Our Doctors
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Meet our Doctors:
- Dr. Dalvir S. Pannu
- Dr. Andrew Nguyen
- Dr. Nkem Obiechina
- Dr. Pooja Goel
- Dr. Brian Yee
- Dr. Valerie Tran
- Dr. Rakhi Jani
- Dr. Ramya Ramamurthy
- Dr. Reshma Nazir
- Dr. Jaspreet Harika
Dr. Dalvir S. Pannu, D.D.S.
Dr. Dalvir S. Pannu has been a practicing dentist since 1995. In 1996 he opened his first dental practice in India, where he gained invaluable experience and acumen. In October of 1997 he was invited by the American Dental Association (ADA) to present the table clinic on Endodontics, at their annual session held in Washington, D.C. At this time he fell in love with the United States and became passionate about practicing dentistry in California. He became particularly enamored of the San Francisco Bay area, and soon took up residence and work here.
Dr. Pannu spent several more years gaining superlative expertise as a dentist. And also came to learn and provide advanced techniques and treatment in Invisalign Orthodontics. So, ever passionate for new horizons, in 2003 he founded the Pannu Dental Care in San Jose, California. Not surprisingly, the clinic achieved instant success as well as a tremendous retinue of patients, admirers and professional interests. So the good doctor was inspired to open additional offices in 2004 and 2006, in Fremont and Cupertino, California.
Continuing his interest in cutting edge of dentistry, Dr. Pannu in a short time gained the vast experience in latest innovation in orthodontics: INVISALIGN invisible braces. He also acquired special training in IMPLANT SURGERY. And became one of a handful of prestigious doctors in the region who performs and provides both components of implantation. These two key components are: placement surgery of implants, and restorative surgery that consists of refurbishing implants with crowns.
- Recipient of prestigious Invisalign Innovator Award, 2004
- Became Top 5% premium provider of Invisalign in nation, 2005
- Received expert special training in Implantation & Implant Surgery, 2006
- Became Top 1% Elite provider of Invisalign in nation, 2007
- Is co-host of popular cultural talk show on Indian radio
- Hosts several radio talk shows on dentistry & orthodontics
- Continues to provide dental advancements on TV talk shows
- Interviewed on Heartbeat of America, hosted by William Shatner
- Continues to offer free dental camps throughout northern California
- Celebrity dentist to many film stars/models from U.S., Canada and India
- Event host member honoring People of Distinction; interviewed Bill Clinton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lance Armstrong and others for secrets to success
- Founder of www.pharala.com, the first domain of its kind designed to connect rural village immigrants who have settled across the globe
- Celebrated 10-year residency in U.S. by running first half-marathon on October 14, 2007
- Participates with marathon team in rigorous programs to raise funds for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
An avid hiker and runner, Dr. Pannu also loves playing volleyball and chess. He is happily married to Ravneet Pannu, a graduate of the University of Southern California (USC) and former RN with Kaiser Permanente, who is now the business manager at the PANNU DENTAL CARE. The good doctor is also the proud parent of two lovely children: Jay, age seven; and Jasmine, age five.
Dr. Pannu has many concerns and passions in life. Besides being a loving husband and devoted father and serving family and friends, he is deeply committed to his dental practice as well as to helping others. And giving back to the community whenever and however he can. Of course, being a laid-back, congenial kind of guy, Dr. Pannu is also a techno junkie at times. All three of his dental offices are filled with state-of-the-art equipment and gadgets. And while it's not quite sci-fi material, it definitely well beyond ordinary image screens, power computers, diagnostic cameras and digital x-ray machines.
Having the best that modern dentistry can provide is a great thing, he says. That way he can always offer the best to every patient he is privileged to treat and make smile!
Dr. Andrew Nguyen, D.D.S. (Orthodontist & Pedodontist)
Dr. Andrew Nguyen is a Board Certified Orthodontist and Diplomate of the American Academy of Orthodontist. He is a graduate of UCLA School of Dentistry where he completed his dual training specialty in both Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.
Dr. Nguyen’s interest is in child growth and development and served with the UCLA Craniofacial Team for 3 years. He currently retains hospital privileges at The Children’s Hospital, Sky Ridge Hospital, and Presbyterian~St. Luke’s Hospital.
Dr. Nguyen continues active research at UCLA in biomaterial sciences, bone biology, and oropharyngeal fungal infections.
- Orthodontist & Facial Orthopedic Specialist
- Board Certified Orthodontist by American Board of Orthodontist
- Diplomate of the American Academy of Orthodontist
Dr. Obiechina completed her training in periodontics and implant dentistry from Columbia University. She received her doctor of dental medicine degree from University of Pittsburgh in 1998. She is the recipient of the Melvin Morris award for clinical excellence from Columbia University as well as the Northeast Regional Board Student award for excellence in periodontics from University of Pittsburgh Dental School
Dr. Obiechina has extensive training in periodontal regeneration procedures, soft tissue grafting as well as partial and full mouth reconstruction utilizing dental implants, and all phases of periodontics. She is also skilled with grafting procedures utilizing ramus, chin grafts, and freeze dried cortical bone to prepare implant sites by increasing bone height, as well as sinus elevation utilizing osteotome and lateral window techniques.
She has been practicing all scopes of periodontics and implant dentistry for over nine years, and has active licenses in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and California. She has published a book released March 2009 entitled: Essential periodontal therapy: A patient’s guide to periodontal disease and periodontal treatment. She also published an article in September 2000 edition of Dentistry Today on treatment of drug-induced gingival overgrowth. She is also a co-author of a paper published in the European Journal of Oral Sciences October 2002 titled Periodontal microbiota and clinical periodontal status in a rural sample in southern Thailand. She has also given a presentation for the April 2001 ADA meeting in Washington D.C. on Periodontal and Prosthetic approach to dental implants. She remains active within the field of periodontics.
Dr. Pooja Goel, D.D.S. (Associate Dentist)
Dr. Pooja Goel has been practicing cosmetic dentistry for nearly five years and is one of the most familiar faces at Pannu Dental. She has been happily with the practice since Dr. Pannu opened in 2003. And has played a key role in Pannu Dental’s success. In dental school, Dr. Pooja excelled as a student and graduated as a Gold Medalist. In addition to being a member of the ADA, CDA and SCDS, Dr. Goel is certified with Invisalign and Lumineers. She has fun working with patients of all ages, and shows great care and understanding when treating and interacting with them. Her skills are nonpareil when it comes to performing root canals, extractions, and cosmetic work.
Dr. Brian Yee, D.D.S. (Associate Dentist)
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Brian graduated with a dental degree from the University of California at San Francisco in the year 2000. He is committed to bring comfortable, knowledgeable, quality patient care. Outside the office, he enjoys watching and playing sports, cooking, and traveling anywhere tropical.
Dr. Valerie Tran, D.D.S. (Associate Dentist)
Dr. Valerie Tran graduated from New York University College of Dentistry, and practiced her vocation several years in New York before joining PANNU DENTAL CARE. She is fluent in both English and Vietnamese, and is a board certified Invisalign dental practitioner. Dr. Tran has also receive exceptional training in general and special patient care, pediatric outreach, and as a volunteer for Special Olympics dental screening.
She says her mother is her number one hero. And intones that she loves most of all, a sunny day with a little breeze, spend quality time with family, friends, and listen to music.
Some of her interests include reading, hiking, biking, singing, sketching and playing with children. She is truly an invaluable member of PANNU DENTAL CARE, and a friend to all.
Dr. Rakhi Jani, D.D.S. (Associate Dentist)
Dr. Rakhi has been a practicing dentist for 12 years with 7 years in California. She has been with the practice since 2006 and has extensive experience in all aspects of dentistry and oral health and prides herself on her strong dedication to patient care. Her unparalleled commitment to excellence, quality and detail in her work along priority and focus on patient comfort, is commendable. She finds educating patients, improving their oral health as well as smile, to be extremely rewarding. She goes the extre mile to make a positive difference in the well-being of her patients.
Dr. Rakhi is dedicated to life-long learning through continuing dental education and holds memberships in American Dental Association, California Dental Association and Southern Alameda County Dental Society.
Dr. Ramya Ramamurthy , D.D.S. (Endodontist)
Dr. Ramya Ramamurthy is a Board-eligible member of the American Association of Endodontists (AAE). Dr. Ramamurthy’s dental pursuit began in India in 1993 and since then she has continued with advanced studies & clinical training in rapidly evolving science of Dentistry & Endodontics in particular. She stays at the forefront of endodontic world with a particular emphasis on diagnosis and treatment of endodontic infections & microsurgery. Endodontics is more a passion than a profession for her. Dr. Ramamurthy is known for her gentle & compassionate care for the patients.
Dr. Ramamurthy’s comprehensive dental/endodontic education from US & Indian universities include Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS) from Bangalore University, India, Certificate in Clinical Endodontics from National Institute of Clinical Endodontics (NICE), India, MS in Oral Biology with specialization in intra-oral digital radiology from University of Louisville (UofL), KY, Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), CA and Endodontic Residency training from Temple University, PA. During this period she was recognized for her research, clinical & leadership excellence with numerous awards including Northern California Endodontic achievement award (2007), Outstanding Peer Award (UCSF June 2006) & Outstanding Clinician Award (NICE , 2001). She was also awarded research grants such as Gendex Industrial grant & AAE resident research grant for some of her research works. She has given numerous presentations at various national & international conferences such as AAE, IADR, KDA, Research days at UofL, UCSF & Temple Universities. In addition, she also has authored a chapter for an endodontic book (Ingle's Endodontics 6th edition) and her works have been published in many peer reviewed journals such as Journal of Endodontics (JoE), Dentomaxillofacial Radiology Journal & Oral Surgery Oral Medicine Oral Pathology Oral Radiology Endodontics (OOOOE). Dr. Ramamurthy is a member of honor society ‘Phi Kappa Phi’. She is also an active member of various professional associations including the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), American Dental Association (ADA), Indian Dental Association, California Dental Association (CDA) & Santa Clara County Dental Society (SCCDS).
When away from dentistry, she enjoys spending time with her supportive husband and adorable son. In her spare time she loves to teach endodontics & her other hobbies involve classical music, interior designing, water adventures and gourmet vegetarian cooking.
Dr. Reshma Nazir, D.D.S., FFDRCSI
Dr. Nazir was born and raised in Bangalore, India and graduated at the top of her class with a D.D.S. from the University of Mysore in 1993 where they awarded her “Best Outgoing Student”. The pursuit of higher education took her to the U.K. in 1994. There she completed a four-year hospital-based residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery leading to the Fellowship of the Faculty of Dentistry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 1998. She also obtained a Certification in Implantology from the Branemark Institute.
The Fellowship opened many new doors for Dr. Nazir and she used this as an opportunity to travel and work within Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Family ties then brought Dr. Nazir to California, where she has been in practice since 2002.
Dr. Nazir takes great interest in getting to know her patients and places a deep emphasis on educating them about their dental needs and concerns. Her exceptional skills and compassionate nature are the main factors why she is valued and respected by most. She is an active member of the ADA, CDA and Contra Costa Dental Society.
Never one to rest on her laurels, Dr. Nazir joined an Orthodontic program in 2007 and is currently one of the few doctors around certified in Orthodontics as well.
Dr. Nazir lives with her family in the beautiful city of San Ramon. She is an avid reader who also enjoys the great outdoors. Dr Nazir is an invaluable member of our team and has been associated with Pannu Dental Care since 2007.
Dr. Jaspreet Harika, D.D.S.
Dr. Jaspreet Harika obtained BDS degree from JSS Dental College and Hospital, Mysore, India in 1999. She completed 1 year of residency at GRD Amritsar, India and joined G.N.D. Dental College and Research Institute, Sunam, India in year 2000. She graduated from UCSF School of Dentistry, San Francisco in 2007.
Dr. Harika believes in practicing quality dental care and takes extra efforts to ensure patient comfort. She says “Working with kids provides me with most satisfaction and seeing a smile on a child's face is the most rewarding thing in my life”. Dr. Harika lives in Fremont with her husband and 2 kids and enjoys reading, cycling and spending time with the family.
>> Click here to view Pictures of Office Activities
