey and organically developing and nurturing our Zak Dental.
Edwin is the Director of Operations at Zak Dental Care and ensures the company’s offices processes are aligned with the ability to enhance patient Wellness³². Edwin currently focuses on our team’s overall expenditures, procurement and resource allocation, company-wide compliance of protocols, operational development, and administrative mentorship. Before becoming Zak Dental’s Director of Operations in 2020, Edwin served as the regional manager and helped lead administrative and revenue processes, training processes, implementation of new systems, human resources, staffing, information technology infrastructure maintenance. During his tenure Wellness³² Team and the Zak Dental practices achieved more than 100% growth through the acquisition of 6 dental offices, in addition to more than a 30% revenue increase among the existing offices. Before joining Zak Dental, Edwin was part of a large dental chain, where he quickly grew from a dental reception to treatment coordinator and finally a dental office manager. The practice under his leadership become one of the most successful and exemplary practices inthe chain. Edwin earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Chicago. Outside of work, Edwin likes to drive fast cars, build super fast computers :), and spend time with his family.
Bianca Koohbanani is an experienced dental administrator, billing instructor, and information technology support specialist. After earning her Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Florida, she began her medical career in cancer pathology research at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. She left the Sunshine State for the Golden in 2012, and has since dedicated her career towards evolving and embettering the patient-provider experience in the dental field. When she's not managing insurance claims or conducting training, you can find her fishing/playing golf with her Dad on the weekends or snuggling with her small Poodle-Shih Tzu mix, Goldie!
Jerilee Malang graduated from Bryman College in 2003 as a dental assistant. She always had a passion for helping others and always knew she wanted to dedicate herself to a career that allowed her this rewarding experience. Her career in dentistry started in 2004 at Zak Dental Care as an xray technician. In 2007, she furthered herself in her profession and obtained her Registered Dental Assistant License. Expanding her knowledge in all aspects of dentistry has given her a deep understanding of the field and most of all doing her best to help all her patients in achieving perfect smiles. She is coming on her 16th anniversary at Zak Dental and is proud to be part of a team who cares about their patients. In her spare time she loves to play videogames, loves anything with Harry Potter on it, goes on mini adventures with her dog and likes to try new things especially when she travels.
Shanttel Rodriguez started at 16 years old as a sterilizer and loved it so much she decided to pursue a career in the Dental Field. As she grew professionally so did her daughter which was her motivation. In her spare time she enjoys watching her daughter play softball, taking her dog on hikes, travel, arts and crafts. She loves being able to touch a patient's life in a positive way. She not only likes giving them a reason to smile, but actually enhancing their quality of life.
Suelem Guerrero graduated from the University of California San Diego and received a bachelor's degree in communications . After living in Florida for about a year, she moved back to California and found a job in the dental field where she discovered her passion and career. She has been in the dental field for 10 years now. She enjoys cooking, organizing, cleaning, loves to travel, loves her dog goofy and goes to Disneyland as many times as possible in her spare time. She loves to provide great customer service and cares for her patients like family to help them achieve their smile goals.
Alejandra joined the dental field 12 years ago while attending college for child development. It was then when she realized her love and passion for the dental field. Helping others and achieving their perfect smiles is what makes her happy. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with her daughters and baking cakes.
I have spent the past 26 years serving others in the dental field. I love people and enjoy working with others. I have hands-on experience with patients in both the back office as a dental assistant, as well as all aspects of front office administration, including management, insurance billing and coordinating treatment. I enjoy helping others find the best way to move forward with the exceptional care they deserve. I have dedicated my efforts to making sure our patients receive quality, personalized care and while ensuring they are comfortable at all times. I enjoy spending time with my grown children and grandchildren as often as possible, and of course we cannot forget our fur babies, who are also an essential part of our family and are involved in many outdoor family activities. I have recently transitioned into managing our specialty department with Zak Dental and am very excited to be a part of the specialty process. I am happy to be able to help our patients navigate through the process with insurance to receive the specialty care they need and love working with our specialists to help insure it is a great experience for all. I look forward to continuing my serve to others in our offices.