Dr. Buzzell is a board certified pediatric dentist with a gentle and calm demeanor that puts even the most fearful patients at ease. Dr. Buzz, as he is known by his patients, treats every child as he would his own with compassion, patience, and love. He has extensive experience in working with children with special needs including those born with craniofacial abnormalities like cleft lip and palate. Dr. Buzz wakes up every morning excited to help children gain the confidence they need to reach their goals.

After earning a dental degree at Loma Linda University, Dr. Buzz completed his residency at New York University. He also holds a Masters degree in Public Health and is the fourth generation in his family to pursue education in this field. A proud veteran, Dr. Buzz served in the United States Navy for six years and is currently a member of the Active Reserves. He has received numerous accolades from the military, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. Dr. Buzz belongs to many professional organizations including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), San Diego County Dental Society (SDCDS), the American Dental Association (ADA) and the California Dental Association (CDA). He is especially proud to be a member of the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry (CSPD), a nationally recognized leader in organized pediatric dentistry.

Serving the less fortunate is close to Dr. Buzzs heart, and he has helped countless children locally and internationally. He is also dedicated to inspiring young people to make a difference in the world and is a professional mentor for students at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), as well as an adjunct faculty member on the campus. According to Dr. Buzz, working with children and college students and serving those in need gives him a unique perspective on life. It is his goal to always look at the world through the eyes of a child.

Dr. Chris L. Pham is a board certified pediatric dentist serving the children of San Diego. He is a graduate with honors from The Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, where he continues his academic interest as a visiting clinical professor. Dr. Chris is also a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and plays an active role in the California Dental Association, American Dental Association, and California Society of Pediatric Dentistry. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, of which only a few can claim in San Diego, CA. He is also part of the team at Scripps Hospital La Jolla.

Dr. Chris is actively involved in the dental community. He serves as a chairman for the San Diego County Dental Society. He also serves on the Ethics Committee for the Dental Society. He continues in academia as adjunct faculty at UCSD Medical School Department of Preventative and Family Medicine. He is also affiliated with, and an advisor to, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego State University, and UCLA. He is also a published author for his research in childrens dentistry.

She graduated magna cum laude and received a BS degree in Biology at UC Riverside. In 2006, Dr. Kim received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery at UCLA School of Dentistry. Following dental school, she went on to complete her pediatric dental residency at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital where she served as chief resident of the department during her final year. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and is currently a member of the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Kim is dedicated to building long lasting relationships with her patients and creating a lifetime of healthy smiles. She has enjoyed mission trips to Nicaragua and the Philippines. In her free time, she and her husband, Brian, love traveling, spending time with family and friends, and playing with their dog, Mochi.

Dr. Mark Macaoay was born in San Diego, CA and has spent most of his life here. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Mammalian Physiology and Neuroscience from the University of California at San Diego. He then earned his Doctor of Dental Science Degree from the University of the Pacifics Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, California. Dr. Macaoay also received a Navy Health Professions Scholarship in dental school and participated in pediatric outreach and organized dentistry during his time there. He graduated with honors and went on to complete an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at Naval Medical Center San Diego. After completing his Navy commitment, Dr. Macaoay returned to University of the Pacific School of Dentistry as a clinical professor and co-director in the International Dental Studies program.

While teaching at the dental university, he practiced in a pediatric dental office where he discovered his passion for childrens dental health. He completed his Pediatric Dental Residency training at St. Barnabas Hospital, a Level I trauma center in New York City. Dr. Macaoay has been featured in publications of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association and local newspapers. He is a volunteer for UCSDs Predental Society Student Run Dental Clinic and has participated in international humanitarian dental missions in Fiji, Jamaica, and Jerusalem.

Originally from Davis, California, Dr. Peggy Lundquist began her journey towards a career in dentistry at the University of California in Los Angeles. After earning her doctorate of dental science degree, she expanded her education by pursuing a specialty in the pediatric field. Following completion of her residency at Cincinnati childrens hospital, she has been honored to treat young patients by providing quality oral care and exceptional experiences!

Since joining our practice in 2015, Dr. Peggy has made it her goal to establish a relationship with her patients, encourage optimal oral hygiene, and make going to the dentist a pleasant experience that everyone enjoys! With this mission in mind, she is happy to transform the health and happiness of every smile.

Outside of the office, you may find Dr. Peggy cooking some fantastic meals, reading a great book, getting some exercise, or traveling to the beach. No matter what she does, she enjoys any time spent with her family this includes her husband, Dave, their sweet cat, and two adorable dogs!

Dr. Samuel Russom, known to his patients as Dr. Sam, believes strongly that communication is the cornerstone to being a great pediatric dentist. During procedures, I like to tell patients and parents what I am doing, as well as why Im doing it. I find this helps patients and their parents to accept treatment and be an active participant in their oral healthcare, said Dr. Sam. He also brings a light-hearted attitude to the office and enjoys making patients and parents laugh during visits.

Putting children at ease and alleviating their fear of going to the dentist is one of Dr. Sams top priorities, as he recognizes the importance of establishing good oral healthcare habits early on in life. Recently, I had a patient with severe dental anxiety come to me in pain. She had to get through multiple visits and at the end of her treatment, she told me, Youre the best dentist ever because I never feel anything. Thats what makes it all worth it, said Dr. Sam.

Collaboration with colleagues is also an important part of Dr. Sams treatment philosophy. He is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the California Dental Association (CDA) and the San Diego Dental Society. Dr. Sam is also proud to have been inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society and to have provided care to an underserved community at the Southern Indian Health Center in Alpine.

Dr. Sam earned a BA in Biology from San Diego State University and went on to the UCSF School of Dentistry, where he received his DDS degree. From there, he returned to Southern California and completed his pediatric residency at the University of Southern California. I was a resident at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles where I treated medically compromised and developmentally delayed children, explained Dr. Sam, who takes great pride in his experience treating children with special needs.

A native San Diegan, Dr. Sam was born and raised in Southeast San Diego. His parents came to the U.S. as refugees, and he is the first of his family to graduate from college. He has an older sister and a younger brother, and is very close to his two nieces. In fact, much of his free time is spent babysitting! A self-described nerd, Dr. Sam loves going to coffee shops to read science fiction and fantasy novels, as well as comics. He also enjoys basketball, volleyball, and hiking.

Dr. Olga Alvarado is a board certified pediatric dentist who provides the highest level of care to kids of all ages in a gentle and compassionate manner. She earned her Bachelors degree from New York University before pursuing dentistry. She attends multiple courses a year to stay current with the most modern advances in pediatric dentistry. Her excellence as a practitioner is what draws families, but her approachability and charisma is what makes children and adolescents eager to return.

Dr. Olga grew up in New York, and then headed west for the beautiful weather and outdoor activities year-round. She is fluent in English and Russian, and conversant in Spanish. Her favorite activities are going paddle boarding with her labradoodle, Micah, and riding beach cruisers around Mission Bay.

Dr. Bernard Boback, or Dr. Bernie as he is called by patients, is a UCLA and Harvard educated orthodontist who is proud to transform the smiles and the lives of his patients. The best part of my job is seeing the confidence that comes from a transformed smile. Every day, I have the opportunity to see my patients, who previously were hesitant to smile, beaming across the room. Not many people can say that about their profession, said Dr. Bernie.

When patients come to see Dr. Bernie, they are immediately put at ease by his friendly demeanor and extensive knowledge of orthodontics. Dr. Bernie views every case as an opportunity to learn and grow within his profession, and works with each patient to provide the best possible outcome. He is focused on keeping his patients motivated throughout their treatments and considers them to be integral parts of his team.

Working closely with other orthodontists, as well as with colleagues in general and specialty dentistry, is also an important component of Dr. Bernies philosophy. I belong to both the American Association of Orthodontics and the American Dental Association and the networks of professionals within these organizations are fantastic resources. Collaboration and the sharing of resources are critical parts of ensuring that all my patients receive the best possible care and the best treatment plans for their unique case, explained Dr. Bernie, who is an Invisalign Certified Doctor and has experience with the most up-to-date and innovative orthodontic technologies.

Dr. Bernie grew up in northeastern Pennsylvania and attended the Honors College at the University of Pittsburgh, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then went on to graduate from Harvard University School of Dental Medicine, winning the Grace Milliken Award for Best Thesis in the class of 2014. Moving from Boston to the warmer weather of Southern California, Dr. Bernie attended the UCLA School of Dentistry, where he completed his residency and earned his certificate in Orthodontics and a MS in Oral Biology. Dr. Bernie stayed in Southern California after completing his residency and is happy to have settled in San Diego.

When he is not seeing patients, Dr. Bernie can be found restoring classic automobiles and spending time with his wife and two dogs. Restoring classic cars is a passion of mine that Ive had since I would work on cars with my dad. I love taking something with a lot of potential and creating something amazing. Its fun, challenging and rewarding, said Dr. Bernie, drawing a distinct parallel between his chosen profession and his beloved pastime.

Dr. Anna Grinberg Ahani, or Dr. Anna, as she is known to patients, believes in making long-lasting connections with her patients and focuses on a patient-centered approach to dentistry. I find purpose in my professional and personal life through connections with people. As a result, I am a great listener and am able to sympathize with and understand my patients. The most important aspect of my job is being able to connect, communicate, and create a friendly and stress-free environment to provide state-of-the-art and up-to-date science for each of my patients, revealed Dr. Anna. She views dentistry as both an art and a science and takes pride in finding innovative solutions to even the most complex and challenging dental issues, from acute and painful emergencies to chronic dental diseases that affect patients self-esteem and social interactions.

Giving back to the community is another way in which Dr. Anna uses her dentistry and people skills to make a difference. She volunteered at the Childrens Hospital in Pittsburgh and participated in the Give Kids a Smile program. Dr. Anna has also worked with a mobile dental service to provide free dental care to veterans and others in need.

Dr. Anna was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, and came to the United States when she was twelve years old. She grew up in Maryland and Northern Virginia and moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for college. Upon earning her B.S. in biology from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as her dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, she moved to Youngstown, Ohio, where she completed her General Practice Residency at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Dr. Anna also completed a one-year implant fellowship at University of Pittsburgh.

Now that she is settled in sunny San Diego, Dr. Anna is able to take advantage of her love for outdoor activities year-round. She enjoys spending time with her husband and her two young children. I was lucky to marry my best friend, with whom I share a son and a daughter. I especially enjoy baking with my little ones, said Dr. Anna. She also enjoys traveling and is fluent in English and Russian, and is in the process of learning Farsi and other languages.

Dr. Angela Lee was raised in the beautiful region of Orange County, California, and lived in the area until she was 17. After heading off to college, she was eager to travel and set her sights on the east coast. With a bachelor of science previously earned from the University of California in Los Angeles, Dr. Lee moved on to achieve her doctorate of dental medicine from Boston University in Massachusetts and her certificate of pediatric dentistry from New York University and Bellevue Hospital.

Since joining our practice in 2011, Dr. Lee has been delighted with the opportunity to bring joy to her patients and improve their oral health. Her goal is to redefine the dental experience for her patients and create moments and memories that make their visit enjoyable and fulfilling.