About Us
Our Mission
Our Focus is On Our Students!
Thank you for your interest in our program. We are committed to providing students with a complete and comprehensive education.
Our Company was founded in 2000. Approved by the Dental Board of California and the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc., as a provider of continuing education. Recognized as A+ by the Better Business Bureau. A proud recipient of the Jose Business Hall of Fame award for seven consecutive years; Best of San Jose Award 2009-2018, and voted 2015 Best of Silicon Valley In the Educational Services -Dental Professionals category by the San Jose Award Program. We truly enjoy working with our students to give them the feeling of accomplishment that they have always wanted and these awards recognize OUR commitment. Whether you are a dental professional, prospective student, or visitor - we invite you to explore our world through our website. Please take a few moments to browse through our site and learn what other services we have to offer.
We Provide
- Convenient Location
- Individualized Attention
- Dental Office Environment
- New Equipment / State of the Art Devices
- Years of Hands On Experience
- Current / Up to Date Techniques
Memberships in Professional Organization
Dental Specialties Institute is a member of the following organizations:
- A.D.A.A. American Dental Assistants Association
- A.O.M.S. (American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons)
- CALSae-California Society of Association Executives
- C.D.A. (California Dental Association)
- C.D.A.A. (California Dental Assisting Association)
- C.A.D.A.T. (California Association of Dental Assisting Teachers)
- Board of Directors Panel - 2010 - 2013
- Council on Leadership Development: 2012-2013
- Community Relations Committee- Chair (2012)
- Corporate Relations Council: 2011-2012
- Communications Council: 2010-2011
- Publications & Website Committee: 2010-2011
- D.B.C.Dental Board of California Subject matter Expert
- Taskforce for RDA and EF written exam
- R.D.A. Registered Dental Assistant practical licensure program
- SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT Occupational Analysis.
- D.A.N.B. (Dental Assisting National Board)
- N.D.A.B. (National Association Dental Assistants)
- Participant of Dental Board RDAEF Examination Workshop, new RDAEF duties 2010
- Santa Clara County and Monterey Bay Dental Society
Who We Are
Leadership
Suzie Dault CEO and Founder, CDA, RDAEF, OMSAA, BS
Suzie Dault is the founder of Dental Specialties Institute, Inc., which she started more than 20 years ago. She received a B.S. in Career and Technical Studies from California State University with honors. She has also been involved in aiding the state of California with standard-setting for her profession.
Suzie worked for more than 30 years in the dental field as a CDA, RDAEF, and OMSAA before retiring chairside to dedicate her energy and passion to educating the next generation. She has provided the highest quality and one of the most comprehensive dental assisting certification programs in the area. She oversees the daily operations, trains and supervises faculty and instructors, creates curricula, provides continuing education, and is responsible for licensing dental auxiliaries. Suzie has numerous publications related to curriculum and dentistry.
Among her numerous awards, Suzie is proud to have received the San Jose Business Hall of Fame award for seven consecutive years, and the Best of San Jose Award, 2009-2018. She was also voted Best of Silicon Valley in Educational Services in the Dental Professionals category in 2015 by the San Jose Award Program.
Suzie enjoys working with students and helping them have a feeling of accomplishment. She has a special interest in cosmetic and restorative dentistry and enjoys attending continuing education courses with her husband Scott, a periodontist.
Suzie’s professional affiliations include the Santa Clara and Monterey Bay Dental Society, California Dental Association, CALSae-California Society of Association Executives, Dental Assisting National Board, the American Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
Outside of school, Suzie enjoys spending time with her family.
What circumstances made you who you are today?
I had to overcome enormous odds to become the successful woman I am today. As the oldest child of a mother caught up in the throes of addiction, I overcame a horrific childhood filled with abuse and deprivation. Today, I credit my grandmother who loved me unconditionally and an uncle who adores me as if I were his own daughter. However, it is my own inner grit, and determination that I would build a life for myself that I could be proud of, which led to the success I now enjoy.
What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges women face today?
Balancing a career and having a family.
What does the word empowerment mean to you?
Empowerment means being in control of your words and actions. It means feeling rewarded and accomplished, and knowing you have choices.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Life is too short to just accept. Believe in your goals and the choices that you make. Always follow through and never blindly accept things. Do this, and you will learn to believe in yourself.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I am currently writing a book called Born Hitting Bottom: Child of a Gypsy Junkie. I have overcome great odds to become the successful businesswoman I am today. By sharing my story I intend to offer hope to others whose circumstances may be as dire as mine once were. I want anyone suffering from living with an addict to know that they, too, can start to live a fulfilling life. I have cried many tears in my life, most recently from writing these words. These recent tears are tears of release, however. They are tears of letting go. Perhaps one day, when this book has taken its place in the world, I will be able to finally move on emotionally from the pain of my childhood.
What is one habit that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
I don’t micromanage. I trust and believe in my team. Success is teamwork!
Expertise
Her professional affiliations include the Santa Clara and Monterey Bay Dental Society, California Dental Association, CALSae-California Society of Association Executives, Dental Assisting NationalBoard, the American Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Outside of school, Suzie enjoys spending time with her family.
- Oversees daily operations
- Trains and supervises faculty and instructors
- Creates curriculum
- Provides continuing education
- Responsible for licensing dental auxiliaries
Organization / Society
Dental Specialties Institute is a member of the following organizations:
- A.D.A.A. American Dental Assistants Association
- A.O.M.S. (American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons)
- CALSae-California Society of Association Executives
- C.D.A. (California Dental Association)
- C.D.A.A. (California Dental Assisting Association)
- C.A.D.A.T. (California Association of Dental Assisting Teachers)
- Board of Directors Panel - 2010 - 2013
- Council on Leadership Development: 2012-2013
- Community Relations Committee- Chair (2012)
- Corporate Relations Council: 2011-2012
- Communications Council: 2010-2011
- Publications & Website Committee: 2010-2011
- D.B.C.Dental Board of California Subject Matter Expert
- Taskforce for RDA and EF written exam
- R.D.A. Registered Dental Assistant practical licensure program
- SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT Occupational Analysis.
- D.A.N.B. (Dental Assisting National Board)
- N.A.D.B. (National Association Dental Assistants)
- Participant of Dental Board RDAEF Examination Workshop, new RDAEF duties 2010
- Santa Clara County and Monterey Bay Dental Society
Published Works
- Course curriculum: Dental Board of California Approval
- Dental Sedation Assistant Permit: DSA 110
- Dental Practice Act and Law and Ethics
- California Radiation Health and Safety Permit: X004b
- Coronal Polish Course Certification: CP002
- Interim Therapeutic Restoration Certification: ITR 04
- Mandatory 8-hour Infection Control Course: IC045
- Orthodontic Assistant Permit Program OA 015
- Oral Conscious Sedation Permit Program
- Pit and Fissure Sealant Course Certification: PF002
- RDAEF Extended Functions Program: EF 013
- Ultrasonic Scaling Permit: US011
Honor / Awards
Our Company was founded in 2000. Approved by the Dental Board of California and the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc., as a provider of continuing education. Recognized as A+ by the Better Business Bureau. A proud recipient of the Jose Business Hall of Fame award for seven consecutive years; Best of San Jose Award 2009-2018, and voted 2015 Best of Silicon Valley In the educational Services -Dental Professionals category by the San Jose Award Program. We truly enjoy what we do.
Legal Advice
ARTHUR W. CURLEY, ESQ., Speaker and Lecturer
Mr. Curley is on faculty at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and UCSF, and has contributed to dental textbooks. Mr. Barrabee, also an instructor at the University of the Pacific, developed the firm’s transactional and business law department specializing in practice purchases, sales, and lease reviews. Mr. Kowalski expanded the firm’s administrative hearing practice by defending healthcare providers in professional licensing and disciplinary matters before the various state licensing boards and is adjunct faculty at UCSF.
Consultant: Anesthesia/Sedation Lead Professor
Allan Schwartz, DDS, CRNA Dental Sedation and Anesthesia; CRNA
Dr. Schwartz is a 1980 graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry (now Texas A & M University College of Dentistry). He completed a general practice residency in general dentistry in 1981 at the Jewish Hospital (now Barnes-Jewish Hospital) in Saint Louis, Missouri. In 1991, he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from St. Louis University. He then obtained a Certificate in Nurse Anesthesia from the Washington University School of Nurse Anesthesia in 1994. He has practiced as a CRNA since 1994 and holds a Missouri dental license and a permit for deep sedation/general anesthesia in dentistry. He is an author of several nurse anesthesia and dentistry textbook chapters, as well as journal articles.
Supervising Clinical Examiners
Dr. Nader Salib, Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.)
Dr. Salib graduated from the University of Southern California in 2000 with a dual degree in History & Biology with an emphasis in Medieval History & Molecular Biology. He later obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from the University of Southern California, graduating with honors. While at USC, Dr. Salib presented to both national and international audiences his recognized and internationally award-winning cancer research while earning the distinction of becoming the 2003 International Hatton Award Recipient. Dr. Salib is the only Oral Surgeon & Dentist in California with such distinction. He was the recipient of the American College of Dentistry Award for his contributions to the field of dentistry at large.
Dr. Ned L. Nix DDS, MA-Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon: DSA Clinical Professor
My name is Dr. Ned L. Nix. I was born in San Jose and raised in Sunnyvale. I’m a Board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. I received my undergraduate degree in agricultural and managerial economics from the University of California at Davis and my Doctorate in Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in 1995. I completed my oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, a Columbia University Hospital, in New York, NY in 2000. I also completed a general practice residency in dentistry at the same institution in 1996. I began my private practice in 2000.
I am a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology. I belong to a number of professional organizations: American College of Dentists, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, California Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.
I have devoted my professional career to the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery practice with special interests in dental implants, office and hospital surgery, and service to the dental profession. To keep abreast of the latest developments in oral and maxillofacial surgery, I have always exceeded the continuing education requirements of California.
I have been involved in leadership and education since beginning my practice. I have served on numerous committees, boards and have served as the President of the California Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. I actively teach dental students and oral and maxillofacial surgery residents at the UOP School of Dentistry, and I hold the appointment of Clinical Associate Professor. I completed my Master of Arts in Dental Education at the University of the Pacific, Benerd School of Education in 2015.
My hobbies include golf and travel. I am married to Dr. Kelly A. Nix, a podiatrist in Los Gatos. We have one child: Ryan Matthew Nix.
Dr. Scott Dault, DDS, Periodontist
Dr. Scott Dault is a periodontist, a specialist who has completed several years of post-doctoral training in gum disease, dental implants and the treatment of gum and bone tissue. Dr. Dault is very experienced in all phases of periodontal therapy from diagnosis, treatment planning, and surgical and non-surgical treatment modalities. He is also experienced in dental implant surgery, including bone and soft tissue grafting associated with implant treatment.
Education
Dr. Dault attended San Jose State University for his Bachelor’s degree and had a prior career working in the semiconductor industry in Silicon Valley. In search of greater fulfillment, he pursued a career in dentistry.
He earned his D.D.S. degree from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry and completed his Periodontics residency at the VA – West Los Angeles program which is affiliated with the University of California, Los Angeles.
Prior to earning his dental degree Dr. Dault worked in the semi-conductor industry. While interesting he desired greater fulfillment, and he pursued a career in dentistry.
Research
Dr. Dault is interested in implementing newly developed therapeutic approaches of using growth factors to improve periodontal and implant surgical results. Prior to and during dental school, he participated in research projects focusing on the use of growth factors for gum and bone regeneration. These past research experiences aid him in bringing the latest advances in tissue engineering to clinical periodontal and dental implant therapy.
Professional Affiliations:
- Santa Clara County Dental Society
- California Dental Association
- American Dental Association
- California Society of Periodontists
- American Academy of Periodontology
- Academy of Osseointegration.
Outside the practice
Dr. Dault enjoys spending time with his wife Suzie and two children, Anthony and Ashley, as well as staying physically active by enjoying bicycle riding, regular exercise, and an occasional motorcycle ride.
Dr. Shreya Penukonda, Lead EF Program Clinical Professor
Dr. Kyle Low, Endodontist-EF Program Professor
Dr. Kyle Low is a Bay Area native born in Fremont, California.
Dr. Low attended Chapman University in Orange, California. Graduating with a D.D.S. degree from the University Of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco. At Pacific, Dr. Low was honored with the San Francisco Dental Society’s Ethics and Professionalism Award.
After graduating from dental school, Dr. Low attended General Dentistry residency on the island of Oahu, Hawaii where he worked with the Waianae Coast population. Subsequently, Dr. Low continued private practice with his father, Elliott Low, in Fremont, California.
Dr. Low received his endodontic specialty training at University of California San Francisco where he served as chief resident. Residency at UCSF provided expertise in microscopic dentistry, traditional root canal therapy, root canal retreatment, and microsurgery. Upon completion of residency, Dr. Low joined the Endodontic Clinical Faculty at University Of the Pacific.
Dr. Low’s dental philosophy is centered on patient empathy and patient valued outcomes, with a focus on education of diagnosis and subsequent treatment. With respect to root canal treatment, Dr. Low adheres to conservative interventions in conjunction with root form appropriate treatment that is aimed at preserving the structural integrity of teeth.
Dr. Sharareh Tajbakhsh, Prosthodontist- EF Program Professor
EF2 Clinical Program Director
DR. SHARAREH TAJBAKHSH IS A PROSTHODONTIST SPECIALIZING IN PORCELAIN VENEERS, FULL MOUTH REHABILITATION, AND THE PLANNING AND PLACEMENT OF IMPLANT RESTORATIONS.
Dr. Tajbakhsh received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco. Upon graduation, she practiced general dentistry in Daly City and continued on at the University of the Pacific, where she was an instructor for over seven years. Desiring to farther her education, she attended the University of Washington’s nationally accredited
Dr. Tajbakhsh’s practice philosophy is to always strive for perfection. She is only satisfied when she achieves excellence and believes it is essential to really listen to the patients and understand there needs and desires. Her multiple language skills in English, French, Spanish, and Farsi facilitate her day to day patient communication. She works to educate all her patients so that they can take an active role in there treatment and accomplish the smile they desire..roll in there treatment and accomplish the smile they desire.roll in there treatment and accomplish the smile they desire.Tajbakhsh’s practice philosophy is to always strive for perfection. She is only satisfied when she achieves excellence and believes it is essential to really listen to the patients and understand there needs and desires. Her multiple language skills in English, French, Spanish, and Farsi facilitate her day to day patient communication. She works to educate all her patients so that they can take an active role in there treatment and accomplish the smile they desire.
Appreciating the value of the community, Dr. Tajbakhsh is committed to volunteer her services, providing dental care for patients at the Samaritan House Free Clinic, a non-profit organization located in San Mateo and Redwood City.Tajbakhsh is committed to volunteer her services, providing dental care for patients at the Samaritan House Free Clinic, a non-profit organization located in San Mateo and Redwood City.
Dr. Sharareh Tajbakhsh is a member of the American College of Prosthodontics, the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Santa Clara County Dental Society, and University of the Pacific Alumni Association, University of Washington Graduate Prosthodontic Alumni Association, Pierre Fauchard Academy, and Health Volunteer Organization.
In her free time, she enjoys laughing, reading, jewelry making, and cooking. Her outdoor activities include hiking and skiing.
Dr. Nicole M Rottjakob, Clinical Professor
Dr. Elena M.V. Ebrahimian, EF Clinical Professor
Dr. Elena Ebrahimian received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco. She graduated from Santa Clara University with a B.A. in Religious Studies and went on to complete a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences at Barry University in Miami.
Born and raised in Scotts Valley, California, Dr. Elena grew up observing and eventually assisting her father in his own dental practice prior to attending dental school. Her interest in dentistry formed at a very young age, and she is thrilled to be practicing her passion in the nearby community of San Jose.
Dr. Elena believes that patient education is the key to delivering the best care possible. She prides herself on her interpersonal skills and ability to listen to her patients’ needs. Her goal is to provide patient-centered, comprehensive care through a minimally invasive and gentle approach. Understanding that dentistry is more then just treating teeth, Dr. Elena takes a more integrative approach to care. She strives to remain at the forefront of a continuously evolving field and is completing advanced training in neuromuscular dentistry at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.
Dr. Elena thoroughly enjoys giving back to her local community. She has volunteered at events such as Monterey County Stand Down, Project Homeless Connect in San Francisco, and CDA Cares in Solano. Her passion for dentistry combined with her love of travel has taken her far beyond the dental office. She led two dental mission trips to Fiji while in dental school, and volunteered on a dental mission trip to Ecuador. She fully intends to continue giving back to her local and global communities throughout her career.
Dr. Elena looks forward to meeting you at you're next dental visit and helping you get one step closer to optimal oral health!
Dr. Monika Levkovic, EF Program Professor
Dr. Levkovic has been a dentist for years and has been through several post graduate courses in different fields of dentistry since receiving her D.D.S. degree.
Her emphasis on patient comfort as well as keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry enable her to provide patients with the best quality of care in the field. Dr. Levkovic has a wide range of experience in different areas of dentistry.
Her approach to you're treatment starts with patiently listening to you. Then, after a complete and thorough examination, she reviews and discusses the diagnosis and treatment options with you.
"I am proud to provide my patients with the best in dental technology, treatment options and patient comfort. It is my pleasure to address all you're questions and concerns."
Dr. Ginnylee Roderick, EF Program Professor
A graduate of UOP, Dr. Roderick has been providing the highest quality of dental care for over 16 years. Dr. Roderick is also a graduate of Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and active member of many other organizations. Dr. Roderick has been voted one of 2010 Top Dentists. She is very caring and dedicated to her patients.
List of Credits
- Member of American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- Member of Santa Clara Dental Society
- Member of American Dental Association
- Member of California Dental Association
- Qualified Medical Evaluator
- America Society of Forensic Odontology
Dr. Aura Marcela Torres, EF Program Professor
Dr. Aura Marcela Torres was born in Villavicencio, Colombia and attended San Martin University in Bogotá, graduating with honors in Dental Medicine in 1988. After moving to the U.S. in 1990, she continued her studies in general and restorative dentistry, earning her license to practice dentistry in California in 1994. Dr. Torres worked three years as an associate with a specialist in pediatric dentistry and ran the University of California Santa Cruz Dental Clinic for five years. Professional memberships include ADA (American Dental Association), CDA (California Dental Association) and MBDS (Monterey Bay Dental Society).
Dr. Amy Fanhua Meng, EF Clinical Professor
Dr. Matt Freeman, Orthodontist - OAP Program Professor
I consider myself to be a lifelong learner. I attended the University of Arizona where I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science. I continued on to the University of Southern California School of Dentistry where I earned my Doctorate of Dental Surgery, my Certificate in Orthodontics, and my Master’s degree in Craniofacial Biology.
I’ve always made it my priority to help support the great community I serve, from supporting the local schools with they're various fundraising activities to sponsoring the Evergreen Little League. I am currently working with the Evergreen Elementary Community-in-Action group to help support the local schools and they're students and I am an active member of the Evergreen Business and Professional Association.
Dr. Bao Khanh Nguyen, DDS, MSD, Orthodontist - OAP Clinical Professor
Dr. Bao Khanh Nguyen, DDS, MSD grew up in San Jose. She received her Bachelor degree in Biochemistry at San Jose State University. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2004 and Master of Science in Orthodontics in 2006 from the University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry. During her post-graduate training, she did research in Cleft Lip and Palate causal relationships. She had the pleasure of participating with the Rotaplast International Group on medical missions, traveling to various under-served countries and performed free medical and dental care.
Dr. Megan Constant, Orthodontist - OAP Clinical Professor
Hema Jhamb, DDS
Lawrence A. Puccinelli Sr., DMD
Dr. Larry Puccinelli Jr., Endodontist: EF Program Professor
Dr. Lawrence Puccinelli Jr. graduated from Georgetown in 1989 with a degree in Biological Sciences. He than attended Dental School at University of Pacific where he graduated in 1994. Finally, he attended USC where he graduated in 2000 with his certificate in Endodontics.
Lead Instructors
Verna Leon, RDA
Maria Barocio, CDA, RDA, OAP, BS
Brittani M Wyrick, RDA, OAP
Andrea Valdivia, RDAEF2, OAP
Lab Instructors
Angel Curillo-Gonzales, RDA
Jose Ramos, RDAEF2
Ashley Lafayette, RDAEF2
Kiana Pizano, RDAEF2
Kiana has been working in the dental field since 2011 when she graduated from the Dental Careers Program at Soledad's Regional Occupation Program. After working as a dental assistant for three years, Kiana received her Registered Dental Assistance License in 2013. She worked as an RDA for six years, then pursued to further her career in 2019, where she graduated as a Registered Dental Assistant with Extended Functions 2 (RDAEF2) from Dental Specialties Institute at Cupertino. Kiana joined the Ross Family Dental team in September 2019 and is currently working as an EF2. In December of 2021, Kiana joined Dental Specialties Institute as an instructor. Kiana says, "I love being able to interact with patients, and my students help educate them about dental needs. It's always nice to see someone happy about their dental visit or their education and to know I was able to be a small part of it."
Sterilizers
Ashley Dault
Marketing & Media
