Irving S. Newmark, D.D.S., MS

The founder of Studio City Dental Group, Dr. Irving Newmark received his D.D.S. from Indiana University as well as an MA in Psychology from California State University, Northridge. Dr. Newmark is a special combination of dentist, psychologist and management consultant. He has been at the forefront of developing innovative methods for practice management, health care diversity systems and improvement of the quality of doctor-patient relations. Dr. Irving is very proud of SCDG and the fact that it is the longest-running dental group practice in the United States.

Dr. Newmark has published extensively in professional journals and has lectured widely throughout the United States. He is well known for his humor and informal delivery and creative solutions to dental practice problems. He is frequently referred to as the "Father of Modern Group Dental Practice.”

Michael L. Mandell, D.D.S.

Dr. Michael Mandell grew up in the San Fernando Valley and graduated from Reseda High School. He received his Bachelor's degree in Zoology from UCLA and returned there to join the first class to graduate from the School of Dentistry. Married to his college sweetheart, Louise, an adjunct professor of Art History at Los Angeles Mission College, he received a post-doctoral fellowship to do research at the Royal Dental College in Aarhus, Denmark. He returned to the San Fernando Valley after his time abroad and shortly afterward joined Studio City Dental Group.

As one of the long-time managing partners of Studio City Dental Group, Dr. Mike has been instrumental in establishing many of the innovations that make your visit as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Dr. Mike takes great pride in the quality of the treatment he personally provides, especially in the fields of cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and endodontics.

Dr. Mike is a lifetime member of the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association. He has been an active participant in the Internet Dental Forum since its inception. This allows him to exchange the most current dental information with other professionals worldwide.

Dr. Mike and Louise raised three children in their Sherman Oaks home: Elisa, a professor at California State University, Fullerton; Eleni, a singer/songwriter; and Joshua, an attorney who lives in the Valley with his wife, two year old son, and newborn daughter.

Dr. Mike loves to travel, especially to Italy. Photography is his avocation, and his photographs adorn the walls of Studio City Dental Group. He has been an avid scuba diver, runner, mountain climber, cyclist and is now a master swimmer.

 

Frederic C. Mandell, D.D.S.

Dr. Fred Mandell is an active managing partner of Studio City Dental Group where he assists and manages the Laboratory, Dental Assistants, and the Administrative/Reception Staff. Dr. Fred's work at SCDG does not stop there. He also manages a full patient schedule where he performs general dentistry duties including: crowns, implants, bridges, fillings, bonding, root canals and dentures with an emphasis on cosmetics.

Dr. Fred graduated from Reseda High School and pursued his undergraduate degree in English at UCLA. After receiving his B.A. in English, Dr. Fred continued his education at UCLA, where he received his D.D.S. In addition to his practice at Studio City Dental Group, Dr. Mandell is a lecturer at the UCLA School of Dentistry, in the Restorative Department. He enjoys interacting with, and lending his experience and knowledge to, the next generation of dentists.

Dr. Fred was originally born in New York but moved to the Los Angeles area when he was 6 months old. It was at UCLA, where his brother Michael (also a dentist at SCDG) introduced him to his patient, Rosny. Dr. Fred and Rosny married and made a home in Studio City, eventually having 3 beautiful children, Lexie, Katie, and Robert. Lexie is a high school English teacher who lives with her husband Anthony in San Francisco, Katie has her bachelor's from UC Santa Cruz and is taking pre-dental classes and working at SCDG as Dr. Fred’s assistant, and Robert is a student at UC Santa Cruz and has just completed his junior year abroad at the University of Lund, in Sweden.

Dr Mandell’s favorite hobby is golf. He plays weekly with a regular foursome and continues practicing and trying to improve! Dr. Fred enjoys traveling and has taken trips to Sweden, Spain and Canada. He is also on the board of Directors for Students Run LA (his wife Rosny is the Assistant Director), a non-profit that trains at risk middle & high school students to run the LA Marathon, learn life skills, and graduate high school. Dr. Mandell is also a huge UCLA Football and Basketball fan!

Nita Dixit, D.D.S.

Dr. Nita Dixit's role at SCDG pertains to all aspects of general dentistry, including tooth-colored inlays, onlays, veneers, implant supported crowns and bridges, root canal treatment, minor tooth movement, non-metallic partial dentures and suction-lined full dentures. Dr. Dixit received her D.D.S. from the University of Southern California in 1991, where she was on the Dean's Honor List as well as a Phi Beta Kappa Scholar.

Dr. Dixit has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years and has been with SCDG for the past five. She is a member of ADA, CDA and the SFVDS. She has served on the Board of the San Fernando Valley Dental Society and is currently chairperson of the CDA. She is also a member of the American Association of Cosmetic Dentistry. Her commitment to continuing education has led her to complete the UCLA Esthetic Dentistry Continuum in 1997-1998 and the Advanced Prosthedontic Residency (full mouth reconstruction) with Eshetic Professionals in 2005-2006. Her customized treatment planning with an emphasis on esthetics, coupled with her caring and gentle manner, has resulted in many word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied patients.

Dr. Dixit’s efficient management of the dedicated SCDG staff members and genuine commitment towards providing the most appropriate dental care, focused on the patients’ best interest, are important components of the balance she believes is necessary to live a fulfilled life. Her personal philosophy and work ethic is based on treating individuals with respect and dignity. She has been married to Dr. Vivek Dixit for 18 years and is a proud mother of 2 very energetic sons, ages 13 and 14. Her personal interests include a love for the cinema, music, traveling and architecture.

George Moraga, D.D.S.

Dr. Moraga graduated from UCLA School of Dentistry in 1990. He received his bachelors in Cellular Physiology, at the University of Santa Barbara, California. Born in Oxnard, CA. he is a lifelong southern Californian. Practicing private dentistry for the past 15 years, Dr. Moraga is familiar with all aspects of dentistry. He especially enjoys improving the smile of patients with the latest techniques offered through cosmetic dentistry. The quality of dentistry and patient care are the primary concerns of his office. He has worked also as a quality assurance dentist with several dental plans. He is married and a father to two boys. He enjoys the beach and spending time coaching his boys in sports.

Leonard Schusterman, D.D.S.

Dr. Leonard Schusterman received his D.D.S. from UCLA and completed his Periodontal Residency at USC. He attended Drexell University where he earned his B.S. in physics and astronomy. Dr. Schusterman has been practicing Periodontics at Studio City Dental Group since graduating from USC. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Schusterman has been teaching dentistry at USC since graduation and belongs to CDA, ADA and AAP. Dr. Schusterman has also taught college physics and astronomy and has done research for NASA. He is married to the beautiful Jeralyn, and his interests include astronomy, racing cars, sailing, scuba diving, electronics, bicycle tours, horseback riding, polo and taking college courses.

Diana Akopyan, D.D.S.

Dr. Diana Akopyan received her undergraduate degree in Biology and her D.D.S. from USC. She is a proud member of the Los Angeles Dental Society, CDA and ADA. Dr. Akopyan enjoys seeing both children and adult patients.

After wanting to be a doctor as a child, becoming a dentist was a natural decision for Dr. Akopyan. The biggest joy her job brings is the fact that everyday, she has the chance to make a difference in people's lives. Changing a patient's smile through cosmetic dentistry or comforting a patient who is nervous about being at the dentist is one of the most rewarding parts of her job. Dr. Akopyan believes that a good rapport with her patients is essential to providing the best care possible. She likes to get to know them and develop a comfortable doctor patient relationship. Besides work, Dr. Akopyan loves traveling and learning about other cultures and places.

Jonathan Gidan, D.D.S.

Dr. Jonathan Gidan is the primary pediatric dentist on staff and performs all phases of pediatric dentistry. This includes operative dentistry, sedation, and minor tooth movement. Dr. Gidan received his undergraduate degree in genetics from UC Davis and his D.D.S. from New York University. His advanced pediatric training certificate was granted from the University of Southern California and Children's Hospital LA. Dr. Gidan has been practicing pediatric dentistry for 25 years. He has been at SCDG since June 1983.

Dr. Gidan has been married to Freddi Segal-Gidan PA, PhD, for 25 years and they are the proud parents of 2 teenage boys (Jared & Hayden). He wants to create a positive & caring dental attitude in young kids, so that they will be good dental patients for their entire lives. His personal time is used to relax with his family, play racquetball, ski, and do crossword puzzles.

Dr. Gidan is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, The American Society of Children's Dentistry, The Southern California Society of Children's Dentistry, The California Society of Pediatric Dentists and the ADA! In addition, he has been an Associate Clinical Instructor of Children's Dentistry at USC for 15 years.

Thomas G. Auyong, D.D.S.

Dr. Thomas Auyong received his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from UCLA and USC respectively. Dr. Auyong then continued his dental education at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco. Dr. Auyong returned to southern California to complete his Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery residency at the USC Medical Center.

Dr. Auyong is a fourth generation Chinese American who was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. His maternal grandfather, Dr. Sau Yee Chang, graduated dental school in 1918. Dr. Auyong's father graduated dental school in 1948. Dr. Auyong continued his family's tradition and graduated in 1979. His specialty training was in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at USC and is board certified in his specialty. Dr. Auyong was recently awarded recognition for his 25 years of service as a part-time Clinical Associate Professor of Dentistry at USC. Specifically, his interests in oral surgery lie in implants and anesthesia.

Dr. Auyong belongs to the Tri-County Dental Society, California Dental Association, American Dental Association, Southern California Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, California Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Southern California Association of Oral Pathology, and the Marsh Robinson Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (served as President 1995).

Carolyn E. Chong, D.D.S.

Dr. Carolyn Chong is a pediatric dentist treating infants, children, and adolescents. She performs routine fillings, crowns, baby root canals, and interceptive orthodontics. She treats patients using the "Tell-Show-Do" method and nitrous oxide. Dr. Chong is dedicated to keeping a cavity free practice by stressing good oral hygiene to her patients.

After receiving her BS at the University of California, Irvine, she continued on to USC School of Dentistry to receive her D.D.S. After this, she attended UCLA School of Dentistry where she earned a certificate in advanced education in general dentistry, at which point she left California for New York University School of Dentistry. It was there that she received her certificate in pediatric dentistry, continuing her education at Bellevue Hospital as well as Tisch Hospital for hospital training.

Dr. Chong practiced two years of general dentistry before she decided to specialize in pediatric dentistry. During those years, she realized that working with children gave her such gratification that she decided to return to school for an additional 2 years of training at New York University. In her post-graduate program, she spent over 1000 hours in the areas of pediatric medicine, anesthesia, and craniofacial and cleft palate reconstructive surgery. She feels comfortable treating patients in both clinical and hospital settings. Dr. Chong continues to upgrade her level of care by participating in continuing education courses. She is a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, California Dental Association and Orange County Dental Societies.

Marvin Rosenberg, D.D.S.

Dr. Marvin Rosenberg performs orthodontic treatments at SCDG. Receiving his D.D.S. at Howard University in 1977, Dr. Rosenberg was elected to Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the honorary scholastic dental society. He earned his specialty certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from UCLA School of Dentistry, continuing his education to receive a specialty certificate in Orthodontics from Loyola University in Chicago Dental School.

Dr. Rosenberg was born in Los Angeles and completed all of his pre-college education locally. He played various sports, competing formally in Baseball and Tennis. He is married and has a daughter. Some of Dr. Rosenberg's current hobbies and interests include playing golf and collecting sports memorabilia with a particular interest in Coach John Wooden memorabilia and all items related to UCLA basketball. He routinely attends UCLA basketball and football games.

After completing UCLA Dental School in Pediatric Dentistry, he was offered and accepted the position of chief of pediatric dentistry at a new LA County facility, H. Claude Humphrey. As part of that position, Dr. Rosenberg was offered a concomitant teaching position at USC Dental School. He eventually went into private practice of pediatric dentistry in Huntington Beach, California. At the same time Dr. Rosenberg had a teaching position at UCLA in the department of Pediatric Dentistry. Having been exposed to Orthodontics at UCLA, he decided to continue his education in Orthodontics at Loyola University Dental School. After completing that education, he came to Studio City Dental Group in 1987, and has happily been here ever since. During most of this time, Dr. Rosenberg has been teaching at UCLA in the Department of Orthodontics. He particularly enjoys treating children and helping them learn the importance of oral health, as well as how orthodontics can influence their adult lives. Dr. Rosenberg also enjoys incorporating the latest technology into orthodontics and has recently integrated Invisalign® into his practice.

Michael Whang, D.D.S.

Dr. Michael Whang is a specialist in Periodontics whose duties include esthetic gum procedures, management and treatment of gum disease, and surgical placement of dental implants.

Dr. Michael graduated from Harvard-Westlake School and continued his academic career in Psychobiology at UCLA. After receiving his B.S. in Psychobiology, Dr. Michael followed the footsteps of his father and grandfather and attended USC School of Dentistry, where he received his D.D.S. His pursuit of specialization in the field of Periodontics brought him back to UCLA, where he received his Certificate in Periodontics. Committed to the pursuit of higher learning and the value of education, he dedicates his time as a lecturer at the UCLA School of Dentistry, in the Periodontics Department. Again following his father’s footsteps who has been on the Part-time faculty at the USC School of Dentistry for the past 35 year, Dr. Michael takes pleasure in sharing his knowledge to the next generation of dentists and in advancing the field of Periodontics through his research endeavors.

Dr. Michael was born and raised in Los Angeles. It was in High School just up the street from Studio City Dental Group where he met his wife Sunny. They have two daughters, Elise and Charlotte. When not experiencing the joy of parenting, Dr. Michael enjoys playing a round of golf or watching a competitive sporting event: football, basketball, or whatever the season brings.