Doctor Dornan grew up in the city of Richmond in the San Francisco Bay Area where her family has lived since 1905. She is married to Richard Palfini and they have a daughter, Rachel, and a son, Robert. They also have their own personal zoo with 2 dogs and 3 cats. She loves cooking, reading, yoga, and going to the movies.
Within three years of graduating from Northwestern University Dental School, Dr. Dornan was enrolled in UCLAs TMJ Preceptor Program, a 6 month continuing education program that included treating patients in the UCLA TMJ Clinic. As a result of her passion and skills, Dr. Dornan was invited to join the faculty in supervising new students treating patients in the TMJ Clinic and participating in clinical research.
Dr. Dornan and her husband temporarily moved to Orange County in 1982 and she began practicing dentistry in Tustin in 1984. She loves her job, particularly getting to know her patients, meeting their family and friends, and watching kids grow over the years.
She believes in dentistry based on academia and evidence. Her rsum includes numerous continuing education courses, teaching engagements, annual presentations, and participation with major research projects. Her main fields of interest have been TMJ, Orofacial Pain, Temporomandibular Pain/Dysfunction, and their application to general dentistry. She currently teaches residents at the USC Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine Clinic and holds the position of Clinical Associate Professor.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 78 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestCarl Perkins
a year ago
Very caring and thorough. I've been going here for a decade.
Mannchuoy Yam
2 years ago
Never have to wait beyond my appointment time.
Debbie McCormick (LinkedIn Boss Lady)
3 years ago
Update: I've never looked so forward to having my teeth cleaned as after Dr. Dornan opened from the Covid quarantine. And her office is impressive -- she's spared no expense to make sure the air is purified and the precautions -- protection around the reception area, temperature-taking and hand sanitizer -- are all in place. Everyone is into the new normal with their usual smiles, friendliness and professionalism. I'm proud and grateful to be her client. I'm lucky enough to live down the street from Dr. Dornan's office, but I'd travel any distance to come here. I've trusted Lisa and Dr. Dornan to take excellent care of my teeth & gums for about 20 years. Here's to 20 more!
Clay Barnes
4 years ago
See her. That's all you need to know. My entire family does, and our experiences have been unalloyedly exceptional. Those of us who don't live in California any longer actually go so far as to time our dental work (beyond cleanings) to coincide with visits to California so it can be done by her! And her chairside manner? I'd rather be doing everything wrong and hear about it all from her than be doing okay and hear that from another dentist.
David Suk
4 years ago
Very kind and professional staff that provide top quality dental work. I was very comfortable there. Would 10/10 recommend to anyone.
Debbie McCormick (LinkedIn Boss Lady)
4 years ago
Update: I've never looked so forward to having my teeth cleaned as after Dr. Dornan opened from the Covid quarantine. And her office is impressive -- she's spared no expense to make sure the air is purified and the precautions -- protection around the reception area, temperature-taking and hand sanitizer -- are all in place. Everyone is into the new normal with their usual smiles, friendliness and professionalism. I'm proud and grateful to be her client. I'm lucky enough to live down the street from Dr. Dornan's office, but I'd travel any distance to come here. I've trusted Lisa and Dr. Dornan to take excellent care of my teeth & gums for about 20 years. Here's to 20 more!
Juanita Valadez
4 years ago
Dr.Dornan and her assistant T are on point professional clean facility and great chair side manner. Dental work is not the most comfortable they made my appointment very pleasant. Great service is provided here and good thorough work. I recommend this office for sure!
Nancy Woolf
4 years ago
EXCELLENT!!!
Ellen Holley
4 years ago
Dr. Dornan is professional yet very personable. She made a mouth device to treat my sleep apnea as I cannot tolerate a CPAP. I have had several crowns replaced since the device was made and I see her periodically to have it adjusted. I highly recommend her and her office staff.
Alana Parkinson
4 years ago
Dr Dornan is the best dentist I've ever been too. I've had nightmare experiences in the past and she got me all fixed up and properly.
David Suk
4 years ago
Very kind and professional staff that provide top quality dental work. I was very comfortable there. Would 10/10 recommend to anyone.
Clay Barnes
4 years ago
See her. That's all you need to know. My entire family does, and our experiences have been unalloyedly exceptional. Those of us who don't live in California any longer actually go so far as to time our dental work (beyond cleanings) to coincide with visits to California so it can be done by her! And her chairside manner? I'd rather be doing everything wrong and hear about it all from her than be doing okay and hear that from another dentist.
Nikki parks
5 years ago
i did not come here unfortunately they don't take my insurance but i had to give them a 5 star and a review letting them know how greatly i aprciate there time and how great their customer service and understanding they are wish this could be my dentist place maybe sometime in the future. thank you so much!
Nancy Woolf
5 years ago
EXCELLENT!!!
Juanita Valadez
5 years ago
Dr.Dornan and her assistant T are on point professional clean facility and great chair side manner. Dental work is not the most comfortable they made my appointment very pleasant. Great service is provided here and good thorough work. I recommend this office for sure!
Ellen Holley
5 years ago
Dr. Dornan is professional yet very personable. She made a mouth device to treat my sleep apnea as I cannot tolerate a CPAP. I have had several crowns replaced since the device was made and I see her periodically to have it adjusted. I highly recommend her and her office staff.
Alana Parkinson
5 years ago
Dr Dornan is the best dentist I've ever been too. I've had nightmare experiences in the past and she got me all fixed up and properly.
Teresa Wilson
5 years ago
No frills Dentist. Really like her skills and not proposing things that aren't necessary.
Joyce Cheng
5 years ago
Always a pleasant experience and quality care!
Kirk Rense
5 years ago
A very fine and caring dentist. And a tough cookie, as well.
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