Tooth Whitening Near Me in South San Francisco, CA

With a passion for dentistry that spans over two decades, Dr. Catalina Phan has been providing exceptional care since 1997. Although her list of credentials and achievements is extensive (see below), Dr. Phan values the personal connections she forms with her patients above all else.

A native of Willow Glen, California, Dr. Phan now calls Saratoga home, where she lives with her husband and two young children. Striking a healthy balance between her rewarding career and family life is a priority for her, and she finds joy in both her professional and personal roles.

As a dentist, Dr. Phan’s mission is to provide patients with a comfortable, top-notch dental experience while achieving beautiful, healthy smiles. Her passion for dentistry is evident in the care she provides, utilizing the latest procedures and treatments to ensure the best results for every patient. Her goal is to treat her patients as family and to deliver care that makes a lasting impact.

When she’s not practicing dentistry, Dr. Phan is dedicated to being the best partner to her husband, a loving mother to her children, and a devoted daughter to her parents. While balancing work and family life can be challenging at times, the moments of joy—whether it’s seeing a patient’s smile transform, helping someone find relief from pain, or receiving a precious gift from her child—remind her that every effort is worth it.

Education & Credentials:

Dr. Phan graduated from Willow Glen High in 1988 and went on to earn a B.S. in Physiology from UC Davis in 1997. She also holds a B.S. in Dental Materials and a Doctorate in Dental Science, both from UC San Francisco, completed in 1997.

Memberships, Associations & Certifications:

 • Nobel Biocare Bronze Award in Implants
• • Advanced Synergy Training in Implants
• • Restorative Therapy for Osseointegrated Dental Implants
• • American Dental Association
• • California Dental Association
• • Santa Clara County Dental Association
 • Academy of General Dentistry
• • American Orthodontic Society Certification
• • Invisalign Certification
 • American Academy of Facial Esthetics Trained and Certified
 • Oral Conscious Sedation Certification
 • Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation
 • Nitrous Oxide Certification
 • Sirona Laser Certification
 • America’s Top Dentists, Consumers’ Research Council of America

Dr. Phan’s commitment to continuous learning ensures that her patients benefit from the most advanced and effective dental treatments available.

Dr. Chris, a proud San Jose native, was raised in a family of dedicated dentists, giving him a deep-rooted connection to the profession from a young age. Despite starting his career as a dental assistant at 15 in his aunt’s practice, he initially followed a different path and worked in firefighting. His desire to serve others led him to become an emergency medical technician and fire advisor, experiences that helped shape his medical career. It wasn’t until later that he discovered his passion for surgical dentistry, reigniting his drive to pursue a career in helping people through dentistry.

Dr. Chris graduated with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Universidad de La Salle, and he remains committed to advancing his skills through membership in several professional organizations, including the Santa Clara County Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the California Dental Association.

As the founder of Vino Smiles Dentistry, Dr. Chris is deeply committed to providing exceptional care and building lasting relationships with his patients. Named after his inspiration, Kobe Bryant, Dr. Chris created Vino Smiles as a place where he could positively impact lives through trust and transparency. His warm demeanor, combined with his passion for delivering outstanding care, ensures that every patient feels at ease and well cared for.

When he’s not in the office, Dr. Chris cherishes time with his family. He’s a devoted husband and a proud father to his newborn daughter. A lifelong Lakers fan, he enjoys keeping up with NBA action and hitting the basketball court when he can.

Dr. Brian Kong earned his dental degree from the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, following his undergraduate studies at UCLA, where he majored in Economics and Psychology.

While he enjoyed the vibrant city life in Los Angeles and San Francisco, he decided to return to his hometown of San Jose, where he appreciates the short, traffic-free commute to work. He is an active member of the Santa Clara Dental Society, Golden State Spear Study Club, Spear Faculty Club, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Every day, Dr. Kong looks forward to his work and enjoys building relationships with his patients. He is committed to providing the most effective and least invasive treatments possible, utilizing the latest materials, techniques, and technology. Although he enjoys a broad range of dental procedures, his true passion lies in cosmetic dentistry and creating beautiful, healthy smiles.

To maintain his expertise, Dr. Kong participates in numerous postgraduate dental education courses each year, learning from some of the best dentists globally. He has traveled extensively to enhance his understanding of dentistry and even participated in a dental mission trip to Ecuador, where he treated local residents with limited access to dental care.

Outside of work, when he's not busy tidying up or making repairs at home (often prompted by his wife) or chasing after his toddler, Dr. Kong loves to snowboard, explore Costco, work out, and spend quality time with his family. He’s a fan of online shopping, enjoys Panda Express orange chicken, and has a passion for brewing the perfect pourover coffee. He can often be found glued to the TV during UCLA, Warriors, 49ers, or Giants games, and he believes the DVR is one of mankind's greatest inventions, especially for overlapping games. Dr. Kong also candidly admits that he needs to floss more consistently and recently completed Invisalign treatment after his teeth shifted from neglecting to wear his retainer as a teenager.

With nearly two decades of experience in the dental field, Dr. Karen Ho is dedicated to providing exceptional care alongside her fantastic team in Campbell. She values building meaningful connections with her patients, whether it's during their first visit or catching up during their routine checkups. Dr. Ho is passionate about creating a comfortable environment where patients feel heard and cared for.

Dr. Ho’s journey into dentistry began with her love for arts and crafts in childhood, which led her to pursue a career where she could blend her artistic talents with a passion for healthcare. She chose dentistry because it allows her to positively impact patients’ lives by enhancing both their oral health and the appearance of their smiles.

After completing a Physiology degree at UC Davis, Dr. Ho earned her dental degree from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. To stay at the forefront of dental advancements, she completes about 50 hours of continuing education annually, with a special focus on attending Spear Continuing Education seminars. Dr. Ho has been a member of the Spear Study Club for nine years, collaborating with other dental professionals to refine treatment plans and learn about the latest techniques. She is also an active member of the California Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry.

Dr. Ho is deeply committed to advancing her skills and has completed a year-long mastership program at the Alleman Center for Biomimetic Dentistry. Additionally, she has participated in advanced training through the BAARD Institute and the Nejad Institute in Southern California, focusing on creating durable, long-lasting dental restorations for her patients.

Originally from Canada, Dr. Ho moved to Mountain View at the age of four. She and her husband, high school sweethearts, are now parents to two children. Outside of the dental office, Dr. Ho enjoys high-intensity interval watching movies, exploring new restaurants, cooking, hiking, biking, playing volleyball, and training.

She values spending quality time with her family, including playing video games together. Dr. Ho strives to deliver the highest level of care to each patient, combining expertise with compassion to make every visit a positive experience.

For Dr. Jeanette C. Guerrero's skill and compassion go hand in hand when providing exceptional care. As a dental professional, she stays ahead of the curve by staying abreast of the latest advancement in dentistry, providing the most comprehensive treatment options for her patients. She is thankful for the great amount of trust her patients put in herself and her team. She values every relationship she has with her patients.

 • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)
 • Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
 •American Dental Association (ADA)

Dr. Defaii earned his Biochemistry degree (Magna Cum Laude) from California State University in San Francisco, where he received The Outstanding Academic Achievement Award and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.

He then obtained his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Southern California, graduating with multiple honors, including The Dental Ambassador Award and the Certificate of Merit from the American Society of Dentistry for Children.

In 1989, Dr. Defaii founded his own dental practice, driven by a commitment to providing advanced, comprehensive, and compassionate care. His dedication to cosmetic dentistry is further reflected in his participation in a four-year study club at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry, where he gained extensive expertise in the field. He continually seeks to expand his knowledge and skills in dentistry.

Dr. Defaii is known for his personalized approach, taking the time to understand his patients' concerns and thoroughly discussing the best treatment options. He prioritizes comfort and quality care in every interaction.

Education
 • California State University, San Francisco
  Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry
  Honors: Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society

 • University of Southern California
  Doctor of Dental Surgery
  Honors: Omicron Kappa Upsilon

Dr. Elika Mirzaagha’s path to dentistry began at San Jose State University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Art in 1992. She then pursued her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at the University of Southern California (USC) School of Dentistry, graduating in 1996. During her time at USC, Dr. Mirzaagha also served as a clinical faculty member, helping to mentor and teach dental students during her residency.

Dr. Mirzaagha has been dedicated to family dentistry since the early stages of her career, with a particular passion for cosmetic dentistry. In 1999, she acquired Dental Care of Antioch, and in 2006, relocated and expanded the practice to its current, state-of-the-art facility. Her commitment to continuous improvement led her to integrate cutting-edge technology into the practice, creating a modern, comfortable environment where patients receive top-tier care. With her combination of academic excellence, hands-on training, strong ethical values, and artistic flair, Dr. Mirzaagha has fostered a welcoming atmosphere for both patients and staff alike.

Beyond her dental practice, Dr. Mirzaagha has a deep love for gardening, particularly her rose garden and fruit orchard. Currently, she is exploring the creative process of grafting flowers and fruits. She also enjoys traveling with her husband and daughter and cherishing time spent with family and friends.

Credentials & Accreditations:

 • Bachelor’s degree in Biology, San Jose State University (SJSU)
 • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), University of Southern California (USC)
 • Aesthetic Revolution Program, University of the Pacific (UOP)

Dr. Shirazi Strasser is a highly respected dentist with a comprehensive background in both general and cosmetic dentistry. After earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University School of Dentistry, she further honed her skills through an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program at Columbia University. Over the years, Dr. Strasser has built a stellar reputation in both her Manhattan and Newport Beach practices. In 2007, she opened Diablo Dentistry in Concord, which has since expanded to a second location in Antioch. Committed to providing her patients with the most modern dental care, Dr. Shirazi Strasser integrates cutting-edge technologies such as Invisalign, Soft Tissue Laser, and digital scanning systems that replace traditional impressions. These innovations improve comfort and convenience for her patients while enhancing treatment outcomes. With specialized training in implant dentistry, she earned an implantology certificate from New York Oral Implantology. As a member of several prestigious professional organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics, Dr. Shirazi Strasser stays on the forefront of advancements in cosmetic procedures, particularly smile makeovers. She is a lifelong learner, regularly attending conferences, hands-on workshops, and continuing education courses across the country to refine her expertise. Dr. Shirazi Strasser is a proud member of the following associations: Professional Affiliations: - American Dental Association - Academy of General Dentistry - Invisalign - American Academy of Implant Dentistry - International Congress of Implants - American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry - Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics Outside of her dental practice, Dr. Shirazi enjoys skiing, dancing, biking, listening to music, and reading. He continues to consistently juggle family life and his dental practice. He will continue to juggle both as long as hes successful and volunteering at this children schools. His quest is to always be there for his family and children. But especially his parents because they mean the world to him,

Dr. Sudeep brings a wealth of expertise in dental aesthetics, having personally completed over 10,000 cosmetic dentistry restorations. She is certified in both hard and soft tissue Laser Dentistry and is an authorized provider of Invisalign Braces. To accommodate patients who experience anxiety about dental procedures, Dr. Sudeep offers sedation dentistry options, ensuring that everyone leaves Santa Teresa Dental Center with a smile.

Education and Professional Development
Dr. Sudeep graduated from the University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry in San Francisco in 2000, ranking in the top five percent of her class and earning special recognition as a member of the Honors Society (Tau Kappa Omega). With a strong focus on cosmetic dentistry, she has pursued numerous advanced post-graduate courses at prestigious institutions, including the University of California at San Francisco, the University of the Pacific, UCLA, and USC. Dr. Sudeep is dedicated to delivering the highest quality of care by incorporating the latest advancements in dental technology.

The California Dental Board requires dentists in California to complete 50 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their knowledge in the field. Dr. Sudeep surpasses this standard, having accrued over 200 hours of continuing education in the last two years.

Her studies concentrate on Advanced Aesthetic Dentistry and Neuromuscular Dentistry. She has also participated in a post-graduate training program at the renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, where she completed the "Advanced Functional Aesthetics" course taught by Dr. William Dickerson.

Dr. Sudeep is an active member of several professional organizations, including:
 • Seattle Study Club
 • Dental Organization of Conscious Sedation
 • University of the Pacific Alumni Association
 • American Dental Association
 • California Dental Association
 • Santa Clara County Dental Society

If you’re searching for a local dentist who is knowledgeable in the latest treatment technologies and prioritizes your comfort and dental health, contact Santa Teresa Dental Center to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sudeep today!

At Santa Teresa Dental Center, we are committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive dental care to the San Jose, CA community. We welcome patients of all ages!

Why Choose Us
 • Beautiful smiles with dental veneers
 • Conscious sedation options for anxious patients
 • Saturday appointments available
 • Dentist with over 25 years of experience
 • Accepts all PPO insurances