Gentle Dental Murrieta

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. Kanter says, “I strive to make every visit the best dental experience you have ever had and to include at least one laugh or smile before you leave! I enjoy the constant pursuit of learning how to best improve my patient’s teeth, general oral health, and overall satisfaction with their smile.”

“I appreciate the uniqueness of every patient who walks through the door and opportunity to establish relationships with each of them. But the best part of my profession is having the ability to resolve their concerns together as a team.”

After graduating from Wabash College with a B.A. in Psychology, Dr. Kanter received his Dental Degree from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. To stay current with cutting edge technology, he’s a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the California Dental Association, the American Academy of Operative Dentistry and the San Diego County Dental Society. He was also awarded a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry.

Dr. Kanter says, “Away from the office, I enjoy exploring the beautiful outdoors. I like hiking, sailing, hitting the links and scuba diving.”

EDUCATION
B.A., Psychology–Wabash College
D.D.S.– Indiana University School of Dentistry

AFFILIATIONS
American Dental Association
Academy of General Dentistry
California Dental Association
American Academy of Operative Dentistry
San Diego County Dental Society

Dr. Li says, “Your Orthodontic care is my passion. I love working with my patients to help them to achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.” His goal is to work with patients to help them achieve and maintain life-long oral health while providing comprehensive and up to date dental care. He wants everyone’s experience to be as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

After graduating from the University of Chicago, Dr. Li was awarded his Dental Degree from the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. He received his M.S. in Oral Sciences and his Orthodontic Certificate from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. He’s a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists and the California Association of Orthodontists.

Away from the office, Dr. Li enjoys relaxing with his active family, keeping up with his favorite sports teams and discovering new restaurants.

EDUCATION
B.S., Biology–The University of Chicago
D.D.S.–Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
Certificate in Orthodontics–University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry
M.S.,Oral Sciences–University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry

AFFILIATIONS
American Association of Orthodontists
Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
California Association of Orthodontists

ABOUT ME
Dr. Salamati says, “I know that as a parent you want the best for your kids and I strive to provide your children with the best dental care in a fun, comfortable setting. The thing that attracted me to dentistry was having the ability to provide quality dental care–which is both an art and a science–to my patients and provide them with beautiful, healthy smiles”

After graduating from University of Washington, Dr. Salamati received her Dental Degree from the University of Washington School of Dentistry and her Pediatric Dentistry Certificate from the Jacobi Medical Center at UCLA, She’s a member of the American Association of Pediatric Dentists, the Washington State Dental Association and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She also speaks Farsi.

Away from the office, Dr. Salamati enjoys hiking, reading, watching movies and spending time with family and friends.

EDUCATION
B.S., Biochemistry–University of Washington
D.D.S.–University of Washington School of Dentistry
Pediatric Dentistry Certificate–UCLA, Jacobi Medical Center

AFFILIATIONS
American Association of Pediatric Dentists
Washington State Dental Association
American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Featured on cover page of ADA News regarding outreach activities
Dental Alumni Association Award of scholarship
Certificate of Appreciation, Office of Educational Partnerships and Diversity University of Washington Dean’s List
First Aid, CPR, HIV/AIDS and Blood Born Pathogen certifications from ARC Howard Hughes Medical Institution (HHMMI) Integrative Research Intern Scholar Distinguished Tutor Award from Everett Community College
CRLA (College Reading and Learning Association) Certified Tutor

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
Growing up, Dr. Sales was inspired by the work of her own dentist, as well as her mother, a dental assistant. After witnessing the care and success of these mentors, she decided to pursue dentistry as her own career. With over a decade of experience as a General Dentist, she most enjoys being able to bring smiles to her patients’ faces.

A graduate of University of West Florida in the area of Biology, Dr. Sales went on to University of Florida College of Dentistry for her D.M.D. degree. After completing her studies, she went through two General Practice Residencies: the first focused on treating medically compromised patients within a hospital setting, and the second focused on oral surgery and leading dental students in the urgent care clinic at UCLA.

Outside of her practice, Dr. Sales loves spending time with her two children. She enjoys outdoor activities, watching movies, and doing Zumba!

Education

B.S., Biology–University of West Florida
D.M.D.-University of Florida College of Dentistry