Dr. Steven Arima
Born in Los Angeles, Dr. Arima was raised in the San Fernando Valley and has lived in Valencia since 1989. With a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry from California State University, Northridge, Dr. Arima received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Bachelor’s in Dental Science from University of California, San Francisco. Selected for a residency program in Advanced Cosmetic and General Practice Dentistry, Dr. Arima became a certified resident at Loma Linda Veteran’s Hospital.
In 1989, Dr. Arima married Rhonda and moved to the Santa Clarita Valley to open his cosmetic and family dental practice in the new and growing community. In April of 2007, after many years of practice in Saugus and Newhall, Dr. Arima finished his custom-built, professionally-decorated dream office. The practice is located in a brand new building on Tourney Road in Valencia, where Dr. Arima continues to provide excellent cosmetic and family dental care. After many years of building beautiful smiles in Santa Clarita Valley, Dr. Arima maintains the enthusiasm and motivation that prompted him to pursue a career in dentistry. He is an active member with the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, San Fernando Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Arima is a current fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
Dr. Arima’s three children are his pride and joy: Ryan (the oldest), Megan (the only girl), and Chasen (the baby of the family). When he isn’t working, Dr. Arima enjoys golf, scuba diving, and playing online games. Dr. Arima is also a nationally ranked second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. His main pastime is having fun with the family and enjoying his kids’ many sporting and club endeavors.
Connie Castro, Practice Manager
Connie has been working in the dental field for over 25 years. Her goal is to provide every patient with a positive and rewarding experience. She is happy to schedule your dental appointments and to coordinate your course of treatment. She is an expert at understanding and explaining your insurance benefits in order to help you achieve a happy, healthy, smile.
Niki Caballero, Dental Hygienist
Working with Dr. Arima since 2007, and having over 10 years’ experience in the dental field, Niki has become a very well-rounded dental hygienist that works well with all types of patients. Her background includes working as a para-educator, which allowed her the wonderful experience of working with disabled children for 2 years. With a very gentle touch and caring approach, Niki’s main goals are prevention and education, while always setting a very comfortable and relaxing tone.
Denise Litwin,
Dental Hygienist
Denise has over 40 years of experience as a dental hygienist. She was a past president of the San Fernando Valley Dental Hygienists’ Society. Denise enjoys spending quality time with her twin daughters and two grandsons. She also loves going out on the town with her friends, and you can often see Denise lining up for the newest movie blockbuster or hottest concerts in town.
Rosa Anguiano, Dental Assistant
Rosa has been a dental assistant since 2001. She is very compassionate about her treatment of patients and has a very gentle hand. She has two lovely daughters that keep her on her toes. In her spare time she enjoys hiking and camping. She also likes to spend her free time binge watching on Netflix.
Patty Swingley, Office Receptionist
Patty is an expert at patient relations in the office. With her relaxed South Carolina demeanor she will strive to make your visit as pleasant and as streamlined as possible. Patty loves patient care and is always glad to see you. So if you get a courtesy call from our office and hear that southern twang, know that you will be well taken care of by Patty.
Dr. Marian Yassa
Dr. Marian Yassa is a graduate of University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), earning her Bachelors of Science degree in Neuroscience. Advancing at UCLA to their School of Dentistry in 2007. Dr. Yassa furthered her education by attending the General Practice Residency program at the Sepulveda Veterans Hospital in California. She has enjoyed practicing dentistry every day since.
Dr. Yassa is focused on always performing dentistry practices the right way, and her staying actively educated in the ever-advancing field of dentistry is a tribute to Dr. Yassa’s commitment to excellence. Her extensive knowledge in all fields of dentistry is the result of her constant hunger for learning and development. In addition to attending continuing education courses, Dr. Yassa is an active member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the California Dental Association (CDA), and the San Fernando Valley Dental Society.
When you meet Dr. Yassa, don’t be surprised to feel like she is a friend. Dr. Yassa wants to make sure you feel comfortable and are taken care of by a most qualified professional. Her patients say that she is very easy to talk to and shows much empathy while their teeth are getting worked on. Dr. Yassa treats you like her family, while providing unmatched, meticulous dental thoroughness and perfectionism. Her approach and demeanor resonates with patients in a way that simply cannot be taught.
Dr. Yassa realizes a trip to the dentist can be accompanied by stress and anxiety for many people. For this reason she goes above and beyond to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible. Dr. Yassa is married to a wonderful husband and has two amazing children. She sees each patient as a loving extension of her family.
Stephanie Jozsa, Office Manager
Stephanie has been in the dental field since 1980. She is a Registered Dental Assistant and has practiced in oral and maxillofacial treatments in addition to general dentistry. She received her Associate of Arts degree in Business from Antelope Valley College in 1989. As a co-manager, she helps patients not only understand their treatment needed, but also their insurance benefits. Stephanie is trusted by patients that seek her sound financial advice so they are able to maintain ideal dental health.
In her free time Stephanie enjoys boating, swimming and spending time with family and friends.
Forouzan, Dental Hygienist
Forouzan has been a Registered Dental Hygienist for 10 years. Her commitment to personal and professional development is second to none, and her passion for continuing education has allowed her to stay on top of the latest industry trends, treatments, and technologies in dental hygiene. Forouzan’s mastery of the most innovate patient hygiene technologies all but ensures Dr Arima’s practice is well ahead of the industry. Forouzan wants to make sure that all of our patients have a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
Claudia de la Flor, Dental Hygienist
Claudia graduated from USC with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene in 1991.
She is passionate about her career and the health of the patients she treats. That care is conveyed by her kindness and gentle touch. Claudia is very active with the San Fernando Valley Dental Hygienists’ Society.
In her free time Claudia enjoys an array of hobbies including outdoor activities and singing with the Threshold Choir.
Cathy Pachuca, Dental Assistant
Cathy has worked as a dental receptionist in general dentistry since 2003. In 2007 she joined our team, working in both the front and back office. Cathy will take care of every need while you are in the office. She can take care of scheduling and is masterful at maximizing your insurance. Cathy can also assist while you are receiving treatment, and is always happy to comfort patients. Cathy’s goal is making sure you and your family have a pleasant experience in our office, from the time you walk in to the time you leave.