Gentle Dental Chula Vista

About Me
Entering the field of dentistry was a natural choice for Dr. Lakisic: his father and brother were both dentists, and introduced him to this profession of helping others. He enjoys being able to help relieve people’s pain and discomfort, as well as improve better health and esthetics.
Dr. Haris Lakisic grew up in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but became a refugee and escaped to Southern California at the age of 15 due to war in his homeland. After finishing high school in Costa Mesa, Dr. Lakisic attended Pepperdine University for his Bachelor’s degree, then received a scholarship to attend the University of Pennsylvania for his D.M.D. degree. During his four years of dental school, he was consistently ranked in the top 10 of his class.
Dr. Lakisic’s hobbies include travel, fishing, and outdoor activities.

Education

B.S., Biology – Pepperdine University
D.M.D. – University of Pennsylvania

Affiliations

American Association of Endodontists

About Me

Dr. Villalpando-Falcon says, “I enjoy to restoring and enhancing a beautiful smile and helping recover the dental health of the patient. I want my patients to smile with more confidence and without pain.”

After graduating from De La Salle University, Dr. Villalpando-Falcon received her Dental Degree from the De La Salle University University Dental School. To keep up with evolving technology, she’s a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association and the Southern California Dental Society. She also speaks Spanish.

Dr. Villalpando-Falcon says, “Away from the office I enjoy reading books, listening to music and swimming.”

Education

B.S.–De La Salle University
D.D.S.–De La Salle University Dental School

Affiliations

American Dental Association California Dental Association Southern California Dental Society

About Me
Dr. Hackim says, “I am devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile using conservative, state-of-the-art procedures that will result in beautiful, long lasting smile! Building a foundation of trust by treating my patients as special individuals is vital to my success. I understand how uneasy some patients may feel about their dental visits, and how we can make a difference in providing a relaxing and positive experience.”
After graduating from UC Irvine, Dr. Hackim received his Dental Degree from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. He then went on to complete his specialty training in Orthodontics at University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Hackim is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. He is an active  member of many organizations including the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists and the California Society of Orthodontists.

Away from the office, Dr.Hackim stays active by swimming, bicycling and running. He and his wife Mary love to travel, but also enjoy spending their down time in their own backyard, or having some quiet time with a good book. They have a young daughter, Lauren and a cat named Sadie.

Education

B.S., Biology–UC Irvine
D.D.S.–University of the Pacific School of Dentistry
M.S., Orthodontics–University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

Affiliations

College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics
Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
California Society of Orthodontists
American Dental Association
California Dental Association
San Diego County Dental Society

About Me Dr Patel says, “Superior oral health is vital for a child’s development and I am here to help every step of the way.” Dr. Patel seeks to serve her community by meeting the oral and healthcare needs of infants, children, and adolescents, including those with special needs.

After graduating from UC San Diego, Dr. Patel received her dental degree from the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. She was also awarded her Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Columbia. A strong proponent of lifelong learning, Dr. Patel sought Board Certification and is now a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is also an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the San Diego County Dental Society.

She is a member of the clinical faculty at the UCLA Pediatric Dentistry Postgraduate Residency program at the Rady Children’s hospital in San Diego. Furthermore, Dr. Patel has developed an interest in international dental outreach and has provided dental care and education to the natives of impoverished and rural areas in India and Honduras.

Dr. Patel is a native of San Diego but was raised in Germany and Japan during much of her childhood, as her father served in the military for 30 years.

Education

B.S., Bioengineering–University of California, San Diego D.D.S.–Loma D.D.S.–Columbia University College of Dental Medicine Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry–Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

Affiliations

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry San Diego Dental Society

About Me
As an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Needle appreciates his role in providing pain relief to his patients through surgical procedures. He applies a caring, detail-oriented approach to each patient’s case, taking time to solve their dental issues effectively, and thoughtfully provides treatment choices that are specifically designed around each clients needs.

Dr. Needle earned his D.D.S. from the UCLA School of Dentistry. He later earned his Certificate in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at Georgetown University Medical Center. To keep abreast of cutting edge technology, he’s a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He is also a Fellow, American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Away from the office, Dr. Needle enjoys tennis, skiing and travel with his family

Education
D.D.S-UCLA School of Dentistry
M.S., Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery-Georgetown University

Affiliations
American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
California Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Academy of Osseointegration Fellow
American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
American Dental Association
California Dental Association

About Me
Dr. Stephen Kallaos’ goal is to provide a pleasant periodontic evaluation and an informative discussion of the options for attaining optimum oral health. He offers multiple levels of sedation to make treatment for his patients as comfortable as possible. He is also very active with his peers to stay on top of the latest technology and procedures available. His membership to industry associations include the Academy of Osseointegration, the American Dental Association, and the California Society of Periodontists, to name a few.
After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from UCLA, Dr. Kallaos continued his studies as a Bruin, entering the UCLA School of Dentistry for his D.D.S. degree. He then focused his studies on Periodontics and earned his certificate in this specialty from the UC San Francisco School of Dentistry. He is Board-certified by the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Kallaos has been practicing Periodontics since 1998. Outside of the office, he enjoys bicycling, snow skiing, and Sudoku, and his favorite author is Dan Brown. He is married and has three children.

Education

B.S., Biology – University of California, Los Angeles
D.D.S. – University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry
Certificate, Periodontics – University of California
San Francisco School of Dentistry

Affiliations

Diplomate – American Board of Periodontology
Newport Harbor Academy of Dentistry

American Academy of Periodontology
California Society of Periodontists
American Dental Association
California Dental Association
Orange County Dental Society
Tri-County Dental Society