Sushma Balakrishna, DDS, is a native of Pleasanton, California, and always aspired to pursue a career in the healthcare field. Today, she leads her practice, Sunshine Dental, and offers exceptional aesthetic and implant dentistry services to her patients in San Ramon and Livermore, California.

Dr. Balakrishna earned her Masters in Public Health and worked at the prestigious Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She then went on to pursue her Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine in Boston. Dr. Balakrishna is continually improving her knowledge with continuing education courses, all to provide the most advanced, effective, and conservative treatments possible to her patients.

With a personal interest in the wellbeing of her patients, Dr. Balakrishna takes the time to listen to each individual she treats. She believes that building trust and strong rapports are essential components of quality, patient-centered care. Dr. Balakrishna also takes great pride in educating her patients and encourages them to be advocates of their dental health. 

Outside of her practice, Dr. Balakrishna loves to spend time with her two daughters and her husband. She also enjoys hiking, making healthy meals, and exercising.

Alex Pastel, DDS, is an experienced general and cosmetic dentist at Pastel Dental located in the Laurel Heights area of San Francisco, California. Dr. Pastel is truly passionate about his profession. One of the most rewarding aspects of dentistry for him is the transformation his patients experience when they get a beautiful and confident smile. Dr. Pastel has a unique set of skills and experience in cosmetic dentistry that requires the synergy of being an artist, a doctor, and an engineer. To be one of the best in this field, Dr. Pastel is constantly perfecting his craft by investing in state-of-the-art technology and continuing education where he learns from the best. 

Dr. Pastel graduated from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, where his clinical achievements were recognized with multiple awards. 

 During his early years, Dr. Pastel was a professional athlete. Now, he recreationally enjoys road cycling and playing soccer. He loves experiencing different cultures by traveling with his wife and children.

Dr. Nate Minami was born in Southern California and is happy to still call it home. His interest in dentistry comes from treating a variety of patients and their specific needs. Dr. Minami specializes in cosmetic dentistry, implant restorations and implant retained dentures. He received his dental training at the University of the Pacific Dental School in San Francisco and is a member of the Santa Clara Dental Society, CDA and ADA. When not practicing dentistry, Dr. Minami keeps busy with a wide range of interests. He is an avid golfer, enjoys playing basketball, playing guitar and he attends many of the Bay Area’s finest rock shows, theatres and operas.

About Dr. Yu

Kara S. Yu, DMD, FICOI, FAGD, is a skilled general dentist who has been serving patients in the Bay Area and Tri-Valley Area communities since 2007. At Cedarwood Pleasanton Dentistry in Pleasanton, California, her patients appreciate the caring and gentle approach she has to dentistry.

Dr. Yu earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, Physiology, and Behavior at the University of California at Davis. She then went on to obtain her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2007.  She graduated with highest honors in endodontics (root canal therapy) and took advanced honors courses in periodontics, endodontics, and pedodontics.

Widely respected by her peers in the field of dentistry, Dr. Yu is a Fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and reached the leverl of Master in the prestigious Academy of General Dentistry. Outside of general dentistry, she also excels in bone grafting and sinus lifts.

Dr. Yu is a kind, considerate, and gentle provider whose patients often turn to for full mouth reconstruction. With broad expertise, Dr. Yu can help restore and enhance smiles with dentures, crowns, or bridges. She’s certified with dental lasers, Invisalign®, Perio Protect® (advanced gum disease treatment) and implant therapy. Invisalign is actually one of her specialties. Dr. Yu has been a certified Invisalign provider for nearly a decade and has received Invisalign Advance Certification I and II. She also provides Botox® injections in-office and offers ERA-supported dentures to her patients.

But when she clocks out, her work isn’t done.

When she’s not in the office, Dr. Yu, who speaks English and Cantonese, often volunteers for the American Dental Association (ADA) at the Give Kids A Smile program where she treats underprivileged children and adults, providing services such as gum treatment and root canal therapy.  

About Dr. Ha

Tom Ha, DMD, FICOI, FAGD (in progress), is an experienced general dentist who has practiced in the Bay Area and Tri-Valley Area for over six years. At Cedarwood Pleasanton Dentistry in Pleasanton, California, he caters to a diverse clientele that lauds him as gentle, compassionate, and personable.

Dr. Ha graduated with a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2008. There, he finished very near the top of his class receiving honors in oral maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, and pedodontics. Dr. Ha does an amazing job in wisdom teeth extractions, root canals and specializes in treating children.

Dr. Ha stays current on the most cutting edge techniques of dentistry. He is certified with dental lasers, Invisalign® and Perio Protect® (advanced gum disease treatment). Still, Dr. Ha continues to go above and beyond for his patients and is always working on additional credentials. Currently, he’s in the midst of his Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry and is already a Fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

A key part of Dr. Ha’s approach to dentistry is working closely with his patients to discuss goals and achieve perfect smiles. His mission is to deliver high-quality dental work with a gentle touch so that his patients can maintain excellent oral health and enjoy the invaluable boost in self-confidence an ideal smile delivers.

Outside of the office, Dr. Ha, who is fluent in both English and Cantonese, enjoys spending his downtime relaxing with his family.

Chen Tsung Chang, DDS, is a highly skilled dentist with more than 20 years of experience caring for patients of all ages. Dr. Chang is delighted to now be providing first-class dental care and state-of-the-art facilities to patients in Hayward, California, at Hayward Dentistry.

Dr. Chang started his career at the Institute of Dental Medicine in Yangon, Burma (now the University of Dental Medicine, Myanmar), graduating with a degree in dentistry in 1996. He built on his qualifications by working in a variety of roles, where he gained considerable experience over the years, becoming an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of several dental health conditions.

Dr. Chang is passionate about educating his patients on the importance of taking good care of their teeth and gums. He works hard to ensure his office environment is warm and welcoming, and to establish relationships with his patients, with the hope of making a trip to the dentist not such a dreaded obligation.

Dr. Chang encourages all of his patients to come in for regular checkups and let him know as soon as they have a problem, so he can prevent oral health issues from causing pain and inconvenience whenever possible. All of Dr. Chang’s patients can be sure of the highest standards of care and expertise available at Hayward Dentistry.

Dr. Esfandiar Abadi, graduated from Azad University School of Dentistry in Tehran with a doctor of dental surgery. Dr. Abadi passed his California Board exams in 2003 and since then is passionately practicing dentistry in Northern California.

His love for the art of dentistry makes him continue his research and study in different areas of dentistry and make him familiar with the latest state of the art technologies in dental treatments offered by accredited institutions. He is one of the most sought after dentists because of his gentle touch while providing extended procedures i.e. Oral surgery, Dental implant and Orthodontics.

Because Marzieh Oghabian, DDS, understands that dental care is intricately connected to overall health and wellness, she strives to help each and every patient in her care reach and maintain optimal dental health. Through her practice at Bahia Dental Group, Dr. Oghabian is honored to be the dentist of choice for so many in and around Pittsburg, California.

Dr. Oghabian began her education with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Davis. She went on to earn her dental degree from Case Western University School of Dentistry in Cleveland.

While she was there, her dedication to academic and treatment excellence earned her Case Western’s Excellence in Prosthodontics award. She remained at Case Western to complete additional training in oral surgery.

Patient education is central to Dr. Oghabian’s practice. She takes the time to make a personal connection with each man, women, and child in her care and ensures patients have all the details they need to make an informed decision about their dental health.

Creating a positive impression of dental care is also important to Dr. Oghabian. She makes every effort to put patients at ease and deliver a comfortable, positive dental experience.

To learn more about Dr. Oghabian’s unique approach to dental health and wellness, schedule a time to sit down with her to discuss your specific set of treatment needs and goals. She is currently accepting new patients through her practice at Bahia Dental Group.

Mandi Chhina, DDS is a family and cosmetic dentist at Pinole Family Dental in Pinole, California. She provides a full scope of general and cosmetic dentistry services.

Dr. Mandi received her graduate degree from Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences & Research in Amritsar, India in 2000. She's a fellow of the International Dental Implant Association and a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and other professional organizations.

Dr. Mandi strives to improve the oral health of every patient by encouraging them to participate in preventive care. She is honored and delighted to treat the men, women, and children of diverse backgrounds that live in this wonderful community.

When not caring for her patients, Dr. Mandi likes to practice meditation and create and cook new recipes. She is married to Dr. Marc Chhina -- also a dentist at Pinole Family Dental -- and they enjoy raising their two beautiful daughters.