286 five star Google reviews
163 five star Yelp reviews
Meet Our 5-Star Dental Team at Torrance Dentistry
Marinel
Registered Dental Assistant
Marinel serves as the lead assistant for Dr. Yabuno’s office, and has been part of the team for 9 years. Marinel has been in the field of dentistry for 25 years, beginning with her graduation from University of the East in Manila, Philippines in 1995 with a Doctoral Degree of Dental Medicine. In 1996, she attended a preceptorship program in Prosthodontics at UCLA, and later earned her Dental Hygiene license in Florida in 2010. The UCLA program Marinel attended sparked her interest in Prosthodontics, which strongly ties in with one of her outside office hobbies of arts & crafts. However, Marinel’s greatest enjoyment in dentistry comes from the ability to assist in providing patients with superb dental care, and ensuring patients comfort by guiding and educating them throughout each step of their treatment performed. Outside of the office, Marinel also enjoys cooking and traveling with her family.
Anna
Registered Dental Assistant
Anna is a Registered Dental Assistant, and a Certified Dental Instructor and holds a degree in Psychology. She has been working in the dental field since the late 80’s and joined Dr. Yabuno’s team in the early 90’s. Anna has had a passion for dentistry since the beginning. She finds excitement and self-fulfillment in helping others, and is ever-eager to learn new dentistry, while sharing her knowledge and expertise of traditional methods. Anna is married with two wonderful sons, and a fur baby girl Corgi. In her free time, Anna enjoys walking by the beach, riding bikes, reading, traveling, and volunteering at animal shelters to rescue and support abandoned, stray or abused dogs.
Esti
Registered Dental Assistant
Esti is proud to have helped hundreds of smiles sparkle over her 25-year career as a licensed RDA. As a respected and valuable employee for over a decade, Dr. Yabuno and his staff rely on Esti’s work ethic and professionalism to maintain the reputation and high standard the office is known for. Her warm personality and smile can help the most nervous patients feel comfortable and ready for treatment.
Esti enjoys sharing time with her family and friends while taking advantage of an active lifestyle in the South Bay.
Soozee
Registered Dental Hygienist
Soozee has been working as a dental hygienist for over 17 years; 12 of which have been with Dr. Yabuno. Soozee graduated in 2005 from the University of Southern California, School of Dentistry with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Soozee enjoys working in the field of dentistry as it has always been a passion of hers. She emphasizes care and integrity with all of her patients. In her free time, Soozee enjoy spending time with her two daughters, playing board games, camping with friends/family and visiting family in Hawaii. Aloha!
Elma
Registered Dental Hygienist
Elma has been a Registered Dental Hygienist since 2003, and joined Dr. Yabuno’s practice over 20 years ago. After training as a dental assistant at SCROC in Torrance, she then went on to obtain a Bachelors in Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Bridgeport’s Fones School of Dental Hygiene, a Master degree in Public Health from Cal State Fullerton, and a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Utah. Elma’s greatest enjoyment in dentistry is the privilege to serve and care for others. Elma loves learning about her Savior Jesus Christ, spending time with her family, and enjoying her husband’s delicious cooking.
Susan
Registered Dental Hygienist
Susan grew up in the South Bay area and attended undergraduate school at UCLA. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from USC in 2012, earning her Dental Hygiene degree and has been working for Dr. Steve Yabuno for nearly 10 years. She strives to create a gentle and positive dental experience by promoting prevention first and following the patients’ comfort level. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, hiking and spending time with her husband and two young girls.
Wendy
Registered Dental Hygienist
Wendy, one of our experienced dental hygienists, has been a part of Dr Yabuno’s team for two years. Her goal is to help patients improve, not just their dental health, but their overall health. Wendy has been practicing since graduating from USC in 1991, and she is continually looking to expand her knowledge. Most recently, Wendy trained as a Myofunctional therapist, learning to recognize signs and symptoms related to obstructive airway issues, which can lead to apnea, cardiac arrest and strokes, among other serious health related issues. Wendy loves to spend her free time with her family, standup paddle boarding with her dog and friends, and drawing and painting in watercolors. She is also an advocate for animals and volunteers at a local shelter.
Rebecca
Front Office Coordinator
Rebecca moved from her hometown of Detroit, Michigan to Los Angeles in 2009, and joined Dr. Yabuno’s dental team in 2012. Rebecca has worked in the dental front office for over 25 years, and truly cares about providing patients with a stress-free experience. Although she has relocated to North Carolina, Rebecca is thrilled to be able to continue her work for Dr. Yabuno’s office remotely! Rebecca enjoys visiting her nephews in Michigan, hiking, crafting, and spending time with her husband, Bill, and two fur-babies.
Karla
Front Office Coordinator
Karla has 21 years of experience in all aspects of the dental field. She was 19 when she started as a dental assistant and for the past 7 years has been in the front office. Karla is passionate about helping patients receive the smile they deserve and the quality customer care they expect. In her free time Karla enjoys volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and teenage daughter outdoors camping or fishing.