Life is better when you smile! It unlocks your true potential. Although your smile is the focus of our treatment, when you come to our practice, we want you to feel like family, not just a check-up or exam. We pride ourselves on that at Schantz and Moranda Orthodontics.

Dr. Morgan Moranda was born and raised in Southern California. He completed his undergraduate education in Biology at the University of California Riverside. Achieving high honors and actively being involved in research that was published in the Journal of Neuroscience led to his acceptance to the dental school at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Dr. Moranda continued on his academic path and was involved in research while at UCLA. He graduated at the top of his class. He also met his future wife while in dental school, Annette Moranda, D.D.S., who practices in Rancho Mirage, CA. Dr. Schantz is Dr. Morandas uncle and mentor. This helped Dr. Moranda decide to pursue orthodontics. He followed the same path as Dr. Schantz and began his 36-month residency at the University of Connecticut, widely known as one of the top residency programs in the world. During his residency, his interest in research led to a Master of Science degree and he was awarded a two-year scholarship for scholastic and research merit. He went on to being involved in teaching incoming residents and became the chief resident of his class, and received his certificate as a specialist in orthodontics.

On a more personal level, Dr. Moranda enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters on the tennis courts and on the ski slopes. He is actively involved in athletics, and enjoys golfing in the desert. You also may be able to catch him at a gig on the weekends when he is playing guitar and singing in an active rock and roll band.

He was born and raised in Southern California. He received a Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University. He then attended the University of Southern California where he graduated at the top of his class and obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree. After dental school Dr. Hawkins served in the Army for three years where he was stationed at Fort Campbell Kentucky, Camp Casey South Korea, and Fort Irwin California. After his military service Dr. Hawkins attended Nova Southeastern University in So. Florida where he was named chief resident and received his orthodontic degree. In 2007 he returned to Southern California where he has been practicing ever since.

Dr. Hawkins is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, American Dental Association and the California Dental Association. He is published in General Dentistry and The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.

Dr. Hawkins is married to Cass Hawkins and has four kids. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, motorcycle riding, cycling, and car/Kart racing. He is involved in his community volunteering as a Scout leader for the Boy Scouts of America and serving as a leader for his youth church organization. He is passionate about orthodontics and takes pride in his work.

We know that our office is only as effective and as welcoming as the people who work in it, which is why we take pride in our friendly and well-trained team members! We put your needs first to achieve efficient and comprehensive treatment in a supportive and nurturing environment. We promise to speak candidly with you about possible treatments as well as any risks and associated costs of treatment, and how treatment can address your individual needs.

Our staff is uniquely trained and highly skilled, and we strive to provide unparalleled service to each patient. Our staff consists of team members with specialized training and certifications, and years of experience in treating patients with the highest level of care. We strive to stay abreast of the very latest in technology and advances by regularly attending continuing education courses and seminars.

We have three convenient locations in Palm Desert and Yucca Valley, California. We also serve patients in Indio, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Palm Desert, Desert Hot Springs, and Yucca Valley.

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