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College: University of California Berkeley, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Minor in Education

Dental School: University of California San Francisco, School of Dentistry

A co-founder of LA Dental Town, board-certified general dentist Margaret Wu, DDS, takes great pride in providing exceptional dental care to the East Los Angeles community through her private practice and in an academic capacity. Dr. Wu provides comprehensive dental care, including cosmetic dentistry makeovers, to patients of all ages in a relaxing, personalized atmosphere where patient comfort and satisfaction are top priorities.

Dr. Wu graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a bachelor’s degree in molecular and cellular biology and a minor in education. She then pursued her dental degree at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Dentistry. In addition to her board certification, Dr. Wu is a certified Invisalign® Premier Provider. She also maintains active memberships in the American Dental Association, the Chinese American Dental Association, and the San Gabriel Valley Dental Society.

In addition to providing the highest standard of dental services to her patients in East Los Angeles and the surrounding communities, Dr. Wu served as a volunteer faculty clinical instructor at UCLA, and she lectures at community organizations and local schools. She excels in general, family, and cosmetic dentistry, including crowns, bridges, dentures, and veneers, and strives to stay abreast of the latest technology and cutting-edge dental techniques. She was awarded “America’s Top Dentist” several years in a row.

When not caring for patients at LA Dental Town, Dr. Wu enjoys cooking, eating at new restaurants, and spending time with her husband and children.

Dean Salo, DDS, is a multi-specialty dentist who provides exceptional dental care at Select Dental & Orthodontics in Torrance, California. Dr. Salo believes that cosmetic dentistry is an art form and requires attentive and detailed care to achieve beautiful outcomes. 

While working in a dental lab, Dr. Salo became interested in cosmetic restorations. He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, as the youngest student in his class in 1989 with his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. After graduating, he pursued his doctorate in dental surgery (DDS) at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.

Dr. Salo has been trained by well-known dentistry leaders at the Misch Resnik Implant Institute, including Dr. John Kois and Dr. Michael Pikos. He provides dental care to several famous faces in Los Angeles as well as patients seeking state-of-the-art dentistry. 

At Select Dental & Orthodontics, Dr. Salo focuses on providing natural-looking and feeling restorations. For the perfect bite, he utilizes proven techniques such as divine proportions combined with new technologies like T-scans®, CT scans, lasers, and other forms of digital radiography.

Many patients have anxiety and fear when it comes to dental treatments, so Dr. Salo made it his personal mission to become certified in oral sedation. He currently holds certification in IV sedation and provides sedation options for all dental treatments. His training and expertise in cutting-edge technologies, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), also allow him to accelerate patient healing. 

Dr. Salo is affiliated with the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he supervises and practices dentistry for their general residency program. He also loves to give back to the community through donations and relief efforts for organizations such as Spirituality For Kids International Inc., Jewish Home for The Aging, Art of the Brain, and the Avon Cancer Walk. 

Dr. Salo’s passion for dentistry and love for his patients keep him motivated to stay current with all the latest developments in dentistry. He works both abroad and domestically, assisting prospective dentists in building patient-centered practices with modern dental techniques. As a native of Los Angeles, Dr. Salo hopes to make an impact on his community by helping as many patients achieve their dream smiles. 

Ryan Park, DDS, is a board-certified periodontist at Select Dental & Orthodontics in Torrance, California. Dr. Park takes great pride in providing patient-centered periodontal treatment that restores harmony and balance to your oral health. He always makes the time to educate patients about oral health care and works closely with them to maintain a beautiful smile.

Dr. Park is an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology. He received his bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of the Pacific in Stockton. After graduating, he went to the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco for his doctoral program in dental surgery. 

Upon completion, he took up a periodontics residency program with the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in Manhattan, New York.

Outside of practicing dentistry, Dr. Park loves to travel internationally and explore his local hometown of Los Angeles. His current favorite travel spot is the Amalfi Coast in Italy. He also enjoys playing golf and tennis, and catching up with family and friends. He is a big foodie and welcomes all patient recommendations.

Samantha Besser, DMD, is a board-certified endodontist at Select Dental & Orthodontics in Torrance, California. Dr. Besser is highly experienced in treating pediatric patients as well as individuals with disabilities. 

Dr. Besser attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, for her undergraduate studies before transferring to Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, where she received her doctorate in dental medicine (DMD). Once she graduated from medical school, Dr. Besser spent five years providing dental care to U.S. troops both abroad and at home while serving as an honorary U.S. Air Force Officer. 

After her time in the military, Dr. Besser practiced as a general dentist with a passion for the field of endodontics. She pursued a highly competitive endodontic program at the University of Southern California’s Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry and eventually earned her certification in endodontics after two years of meticulous training. 

At Select Dental & Orthodontics, Dr. Besser uses the most advanced techniques in dentistry to treat her patients. While providing a welcoming and friendly environment, she offers multiple forms of anesthesia to help alleviate dental anxiety in her patients and ensure they have a comfortable experience throughout treatment. 

Many patients have praised Dr. Besser for her gentle manner, warm personality, and dedication to their oral health care. Dr. Besser is a California native, and currently lives in Santa Monica with her husband Sean.

Renate Gangel, DDS, is a cosmetic and general dentist at Select Dental & Orthodontics in Torrance, California. Dr. Gangel strives to provide excellent patient care and works closely with all patients to align with their dental needs. 

Dr. Gangel was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. At three years old, she moved to Long Beach, California, where it became her home growing up. She received her bachelor’s degree in biology from California State University, Long Beach. After her undergraduate studies, she attended the University of Southern California’s Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, graduating in 1986 with her doctorate in dental surgery (DDS). 

While Dr. Gangel has extensive experience in preventive care, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, and prosthetic design, she is eager to further her knowledge of dentistry and attends several courses, lectures, and seminars each year. Dr. Gangel is also passionate about learning the latest dental advancements and incorporating them into her personalized care plans for the best outcomes. 

At Select Dental & Orthodontics, she routinely uses digital X-rays to better diagnose oral health issues and help her patients avoid high levels of radiation. Additionally, she is trained and certified in soft tissue lasers. 

With a high standard for dental care, Dr. Gangel always ensures that her patients feel calm and their dental concerns are addressed in detail. She enjoys caring for individuals with special needs and elderly patients and providing them with specific care that helps them achieve improved oral health. 

Currently, Dr. Gangel lives in Lakewood, California, with her daughter Annie and their two dogs.

Dr. Weng-Hong Felix Peng, DDS, MPH, MBA, is a leading provider of state-of-the-art dental care for patients in Gardena, Torrance, Carson, and Compton, CA. His practice is built on a deep understanding of patients' healthcare needs as well as their concerns and anxieties, and he has established a reputation of being a skilled and compassionate dentist for patients of all ages. After studying at the Harvard School of Public Health, USC Marshall School of Business, and the National Taiwan University, Dr. Peng received his license to practice dentistry in California before establishing his practice in Gardena. Today, his commitment to continuing his education helps ensure his patients have access to the most advanced, effective and safest techniques for all types of dental care, including preventive, restorative and cosmetic procedures for better oral and overall health.

​Dr. Peng is committed to offering patients the individualized care they need to ensure the best possible outcomes. Every consultation appointment is designed so patients have plenty of time to ask questions and discuss concerns, and each plan of care is customized based on the patient's current and future dental care needs to help avoid the need for complicated and costly treatments later in life. From preventive care and cosmetic treatments to complex restorative treatments and emergency care, Dr. Peng is regarded as a top provider for Southern California patients of all ages, and he welcomes the opportunity to treat new patients and provide them with healthy teeth and gums and beautiful smiles to last a lifetime.

Your Dentist in Gardena, CA - Stephen Hiroshige, DDS

Welcome to Our Practice

Stephen Hiroshige, DDS, is a skilled and compassionate dentist who’s proud to continue his father’s legacy at his general dentistry practice in Gardena, California. 

Dr. Hiroshige is a Southern California native who earned his dental degree in 1992 from the accelerated, six-year undergraduate/dental school program at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He joined his father’s practice immediately after graduating, where he’s continued to provide high-quality and affordable dental care to the residents of Palos Verdes, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Gardena, and the surrounding communities. 

Dr. Hiroshige is always broadening and deepening his skillset by attending continuing education seminars. He’s completed advanced programs in Invisalign®, endodontics, and a variety of other specialty dental services. He also stays connected to the dental community through active memberships in the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the Harbor Dental Society, and the Academy for Excellence in Dentistry. 

In his practice, Dr. Hiroshige stresses the importance of preventative care, and is dedicated to making his patients’ smiles functionally flawless and aesthetically stunning. He approaches all of his treatments with an unparalleled degree of compassion, creating a warm and friendly environment that relaxes even the most anxious patients. He also believes that everybody deserves a beautiful and healthy smile and puts that belief into practice by keeping his prices reasonable. 

Outside of the office, Dr. Hiroshige likes to spend time with his family. His wife, Grace, is also a dentist, and together they have three beautiful children. He also likes to golf, play tennis, coach soccer, and build model airplanes, and has spent 20 years teaching in the children’s ministry at Gardena Valley Baptist Church.

Dr. Dana Samet trained at Lunds University in Sweden. In 1997, after graduating, she began practicing dentistry there. She went on to pass her dental board examination in the United States at the University of San Francisco. Dr. Samet began practicing dentistry in California in 2002.

Dr. Samet is a member of GAOI (Global Academy of Implantology) and is an Implantologist and Implanova Certified Doctor currently working with the Implanova Implant System that is designed and fabricated in the USA. She is also the founder of Dental Solution Corporation (United Dental Consulting), a consulting firm, and a certified member of GAOI to pass the knowledge of Diagnostic and Treatment Planning.

Dr. Samet and her team use advanced, current dental technologies and techniques to help their patients achieve their desired smile. The dental services they provide include dentures, dental implants, bridges, crowns, fillings, and other forms of cosmetic and general dentistry. Each patient receives an individualized, custom treatment plan based on a careful diagnosis of dental health. Dr. Samet is also certified to diagnose and treat Sleep apnea. 

Dr. Samet has a young son, and her family is an integral part of her life. When she isn’t in the office, she enjoys spending time with them.

Dr. Samet believes that all that’s good starts with a smile. She's thoroughly committed to providing her patients with quality, empathetic, dental care in a comfortable environment. Visit Dr. Samet in her Torrance, California, office.

Mani Matin, DDS, provides expert general dentistry services to patients of all ages at Esthetic Partners Dental Group, in Ontario, California. 

Dr. Matin completed his undergraduate education at George Mason University and Virginia Commonwealth University. He then completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. In addition, he shadowed Dr. Cyrus Akhbari in pediatric dentistry and training experiences at Pediatric Dental Care in Sterling, Virginia, and Northridge Dental Group in California. He also participated in implant training and is Invisalign certified. 

Following his formal training, Dr. Matin worked in a variety of dentistry settings throughout California and Massachusetts where he provided dental care for adults and children. 

Dr. Matin stays up to date on the latest advancements in the field of dentistry and he is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and American Dental Education Association. 

When he’s not in the office, Dr. Matin spends his time volunteering for various organizations. He also enjoys cycling, photography, traveling, hiking, skiing, tennis, soccer, and swimming. 

To better serve his patients, Dr. Matin is fluent in English and Farsi.

Carmen Castillo, DDS, is a top-ranked dentist providing innovative, state-of-the-art dental care for patients in and around Manhattan Beach, CA. Known for her skilled and compassionate approach, Dr. Castillo offers a comprehensive array of best treatment options for patients of all ages. Patients benefit from her expertise in providing teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, crowns, bonding, periodontal treatment, and Invisalign®. Additionally, Dr. Castillo offers restorative services including dental implants and full mouth reconstruction.

A graduate of the University of the Pacific- Arthur A. Dugoni, School of Dentistry in San Francisco, Dr. Castillo completed her residency at the University of Miami/VA Medical Center in Florida. Dr. Castillo has completed a significant amount of advanced coursework with the UCLA Aesthetic Continuum, Spear Institute and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Castillo volunteers her time and expertise at the Children's Dental Health Clinic in Long Beach. She has served as president of the Children’s Dental Foundation and as a member of the Long Beach Memorial Miller’s Medical Advisory Board. She continues to serve on the Board of the Children’s Dental Foundation.

Dr. Castillo welcomes the opportunity to work with new patients. The practice accepts most forms of dental insurance.