STRONG SMILES START HERE
Personalized Pediatric Care
Our warm and inviting team truly loves getting to know your child, learning what makes them feel excited and at ease, and tailoring appointments to their unique healthy history, developmental stage, and individual habits.
Stephanie Arreola, RDA
BACK OFFICE COORDINATOR
As a member of the South OC team since 2006, Stephanie loves working alongside the amazing doctors and staff that create beautiful smiles every day! The best part of her job is being able to build lasting, flourishing relationships with parents and kids alike. When she isn’t in the office, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her two daughters and two dogs.
Veronica Bernal, RDH, RDA
BACK OFFICE – HYGIENIST
Born and raised in Orange County, Veronica has been in the dental field for more than 16 years. The best part of her job is teaching kids how to brush their teeth and seeing them smile after each visit! Veronica is a “nerd” at heart and loves going to renaissance fairs, Comic-cons, and Disneyland. She looks forward to enhancing little smiles for years to come at South OC!
Carina Contreras
BACK OFFICE
Biography coming soon!
Lizzette Farias, RDA
BACK OFFICE
Lizzette joined the South OC team In 2006 and has genuinely loved her time here ever since! Not only does she get to work with little ones who brighten her day with their cute and different personalities, but she also gets to collaborate with our awesome doctors! When she’s not at South OC, Lizzette loves to spend quality time with her husband, two children, and her dog. One of her favorite places to visit and build memories is Legoland!
Nikki Garcia, RDA
BACK OFFICE
Nikki has been a part of the South OC team since 2018! Growing up, she always knew that she wanted to work with kids, so pursuing a career path in pediatric dentistry was the perfect fit. Nikki’s favorite part of working at South OC is seeing how excited her patients get about their visit! Outside of the office, Nikki loves to take her puppy to the beach, spend time with her niece and nephew, or go to the gym.
Lorna Hopkins, RDA
FRONT OFFICE COORDINATOR
Lorna started working at South OC in 1995 and there’s no place she’d rather be! From her stellar team to world-class doctors and adorable patients, Lorna truly loves coming to work every day. She oversees the insurance and financial element of the practice and is always happy to answer any questions or explain your benefits. In her spare time, Lorna enjoys playing classical piano, sewing, calligraphy, baseball, football, spending time with her family, and shopping!
Melissa Johnston, RDA
FRONT OFFICE
When Melissa was hired in 1998, she never knew that the staff at South OC would become her extended family for almost 23 years! She has enjoyed so many outside activities with the team, from get-togethers and concerts to even working out together! The thing that Melissa enjoys most about working at South OC is watching a new patient walk in the door so fearful of the unknown and then seeing them leave the office happy and excited. Each child has their hands full with a prize, a toothbrush, stickers, and photos from our photo booth. Melissa feels so blessed to be at South OC and can’t wait to see your child’s smile soon!
Danny La
BACK OFFICE DA
Biography coming soon!
Mahnaz Larry, RDA
BACK OFFICE
Mahnaz joined the South OC team in 2016 and is thrilled to help little grins grow into confident smiles! With almost ten years of experience working with children in a pediatric dental office, Mahnaz’s goal is to set up every child with a lifetime of thriving oral health. Mahnaz loves to work with nervous kiddos and help them feel confident, comfortable, and confident at our office. When she can see the smiles on their beautiful faces, Mahnaz feels that she has made a difference!
Lynne Marian, RDA, CDA
PRACTICE ADMINISTRATOR
When Lynne joined the South OC team in 1980, she was a sophomore in high school. She quickly fell in love with pediatric dentistry and changed her major to become a Registered Dental Assistant. Over the years, Lynne has loved encouraging little smiles with gentle care. She loves how every child has their own unique personality, honesty, and sense of humor. Throughout her time at South OC, Lynne has been able to work in all aspects of the office, from being a clinical team member as well as a front office team member. She now oversees the business operations of the office and helps make sure things are running smoothly. As a long-term employee, Lynne is grateful for the relationships that have been built over the years with patients, parents, co-workers, and our doctors. When she is not in the office, you can find her teaching at Orange Coast College in the dental assisting program, or hanging out with her two grown children and her husband.
Karla Preciado
FRONT OFFICE
The best thing that happened to South OC in 2020 was the day Karla came to work with our crew! Her friendly approach and gentle demeanor has been a positive addition to our front office team. When she is not working, Karla enjoys taking care of her young son and decorating her new home.
Sydney De Rosa
FRONT OFFICE
Biography coming soon!
Bree Salinas, RDA
BACK OFFICE
After joining the South OC team in 2016, Bree has almost a decade of dental experience up her sleeve! She loves her job because she genuinely enjoys working with kids each and every day. When she’s not at the office, Bree enjoys taking photos and spending time with her children and husband.
Natalie Swall, RDH, RDA
BACK OFFICE – HYGIENIST
When Natalie joined our team back in 2012, she had just graduated from her dental assisting program and was a new RDA. She was an instant fit with our team! Our crew was thrilled when she announced that she wanted to further her education and become a hygienist. Off to hygiene school she went, and as soon as she completed her studies, we snapped her up and brought her back! Natalie is gentle, kind, and very patient while working with her patients. Prior to her dental career, Natalie was a children’s gymnastic coach, so encouraging kiddos to be healthy and lead an active lifestyle is important to her. When she is not at the office, Natalie enjoys spending time with her family, especially her new nephew.
Alexia Tokumoto
FRONT OFFICE
Alexia is honored to welcome patients and parents to South OC every day! She is incredibly grateful for the South OC team and is always inspired by her peers and their dedication to pediatric oral health. When she isn’t inviting you into our space, Alexia enjoys spending time with her grown children and eating delicious food!
Nick Truong, RDA
BACK OFFICE
Nick joined the team back in 2004 and is so happy to call South OC his home away from home! Like many of our team members, Nick wears many hats in the office ranging from assisting the doctor, working with patients, maintaining our equipment, and supply ordering. He takes a genuine interest in our patient’s comfort level and the children respond well to his gentle demeanor. Nick is our “fix-it” guy and helps keep the office functional and beautiful! When he is not multitasking at South OC, you will find him playing video games and enjoying the latest culinary treats.