Dr. Hunter attended UC Berkeley, where she received a BA in Genetics. She received her DDS degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Upon her return to the Bay Area, she taught DAU on the clinic floor at UCSF Dental School, before settling into her private practice in Livermore, and motherhood.
At first, she practiced dentistry in Livermore on a part time basis, in order to raise her sons. During their childhood, she was active volunteering for the local pre-schools and elementary schools, Little League, and Cub Scouts.
She has always pursued continuing education classes avidly. From 1994 to 1996 she attended the UCSF Miniresidency in Orofacial Pain. In 1996, having passed the board exams of the American Board of Orofacial Pain, she became a Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain. She then went on to serve on the exam committee for that organization, helping to write questions for future board exams. She continues to attend both high level general dentistry classes and orofacial pain meetings throughout the country.
Now that her sons are grown, she has turned her full attention to providing high quality dental care and the treatment of orofacial pain to the Livermore community. In her new, state-of-the-art facility she is able to practice full time, including Saturday hours.
Marina was raised in the Central Valley and moved to the Bay Area a few years ago with her husband and their children. Whenever I think of why I chose the dental field, it always takes me back to being a little girl. I remember my dentists assistant always being so sweet and comforting. Lying in the chair I would think to myself, I want to be just like her, comforting and caring. Fast forward to a few decades later and here I am, comforting and caring for our patients, and striving to be as kind and sweet as she was to me.