Dr. Nima Aflatooni was raised on the Big Island of Hawaii to a dental family. In fact, both of his parents actually met in dental school! Dr. Nimas father, Dr. Bijan Aflatooni, practiced in Hawaii for over 16 years and was one of the few dentists attending to the needs of the local population. The impact Dr. Nimas dad had on the local community created a lasting impression on Dr. Nima, and guided his future decision to pursue a career in dentistry.

Dr. Nima Aflatooni obtained his degree in Genetics and French from the University of California, Davis. While at Davis, Dr. Nima participated in the Honors Program and was involved in research at the UC Davis Cancer Center in which he investigated novel therapies for new cancer drugs. He was also involved with research in molecular biology and at the UCD Med Centers Cardiology department, where he investigated the effectiveness of certain cardiac procedures.

Upon graduation, Dr. Nima worked in the biotech field at a start-up company that focused on cutting edge devices that can detect for biological pathogens such as anthrax and smallpox. Much of the work was top secret and funded by government and military agencies. Dr. Nima was named on two patents for his work, and he became the lead investigator on one significant project. Although Dr. Nima felt his work was challenging and rewarding, he wanted something that connected him more to the community. Thinking back to his fathers positive impact on the local community in Hawaii, he started to consider dentistry as an option.

Dr. Nima obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the prestigious University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. While in dental school, Dr. Nima acted as Class President, coordinated community service projects for the homeless population of SF and served on the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) Board of Trustees representing all California Dental Schools. Upon graduation, Dr. Nima received the ASDA award for leadership, the Herbert K. Yee scholarship for Academic excellence and leadership, as well as awards for community service.

Dr. Nima currently serves in several leadership positions within the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association and his local dental society. He serves on the ADA Council for Dental Practice, the CDA Government Affairs Committee, and has chaired committees and task forces that will change the way New Dentists are represented within CDA. Dr. Nima also has authored multiple articles regarding the future of the dental profession in various publications.

In his spare time, Dr. Nima enjoys spending time with his wife Jenny and little doggie Odie. They enjoy traveling, hiking, live music, and they are both big foodies. Dr. Nima also enjoys rock climbing and is a big fan of auto racing.

We believe that building lasting relationships with our patients based on trust and respect is the best way for them to attain optimal oral health. We strive everyday to go beyond providing a mere service, rather, we aim to create a lasting bond with everyone that becomes a patient.

Dentistry is the intersection of art and science. At Gold River Smiles, we use the latest technology to bring the best possible care to our patients. Technology that allows for a more accurate diagnosis, better treatment, and better outcomes. All of our procedures and protocols are evidence-based, which means that extensive research backs everything we do. We also believe that out providers need be educated with the latest techniques and have access to the latest information regarding advancements in dental science.

Dr. Erica Hsiao completed her doctorate from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry. During her tenure at the Los Angeles School of Dentistry, she grew extremely interested and passionate about dental implants, Periodontics, and regeneration. It resulted in her moving to Chicago to join the University of Illinois, Chicago, completing her Masters Degree and receiving a Certificate in Periodontics & Dental Implants.

Dr. Erica Hsiao is also an active member of many reputed dental organizations, including the Sacramento District Dental Society, the American Academy of Periodontology, and the American Dental Association. She has also volunteered abroad in dental services in Honduras and worked as visiting Periodontist to teach General Practice Residents there.

Dr. Hsiao has tenured at the VA Northern California McClellan Dental Service treating veterans, helping them improve their dental health and smile. Dr. Erica Hsiao is known for her friendly demeanor, extensive experience, and thorough professionalism.

Shannon Office Manager Hello, my name is Shannon.I am grateful and happy to be part of such a warm and caring team of dental professionals.I bring to you 28 years of expertise in all aspects of dentistry working as a Registered Dental Assistant, Financial/Treatment Coordinator and Office Manager. I take pride in making sure that our patients are given accurate financial information and are scheduled appropriately.My passion lies with helping our patients to receive optimum care and make well-informed choices for their oral health.I am the mother of 4 grown children and 2 amazing grandsons, so life is never dull.In my spare time, I enjoy family time and getting away for weekend adventures.

Laurie Extended Function Registered Dental Assistant Hi, Im Laurie! I have had the pleasure of working for Dr. Nima at Gold River Smiles for 3 years now. Dentistry is a passion of mine, and I have been an assistant for over 12 years. On my days off you can find me out hiking with my dogs or road tripping throughout California.

Jenny Registered Dental Hygienist My name is Jenny, and I am proud to be a part of the wonderful dental hygiene team at the Gold River Smiles.I have a passion for dental hygiene and enjoying enriching the lives and health of my patients.I believe in listening to their needs and involving then in achieving their health goals.What I most enjoy about being a hygienist is getting to know each person individually and developing long-lasting relationships with them.In my spare time, I enjoy being a mom to our amazing daughter Cyra, spending time with my husband and being a foodie.

Trish Registered Dental Hygienist Hi, Im Trish! Ive been a dental hygienist since 2011 and a member of our awesome dental family since 2018. When Im not fighting dental disease, I love exploring all the restaurants, wineries and hiking trails I can find!Nothing beats snuggling with my adorable little kitties, though! While cleaning teeth is definitely fun, my favorite part of being a hygienist are those awesome moments when patients come back in proud to show off how much better their teeth look since they started coming to our office!

Sydney Registered Dental Hygienist Hi, my name is Sydney and I have been part of the Gold River Smiles hygiene team since 2017. My goal is to educate patients on how oral health is connected to overall health and to help patients reach their optimal oral health. My hobbies include golfing and traveling. I love to learn about different cultures and try new foods!

Amy Registered Dental Hygienist Im Amy and Im excited to be new to Gold River and Gold River Smiles. I come from a dental family and have been a dental hygienist for 27 years. My great passion is what we do in dentistry, providing oral health and learning how connected it is to our overall health. Educating patients and contributing to practice growth and success have been my focus coming here after building a large dental office in Chicago. In my spare time, my husband Jim and I love the arts, food scene and have started studying karate. Our fur babies are two cats, Picasso and Pashmina, and our dog Pippin. We love to travel, spending time with family and friends, and look forward to experiencing all that Northern California has to offer.