Dr. Banani grew up in the Pacific Northwest. There he attended the University of Washington, where he received dual Bachelors Degrees in Microbiology and Biochemistry.Before attending dental school, Dr. Banani spent much of his time pursuing research in areas such as learning and behavior in birds, along with gene knockout therapy inP. Gingivalis, a bacteria known to be involved in periodontal disease.
Dr. Banani then went on to receive his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from theUniversity of Washington School of Dentistry. He was presented awards from the Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities, and the Dental Practice Administration Award. Dr. Banani also took part in a two year fellowship from the University of Washington in treating patients with developmental and physical disabilities.
Dr. Banani participates in several continuing education courses each month, and makes it his priority to learn the newest techniques and tools to provide the best level of care for his patients not just in dentistry, but also in overall health and well-being. Not only does he believe in life-long learning, Dr. Banani has felt that its important to pass on knowledge to the next generation of dentists through his service as Affiliate Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral Medicine at the University of Washington School of Dentistry and Affiliate Clinical Assistant Professor in Restorative Dentistry at the University of Texas School of Dentistry, Houston.
Dr. Banani has acquired over 500 hours of continuing education in areas such as cosmetic dentistry, sedation, dental implants, nutrition, sleep apnea, periodontal therapy, and TMJ disorders. He has received a certificate in Laser Dentistry from the American Board of Laser Surgery. He has been approved to receive his Fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry - this requires the passing of a board exam and extensive continuing education hours - a designation that only 6% of dentists have done. Dr. Banani is looking forward to adding the designation of Master of the Academy of General Dentistry very soon.
He has dedicated much of his time to serving the community through programs such as Smiles for Veterans, Medical Teams International, and Sealant Day for at risk youth. He has also participated in the Seattle King County Dental Clinic, where every year alongside hundreds of other providers, they donate over 1.8 million dollars worth of dental work to more than 2,000 patients in just 3 days.
Outside the office, Dr. Banani enjoys spending time with his wife and their families. If he could spend all his time outdoors he would, but when that's not possible he loves to experiment with cooking different cuisines in the kitchen.
Diana Smith is a unique kind of dentist. She takes a gentle approach, easing any concerns you might have by providing valuable patient education. She listens so she can best understand your particular needs. Then she strives to provide the highest standard of personalized oral health care using her skilled training in the latest advances in dental technology.
Following a brief career in the field of biochemistry research, Dr. Smith discovered that her talents involved helping people. She graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1978 and went on to further her skills in a General Practice Residency with the United Stated Public Health Service in Baltimore and then in New York City. She came to Houston in 1981 where she was fortunate to learn the disciplines of gold foil and gold casting from the Masters and then helped teach those techniques to motivated dental students in an elective course at the Dental Branch. Dr. Smith continues to personally fabricate many of the crowns, onlays, and gold inlays for her patients. Her artistic talents with tooth shape and color have extended to creating beautiful smiles with porcelain veneers and cosmetic bonding. Her professional memberships also include the Academy of Operative Dentistry, The Southwest Society of Oral Medicine, the Greater Houston Dental Society, The Texas Dental Association, and the American Dental Association.
As a native of Denver, Colorado, Dr. Smith loves the mountains and enjoys skiing, snow shoeing, hiking and fishing with her husband, Dr. John D Smith, Jr., an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon who she met in dental school, and her faithful dogs Logan and Lacey. An avid student of the French language and culture, she enjoys French cuisine and traveling to various areas of France. Dr. Smith is an active member of the Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Houston and is dedicated to their ministry of offering support and hope to the homeless community.
