Our Team - Menlo Park Smiles

Dr. Samaneh Daftarian

General Dentist

Kind and well-respected, Dr. Samaneh Daftarian graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Houston following two years of her basics at Texas A&M University. She then went on to earn her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the top rated dental school in the nation, UT Health Science Center-San Antonio.

In order to provide her patients with the best options for improving their smiles and in the pursuit of excellence in dentistry, Dr. Daftarian is committed to a lifetime of learning in the dental field. To this end, she participates in many hours of continuing education programs each year, most recently focusing on Oral Sedation, Implants, Cosmetic Dentistry as well as the use of Botox for treatment of Temporomandibular pain. This advanced training allows Dr. Daftarian to insure her patients’ maximum comfort during dental treatment and to discover the latest techniques for creating their best-looking smiles.

“Dentistry is special to me only because of my patients. I know every individual is unique and will spend the time to listen and answer all of your questions. My goal is to give you the beautiful smile you deserve!”

A true “family” dentist, Dr. Daftarian has a young son and a five year old daughter who encompass her entire world. Out of our office, she enjoys reading, painting, and spending time with her husband Moe, her family and friends.

Dr. Sohail Saghezchi

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Dr. Sohail Saghezchi is a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.

He received his D.D.S. degree from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 2002, and was honored with the Dean’s Award for graduating salutatorian of his class. He subsequently went into private practice as a general dentist with his father for eight years. In 2010, he gave up his practice and returned to formal education to begin a one-year Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery internship at UCSF. The following year he began the 6-year Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency program at UCSF. He received his Medical Degree from UCSF School of Medicine in 2015. He completed a one-year General Surgery internship at UCSF in 2016 and graduated from their Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency program in 2017. Following graduation, Dr. Saghezchi stayed on at UCSF as a full-time clinical faculty member.

Dr. Saghezchi practices full scope Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery including dental extractions, sedation and anesthesia, dental implant surgery including zygomatic implants and bone grafting, orthognathic and sleep apnea surgery, maxillofacial trauma, benign pathology and reconstruction, TMJ surgery, and nerve injury with microvascular nerve repair. He’s truly passionate about helping others and cares greatly about his patients and the service he provides for them. Dr. Saghezchi, in tangent with joining our Menlo Park Smiles team, remains the Residency Program Director and Assistant Professor at UCSF.

When he is not working, Dr. Saghezchi enjoys traveling and spending as much time as he can with his wife and two young daughters.

Dr. Shantia Kazemi

Periodontist & Implant Surgeon

Dr. Kazemi is a board certified Periodontist & Implant surgeon. She completed her certificate in Periodontal surgery & Implant dentistry at University of Southern California, Los Angeles. During her time at USC, she was the President of ‘’Advanced Periodontology Residents Study Club’’ and was selected to receive ‘’Associate endowed scholarship’’ from USC School of Dentistry. Before her time at USC, she earned MS degree in Clinical Translational Sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago where she received the ‘’Board of trustees Scholarship’’ for academic excellence. A recipient of several awards and honors, she has also lectured nationally and internationally on implant dentistry and laser dentistry. Dr. Kazemi has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals, and serves as peer reviewer and associate editor of scientific journals in the field of implant dentistry and periodontology. Dr. Kazemi strives to make dental visits a low-stress experience with minimal discomfort. She takes pride in providing high quality evidencebased care to each patient based on their unique individual needs. When not working, she spends time with her family & friends, enjoys hiking, working out, cooking and traveling.

Arlyn A. Lucido

Office Manager

Arlyn is known by her colleagues for being passionate about everything she does. Her management and level of care is exemplified whenever she helps a patient. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce majoring in Accounting while also being a post-graduate intern in Physical Therapy. In addition, she has also completed Hospital Administration courses that helped her managed her late husband’s practice as a physician in the Philippines. Considered a veteran in both the dental and medical industry, she has experience in the healthcare field for over 25 years and has seen countless success in her career as a practice manager. She is a self-driven person who always aims for perfection and satisfaction. She bases her life around the Golden Rule wherein “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

On her days off, she loves to unwind and listen to Enya, Clannad, and the Celtic Woman while enjoying her time making artsy crafts for her home in San Jose. Also, she loves using her pastry chef skills to whip up the most wonderful desserts for her family and friends.

Veronica Mezarina

Registered Dental Assistant

Veronica has been in the dental field for over 11 years. She received her training as a Registered Dental Assistant at Dental Specialties Institute. The dental field is Veronica’s True passion and she is extremely grateful for every opportunity she has been blessed with. She loves getting to know all of our patiences and helping Dr. Daftarian create beautiful smiles. Her mission is to ensure all our patients are happy and well taken care of. One of her goals is to become a registered Dental Assistant Extended Functions.

She happily resides in the city of Mountain View, where she is living with her boyfriend and her two lovely chihuahuas. In her Leisure time, she enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her family, she loves taking vacation to get to know different countries and discovering new places, enjoying new cultures and food.

Diana Dorstewitz

Dental Hygienist

“I am committed to making hygiene appointments comfortable and positive”

Diana Dorstewitz is a California native and has been a valued member of our team for over five years. Her focus is on providing high-quality care to my patients and educating them how to maintain great oral health. As a hygienist, her aim is to listen to your concerns and formulate a healthy plan and that will meet with your personal needs, placing high priority on prevention.

Diana graduated with honors from the College of San Mateo was an Associate’s degree in Science. At this time, Diana was proudly accepted into New York University Dental School and was offered acceptance into a DDS program. Her family being the priority, she declined as New York would be too far from her children. She graduated instead with an associate in Dental Hygiene at Western Career College, class of 2008.

Diana has trained Arabian horses in the A rated circuit and had at one time an Arabian horse breeding center. They showed nationally and she was even Region 1 Champion! Currently Diana’s enjoying renewing her tennis game and yoga and walking and cycling with her husband John.

Patty Wood

Dental Hygienist

Patty Wood has been a dental hygienist for over thirty-nine years and still loves what she does! Educating and taking care of her patient’s needs has been her passion. She is constantly taking continuing education classes to keep up with the latest science and dental research. She recently joined the Menlo Park Smiles team and loves her new dental family.

Patty graduated from the Dental Hygiene program at Cabrillo College. Going to a school near the ocean gave her a love for living in close proximity to the beach. She lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains with her husband and has two grown daughters living in the area.

On her days off, Patty loves to snow ski, hike, and attend her body combat classes. She enjoys traveling abroad with her husband and exploring different cultures. Her most recent adventure was a trip to Viet Nam. Her new past time is playing Pickle Ball with her friends on the weekends!

Coconut

Emotional Support Pupppy

Our sweetest, kindest, most lovable emotional support dog Coconut. She’s a three-year-old Coton De Tulear and is a beloved member of Dr. Daftarian’s family. She’s the office clown and loves to bring a smile to each and every one of our faces! Coco grew up with the doctor’s little girl and she’s extremely great with our little patients! Let us know if you would like Coco with you during your appointment.

Bocelli

Emotional Support Puppy

One of our most welcomed team members, our dental support puppy, Bocelli (Bochy). He is a miniature Pomeranian. Bochy is very supportive, comforting and of course adorable.