Meet the Team

Dr. Amiri

Dentist

I am a dentist, and some of the most meaningful years of my career were between 1990 and 1993, when I served in an underprivileged region. It was a place where even basic necessities were uncertain-there was no reliable city water, and electricity was available only for a few hours a day. Still, we did everything we could. I traveled to remote villages in vehicles provided by UNICEF and oher United Nations health programs, bringing care to people who otherwise had none. The conditions were extremely limited. There were no proper dental chairs- only simple ones-and the equipment we had was minimal. The only treatment I could offer was a tooth removal. And that was often the hardest part. In a modern clinic, many of those teeth could have been saved. But in those villages, there were no alternatives-no advanced tools, no follow -up care, no second chances. Every decision had to be made based on what was possible, not what was ideal. Those years taught me something I carry with me to this day: It is easy to judge from a distance, but much harder to truly understand without being there. Despite the challenges, the experience was deeply rewarding. The gratitude of my patients was sincere and unforgettable, and it left a lasting impact on me. To this day, those years remain among the most meaningful of my career-not because of what I had, but because of what we were able to give, even with so little.

Dr. Ruchi

Dentist

Greetings! I'm Dr. Ruchi Adhikari, A passionate dentist with a heart for both clinical excellence & community service. Originally hailing from the picturesque land of Nepal! I embarked on my dental journey in 2011, and my commitment to dental health has only deepened since then. After graduating from dental school in Nepal, I dedicated several years to providing comprehensive dental care as a general Dentist. In 2018, I embraced a new chapter in my life when I got married and moved to the United States, where I continued to pursue my dental career. In 2021, I had the privilege of further honoring my skills at the esteemed UCSF through the international dental program, a transformative two years experience that expanded my horizons in the field of dentistry. My passion for dentistry extends beyond the clinic walls. I've had the privilege of organizing and participating in dental camps in the remote regions of Nepal, where access to oral health care is limited. These experiences have reinforced my belief and the importance of accessible and compassionate dental care for all. Outside the realm of dentistry, you'll often find me immersed in the world of music, savoring the flavors of diverse cuisines, and indulging in the joy of cooking. Nature has a special place in my heart, and I find solace in its beauty and serenity.

Selam Kassaye

Hygienist

My goal as a dental hygienist is to give high-quality care to my patients and educate them on how to maintain good oral health. I do believe a healthy mouth and a healthy body go hand in hand and good oral hygiene can improve our overall health. I have been in the dental hygiene field for over fifteen years now and I am very passionate about my job. As a hygienist, I focus more on preventing and treating gum disease. I strongly believe good home care and routine dental cleaning lead to good oral health. I am committed to making your hygiene visit a comfortable and positive experience. I graduated from Taft College with an Associate of Science and Dental Hygiene Degree. I speak English and Amharic which is my native language. One of my goals is to learn Spanish. I have been living in the bay area since 2009 and I love everything about it. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and photography.

Angie

Angie is a compassionate and dedicated dental professional, originally born in Mexico but raised in Oakland, California. She completed her education at Unity Council School in 2011 and embarked on her journey as a dental assistant in the same year. Angie's deep motivation for her work comes from her greatest passions in life, which are her son and the love and joy they share together. It is this bond that fuels her dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of her patients every day.

In her free time, Angie finds fulfillment in spending quality time with her family and embarking on exciting adventures. Whether it's exploring new places or simply cherishing moments with her loved ones, these experiences enrich her life and keep her inspired.

Working alongside Dr. Amiri and the rest of the staff has been a remarkable experience for Angie. The dental office environment feels like a second family to her, providing a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. Over the course of the past two years, Angie has developed strong bonds with her colleagues and has found great satisfaction in her role of making patients smile. Seeing the positive impact she can make on their lives through dental care brings her immense joy and reaffirms her love for what she does.

Angie's biography reflects her background, her passion for family and adventure, and her commitment to providing excellent dental care. With her warm and caring nature, she consistently strives to go above and beyond for her patients, ensuring their smiles are not only healthy but also filled with confidence and happiness. Angie's dedication and love for her profession make her an invaluable asset to the dental office and a source of comfort for her patients.

Desiree

Desiree is a dedicated professional in the dental field, driven by a desire to provide excellent oral health care to her patients. She was born and raised in Oakland, California, and graduated from Fremont High School. Desiree's passion for dentistry stems from her commitment to improving the oral health of those she serves.

As a dental practitioner, Desiree takes pride in her ability to contribute to the well-being of her patients. She strives to provide the highest level of care, helping individuals achieve optimal oral health and maintain beautiful smiles. Desiree finds fulfillment in the opportunity to positively impact the lives of her patients through her work.

Aside from her professional endeavors, Desiree is equally dedicated to raising her children to become future leaders. She is passionate about instilling in them the values of responsibility, ambition, and kindness. Desiree sees her role as a parent as an opportunity to shape the next generation and make a positive impact on the world.

Desiree joined Dr. Amiri's dental office in June 2022 and considers it the best professional experience she has had thus far. The office environment is characterized by a strong sense of family and a shared commitment to achieving goals. This supportive atmosphere fosters collaboration and allows for the delivery of exceptional dental care.

In her free time, Desiree prioritizes self-care activities. She understands the importance of taking care of her own well-being to better serve her patients and her family. Engaging in self-care allows her to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Desiree's biography highlights her dedication to the dental field, her passion for promoting oral health, and her commitment to raising her children as future leaders. Her positive experiences at Dr. Amiri's office and her focus on self-care demonstrate her determination to provide the best care possible while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life.

Mariana Chavez

Mariana is a compassionate and caring professional who radiates warmth and positivity. Known for her ever-present smile and efficient work ethic, she has dedicated her career to supporting patients and her team.

A proud mother of four and deeply family-oriented, Mariana began her journey in the dental field as a receptionist at the age of 17. Her hard work and dedication led to her becoming an office manager just four years later.

For Mariana, her greatest motivation comes from her patients and her team. Her time at Oakland Smile Dental has been a journey of personal and professional growth, and she remains committed to ensuring that everyone she works with feels valued and cared for.

With a passion for creating a positive environment, Mariana looks forward to continuing her work at Oakland Smile Dental for years to come, always prioritizing the happiness and well-being of her patients and team.