MEET THE TEAM
Restoring Oral Health & Lovely Smiles
Our team works hard to help you understand how periodontal disease occurs and how it can best be treated to restore and maintain oral health. We replace missing or hopeless teeth using dental implants which help restore function, confidence and a lovely smile.
Meet Team Perio
Dr. Alireza Khansari DDS, MSD
Periodontist
Dr. Christine Tran
Periodontist
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. 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.
Dr. Akin will be in our office on Thursdays.
Ready to learn more and book a consultation?
If you’re ready to learn more about how Dr. Khansari and our team can help your oral health, check out our FAQs.
858.679.0142Meet 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.
Amanda
Amanda was born and raised in San Diego and has been in the dental field since 2016. She attended Pima Medical Institute to attain her certifications. She thoroughly enjoys helping others and finds her work to be truly rewarding.
Outside of the office, Amanda enjoys spending quality time with her big extended family. She also likes to spend her free time by drawing, listening to music of all genres, attending concerts and going out to the movies.
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