Dr. Vallarine, President-CEO

Dr Vallarine graduated with honors from Loyola Marymount University in 1977 and went on to study at one of the nation's top dental schools, the University Of Southern California School Of Dentistry.

Upon graduating from the University of Southern California in 1981, he opened his first practice in Turlock, California. Over the past three decades Dr. Vallarinepractice has grown and progressed, but it has never lost its personal feel or sense of values. Dr. Vallarine understands the importance of providing each and every patient with the personal attention they deserve and takes pride in his practice's uncompromising commitment to providing quality comprehensive patient care.

Dr Vallarine is dedicated to continuously exceeding his patient's expectations and has ensured that each of his offices provides the most up-to-date technologies and procedures, as well as a highly trained and experienced staff.

Dr. Vallarine is a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association and the Stanislaus County Dental Association. In his free time enjoys traveling, fishing, and spending time with his family.

Dr Vallarine recently retired from clinical Dentistry in 2010 and has focused his energy on managing his General and Pediatric First Step Dental offices and the Fresno Dental Surgical Center.

Dr. De La Riva, Medical Director

In...

• 1981 Dr. De La Riva received his B.S. in Biology from San Francisco State University
• 1985 Dr. De La Riva graduated from University of California San Francisco School of Medicine
• 1986 Completed internship at UCLA Veterans Administration Hospital Medical Center in Sepulveda, CA
• 1988 Completed the residency program of Internal Medicine at UCSF Medical Center in Fresno
• 1991 Completed residency in Anesthesiology at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard School of Medicine
• Completed Pediatric Anesthesia at Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard School of Medicine
• Completed Cardiothoracic Anesthesia at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard School of Medicine

Licensures and Certifications in:

• California Medical License
• Diplomate, Nation Board of Medical Examiners
• Diplomate, American Board of Anesthesia
• Diplomate, American Board of Pain Medicine

Dr. Arslanian, Dental Director

Dr. Arslanian received his B.S. in chemistry from Cal State Northridge in 1989. He continued his education at Loma Linda University where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1993. He joined the Loma Linda University school of Dentistry faculty soon after graduation and maintained a private practice in Southern California. In 1997 he moved to the Central Valley where he has been rendering general dentistry services for children under anesthesia at multiple outpatient surgery centers.

Dr. Arslanian has been part of the Fresno Dental Surgery Center team since 2007.

Brenda Thomas-Pugh, DDS

Dr. Brenda Thomas-Pugh is a graduate of Lone Mountain College in San Francisco, California and received both her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees from the University of San Francisco. Dr. Thomas-Pugh, was an assistant professor of UCSF Dental school, for 10 years. She became the Dental Director of Fairmont Hospital in 1992, where she provided comprehensive dentistry for children, adults and skilled nursing patients.

In addition Dr. Thomas-Pugh maintains a number of professional affiliations. She is an active member of :

• ADA, (American Dental Association)
• CDA, (California Dental Association)
• NDA, (National Dental Association)
• AAPA, ( American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry)

Kim Chen, DDS

Dr. Kim Chen received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of California at San Francisco, School of Dentistry. Dr. Chen received the Student Research Award, and is a Lifetime member of Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity.

After graduating from University of California at San Francisco, Dr. Chen and her husband returned to his home town in the central valley. Together they have made Fresno their home for over fourteen years.

As a mother herself, she is concerned with the welfare of our children. She has always been involved in various volunteer and community programs such as Children's Hospital Dental Clinic in Oakland, tutoring abused children, local health fairs, and local school programs such as the English Learner Advisory Committee.

Dr. Chen looks forward to seeing you and your family.

Alicia Luna, Director of Clinical Services

Alicia Luna is the Director of Clinical Services. She graduated from Fresno State University (class of '07) and has her B.S. in Registered Nursing. She started working in the medical field when she was 16 as an in home care provider. Because she enjoyed caring for others she went on to get her Certified Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide Certification. She has worked with children of all ages, she started at her families day care, then went on to work at the Madera Juvenile Hall and Boot Camp before finding herself at Fresno Dental Surgery Center. Alicia is a well rounded, warm heart-ed individual. She is married and has a daughter. She enjoys camping, bicycling and traveling.

Rey, RN

Rey is a RN who graduated and started his nursing career in the Philippines. He has practiced nursing in Ireland as well. He has been with Fresno Dental Surgery Center for five years. Practicing nursing in other countries sets Rey apart from others.He loves the diversity that Fresno has to offer. He and his lovely wife have made Fresno their home with their three wonderful children.

Dianne, RN

Dianne has been a practicing RN for 21 years.Of those 21 years the last seven have been dedicated to the Pediatric field.This experience makes her a perfect recovery nurse here at Fresno Dental Surgery Center.

Dianne has been with Fresno Dental Surgery Center for two years and also teaches. Her passion is the pediatric population. She is married with three lovely daughters who keep her busy with volleyball games and different activities.

Wilma, LVN

Wilma is a Licensed Vocational Nurse. She works in the Recovery Room to attend to and be responsible for the children who have been put under general anesthesia for their dental treatment. She has over 34 years experience in the nursing field. She enjoys working with young children. She travels 2 hours from Fresno Dental Surgery Center and states "I'm proud to be a part of a facility where everyone is a professional and a wonderful team."

Carlos, RDA

Carlos has been in the dental profession for 10 years,five of which he has been a dedicated employee of Fresno Dental Surgery Center. As a father of four boys,he knows how important and challenging good oral health can be.

It is rewarding to him when families see him and tell him thank you, my teeth don't hurt anymore.

Carlos is happily married and father to four boys. He is an outstanding soccer coach. When there is time for him,he enjoys fishing and hunting.

Maria, RDA

Maria has been in the dental field for 12 years. She has been employed by Fresno Dental Surgery Center for four years She and her husband have made Fresno their home for the past ten years and are parents to four children. Her passion is helping children.

Bee, DA

Bee has been with Fresno Dental Surgery Center for five years. He started as a sterilization technician and took an interest in dental assisting and is now chair side. He is currently enrolled at Fresno City College completing prerequisites for the hygiene program. In his spare time enjoys being outdoors and fishing.

Anthony, Sterilization Technician

Anthony has been employed by Fresno Dental Surgery Center for eight months as a sterilization technician. Anthony has an important job and takes it serious. He is assertive and eager to learn all phases of the surgery center. He is married with two daughters. He is also very active in his church.

Jessica, Admitting Receptionist

Jessica has been employed by Fresno Dental Surgery Center for two years. As the Admitting Receptionist,you will always be greeted with a friendly smile. More importantly you can be assured that your information is kept confidential, and all information is entered correctly. Jessica has been in the medical/dental field for over seven years and uses that experience to make your visit a good one.

In her spare time she take an active part in her church and movie night is her families favorite time. She looks forward to meeting you!

Mary, Admitting Receptionist

Mary is an Admitting Receptionist for over a year here at Fresno Dental Surgery Center. Mary has been in the dental field for 12 years,also as an assistant. Her experience in the field has made her a wonderful addition to our team. When not working,she spends time with her two children.

Erica, Scheduling Coordinator

Erica is a graduate from Sanger High school and continued her education at Maric College majoring in Medical Office Administration. Erica has been in the medical/dental field for over 5 years, three of which she has been a dedicated employee at Fresno Dental Surgery Center. Patients care is her priority, focusing on making a child smile.

Carmen, Referral Coordinator

Carmen has been a referral coordinator for the past 15 years. She has been an employee of Fresno Dental Surgery Center for over two years. She chose the medical/dental field to help families in need. She trusts Fresno Dental Surgery Center enough to refer her family and friends here!

You may contact Carmen directly at 559.263.8881.

Giselle, Insurance Authorization Coordinator

Giselle is the Insurance Authorization Coordinator for Fresno Dental Surgery Center. She has held this position for five years. She has over 15 years of hospital dentistry experience,she has been in the dental field for over 18 years.

She enjoys working with children knowing she has made a difference in their health.