Santa Monica Esthetic Dentistry Team
Dr Roshen Ganesh DDS
The Doctor
Dr. Roshen Ganesh received his Doctorate in Dental Science from the University of Western Cape in Cape Town, South Africa in 1983 and Post Doctorate Diploma in Dental Surgery from the University of Stellensbosch, Cape Town. He served as the dental director of a private dental clinic in Verulam, South Africa for 22 years prior to starting his practice in Santa Monica in 2004. His extensive experience with advanced procedures and technology is a product of training all over the world.
Dr. Ganesh was one of the first dentists worldwide that trained with the CEREC technology starting in 1994. He holds postgraduate advanced certifications in CEREC technology from the University of Zurich, Switzerland, the University of Liverpool, Great Britain and the University of Pretoria, South Africa. He has also trained with Sirona in Bensheim Germany with CEREC 1. Dr. Ganesh has trained intensively at various prestigious dental institutes in the US on esthetics, endodontics and implant reconstructive rehabilitations.
Dr. Ganesh currently lives in Santa Monica with his wife, and is the father of two sons. He is an avid cyclist and marathoner. In his free time he enjoys windsurfing, kitesurfing, sitting down with a book at his favorite local coffee shop, and meeting new people. Whether in the office or at home, Dr. Ganesh is constantly striving to build beautiful, meaningful smiles.
Dr. Ganesh is a member of the Westside Study Club, West Los Angeles Dental Society, California Dental Association and the American Dental Association.
Cristina Rodriguez
Dental Hygienist
Cristina has been involved in the dental field since 1995, first working as a dental assistant, then office manager before finally becoming a dental hygienist. Cristina graduated Magnum Cum Laude from the University of Southern California Dental Hygiene Program and went on to receive her Master's Degree in Public Health from the USC Keck School of Medicine. Cristina has also taught part-time at the USC School of Dentistry as a clinical faculty member in the Dental Hygiene Department. Cristina is passionate about providing dental health both home and abroad. She has participated in numerous international dental mission trips; traveling to developing nations in order to provide excellent dental care to local communities who do not have access to qualified dental professionals. In her free time, Cristina enjoys traveling, reading, and adrenaline sports.
Thoshnee
Office Manager
Originally from sunny South Africa, Thoshnee holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, a Master’s Degree in Education from Arkansas State University, and diplomas in International Trade and Export Management from the Institute of Export, South Africa. Before joining the Santa Monica Esthetic Dentistry team, Thoshnee taught high school mathematics for over 11 years. Thoshnee has years of experience in business management, education, and patient care. She has brightened our office for years with her incredible dedication and compassion for others. Thoshnee loves working with children and is passionate about providing our patients and team with a comfortable and caring environment. She currently lives in Santa Monica with her husband, and is the mother of two sons. In her free time, Thoshnee enjoys hiking, traveling, ordering Thai food, and supporting local shops in Santa Monica.
Andrew
Executive Administrative Assistant & Dental Assistant
Andrew was born and raised in Sacramento. He has just graduated from UCLA's class of 2014 with a Bachelors of Science in Physiological Sciences and will be applying to dental school in 2015. He is an amazing individual who has worked at a variety of places: Previously as a research assistant at UCLA's Dental School in the Oral Biology and Medicine Division, and as a Building Supervisor at UCLA's Pauley Pavilion. Andrew loves to be active and works hard not only at work but in the gym with other athletes. When he's not at the gym, he spends his free time outdoors playing soccer, skiing and camping. His dedication to work is only trumped by his desire to become a dentist. He has volunteered under many private dental practices as well as UCLA's Dental School, learning as much about the field as possible and even traveling abroad to Chiang Mai, Thailand as a dental assistant. Andrew loves working with all people and is passionate about forming strong relationships with new individuals. He has traveled around Southeast Asia after graduation and looks to travel all of Europe and South America.
Eddie
Marketing Coordinator, Webmaster & Dental Assistant
Born in San Jose, then moving all over California from San Francisco, Elvin Forest, San Marcos, Carlsbad and then finally Los Angeles, Eddie still lives in the golden state today. Eddie is currently an upbeat third year UCLA Psycho-biological Student. His dream is to become a general dentist and plans to apply to dental school in 2016. Prior to joining Santa Monica Esthetic Dentistry, Eddie has served as a dental assistant at Adriatic Dental for 3 years. He is a very goal oriented and self driven individual who is also a perfectionist. He is the current External Vice President of the Taiwanese American Union (UCLA) and is always busy and working hard. You can expect nothing but the best from him. In addition, Eddie enjoys all sorts of extracurricular activities. When he's not working he enjoys spending his time being physically active. He is currently on the UCLA Club Gymnastics team and has played recreational soccer for over 10 years. Eddie is an individual who will almost never turn down to any challenge that comes his way.
Samyra (Sam)
Dental Assistant
Sam received her certification in Dental Assisting in 2014, and is continuing her education towards becoming a Certified Expanded Function Dental Assistant. She worked in graphic design for a number of years, a career that although allowed her to be very creative, was also very isolating, requiring many hours in front of a computer. Sam decided to explore a career in dentistry, which would allow for her to utilize her artistic training, as well as work alongside wonderful people. She feels that the best part of her job are the patients, who she loves meeting and learns a great deal from. Sam strives to take to heart their fears and concerns and aims to provide compassionate care to patients. Joining the SMED team has certainly reinforced her passion for working in the dental field. A native of Queens, NYC, Sam currently lives in Santa Monica where she enjoys outdoor activities with her terrier mix, Luke. She also enjoys cooking, and learning about other cultures through experiencing their diverse cuisines. Sam is an avid painter with an affinity towards abstract art. She is bilingual and speaks Farsi fluently.
Ivy
Volunteer
Originally from Wenzhou, China, Yi Yang (Ivy) is currently a third-year Physiological Science student at UCLA pursuing a career as a general dentist. She previously has been volunteered in UCLA School of Dentistry General Dental Clinic, and also served as Dental Assistant in few dental clinics and Hospitals back in China during summer. She also is External Vice President for Transcultural Dental Club at UCLA, which the team serves as dental assistant and brings dental care to the underprivileged area in Honduras during the summer. Ivy is also actively involved in other campus events as well, she is a Marketing Associate in Fellowship for International Services and Health, a Fundraising Chair for iVolunteer, a Specialist in Unicamp in 2014, and more excitingly, she has been chosen as the Protagonist for UCLA 2015 International Recruitment Video. She also extends her diverse interests in academics too. Right now she is a Research Assistant under UCLA Department of Integral Biology and Physiology as well as UCLA Department of Mathematics. In her leisure time, she enjoys cooking and food in general. Having never been living in Los Angeles before, she also loves exploring the beautiful city and going to various concerts and music festivals.
