Dr. Ash Tirgari was raised in Palos Verdes and received his B.S. in Biology from UC San Diego. He received his dental degree from Columbia University in New York, and additionally completed a one year post-doc in general dentistry at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.

He practiced general dentistry in Orange County for 10 years before returning to the world of higher education for pediatric specialty training at Boston University's Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. During his pediatric residency, Dr. Ash provided comprehensive dental care for children with complex medical issues and special needs in a hospital setting.

Dr. Tirgari is a board certified diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a member of the American Dental Association, The Santa Barbara-Ventura County Dental Society and the Conejo Valley Academy of Dentistry. He participates in community outreach programs providing dental care to children in underserved communities in both Armenia and Ventura County. He is happy to have returned home to Southern California where in his free time he enjoys art and recently had his own paintings displayed at the Hud Gallery in Ventura and drew illustrations for a book entitled History of Music by Dr. William E. Doyle.

Elizabeth has 3 decades of experience in dentistry (she started quite young) and her warmth uplifts all who enter the office. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Child Development from California State University, Los Angeles. She is the proud mother of our former-receptionist-since-the-age-of-8, Jacqueline, who still helps out when shes not attending school at Berkeley. Liz enjoys scrap-booking, beading, photography, and camping with her family. Her life has been enhanced by the strength, generosity, and balance of the doctors of this practice.

Sue was born and partly-raised in Indiana, graduated from Avalon High School on Catalina Island and started her pediatric dental career in Thousand Oaks. She has been working with pediatric dental patients for nearly 30 years. She enjoys every moment of it, particularly the satisfaction of watching our children develop into amazing young women and men. She has 3 daughters ranging in ages from 14 thru 25, and a devoted husband. Her hobbies include swimming, boating, and traveling to tropical destinations.

Multi-talented Letty is certified in both dental assisting and medical assisting. Often the first person to greet you when you telephone our office, she is also our expert in-house insurance coordinator, and the artist who designs our beautiful gift baskets. She is happily married and has one daughter. Letty enjoys shopping, soft piano music, and spending time with her family. She will tell you that working with children brings joy to her soul and she loves being part of this wonderful pediatric dental family. Her not-so-secret desire is to have a dual career as a party planner.

Julio, our dental assistant with expanded functions, is known for his serene and unflappable demeanor, has over 20 years' experience in pediatric dentistry, and enjoys every aspect of it. He is inspired by the dentists of this practice because of their scientific knowledge, compassion and joy in serving. Julio is happily married, with one daughter and two teenage boys, and loves spending quality time with his family, especially at beaches and lakes in the summertime.

Formerly a dental assistant in general practice, Allisa is a natural teacher with a tender heart, and children of all ages quickly feel comfortable with her. She particularly enjoys the coaching aspect of engaging with pediatric patients. Allisa hails from the Mid-west (Michigan), and loves family life on the Pacific coast with her husband, and their two (according to the girls we know) handsome sons. She manages a very on-the-go-household, making time for yoga, camping, entertaining and gourmet dining.

Irais discovered her vocation and talent for patient care during 10+ years in both general and pediatric dentistry and also loves every minute of it. Working with children, particularly those with special health care needs, has taught her that her heart lies not just in pediatrics, but in critical care. She is a full-time employee and a part-time college student, who is currently pursuing a goal to become a NICU registered nurse. She enjoys spending time with her family as well as the zen of rainy days.

A Southern California native and father of two, Joey stays in great shape by surfing, sailing and SCUBA diving. He actually really enjoys reading the textbooks for his degree in Communication Studies. (Next up, his Master's in Public Administration in health science.) Dr. Suzie was his childhood dentist and influenced his desire for a career in health care. Children are inspired by his gentle humor and innovative solutions: How bout we floss the top teeth one day and the bottom teeth the next day?

Maria is the mother of two thriving children, and has spent her entire career in pediatric dentistry with Dr. Suzie! Maria possesses remarkable patience and a sweet, calming demeanor. Shy children tend to open up in her presence, and cantankerous ones unwind. She enjoys the passion, caring, and fun attitudes of the dentists in this practice. In addition to taking care of her growing family, Maria spends time reading, and revels in being a Domestic Goddess.

Mias hip, cheerful and relaxed attitude creates ease in everyone she encounters. She has been in dentistry for two years with experience in both pediatrics and orthodontics. little ones have a particular affinity toward her, and she excels in their patient care. She enjoys long bike rides, runs, and relaxing days at the beach. Mia is a 7 year vegetarian along with her two furry children, Miley and Hammie, the guinea pigs.

Ellie has always had a heart for wanting to make others feel and be their best. Her passion originally began with helping athletes heal their over-worked muscles through massage therapy. Now she has chosen to focus on making the world smile more - the most amazing and pure smile, in her estimation, being that of a child! Off hours, there is simply nothing better to her than the enjoyment of going to the beach or hiking with her husband, her son and the family dog. She loves to end each day reading to her son at bedtime.

Macie has burned with the desire to become a dentist since the age of 13. She is now a high school student on work study with us, and is already a trained and certified dental assistant. You will find her working very hard and joyfully after school and during holidays: just watch for the red curly hair that is as bouncy as her personality. Having been a patient with us since the age of 9, she proudly claims to be part of our dental family, and vice versa Look out world, Dr. Macie is in the works!!!

Sharks grow lots and lots of teeth, but humans only grow two sets. Our Ambassadors mission is to help children keep healthy teeth for a lifetime! Mako is available to visit your school during the month of February for Dental Health Education Month. You will also meet this huggable shark at our office when your school visits our teaching vessel for a tour. When not making public appearances or touring the seven seas, Mako enjoys playing water polo.

Welcome to our Ocean Adventure Office. Our parents are ALWAYS welcome to accompany their children into our treatment bays at every visit. We do not just fill teeth, but continually emphasize preventive measures and healthy options. Our ship is IMMACULATE and has the highest quality of sterilization equipment. Digital X-ray equipment allows us to take diagnostic pictures with the ability to magnify questionable areas for proper treatment planning. With digital X-rays your child is exposed to far less radiation than with conventional X-rays.

Our doctors are dedicated and experienced with exceptional credentials. Having both male and female assistants on the team provides a wonderful blend of compassion, gentleness, humor and vitality. Most staff members are parents. We all take pride in being efficient, understanding, patient and KIND. Because truly preventive healthcare needs to be a PARTNERSHIP between patient, parent and doctor, we strive to build collaborative relationships with our patient families. This is the secret of our success. We take as much time as necessary to inform you of all options in the care of your childs teeth, and we listen. Sometimes this involves occasional after-hours phone conversations and e-mail correspondence. We are available for emergencies 24/7. We do not want our families unnecessarily spending long, anxious hours in emergency rooms, nor even long, anxious weekends worrying about a dental issue that a phone call might remedy.