Tarzana Smile Design Team
The brief descriptions below are designed to familiarize you with our staff's training, professional credentials and work experience.
Dr. Monica Moussanejad D.D.S
Dr. Monica Moussanejad grew up in southern CA where she attended Reseda High School. While there, Dr. Monica always had an interest in the field of dentistry, and pursued it by working as a dental assistant. It was during that time as an assistant, that she discovered that becoming a dentist would be her chosen path.
Following high school, she received her Bachelors of Science degree from UCLA in Biology and then went on to received her dental education from USC School of Dentistry, where she excelled, graduating in 2002.
Since graduating from USC she has worked in the San Fernando Valley and in Beverly-Hills. Over her years of practice, Dr. Monica has completed many aesthetics cases, but she also very much enjoys all aspects of general and family dentistry, including treating children. Dr. Monica takes particular pride in making sure that her dental work is exceptional, while maintaining patient comfort at all times.
Debbie Miller, Office Manager
Debbie graduated from Everest College in 2008 where she received her Registered Dental Assisting License. Debbie assisted Dentist in many procedures like oral surgery, orthodontics, and general dentistry which make her knowledgeable in treatment steps and protocol. In 2012 she transitioned from dental assisting to administration where she found managing, billing, and treatment coordinating to be her strong suite. Debbie has a passion for animals, loves to travel, and is an avid Audio Book listener
Shawn O'farrill, DA
Shawn has been a registered dental assistant since 2012. He worked as a dental radiology clinical instructor for the Los Angeles School of Dental Assisting and has been working with Tarzana Smile Design since 2018. Shawn is currently attending West Coast University to further his dental career as a dental hygienist and is expected to graduate in 2023. He loves cooking, spending time with family and friends, and riding his Harley Davidson. Shawn has a friendly and humorous personality and is committed to ensuring all his patients have the most enjoyable dental experience.
Silvia Rigote, DA
Silvia was born and raised in beautiful Brazil where she graduated from Paulista University in Sao Paulo, 2002. Living in LA since 2008, Silvia has been working as a dental assistant with Dr Monica since 2009 and has gained experience and passion to provide the best experience for all her patients. Her interest for dentistry started as her orthodontist inspired her to change the world, one smile at a time. Silvia is a concert-lover, and likes to travel the world to follow her favorite bands, U2 and Pearl Jam. Being a handball player through college, she is a sports fanatic, going to Brazil every year to visit her family and watch her favorite soccer team, Corinthians play.
Neda Kakvand, RDH
Neda graduated from Loma Linda university school of dentistry. She was born and raised in Iran, always had a dream to educate in the university in United States since she was 18. Although it happened along time after but she still had the passion and desire that made her strong to start her life alone far from her family achieving her goal. She started school immediately after emigrating where she quickly became passionate about dentistry. Her passion inspired her to further her education by becoming a Dental Hygienist.
Neda is the one who makes patients feel at ease by building confidence, and trust with each patient. She loves getting know her patients and understand their needs to help them improve their oral hygiene. Neda's favorite part of her job is providing patients healthy smile.
Alla Babasyan, RDH
Alla has a Master's in Biological Sciences from Yerevan State University in Armenia. In 2012 she received an AA Degree in Dental Hygiene from the Pasadena City College. As a Registered Dental Hygienist, her focus is to provide quality care for her patients and educate them in maintaining good oral health. To make the most of her dental hygiene appointments, Alla studies her patients' dental history carefully, then listens to the patients' concerns and encourages them to ask as questions. Alla continues attending continuing education courses to keep up to date on the latest scientific findings and technological developments in dental hygiene. In addition to English, Alla is fluent in Armenian and Russian. She enjoys spending her spare time with her family and friends. She also finds pleasure in gardening, and is very involved at her church.
Kenitha Taylor, RDH
Kenitha graduated in 1999 from Meharry Medical College and Tennessee State University in Nashville. She is a Nashville native who has lived in California for 19 years now with her husband and two children. Her career began Dental Hygiene working in a Periodontal office. She has obtained over 350 units of continuing education in Dental Hygiene. Kenitha continues to find a tremendous amount of gratification in her works knowing with each dental cleaning she performs she is restoring her patient's health. "I am a participant in my patient's health, we are team mates and I am glad to such."
Joanne Fine, RDH
Jo started as a dental assistant; Jo decided to further her career by perusing a career as a Registered Dental Hygienist. In 2003, Jo attended West Los Angeles Dental Hygiene School she graduated top of her class both on the dean's list and Summa Cum Laude. Jo pursued a second degree in Registered Dental Hygienist in alternative practice which allows her to treat homebound patients and those in nursing homes. She really enjoys connecting with patients and making them feel comfortable. In her off time, Jo loves to spend time with her family and especially her four legged furry ones.
Ryan Mathews, RDH
Ryan has been in the dental field for over 14 years and working with Tarzana Smile Design since 2011. Ryan completed his dental hygiene studies at University of Pacific in San Francisco, CA. He also went on to become an RDHAP "Dental Hygienist in an Alternative Practice"; one of 500 hygienists in the state of California. He has his own private practice serving the community and the disabled. Ryan fell into dental hygiene literally after an accident as a stunt performer prior to his career in dentistry. He enjoys traveling, adventure, food, and his frenchie Bodhi.