Gentle Dental Aiea/Pearlridge

ABOUT ME
Dr. Tran says, “The self esteem and confidence that comes with a nice, healthy smile is what first attracted me to dentistry. What I enjoy most about dentistry is seeing how happy patients are after their teeth are restored to good health, esthetics, and function; and knowing that I was able to help them achieve that!”

After graduating from University of Portland, Dr. Tran received her Dental Degree from the Oregon Health & Sciences University School of Dentistry. To keep up with evolving technology, she’s a member of the American Dental Association, the Hawaii Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. She also speaks Vietnamese.

Dr. Tran says, “Being from Oregon, I enjoy snowboarding. Hopefully I can pick up surfing in Hawaii! I also love to swim and play tennis. In my spare time I’ve been learning how to cook authentic Vietnamese food.”

EDUCATION
B.S., Biology–University of Portland
D.M.D.–Oregon Health & Sciences University School of Dentistry

AFFILIATIONS
American Dental Association
Hawaii Dental Association
Academy of General Dentistry

About Me
For Dr. Rick Holguin, dentistry is an excellent combination of science and hands-on artistry. He appreciates being able to help others improve their health and appearance with nearly immediate results, and works closely with his patients in a respectful manner. Specifically, he tries to explain information clearly and to present all available options so that patients can decide themselves what is best.

Dr. Holguin received both his Bachelor’s and D.D.S. degrees from UCLA. He spent an additional three years in training to complete his General Practice Residency at the St. Francis Medical Center, Master of Science in Dentistry degree at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, and Certificate in Periodontology at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center. He is a former faculty member of the University of Hawaii Department of Dental Hygiene, and a current member of the American Academy of Periodontology.

Dr. Holguin has two beautiful daughters and values the balanced life dentistry affords him. He has many interests outside of the office, including golf, cars, and traveling. He enjoys professional baseball, hockey, and basketball, and he travels to the Staples Center several times each year to watch his favorite team, the LA Lakers.

Education

B.S., Biology – UCLA

D.D.S. – UCLA School of Dentistry

G.P.R. – St. Francis Medical Center

M.S.D. – Indiana University School of Dentistry

Certificate, Periodontology – Veteran’s Administration Medical Center

Affiliations

American Academy of Periodontology

About Me
Dr. Tan says, “Patient education is extremely important to me, and I really enjoy interacting with patients. I will spend the time to provide my patients and parents with the ability to make an informed decision about their treatment options.“

Dr. Tan received her B.S. Biology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She went on to attend the College of Dentistry and obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery. Following her DDS degree, Dr. Tan remained at the University of Illinois at Chicago for three years to complete her specialty training in Advanced Prosthodontics.

Dr. Tan further continued her training and earned a second specialty in Orthodontics from the University of Detroit Mercy in Michigan. Concurrently, she graduated with a Master of Science degree in Oral Sciences. She is the only dentist in Hawaii that is dual trained in both Prosthodontics and Orthodontics. Due to this unique background, Dr. Tan has the ability to treat patients presenting with any degree of complexity.

She has also successfully completed the Board Certification process with the American Board of Orthodontics–the highest level of professional achievement. This challenging certification process is voluntary but is a demonstration of Dr. Tan’s commitment to the pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence in the profession and to the quality of care for her patients.

She is a member of the American Dental Association, Hawaii Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, and the American College of Prosthodontists.

Education

B.S., Biology–University of Illinois at Chicago
D.D.S.–University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry
Advanced Prosthodontics Certificate–University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry
Orthodontics Certificate–University of Detroit Mercy in Michigan
M.S., Oral Sciences–University of Detroit Mercy in Michigan

Affiliations

American Dental Association
American Board of Orthodontics
Hawaii Dental Association
American Association of Orthodontists
American College of Prosthodontists

ABOUT ME
Dr. Chavda says, “I enjoy helping people learn about their own personal oral conditions with compassion and helping them to overcome their fear of going to the dentist through a pain-free and enjoyable experience.”

“I started off in dentistry as a front desk receptionist, dental assistant, and later as a dental hygienist. I often volunteered in rural areas and witnessed so many people experiencing dental pain and unable to afford dental care for themselves and their families. I wanted so badly to help them and knew that I was limited with my current position. The desire to do more to help is what drove me to become a dentist!”

After graduating from Clayton State University with a degree in Dental Hygiene, Dr. Chavda received her Dental Degree from the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University. She’s a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Hawaii Dental Association and Operation Smiles. She also speaks Spanish.

Dr. Chavda says, “I enjoy spending time with my family and two dogs, as well as trying new foods and exploring new places. I volunteer every month on my days off at Aloha Medical Mission clinic. I continue to feel strongly about helping the community gain access to dental and health care.”

EDUCATION
B.S., Dental Hygiene–Clayton State University
D.M.D.–Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University

AFFILIATIONS
American Dental Association
Academy of General Dentistry
Hawaii Dental Association
Operation Smiles