Dr. Craig Thiedewas born in Barstow, California. However, he was raised most of his life in Hacienda Heights, California. He did his undergraduate work at the University of Southern California. He received his dental degree from New York University, School of Dentistry in 1988. He received his postgraduate training inOral and Maxillofacial Surgeryfrom New York University Woodhull Hospital.
Naman Desai was born in Torrance, California, and grew up in the city of Orange. Incidentally, he met Dr. Thiede in high school, which sparked his interest in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. With that goal in sight, he attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA, where he earned his BS in Biology. He then returned back to Southern California, where he earned his DDS at the UCLA School of Dentistry. After which, he matched and moved across town to complete his training in the rigorous six-year Oral Surgery program at the LAC-USC County Hospital and the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. He earned his MD from the Keck School of Medicine of USC during his training. With some luck, he was able to come full circle in his journey back to where he was initially inspired. In his free time, he enjoys running, swimming, hiking, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
I have knownDr. Thiedesince he graduated from dental school and joined his team as Office Manager in 2002, bringing a total of over 40 years oral surgery and general dental office experience to his practice. I attended Cerritos College after graduating from high school where I received my dental assisting training and later earned my RDA and coronal polishing license.My area of expertise is with all aspects ofmedical and dental insurance billing,patient finance and collections. My personal knowledge in oral surgery allows me the ability to assist in back office surgical procedures and that gives me the opportunity to be involved in direct patient care which I also enjoy.
Graduating from Laguna Beach High with my CA Dental X-ray License and Dental Assistant Certification by attending night school my senior year, allowed me to start working in the dental field right out of high school. While working, I obtained my Liberal Arts degree at Saddleback College, then my Oral Surgery Assistant Certificate. I have always enjoyed Oral Surgery and throughout my career in dentistry this fact has never changed. I particularly enjoy meeting new people, assisting and responding to concerns patients may have, and trying to help families feel at ease throughout their treatment process. Working with Dr. Thiede since June of 2018 I have been able to do what I love most, educating and helping patients feel warm and welcome in our office.
I joined The So Cal Oral surgery team in 2014, after working as a sales rep for a title company I decided I wanted to do something more fulfilling like help people smile in a situation where they could be nervous. The one on one experience side of my job is my favorite. I know being face-to-face with patients and doctors is a perfect fit! Becoming a member of Dr. Thiedes team was a smooth transition for me from surgical assistant, Treatment Coordinator, and now our offices Professional Relationship Director. My favorite part about my job is seeing all our patients happy and hearing their stories. I enjoy learning more about new advanced procedures, technology and working together with our local Doctors on continuing education.
Malissa has worked for Dr. Thiede for over 23 years. She is a certified Oral Surgery Assistant. Her functions include case presentation and assisting Dr. Thiede in all surgical procedures in our office. She performs all extended back office functions of a Certified Oral Surgery Assistant. She is also in charge of all Orthognathic Surgery cases and helps guide our patients preoperatively and postoperatively during their surgical procedure.
I have worked in the dental field for 39 years and have been a part of Dr. Thiedes surgical staff for 14 years. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. As an RDA and certified Oral Surgery Assistant, my duties in our office are to assist in all surgical procedures and assist patients in education of oral surgery procedures. I have extensive knowledge of dental implant procedures and enjoy helping patients achieve a beautiful smile.
Elisabeth has been employed with Dr. Thiede just over one year. With her more than 25 years of experience working with some of the top Oral Surgeons in Orange County and the South Bay area. Elisabeth is a certified Oral Assistant through CALAAMOS. Certified in BLS, ACLS, and PALS through CALAAMOS.
Starting my career as a registered dental assistant and earning my oral and maxillofacial certification, Ive enjoyed working in the dental field for many years. Joining Dr. Thiedes practice in 2014 as implant coordinator has allowed me to expand my skills. My passion is finding solutions for our patients. As a treatment coordinator my primary focus is education and serving as a person liaison between the treating dentist, dental lab and our office to ensure the best outcome.