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. Leung became a dentist to help people and a periodontist because he felt that was the best way he could help patients improve their smiles. He is a highly skilled and knowledgeable periodontist who believes in delivering the highest quality dental care to his patients. He is experienced in all phases of modern periodontal therapy and dental implant placement, using advanced techniques and materials.

He completed training in Periodontics and Implant Surgery at the UCLA School of Dentistry where he completed several years of post-doctoral education in gum disease and dental implants. Dr. Leung received his Doctorate in Dental Surgery at UCLA School of Dentistry, his Master of Science in Biological Sciences at University of California, San Diego. He is a Board Certified Periodontist.

He currently lectures at the University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry. He has been involved in various research efforts at University of California, Los Angeles, California Institute of Technology, and University of California, San Diego. Dr. Leung has also authored numerous research articles in such publications as Journal of Oral Implantology and Journal of Clinical Investigations

Dr. Leung grew up locally in here in Southern California. He is married and enjoys spending time with his active family.

EDUCATION
D.D.S.–UCLA School of Dentistry
M.S., Biological Sciences–University of California, San Diego
Periodontics Training–UCLA School of Dentistry

AFFILIATIONS
Diplomat, American Board of Periodontology
Board Certified in Periodontology and Dental Implant Surgery
American Dental Association
California Dental Association

ABOUT ME
Dr. Ortiz-Luis says, “My patients can expect that I diagnose and treatment plan as ideally as possible, that I choose materials and utilize techniques that are best for them. I set a high standard and I do my very best to achieve them with every patient. They will always be treated in a caring way because that’s what I would want for myself and my family.”

Dr. Ortiz-Luis is a graduate the University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry. Her career in dentistry began as a dental office receptionist when she was still in high school. She eventually earned her Registered Dental Assistant license and put herself through college and dental school while working as a dental assistant.

She attended the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) for advanced training in Esthetics, Implants and Occlusion. She also successfully completed a mini-residency in Dental Sleep Medicine at UCLA to bring snoring and sleep apnea solutions for her patients.

Dr. Ortiz-Luis belongs to distinguished organizations such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, San Diego County Dental Society, California Dental Association, American Dental Association and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

In her free time, she enjoys cake decorating, making beaded jewelry, reading, and traveling. She takes lessons in piano and dance. She has been married for over 15 years, has 3 daughters and a little Shih Tzu, named Ziggy.

EDUCATION
D.D.S.–UCSF School of Dentistry
Advanced training in Esthetics, Implants & Occlusion–UCLA

AFFILIATIONS
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Academy of General Dentistry
San Diego County Dental Society
California Dental Association
American Dental Association
American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

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

ABOUT ME
Dr. Lai says, “I love helping patients improve their oral health and have a beautiful smile!” He encourages his patients to be involved in their treatment in order to achieve the best results possible, and is always open to questions and is attentive to each patient’s needs.

After graduating from UCLA, Dr. Lai received his Dental Degree and his Orthodontic Certificate from the USC School of Dentistry. To keep abreast of cutting edge technology, he’s a member of the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association.

Dr. Lai says, “Away from the office I enjoy seeking out new restaurants and spending time with family and friends.

EDUCATION
B.S., Biology–UCLA
D.D.S.–USC School of Dentistry
Orthodontic Certificate–USC School of Dentistry

AFFILIATIONS
American Dental Association
California Dental Association