Our Endodontists
Dr. Steven Hymovitch, DDS, MBA, CEC
McGill University, DDS Tufts University, Certificate of Endodontics Arizona State University, MBA Royal Roads University,
Certified Executive Coach
Certified Executive Coach
About: Dr. Steven Hymovitch, also known as “Dr. H,” is the founder and CEO of Valley Endodontics and Oral Surgery. He has run 11 successful endodontic and oral surgery practices throughout Arizona since 1996. Additionally, Dr. H is the proud co-founder of The Scottsdale Leadership and Coaching Center, where he coaches executives, upper management, and doctors within the healthcare industry.
Dr. Bianca Aboubakare, DMD, MSD
Western University of Health Sciences, DMD
Veterans Affairs Medical Center of West Los Angeles, General Practice Residency
University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, Masters of Science, Certificate of Endodontics
Veterans Affairs Medical Center of West Los Angeles, General Practice Residency
University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, Masters of Science, Certificate of Endodontics
Favorite Part of the Job: I love being able to be a part of a team that can help put a patient at ease in an especially painful and challenging time in their life, and restore them to a level of comfort.
Interests: Spending time with family, tennis, and watching English Premier League Soccer
Interests: Spending time with family, tennis, and watching English Premier League Soccer
Dr. Hussam Ahmed, DMD, MS
Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, DMD Veterans Affairs Maryland Healthcare System, General Practice Residency The University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, Masters of Science, Certificate of Endodontics
Favorite Part of the Job: I love being an endodontist because it gives me the opportunity to get my patients out of pain and improve their quality of life. Having a toothache can be very debilitating and is often a very difficult experience. I am a strong believer in providing patients with the best, most comfortable, and most relaxing patient care experience.
Interests: Hiking, biking, traveling, spending time with family and friends. Languages: English and Arabic
Interests: Hiking, biking, traveling, spending time with family and friends. Languages: English and Arabic
Dr. Lauren Berg, DDS, MSD
Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, DDS
Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, Certificate in Endodontics
Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, Certificate in Endodontics
Favorite Part of the Job: Endodontics has many new technologies such as 3D imaging and microscopes. I enjoy using these tools to help educate patients and provide excellent dental care so that patients can overcome any apprehension they may have towards treatment and become excited to save their teeth!
Interests: Traveling and hiking around the Southwest and making ceramic pottery.
Interests: Traveling and hiking around the Southwest and making ceramic pottery.
Dr. Claudia Colorado, DDS
University of Colorado Health Science Center, DDS Virginia Commonwealth University, Specialty Certificate,
Master of Science in Dentistry / Endodontics
Master of Science in Dentistry / Endodontics
Favorite Part of the Job: I know that having dental work treatment can become stressful for some patients. With this understanding, I take into careful consideration the comfort of each patient, offering a variety of options to provide a positive experience in our clinic.
Interests: Dr. Colorado recently moved to Tucson and enjoys the outdoors. Her hobbies include tennis, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Interests: Dr. Colorado recently moved to Tucson and enjoys the outdoors. Her hobbies include tennis, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Dr. Mohammed Elseed, DMD, MS
Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics
Tufts University Dental School
Tufts University Dental School
Favorite Part of the Job: Passionate about helping those in need. I regularly volunteer with the Arizona Mission of Mercy to provide free endodontic care to the public.
Interests: Avid soccer player, plays outdoor soccer in a men’s league, loves swimming in this beautiful Arizona climate.
Interests: Avid soccer player, plays outdoor soccer in a men’s league, loves swimming in this beautiful Arizona climate.
Dr. Trent Lally, DDS, MSD
Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics
University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, Detroit, MI, DDS Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA,
Certificate of Endodontics
University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, Detroit, MI, DDS Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA,
Certificate of Endodontics
Favorite Part of the Job: Having the opportunity to help the patient through a procedure they perceive as difficult and in the end, realize it was a breeze. Dr. Lally is a Board Certified Endodontist.
Interests: Loves martial arts and is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Also loves to golf on his off time.
Interests: Loves martial arts and is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Also loves to golf on his off time.
Dr. Mariana McNamara, DMD, MSD
Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, DMD
AT Still School of Health Management, MPH NYU Lutheran at the Pascua Yaqui
Dental Clinic, AEGD certificate
UTHealth School of Dentistry at Houston, MSD/Endodontic certificate
AT Still School of Health Management, MPH NYU Lutheran at the Pascua Yaqui
Dental Clinic, AEGD certificate
UTHealth School of Dentistry at Houston, MSD/Endodontic certificate
Favorite Part of the Job: Understanding that each tooth and diagnosis is unique, they can be viewed as puzzles. I truly enjoy deciphering the pieces and helping the patient get to a healthy state. Personal interactions with my patients are what I look forward to throughout the day.
Interests: Spending time with family, hiking, traveling, and being artistic in all media types
Interests: Spending time with family, hiking, traveling, and being artistic in all media types
Dr. Luis E. Medina-Torres DMD, MS
University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, DMD,
New York-Presbyterian Hospital, General Practice Residency
NYU Winthrop Hospital, General Practice Residency (PGY-2)
University of Michigan, School of Dentistry, Masters of Science, Certificate of Endodontics
New York-Presbyterian Hospital, General Practice Residency
NYU Winthrop Hospital, General Practice Residency (PGY-2)
University of Michigan, School of Dentistry, Masters of Science, Certificate of Endodontics
Favorite Part of the Job: It is very rewarding taking care of the patient’s pain while also helping the patient keep their natural dentition and maintaining the highest quality of care.
Interests: Spending time with family, going to the beach and exploring new places.
Languages: English and Spanish
Interests: Spending time with family, going to the beach and exploring new places.
Languages: English and Spanish
Dr. Joseph Sadykov, DDS
State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine Doctor of Dental Surgery and Endodontic Residency
Favorite Part of the Job: Providing outstanding personal care to his patients and living, and practicing in Arizona’s beautiful scenery.
Interests: Enjoys spending time with his family, as well as hiking, cycling, and practicing Judo.
Interests: Enjoys spending time with his family, as well as hiking, cycling, and practicing Judo.
Dr. Eugene (Geno) Salazar, DDS, MSD
Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics
University of Colorado School of Dentistry, in Denver, CO University of Texas-Houston School of Dentistry, Masters Degree with a specialty degree in Endodontics
University of Colorado School of Dentistry, in Denver, CO University of Texas-Houston School of Dentistry, Masters Degree with a specialty degree in Endodontics
Favorite Part of the Job: A native of Arizona, he graduated from Glendale High School and then the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. He served in the U.S. Army prior to earning his dental degrees. Dr. Salazar considers it a privilege to treat his patients and knows that most people fear the words “root canal.” He prides himself in trying to do endodontic therapy in a professional and painless manner. Dr. Salazar is also on the faculty at the Midwestern School of Dentistry, Glendale, campus.
Interests: All sports, playing golf, and woodworking.
Interests: All sports, playing golf, and woodworking.
Dr. Axel Yabroudi, MSD
Creighton University in Omaha, NE, Doctor of Dentistry Oregon Health Sciences University and Boston University,
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Endodontics
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Endodontics
Favorite Part of the Job: There are times when I find myself being more than an endodontist to my patients. Sometimes I am a teacher, and sometimes I am a psychologist. I know that many of my patients want some reassurance that everything is going to be fine.The best way I can provide that is by educating them and providing a gentle touch.
Interests: Enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys, and learning new languages. Languages: Arabic and French
Interests: Enjoys spending time with his wife and two boys, and learning new languages. Languages: Arabic and French
Our Oral Surgeons
Dr. Akber Ali DMD, MD
Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine (DMD)
University of Buffalo School of Medicine (MD)
Buffalo General Hospital Certificate in General Surgery
University of Buffalo Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency
University of Buffalo School of Medicine (MD)
Buffalo General Hospital Certificate in General Surgery
University of Buffalo Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency
Favorite Part of the Job: Providing full mouth reconstruction tailored to patient needs as well as providing compassionate care for patients that are nervous or anxious to see an oral surgeon.
Interests: Spending time with my wife, hiking, guitar, fitness, basketball, watching the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Clippers.
Interests: Spending time with my wife, hiking, guitar, fitness, basketball, watching the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Clippers.
Dr. Adam Bellack, DDS
Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, DDS
Banner University Medical Center Phoenix, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency
Banner University Medical Center Phoenix, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency
Favorite Part of the Job: Planning and executing full mouth rehabilitation for patients who have been in pain or maybe have even been embarrassed for quite some time is a privilege. As oral surgeons, we are able to combine a unique skillset with a thorough understanding of facial esthetics, facial anatomy and dental function/forces.
Interests: Family, travel, golf, cycling, snowboarding and hiking
Interests: Family, travel, golf, cycling, snowboarding and hiking
Dr. Jacob Carroll, DMD
Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine Banner University Medical Center Phoenix, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency
Favorite Part of the Job: I am grateful for the opportunity to help patients as they put their trust in me for their surgical needs.
I look to help alleviate the anxiety that people have while improving their quality of life.
Interests: Family, church service, sports of all kinds, camping and outdoors activities. Languages: Russian
I look to help alleviate the anxiety that people have while improving their quality of life.
Interests: Family, church service, sports of all kinds, camping and outdoors activities. Languages: Russian
Dr. Dallin Parkinson, DMD
Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine – Arizona
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency – University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency – University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Favorite Part of the Job: Providing individualized solutions for patients in an efficient manner – whether it’s eliminating pain, treating oral and facial pathology, or rebuilding a smile.
Interests: Spending time with my wife and daughters, health and fitness, basketball, hiking and ultimate frisbee
Interests: Spending time with my wife and daughters, health and fitness, basketball, hiking and ultimate frisbee
Dr. Nguyen (Winston) Phan, DMD, MD
University of Louisville School of Dentistry
Louisiana State University Shreveport School of Medicine
Louisiana State University Shreveport Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency
Louisiana State University Shreveport School of Medicine
Louisiana State University Shreveport Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency
Favorite Part of the Job: With training in both medicine and dentistry, I am able to diagnose and treat patients holistically in order to reach their unique treatment goals.
Whether it is removing an infected tooth to relieve pain or rebuilding a smile with dental implants, I aim to deliver compassionate and exceptional care.
Interests: Spending time with Family and Friends, Traveling, Hiking, Weightlifting, Running, Skiing
Interests: Spending time with Family and Friends, Traveling, Hiking, Weightlifting, Running, Skiing
Dr. Forrest Pratt, DMD
Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health
University of Iowa Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
University of Iowa Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Dr. Pratt is a full-scope Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
with a focus on wisdom tooth extractions, dental implants and jaw reconstructive surgery. He says, “Being an oral surgeon allows me to do two of the things I love most, working with my hands and helping others.
Favorite Part of the Job: The ability to take away someone’s pain from a broken-down tooth, or seeing a patient’s smile and confidence after orthognathic surgery, makes all the long years of training to be an oral surgeon, worth it.”
Interests: Woodworking, hiking, camping, cycling, weightlifting, snowboarding, dirt biking, and having movie nights at home with his kids.
Favorite Part of the Job: The ability to take away someone’s pain from a broken-down tooth, or seeing a patient’s smile and confidence after orthognathic surgery, makes all the long years of training to be an oral surgeon, worth it.”
Interests: Woodworking, hiking, camping, cycling, weightlifting, snowboarding, dirt biking, and having movie nights at home with his kids.
Dr. Ashish P. Sharma BDS, MSD
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from Christian Dental College, India in 2004
General Dentist at a Christian Mission hospital in India (2004-2009)
Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) in Implant Dentistry, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (2010-2014)
Completed a 4-year Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery residency at Loma Linda University (2014-2018), Loma Linda, California
General Dentist at a Christian Mission hospital in India (2004-2009)
Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) in Implant Dentistry, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (2010-2014)
Completed a 4-year Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery residency at Loma Linda University (2014-2018), Loma Linda, California
Has extensive training and expertise in dental implant surgery, dento-alveolar surgery, office-based anaesthesia, complex implant reconstructions, facial trauma & reconstruction, corrective jaw surgery, treatment of benign oral pathology.
Favorite Part of the Job: I enjoy interacting with my patients, providing them with the highest quality of oral & maxillofacial surgical care and helping them feel at ease during their clinical visits. I value and respect the trust my patients place in me as their provider. To see my patients being heard & helped brings me tremendous satisfaction.
Interests: Spending time with family, exploring the outdoors, photography, playing the guitar & community outreach.
Favorite Part of the Job: I enjoy interacting with my patients, providing them with the highest quality of oral & maxillofacial surgical care and helping them feel at ease during their clinical visits. I value and respect the trust my patients place in me as their provider. To see my patients being heard & helped brings me tremendous satisfaction.
Interests: Spending time with family, exploring the outdoors, photography, playing the guitar & community outreach.
Dr. Joseph Slaughter, DDS
Diplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, UCLA School of Dentistry, Harbor/UCLA Medical Center, Cook County Hospital
Favorite Part of the Job: After successfully treating thousands of patients over the last 25 years, each with their own unique needs and concerns, I take very seriously my responsibility to give all my patients the personal attention and highest quality care they deserve. As I would with any member of my own family, I am committed to making your surgical experience as safe, comfortable and anxiety-free as possible.
Interests: Exploring the food and wine scene of the Phoenix area and spending quality time traveling with my wife and daughters.
Interests: Exploring the food and wine scene of the Phoenix area and spending quality time traveling with my wife and daughters.
Dr. Carlton Taylor, DMD
The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, DMD Banner University Medical Center Phoenix, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency
Favorite Part of the Job: I love the satisfaction of helping people get out of pain. Many people come in with not only pain, but fear and anxiety for the treatment. I love when we get the comment, “We are already done?”
Interests: Spending time with family, hiking, rock-climbing, cycling, tennis.
Interests: Spending time with family, hiking, rock-climbing, cycling, tennis.
Dr. Amogh Velangi, DDS
Diplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
College of Dentistry, New York University, DDS New York University/Bellevue Hospital Center, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency
College of Dentistry, New York University, DDS New York University/Bellevue Hospital Center, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency
Favorite Part of the Job: Providing immediate pain relief along with long-term reconstruction for our patients. Also, making them feel as comfortable as possible and giving them a great experience.
Interests: Spending time with family, traveling, watching movies, exercising, and enjoying hockey.
Interests: Spending time with family, traveling, watching movies, exercising, and enjoying hockey.
Team Members
Marisa Cucco
Relations Director
Marisa Cucco has documented leadership success in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. She is skilled in assessing needs and designing meaningful outcomes, with particular experience in relationship management and company growth. Marisa is excited for the opportunity to share this knowledge with our company partners, and has an extensive background in sales training and adult learning. She also specializes in assisting the build of successful teams through her many certifications in Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Leadership Development Courses.
Interests: She enjoys traveling, hockey and spending time with family and friends
Interests: She enjoys traveling, hockey and spending time with family and friends