Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Faculty & Residents
Mark Urata, DDS, MD, FACS, FAAP
Audrey Skirball Kenis Endowed Chair
Chair, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
Chief, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC
Division Head, Division of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Dr. Mark Urata is uniquely qualified with board certifications in oral and maxillofacial surgery as well as plastic surgery. He holds faculty appointments at both the Keck School of Medicine of USC and the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC.
Dr. Urata has authored numerous scientific articles and book chapters and has been voted among the nation’s top surgeons, according to multiple sources, including the U.S. News & World Report, Best Doctors and America’s Best Plastic Surgeons.
He maintains NIH-funded research within the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology related to defining TGF Beta signaling in palatogenesis. He is also interested in computerized planning of Le Fort III and orthognathic surgery and outcomes studies on cleft lip and palate.
Training/Education
Craniofacial Surgery Fellowship, University of California – Los Angeles
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency, University of Southern California
General Surgery Residency, University of Southern California
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency, University of Southern California
Doctor of Medicine, University of Southern California
Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Southern California
Teaching/Clinical Interests
Complex craniofacial anomalies, craniosynostosis, syndromic reconstruction and jaw deformities (including Apert, Crouzon and Treacher-Collins syndromes)
Nam Cho, DDS, MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Program Director of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Dr. Nam Cho is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and is the program director for the residency training program in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC.
He is actively involved in educating residents in the clinic and operating room settings. Dr. Cho completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California – Los Angeles with a bachelor of science in microbiology. He went on to complete dental school, medical school, a general surgery internship and a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Southern California.
His primary interests include dentoalveolar and implant surgery, orthognathic surgery, general anesthesia and facial trauma surgery.
Dr. Cho enjoys spending his free time with his wife and young sons. He enjoys golf, fishing and cheering for local sports teams.
Education/Training
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency, University of Southern California
Doctor of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC
Doctor of Dental Surgery, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
Bachelor of Science, Microbiology, University of California – Los Angeles
John Costandi DMD, MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Dr. John Costandi is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
After he completed his surgical training, he joined Weill Cornell Medical College as an assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. After spending a year at Weill Cornell, he relocated with his family to sunny California.
He spent his first year in private practice but eventually decided to join the oral and maxillofacial team at USC to resume what he enjoys most — working with residents!
In his free time, he enjoys trying new restaurants and watching sports. However, his happiest moments are when he is with his wife, son and newborn daughter!
Training/Education
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency, Columbia University/New York Presbyterian Hospital
Doctor of Medicine, Columbia University
Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry, Boston University
Bachelor of Science, Cairo University
Teaching/Clinical Interests
Maxillofacial reconstruction, orthognathic surgery, dental implants and hard/soft tissue augmentation
Awards
Resident of the Month, New York Presbyterian Hospital, 2016
Member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, National Dental Honor Society, 2012
Jeffrey Hammoudeh, DDS, MD
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Dr. Hammoudeh is one of an elite and small group of surgeons in the United States who is board-certified in oral maxillofacial surgery as well as plastic surgery with additional craniofacial fellowship training.
He is director of the Jaw Deformities Care Program within the Division of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. In addition to his leadership positions at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Dr. Hammoudeh is a recognized leader in pediatric plastic surgery and has active research in neonatal cleft lip repair, neonatal distraction and craniofacial reconstruction of the jaws.
He is the primary investigator and the lead author and surgeon in neonatal cleft lip repair where children born with cleft lip and palates are currently able to undergo their cleft lip repair as early as two weeks of life.
He has co-authored many book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles and has lectured nationally as well as internationally. He is a recognized leader in the field and provides cutting-edge care to children in Los Angeles.
Training/Education
Craniofacial Fellowship, University of Southern California
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard
Doctor of Medicine, Northwestern University
Doctor of Dental Surgery, Northwestern University
Bachelor of Science, Northern Illinois University
Teaching/Clinical Interests
Craniofacial surgery, orthognathic surgery and craniofacial tumor resection
Allen Huang DDS, MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Dr. Allen Huang is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who specializes in sleep surgery. He is board certified in both dental sleep medicine and oral and maxillofacial surgery. He obtained his dental degree at UC San Francisco before matching to USC for his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency, where he also earned his medical degree.
Following residency training, he completed a fellowship in sleep surgery at Stanford University in the department of otolaryngology/head & neck surgery. He served as a clinical instructor and fellow, expanding his surgical skill sets to include nasal, palate and neurostimulation surgery to treat sleep disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea.
His clinical interest include treatment of obtstructive sleep apnea, nasal surgery, trauma surgery and reconstructive surgery. His personal interests include mentoring residents and dental students as well as spending time playing golf and basketball.
Training/Education
Fellowship, Stanford University School of Medicine
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Residency, University of Southern California
Dental Sleep Medicine, Tufts University
Medical Degree, Keck School of Medicine of USC
Dental Degree, UC San Francisco
Bachelor Degree, UC San Diego
Clinical Interests
Skeletal surgery for obstructive sleep apnea
Nasal reconstructive surgery
Maxillofacial Reconstruction
Trauma
Awards
Oral Abstract Scientific Presentation Award, AAOMS New Orleans, 2022
First Place, New Investigator Research Award, 10th Annual Singapore Allergy and Rhinology Conference, 2019
Willard Corwin Fleming Award for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2015
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Implant Award, 2015
Daniel S. Miller, DDS
Associate Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Dr. Miller is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
From 1983 to 1989, Dr. Miller completed a six-year combined BS/DDS program at the University of Southern California. He then served as a general dentist in the United States Air Force from 1989 to 1992. This was followed by his OMS residency training. Dr. Miller spent more than 24 years in private practice in Huntington Beach, Calif. He then entered academics in January 2021 and taught dental students and oral surgery residents at the Henry Goldman School of Dental Medicine at Boston University. He returned to USC in October 2022.
He was a volunteer attending at the outpatient anesthesia clinic at the LAC/USC OMS residency program for many years, so his Trojan roots run deep. Dr. Miller had also been extensively involved in the anesthesia education of OMFS assistants through the California Association of OMS. His clinical, academic and successful private practice experience is a welcome addition to the Ostrow OMFS team.
Dr. Miller is an avid baker and skier and enjoys long walks and travel with his wife.
Training/Education
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital – 1992-1996
Doctor of Dental Surgery, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC – 1985-1989
Bachelor of Science, Dentistry – University of Southern California – 1983-1989
Teaching/Clinical Interests
Dentoalveolar surgery, outpatient anesthesia, and implant dentistry
Thomas Gail Auyong, DDS
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Dr. Auyong was born in Honolulu, Hawaii but was raised in the Los Angeles area. His family has a long legacy of dentists (maternal grandfather, father, son and two uncles).
His education and training were encompassed in the Southern California area except for his time in the San Francisco Bay Area while at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry.
His private practice is a community-based oral and maxillofacial surgery practice. His particular area of interest is outpatient general anesthesia. Outpatient general anesthesia is foundational for the practice of community-based oral and maxillofacial surgery, and the safe delivery of this service is iconic to oral and maxillofacial surgery. Outpatient general anesthesia allows the oral and maxillofacial surgeon to provide the variety of services in an office setting.
It has been his mission to try to get a level of competence and confidence in residents so that they are able to handle any anesthetic situation that might arise in an outpatient setting.
In his spare time, he enjoys learning to play the guitar and taking care of his three dogs.
Training/Education
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency, University of Southern California
General Practice Residency, University of Southern California
Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of the Pacific
Master of Science, Environmental Engineering, University of Southern California
Bachelor of Arts, Zoology, University of California – Los Angeles
Teaching/Clinical Interests
Outpatient general anesthesia, community-based oral and maxillofacial surgery
Awards/Honors
40 Years of Outstanding Service – Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, 2019
30 Years of Outstanding Service – Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, 2009
25 Years of Outstanding Service – Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, 2006
16 Years of Part Time Faculty Service to Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, 1997
Five-Year Teaching Award from Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, 1993
Audry Boros, DDS
Clinical Assistant Professor
Adjunct Faculty – Department of Pathology
Dr. Boros practices all facets of general, cosmetic and biomimetic dentistry. She has additional training in the detection, diagnosis and management of oral disease. This makes her uniquely qualified to ensure her patients get comprehensive oral care from both a dental perspective and an overall oral health perspective.
Dr. Boros graduated magna cum laude from USC and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honors Dental Society. She completed her residency in oral and maxillofacial pathology at New York Presbyterian.
She is an assistant professor at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC and an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Pathology at Los Angeles General Medical Center. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Immediate Past President of the Southern California Academy of Oral Pathology.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Audrey Boros enjoys spending time with her family and maintains an active lifestyle, which incorporates exercise and travel.
Training/Education
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Residency, New York Presbyterian Hospital – Queens
Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Southern California
Simon K. Choyee, DDS
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Dr. Choyee was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea until his family immigrated to the United States and settled in Culver City. He attended Culver City High School and went on to UCLA, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Asian Humanities.
He then began at Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC for his doctor of dental surgery degree. Dr. Choyee continued his training at USC for residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Los Angeles General Medical Center. He volunteers and works closely with oral and maxillofacial surgery residents and dental students as a part-time faculty member.
Dr. Choyee and his wife Jackie got married in Iceland and now live in Whittier, Calif. In his free time, he enjoys reading, watching/playing soccer and traveling with Jackie.
Training/Education
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency, University of Southern California
Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Southern California
Bachelor of Arts, University of California – Los Angeles
David Cummings, DDS
Adjunct Instructor of Clinical Dentistry
Dr. David Cummings earned his undergraduate degree at the University of California – San Diego and completed his dental degree and residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Los Angeles General Medical Center. The following year, he completed a fellowship in reconstructive jaw surgery in Santa Barbara, California.
He is a current Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) and served as a board examiner for ABOMS for seven years.
He is part of a group private practice that maintains a full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery. He has served on many committees for oral surgery, local dental societies and at his local hospital. He enjoys teaching.
Training/Education
Reconstructive Jaw Surgery Fellowship, Cottage Hospital
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency, University of Southern California
Doctor of Dental Surgery, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
Bachelor of Science, University of California – San Diego
Awards/Honors
Outstanding Part Time Faculty Award, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, 2016
Outstanding Part Time Faculty Award, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, 2002
Peter Krakowiak, DMD, FRCD
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Dr. Peter Krakowiak completed his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at Los Angeles General Medical Center in Los Angeles. He also received post graduate training at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, where he also served as a dental school faculty.
Currently, Dr. Krakowiak holds the rank of an adjunct assistant professor of clinical dentistry and teaches in the Division of Surgical Therapeutics and Bioengineering Sciences at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC and the Los Angeles General Medical Center’s Level I Trauma Center.
His clinical and research interest include facial regenerative, dental implant therapy and computerized surgical imaging and planning.
Bach Le, DDS, MD, FICD, FACD
Clinical Associate Professor
Dr. Bach Le completed his specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Oregon Health Sciences University.
He is currently clinical associate professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, where he has been an active faculty member since 2000.
Dr. Le has lectured internationally on bone regeneration and dental implant-related surgery and has taught on six continents around the world. He has published extensively in scientific texts and professional peer-reviewed journals. His primary focus has been in the area of hard and soft tissue regeneration for improving esthetic outcomes. He has been a main podium speaker at numerous national organizations.
Dr. Le is a Diplomate of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Dental Society of Anesthesiologist and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
Dr. Le holds Fellowship in the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists and the International Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Training/Education
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency, Oregon Health Sciences University
General Surgery Residency, Cedars Sinai Medical Center
Doctor of Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University Medical School
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Internship, Oregon Health Sciences University
Doctor of Dental Surgery, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
Bachelor of Science, University of California – Irvine
Awards/Honors
Honorary Membership Recognition, American College of Prosthodontists, 2014
Fellow, American College of Dentists, 2011
Charles English Award for “Most Significant Publication” in the journal Implant Dentistry, 2008
Fellow, International College of Dentists, 2002
Pierre Fauchard Award, 1994
Charles O’Grady Award for Excellence in Oral Pathology, 1994
Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Award, 1994
California Dental Association Scholarship for Academic Excellence, 1992
John L. Lytle, DDS, MD
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Dr. Lytle is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with degrees in medicine and dentistry.
As one of the most highly skilled implant surgeons in Southern California, he has focused much of his practice on implant reconstruction and offers patients missing all of their teeth numerous treatment options.
Dr. Lytle collaborates with his referral colleagues to restore patients’ smiles with optimal functional and aesthetic results.
Over the past two decades, Dr. Lytle has also been mentoring and instructing dental students and oral surgery residents at the University of Southern California. He teaches anesthesia and medicine, including live surgery, to the residents in the oral and maxillofacial surgery program.
Dr. Lytle has also served as the director of undergraduate oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Southern California. In addition, he is an instructor for residents through the Osseointegration Foundation, and recently completed a program for residents from Howard University in Washington, DC.
Dr. Lytle has contributed to the specialty of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in numerous ways, including serving as a former board examiner for the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, where his area of focus was anesthesia.
He has also held several leadership positions, such as the board of directors, Past President of the California Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and is a California Delegate to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Training/Education
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency, University of Southern California
Doctor of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC
Doctor of Dental Surgery, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
James P. McAndrews, DDS, FACS, FICD, FACD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. McAndrews is board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology.
He is a part-time clinical assistant professor and maintains a private practice.
Dr. McAndrews received a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. He received his dental degree and completed his oral and maxillofacial surgery residency training at the University of Southern California.
Training/Education
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency, University of Southern California
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Internship, University of Southern California
General Practice Residency, University of Southern California
Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Southern California
Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Teaching/Clinical Interests
Trauma/dentoalveolar/orthognathic surgery
Honors/Awards
30 Years of Outstanding Service, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, 2021
25 Years of Outstanding Service, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, 2016
20 Years of Outstanding Service, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, 2011
Young & Healthy of Pasadena Professional Volunteer Award, 2008
Outstanding Service as a Part-Time Faculty Member, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, 2002
David R. Telles, DDS
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Dr. Telles grew up in Los Angeles until the age of 6 when he moved with his family to Huntington Beach, Calif.
After completing his surgical training, Dr. Telles worked one year as an associate in Sacramento with a large multi-office group called Sacramento Oral Surgery.
Afterwards, Dr. Telles decided to return to Southern California to be near his family.
In addition to private practice, Dr. Telles is dedicated to education and currently serves as an adjunct assistant professor of clinical dentistry at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC in the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Dr. Telles holds the true value of patient care as an essential quality that all surgeons should understand and practice. It is his goal to provide caring, comfortable and compassionate surgery to all of his patients.
Training/Education
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency, New York University/Woodhull Medical Center
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Internship, University of Illinois at Chicago
General Practice Residency, University of California – Los Angeles/Harbor Medical Center
Doctor of Dental Surgery, New York University
Bachelor of Arts, University of Southern California
Stephen Yen, DMD, PhD
Associate Professor (Clinical Scholar) of Dentistry
Training/Education
Orthodontics Residency, University of Southern California
Doctor of Philosophy, Craniofacial Biology, University of Southern California
Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry, Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Bachelor of Science, Harvard College
Awards/Honors
Visiting Faculty, National University of Singapore, 2012
Keynote Speaker, Brazilian Orthodontic Association, guest interview, Orthodontic Press J., 2011
Keynote speaker, Angle Society of Southern California, 2009
Guest Faculty, International Congress of Cleft Lip and Palate, San Francisco, Calif., 2009
American Board of Orthodontics, Cum Laude in Research, HarvardvSchool of Dental Medicine, Cum Laude, Harvard College, 2005
Written examination passed, American Board of Orthodontics, 1993
Harvard Scholarship for Academic Excellence, 1977
Cynthia Au Yeung, DDS MD
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry
Dr. Cynthia Au Yeung is a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who completed her oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at USC in 2013. She graduated from UCLA School of Dentistry in 2005 then completed a general practice residency at the UCLA Medical Center in 2006. She then pursued an oral and maxillofacial surgery internship at USC in 2007.
She graduated from the Keck School of Medicine of USC in 2010 and completed her internship in general surgery in 2011. She has been a part-time faculty at the Los Angeles General Medical Center’s oral and maxillofacial surgery program since 2013.
Training/Education
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency, University of Southern California
General Surgery Residency, Los Angeles General Medical Center
Doctor of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of USC
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Internship, University of Southern California
General Practice Residency, University of California – Los Angeles
Doctor of Dental Surgery, UCLA School of Dentistry
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Preceptorship, University of California – Los Angeles
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Internship, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong
Bachelor of Science in Dental Surgery, University of Hong Kong
Teaching/Clinical interests
Dentoalveolar surgery and trauma
Year 6 Residents
Jimmy-Tung Nguyen DDS, MD
Hometown: San Jose, Calif.
Undergrad: UC Berkeley; BS in bioengineering
Dental school: University of California, Los Angeles School, DDS
Medical school: Keck School of Medicine of USC, MD
Clinical interests: Implants, bone grafting and exodontia
Hobbies: Rock climbing, guitar, hip-hop dance and PC gaming
Stephen Kelson DDS, MD
Hometown: Olympia, Wash.
Undergrad: Brigham Young University, BS Exercise Science, 2013
Dental school: UCLA Dental School, DDS
Medical school: Keck School of Medicine of USC, MD
Professional interests: Private practice, oral and maxillofacial surgery
Hobbies: Camping, travel and board games
Why I chose Los Angeles General Medical Center: Great surgical experience in craniofacial surgery, trauma, orthognathic and dentoalveolar. Great location, and I really liked the residents and attendings
Interesting fact about me: I had Bell’s Palsy as a teenager.
Year 5 Residents
Kristi Agari DMD, MD
Hometown: Stockton, Calif.
Undergrad: University of the Pacific, BS, 2011
Dental school: University of Nevada School of Dental Medicine, DMD, 2014
Medical school: Keck School of Medicine of USC, MD, 2021
Professional interests: Research in secondary alveolar bone grafting, mentorship of undergraduate and dental students with Passing the Scalpel and Sisters in OMFS
Hobbies: Baking, cooking, sewing and gardening
Why I chose Los Angeles General Medical Center: USC was always a program I was interested in as my sister was already a resident in the program. It is located in my home state and has a great reputation. I came to realize it had to be my top choice due to its camaraderie among the residents, autonomy with surgery and teaching and brilliant attendings. As a current resident, I continue to find all of this true and feel privileged everyday to be a part of this program.
Interesting fact about me: I am a twin.
Weston Grimes DDS, MD
Hometown: Pasadena, Calif.
Undergrad: Northwestern University, BA, 2013
Dental school: Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, DDS, 2018
Medical school: Keck School of Medicine of USC, MD, 2021
Professional interests: Dental implants and orthognathic surgery
Hobbies: Basketball, hiking, baking and historical fiction
Why I chose Los Angeles General Medical Center: I chose USC because of the wonderful culture, volume of cases and diverse patient population from multiple Los Angeles hospitals.
Interesting fact about me: I majored in American history in college.
Year 4 Residents
Urie Lee DDS
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Dental school: Loma Linda, DDS, 2016
Professional interests: Gender affirmation
Why I chose Los Angeles General Medical Center: Location and resident camaraderie were a big reason I wanted to match here. Our attendings are very supportive. We’re a big family and look out for each other.
Interesting fact about me: I was named after Doctor Zhivago.
Richard Foote DMD
Hometown: Reno, Nevada
Undergrad: Brigham Young University, BS exercise science, 2014.
Dental school: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, DMD, 2019
Professional interests: Dentoalveolar, craniofacial surgery
Hobbies: Exploring LA’s beaches, parks, hiking trails and museums with my family. I also enjoy cycling and playing golf.
Why I chose Los Angeles General Medical Center: I wanted to come to a place with extensive and well-balanced training. I think we have an awesome group of residents and faculty, which is something that really stood out to me when I interviewed here. It also doesn’t hurt to be in Southern California.
Interesting fact about me: I’m the first in my family to go into dentistry, and now my two younger brothers are in dental training
Year 3 Resident
Armen Agahi DDS
Hometown: Laguna Niguel, Calif.
Undergrad: Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Arizona State University, 2015
Dental school: Doctor of Dental Surgery, UCLA School of Dentistry, 2020
Professional interests: Dentoalveolar, implant and trauma Surgery
Hobbies: Soccer, surfing and golf
Why I chose Los Angeles General Medical Center: The amazing camaraderie between the residents and attendings, as well as the broad scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures that we see here at Los Angeles General Medical Center.
Interesting fact about me: I’m a four-time intramural soccer champion at UCLA.
Year 2 Residents
Simon Youn DDS
Hometown: Fullerton, Calif.
Undergrad: University of California, Irvine, BS, 2016
Dental school: University of Southern California, DDS, 2021
Professional interests: Research, Passing the Scalpel and Korean American Dental Association
Hobbies: Basketball, tennis, manga/anime and exploring new boba shops
Why I chose Los Angeles General Medical Center: First of all, the breadth and depth of training USC provides to its residents is second to none. As a dental school graduate from USC, I’ve seen the high quality of residents and attendings the program possesses. In the end, I had no doubt that USC would provide the best training and environment for me as an oral and maxillofacial surgery resident.
Interesting fact about me: Although I haven’t trained since college, I am a third-degree black belt in Tae kwon do with about 10 years of training experience.
James Brophy DDS
Hometown: Pleasanton, Calif.Undergrad: University of California, San Diego, BS, 2016
Dental school: Columbia College of Dental Medicine, DDS, 2021
Professional interests: Research, trauma, cosmetics
Hobbies: Lifting, surfing and exploring the L.A. food scene
Why I chose Los Angeles General Medical Center: I chose USC OMFS for the resident culture. It’s a lot easier to put in the extra hours when your co-residents become your friends.
Interesting fact about me: I was a surf instructor in college!
Year 4 Resident
Karambir Banwait DMD
Hometown: Abbotsford, British Columbia
Undergrad: University of British Columbia, BSc, 2015
Dental school: University of British Columbia, DMD, 2019
Clinical interests: Trauma and reconstructive surgeries
Hobbies: Sports – basketball and football. Enjoy watching hockey
Why I chose Los Angeles General Medical Center: Program with full-scope oral and maxillofacial surgery. Resident experience. Resident culture
Interesting fact about me: I grew up on a farm.
Year 3 Resident
Nicholas Nikchevich DDS
Hometown: Westlake Village, Calif.
Undergrad: University of Southern California, BA Biology, 2016
Dental school: Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, DDS, 2020
Clinical interests: Robotically guided surgery
Hobbies: Fishing, camping, cooking
Why I chose Los Angeles General Medical Center: Surgery is a field that requires life-long learning and improvement. I chose USC because I believe the comprehensive surgical experience of our program has components of trauma, craniofacial surgery and dentoalveolar experience that provides a broad and balanced training that I can use as a base of knowledge to grow as a surgeon in the future.
Interesting fact about me: I am a third-generation USC oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Year 2 Resident
Kalvyn Ngo DDS
Hometown: San Jose, Calif.
Undergrad: Westmont College, BS Biochemistry, 2017
Dental school: Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, DDS, 2021
Internship: Craniofacial and trauma research
Hobbies: Triathlon, video games, art and spikeball
Why I chose Los Angeles General Medical Center: USC is the busiest trauma center in the region so we are able to see a high volume and a wide variety of cases. Also the attendings, residents and staff are the friendliest and the best to work with!
Interesting fact about me: I was on the sailing team in college!
Year 1 Residents
Arushi Atluri DDS
Hometown: Fremont, Calif.
Undergrad: University of California, San Diego, BS, 2017
Dental school: Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, DDS, 2021
Clinical interests: Dentoalveolar surgery, orthognathic surgery and pediatric oral and maxillofacial surgery
Hobbies: Swimming, hiking, baking, painting and finding good tacos
Why I chose Los Angeles General Medical Center: Friendly and knowledgeable attendings, and a culture that emphasizes both quality education and good camaraderie!
Interesting fact about me: I’ve traveled to more than 30 countries.
Yeon Joo (Ashlee) Hong, DDS
Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.
Undergrad: St. Bonaventure University, BS Biology, 2015
Dental school: Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, DDS, 2021
Visiting Research Scholar: Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Department, Division of Sleep Medicine
Hobbies: Scuba diving, painting and traveling
Why I chose Los Angeles General Medical Center: I chose USC because it was my home program, and I have witnessed the collaborative, growing, family like environment amongst the residents, faculties and staff more than anywhere else.
Interesting fact about me: I was born in a city called, Tamuning, in Guam.
Kelvin Choi, DMD
Hometown: Vancouver, BC
Undergrad: University of British Columbia, BSc 2014
Grad school: University of British Columbia, MSc OEH 2018
Dental school: University of British Columbia, DMD 2022
Clinical interests: Dentoalveolar, trauma and infection
Hobbies: Drums, hiking, traveling, any racket sports and political thrillers
Why I chose Los Angeles General Medical Center: The amount of experience here is second to none, and the resident culture makes USC my top choice.
Interesting fact about me: I once ate $70 worth of oysters at an oyster farm in one sitting.
Sina Refoua, DDS
Hometown: Tehran, Iran
Undergrad: Tehran University of Medical Sciences, School of Dentistry
Dental school: UCLA School of Dentistry, DDS, 2022
Clinical interests: Craniofacial and reconstructive surgery
Hobbies: Photography, reading, hiking, playing piano, video games and binge watching!
Why I chose Los Angeles General Medical Center: Have the opportunity to closely work with and learn from the extremely knowledgeable residents and attendings, in a friendly and supportive environment, and the variety of treatments being taught and performed at Los Angeles General Medical Center.
Interesting fact about me: As a child I wanted to be an astronaut, and now I take astrophotography courses!