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.
For customized driving directions, please use the interactive map below. Simply click a red indicator on the map, click on directions, and enter a starting address. To switch between Map View and Satellite View, please select the corresponding button at the top-right corner of the map. You can also zoom in and out using the sliding bar or the '+/' buttons on the left.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 23 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJami Johnson
5 years ago
Dr. Moranda as well as all the technicians are always so professional, yet welcoming. I always understand what's being done with my daughters braces and am extremely happy with our experience so far! We always recommend this office when the chance arises!
Tiffany Tepanecatl
5 years ago
I just want to say that this place is amazing! They are super nice! And dr. Moranda is amazing and super friendly gave me so much information for my braces treatment and to be honest I love them and can't wait to go back and get my braces with them! Also Megan was super helpful as well and so nice! They made me feel so comfortable I just seriously recommend this place 100%
lindsey walden
5 years ago
We absolutely love Desert Braces! Dr. Moranda has treated our son for almost 4 years now, and we are extremely satisfied, and happy with the results. In fact, our family is so satisfied that we travel 3 hours for our son's appointment. The care is exceptional, the staff are amazing, and very down to earth.
Michael Radford
5 years ago
The staff is always friendly and professional. Their skill and experience leads to great results. I would highly recommend them.
Heather McCue
5 years ago
They take the fear out of orthodontic work! Dr. Moranda and his exceptional staff make visits enjoyable! The wait times are almost non existent and they are extremely efficient. We are so pleased with the quality of our child's care and the beautiful, perfect smile that has been crafted! Most of all we are so pleased with the health of her mouth!! Thankful we chose this office! Best care in the valley!!
Rachel Felber
5 years ago
Professional, quick, clean, reasonably priced.
PDCMS PTO
5 years ago
Quick, efficient and knowledgable! Gotta love Dr. Moranda!!
Joni Albert
5 years ago
Excellent team.
Erica Solis (Victorias World)
5 years ago
Great office for child and Adult treatment. They explained my options to me and gave me a great experience with fenomenal pricing for Coachella valley. They are flexible with scheduling and accommodate you!
Kimberly McGowan
5 years ago
Had a great experience from start to finish. Staff was very friendly and made the process stress-free. My daughter left feeling better about the care she will be receiving, which makes ME happy!
steve may
5 years ago
I am always treated extremely well and efficiently. Thanks
Heather McCue
6 years ago
They take the fear out of orthodontic work! Dr. Moranda and his exceptional staff make visits enjoyable! The wait times are almost non existent and they are extremely efficient. We are so pleased with the quality of our child's care and the beautiful, perfect smile that has been crafted! Most of all we are so pleased with the health of her mouth!! Thankful we chose this office! Best care in the valley!!
lindsey walden
6 years ago
We absolutely love Desert Braces! Dr. Moranda has treated our son for almost 4 years now, and we are extremely satisfied, and happy with the results. In fact, our family is so satisfied that we travel 3 hours for our son's appointment. The care is exceptional, the staff are amazing, and very down to earth.
Jami Johnson
6 years ago
Dr. Moranda as well as all the technicians are always so professional, yet welcoming. I always understand what's being done with my daughters braces and am extremely happy with our experience so far! We always recommend this office when the chance arises!
PDCMS PTO
6 years ago
Quick, efficient and knowledgable! Gotta love Dr. Moranda!!
Michael Radford
6 years ago
The staff is always friendly and professional. Their skill and experience leads to great results. I would highly recommend them.
Rachel Felber
6 years ago
Professional, quick, clean, reasonably priced.
Tiffany Tepanecatl
6 years ago
I just want to say that this place is amazing! They are super nice! And dr. Moranda is amazing and super friendly gave me so much information for my braces treatment and to be honest I love them and can't wait to go back and get my braces with them! Also Megan was super helpful as well and so nice! They made me feel so comfortable I just seriously recommend this place 100%
Joni Albert
6 years ago
Excellent team.
steve may
6 years ago
I am always treated extremely well and efficiently. Thanks
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