At Desert Dental Group, we take pride in the diverse expertise and compassionate care provided by our team of highly skilled dental care providers. Each member of our team brings unique strengths, experiences, and a shared commitment to delivering top-quality dental care in California. Get to know the talented professionals who are here to help you achieve your healthiest, most confident smile.
Dr. Barouir Deirmenjian
Dr. Barouir Deirmenjian is a dedicated general dentist passionate about providing high-quality care. As the founder and CEO of Desert Dental Group and its affiliates, he oversees multi-specialty dental practices across California.
Dr. Deirmenjian earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Irvine, in 1988, followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in 1999. He is board-certified by the Dental Board of California and an active member of the American Dental Association and California Dental Association.
Dr. Deirmenjian’s commitment extends beyond clinical care to community involvement, including volunteering for outreach initiatives and supporting underserved populations. Fluent in English, Armenian, Spanish, and French, he enjoys outdoor activities in his spare time.
Dr. Carol Calicdan
Dr. Carol Calicdan, originally from the Philippines, brings a unique perspective to dental care. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the East in Manila after transitioning from a background in veterinary science. Dr. Calicdan’s holistic approach to dentistry has been an asset to Desert Dental Group since 2011.
She is affiliated with the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and Tri-County Dental Society. Dr. Calicdan’s passion for continuous learning and patient care ensures every visit is a positive experience. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, gardening, and spending time with her son and three pets.
Dr. Jorge Flores
Dr. Jorge Flores earned his dental degree from the University of San Carlos in Guatemala and joined Desert Dental Group in 2017. He has completed advanced training in dental implants, sedation techniques, and oral surgery.
Dr. Flores enjoys working with patients to provide top-quality care and values the camaraderie within the team. Outside the office, he loves outdoor activities like swimming and biking, and he is a proud father to two daughters.
Dr. Benedicto Elepano
Dr. Benedicto Elepano earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Dentistry, College of Dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
Dr. Elepano focuses on providing thorough care and ensuring every patient’s experience is as pleasant as possible. In his free time, he enjoys basketball, mountain biking, and target shooting.
Dr. Joshua Pressman
Dr. Joshua Pressman earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from USC Dental School and specializes in full-mouth rehabilitation and implantology. He joined Desert Dental Group in 2023 and is committed to providing exceptional dental care.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Pressman enjoys playing the guitar and immersing himself in rock music.
Dr. Sarine Wajih Tchiroyan
Dr. Sarine Tchiroyan earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from St. Joseph University of Beirut and joined Desert Dental Group in 2021. She frequently attends continuing education courses in endodontics and esthetic dentistry.
Dr. Tchiroyan enjoys pilates, yoga, and outdoor activities and loves spending time with her three children.
Dr. Shahram (David) Mashhadian
Dr. Shahram Mashhadian earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University College of Dentistry and his MD degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine. A fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Mashhadian specializes in advanced oral and maxillofacial surgery.
He actively participates in volunteer efforts with Smile Generation Day and Thousand Smiles, emphasizing his commitment to community service.
Dr. Michael Vongphoe
Dr. Michael Vongphoe graduated from the University of Southern California and is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and American Association of Endodontists.
Dr. Vongphoe prioritizes clear communication and ensures a comfortable experience for every patient. Outside of the office, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.
Dr. Duy Nguyen
Dr. Duy Nguyen, originally from Vietnam, earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from UCLA. With extensive training in oral surgery and dental implants, he focuses on ensuring patients feel comfortable and cared for during their visits.
Dr. Nguyen enjoys spending time with his family and socializing with friends outside of work.
Dr. Seeun Mok
Dr. Seeun Mok is a skilled orthodontist who joined our practice in 2025. Originally from Yongin, South Korea—a city known for its famous Everland theme park—Dr. Mok moved to the United States at age 13 and completed high school in Columbia, Maryland. Her academic path has taken her across the country: she earned her undergraduate degree from MIT, her dental degree from the University of Pennsylvania, completed a General Practice Residency at UCLA, and pursued her Orthodontic Residency at The Ohio State University. She also completed The Aligner Intensive Fellowship and is a proud member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Dr. Mok loves that orthodontics blends physics and art—transforming smiles is like solving a puzzle, and she finds great joy in helping patients achieve results that make them smile with confidence.
Dr. Mok’s favorite part of her work is building lasting relationships with her patients over the course of their treatment. One of her most memorable cases involved a gentleman in his 70s who bonded with his grandchild over their shared experience with braces. For Dr. Mok, stories like these are a reminder of the meaningful impact of her work. When she’s not at the office, you’ll likely find her on the tennis court four times a week, often heading straight from work in tennis attire on Wednesday evenings. Although she doesn’t have any pets, she’s a devoted animal lover, especially fond of cats, dogs, and red pandas. What makes her workdays most enjoyable, she says, is being surrounded by a kind and hardworking team that makes every day rewarding.
Dr. Shebli Mehrazarin
Dr. Shebli Mehrazarin is a board-certified periodontist and implant specialist dedicated to preserving oral health and restoring confident smiles. Born in Berlin and raised in Orange County, California, Dr. Mehrazarin pursued his entire academic journey at UCLA, earning a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, a doctorate in dental surgery (DDS), and a PhD in oral biology. He went on to complete his advanced specialty training at Columbia University, where he earned both his residency certificate and a master’s degree in periodontics and implant dentistry.
With a deep passion for hands-on work and patient-centered care, Dr. Mehrazarin stays at the forefront of his field through continuing education. He has completed advanced training in full arch implant restoration, sinus grafting, guided bone regeneration, LANAP, and oral plastic surgery techniques. His professional affiliations include the American Academy of Periodontology, the Academy of Osseointegration, and the American Dental Association. Since joining our practice in 2024, he has been committed to helping patients understand their treatment options, save their natural teeth, and achieve long-term oral health.
Dr. Mehrazarin finds joy in building relationships with his patients and empowering them through education. He values the welcoming environment of the practice, where both the team and patients make every day meaningful. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, swimming, and cooking with his wife, Saman, and their son, Mahyar.
Dr. Sam Dason
Dr. Sam Dason is a dedicated general dentist at Desert Dental Group, bringing over three decades of experience to his patients. Originally from India, Dr. Dason immigrated to the U.S. in 1985 and earned his doctor of dental surgery (DDS) degree from Loma Linda University in 1993, following a master’s in Anthropology. He has continually expanded his expertise through advanced training in dental implants, prosthetics, and orthodontics with respected organizations such as HIOSSEN and EODO. A proud member of both the American Dental Association and California Dental Association, Dr. Dason joined Desert Dental Group in February 2025 and quickly became a valued part of the team. His approach to dentistry emphasizes not only technical skill but also emotional support—particularly for patients with dental anxiety or those navigating difficult oral health challenges.
Dr. Dason finds deep fulfillment in transforming lives through dental care—whether he’s restoring a confident smile or helping someone feel at ease in the dental chair. He is passionate about creating a welcoming environment where every patient feels heard, respected, and empowered. What he values most about his current practice is the strong sense of teamwork and the shared mission of compassionate care. Outside the office, Dr. Dason enjoys reading, staying active, cheering for the Lakers, traveling, and participating in community service through his church. He also cherishes time with his grandchildren, Ezra and Audrey, and his three beloved cats: Soya, Joy, and Simon.
Dr. Jesse Felema
Dr. Jesse Felema is a dedicated general dentist who brings a wealth of experience and compassion to every patient interaction. After earning his doctor of dental surgery degree (DDS) from Loma Linda University in 2017, Dr. Felema has continued to expand his skills through ongoing education and professional development. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentists, staying at the forefront of the latest advancements in dental care.
What truly drives Dr. Felema is the opportunity to build meaningful connections with his patients. He takes pride in collaborating with individuals to develop personalized treatment plans that not only restore their oral health but also rejuvenate their confidence. His favorite part of the job is educating patients about their dental conditions and empowering them to take an active role in their care. Dr. Felema values the welcoming, team-oriented atmosphere of his current practice and enjoys the diversity of the patient population he serves.
Originally born in Berrien Springs, Michigan, Dr. Felema spent his formative years in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Eastern Washington. Outside the office, he enjoys spending quality time with his family, reading, exploring the outdoors, and pursuing his passion for aviation as an enthusiastic pilot. His well-rounded background and warm, approachable demeanor help patients feel at ease, making every dental visit a positive experience.
Dr. Aaron Park
Dr. Aaron Park is a general dentist who focuses exclusively on endodontic care, including root canal therapy. Known for his precision and gentle approach, he is committed to relieving pain and preserving natural teeth. Born in Seoul and raised in the U.S., Dr. Park earned his DDS from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. He values being part of a collaborative, patient-focused team and finds joy in making dental care a comfortable experience. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, trying new food spots, and spending time with his wife and their dog.