MEET THE TEAM
TEAM PERIO
Our periodontist team helps you understand periodontal disease and how it’s treated to maintain oral health. We also replace missing or failing teeth with dental implants to restore function, confidence, and your smile.
Dr. Alireza Khansari
Periodontist
Dr. Khansari is a board-certified periodontist specializing in periodontal disease treatment, dental implants, and advanced regenerative procedures, including bone and tissue reconstruction and IV sedation.
Areas of Expertise:
- Periodontal disease treatment (surgical and non-surgical therapy)
- Dental implant placement, full-mouth reconstruction, and sinus elevation
- Bone and soft tissue regeneration with IV sedation for complex procedures
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Dr. Khansari is an accomplished professional in the field of Periodontology. He graduated from Boston University with a Master of Science in Dentistry and is Post-Doctoral Specialty Degree in Periodontology. Dr. Khansari’s highly regarded research led to his publication of work entitled Contribution of Interleukins on Bone Resorption in the Journal of Infection and Immunity July 2002 issue.
In May 2007, Dr. Khansari became a Diplomat of the American Board of Periodontology. Diplomat status is an exclusive and prestigious honor that marks a significant educational achievement beyond mandatory educational requirements in the specialty of periodontics.
In addition to surgical and non-surgical periodontal treatments, Dr. Khansari is certified for use of advanced surgical techniques for placement of dental implants, bone and tissue regenerations, sinus elevation, and complete full mouth dental implant reconstruction. The doctor is also certified for administration of intravenous sedation.
Dr. Christine Tran
Periodontist
Dr. Tran is a board-certified periodontist and Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology specializing in periodontal disease treatment and dental implant surgery.
Areas of Expertise:
- Periodontal disease diagnosis and treatment, including peri-implant disease management
- Dental implant placement and full-mouth restorative rehabilitation
- Bone and soft tissue regeneration procedures
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Dr. Christine Tran is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and board certified in periodontology and dental implant surgery. Dr. Tran grew up in Southern California and attended the UCLA, where she received a prestigious Regents Scholarship and earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, as well as a minor in Anthropology. Following that, she attended the UCSF, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery. During dental school, she was recognized with several awards and achievements that included Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) National Dental Honor Society Craig Award and Quintessence Award for Clinical Achievement in Periodontics. Dr. Tran then continued her post-graduate training at UCSF. earning both a Master of Science in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences and a Certificate in Periodontology.
During her residency, she served as Chief Resident for the Program for 2 years. Dr. Tran has been involved in considerable research, with her Masters thesis focusing on dental implants and risk factors for peri-implant diseases. Her research has been published in several periodontal journals and has earned her the Outstanding Periodontal Graduate Student Research Award from the California Society of Periodontists. Additionally, she has been selected to present her research at meetings, including the American Academy of Periodontology Annual Meeting.
Dr. Tran is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), California Society of Periodontology (CSP), American Dental Association (ADA), and California Dental Association (CDA).
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, trying new foods, and playing tennis.
Dr. Tran will be in our office on Tuesdays.
Dr. Kent Akin
Periodontist
Dr. Akin is a periodontist specializing in periodontal disease treatment, dental implant therapy, and complex reconstructive procedures for medically and surgically complex cases.
Areas of Expertise:
- Periodontal disease treatment and management
- Dental implant placement and full-arch reconstruction
- Hard and soft tissue augmentation procedures
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Dr. Kent Akin is a specialist in periodontics and focuses treatment on periodontal disease, hard and soft tissue augmentation, and dental implantology.
He received his Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences at the University of San Diego. He pursued a Masters degree in Public Health from Drexel University, after which, he attended the UCLA School of Dentistry. Dr. Akin continued his dental education with a post-doctoral residency in advanced periodontics and implant dentistry at the Veterans Affairs Hospital of West Los Angeles/UCLA Medical Center.
His residency had an emphasis on medically-compromised patients, full-mouth rehabilitation, interdisciplinary periodontal-prosthodontics reconstructive therapy, and full-arch implant treatment. He is trained in moderate IV sedation in order to help treat individuals with dental anxiety.
Dr. Akin is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, the Academy of Osseointegration and the California Society of Periodontics.
Dr. Akin will be in our office on Thursdays.
OUR TEAM MEMBERS
Dr. Khansari and his team have been working together on a long term basis. This continuity of experienced, skilled, and dedicated team members is invaluable for efficient planning, preparing, and scheduling treatment.
Team Hygiene
Natalie
Hi, I’m Natalie! I grew up in Poway and feel so grateful to serve my hometown as a dental hygienist. I first earned my Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology from UC San Diego, then trained in dental hygiene at South Western College.
I’m also a proud dog mom to three adorable pups and enjoy traveling and outdoor activities like hiking and beach trips. My passion is helping patients feel comfortable at the dentist and empowering them to take charge of their dental care.
Dominique
Dominique is an experienced periodontal hygienist dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal gum health. With a focus on preventative care and the treatment of gum disease, Dominique specializes in performing deep cleanings, scaling, and root planning to prevent and manage periodontal conditions.
Passionate about patient education, Dominique ensures that each individual receives personalized care and guidance for maintaining long-term oral health.
Cynthia
I am a Registered Dental Hygienist with 24 years of experience, having graduated from NYU College of Dentistry’s Dental Hygiene program. During my career, I was proud to serve as a Clinical Instructor in the Dental Hygiene Implant Department at NYU. Originally born in Brooklyn, New York, I moved to San Diego 20 years ago and have called it home ever since.
I’ve been married for 22 years and am the proud parent of 15-year-old boy/girl twins. My passion lies in caring for my patients, building meaningful relationships, and helping them achieve optimal oral health.
Administrative Team
Sheryl
I am here to assist you with the financial aspects and scheduling of your periodontal care. I have enjoyed dental insurance processing and billing for over 10 years, and have been in the accounting field most of my life. I truly love my job and our team. Everyone here works as hard as they can to create an organized, enjoyable and welcoming workplace. It is amazing to watch Dr. Khansari work his magic every day, creating healthy smiles for our patients.
My husband of 34 years and I are both San Diego natives. We have proudly raised our son and daughter in our hometown and are now looking forward to traveling and celebrating our “empty nest”. In my spare time I enjoy cooking for my family, gardening, cross fit and Pilates.
Zohra
Treatment Coordinator
I have been a chairside dental assistant for 8 years. I love my job and proud to be part of Dr. Khansari’s team. My goal is to come to work every day with positive attitude and make our patients feel comfortable. I am a proud mom of 3 wonderful boys.
Paloma
Hello my name is Paloma! I graduated from Mira costa college with an associate’s degree in Medical Office Professional and certified with medical insurance and coding. I was fortunate to get hired by Dr. Khansari during the pandemic thanks to my best friend Emma.
Doctor Khansari and my coworkers have made working so enjoyable. I enjoy helping our patients get the best experience with doctor as soon as they call the office. In my free time I like to read and hangout with my family, boyfriend, and friends.
Surgical Assistant Team
Emma
Ariaunna
Hi, my name is Ariaunna, but everyone calls me Ari. I’ve been in the dental field for 10 years, and I love helping patients feel confident in their smiles—that’s the main reason I became a dental assistant. When I’m not helping save a smile, I’m usually spending time with my four-legged fur baby, Sasha, or hanging out with my family at a sporting event. Being outdoors captures my heart, one sunrise and sunset at a time.
Angie
Hi, name is Angie! I am one of Dr. Khansari’s assistants here. I have been in the dental field for about 3 years! I’m originally from the east coast and now I’m living here in San Diego! On my free time I love reading and hanging with my two cats; Bean and Peach.
I am very grateful for Dr. Khansari and his team for making me feel so welcomed as someone new to the area and for providing such an enjoyable work space!
858.679.0142