Testimonials - Select Dental & Orthodontics

Since launching his initial private practice in Beverly Hills in 1992, Dr. Dean Salo has been a refreshing face in the Los Angeles dental landscape.

Running successful multi-disciplinary practices focused on patient education, highly individualized care, full mouth rehabilitations as well as the functional and aesthetic dental health of patients, Dr. Salo operates under the mantra of 100% Dentistry.

His passion for dentistry started early. He began learning the artistry of cosmetic restorations by working in a dental lab during college.

After graduating from UCLA in 1989 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biochemistry, Dr. Dean was the youngest in his class and earned his DDS from University of Pacific’s Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry at 24. He then went on to open his first practice in Beverly Hills, where he brought a fresh take to modern dentistry in an otherwise cluttered dental landscape. As his patient base grew, so did his practice. Now, Dr. Salo leads a team of the best dental practitioners in the field, at his multi-disciplinary Miracle Mile and South Bay practices, where he continues to deliver top-quality service to some of LAs most famous faces and those looking for the highest level of personalized care. Additionally Dr. Salo practices hospital dentistry, supervises residents at the General Residency Program and has privileges at the renowned and top-ranked Cedars Sinai Hospital.

For Dr. Salo, cosmetic dentistry is a passion and an art form. He has trained under some of the most prominent industry leaders such as Dr. John Kois and Dr. Michael Pikos. Dr. Dean completed multifaceted training at pristine Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies as well as Dawson Academy. He strives for perfection with each patient and focuses on designing restorations that look and feel natural. He incorporates artistry into his work, using century-old techniques of golden proportions combined with state of the art technologies, such as T-scan, to achieve proper occlusion and to perfect the bite. Dr. Dean incorporates most advanced technologies into his practice. Digital radiography, CT Scan and a variety of lasers are used in his practice to maximize patient comfort.

Upon realizing the widespread fear and anxiety associated with dentistry, Dr. Salo made it a personal mission to create an environment that catered to dental-phobics. To do so, he furthered his education in oral sedation, obtained an IV sedation license, and is currently a member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. One of the unique features of his practices is that patients can obtain all of their dental services in one office, from his team of top-notch specialists, while sleeping through the entire process.

Dr. Salo is a graduate of the Misch Implant Institute; one of the worlds most advanced training centers in dental implantology. His training at Misch enhanced Dr. Deans superior surgical skills and knowledge of periodontics necessary for complex implant treatments. His training and expertise in dental implants have allowed him to rehabilitate numerous cases of partial and/or total edentulism, the absence of teeth, giving patients the smiles they want and deserve. Dr. Salo has incorporated numerous cutting-edge technologies into his surgical practice, such as Plasma Rich Protein, which greatly accelerates the healing rate and recovery in his patients. His surgical skills have earned him a Fellowship at the esteemed International Congress of Oral Implantologist as well as the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

His drive for perfection, passion for his work, and love for his patients keep Dr. Salo in tune with all current developments in the industry. He is affiliated with some of the most respected dental organizations including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, The American College of Prosthodontists, and the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, a group of multi-disciplinary professionals, committed to the relief of craniofacial pain and dysfunction of TMJ. Dr. Deans TMJ treatments are focused on therapies and modalities, which offer patients relief and solutions without the use of surgeries and drugs.

Additionally, Dr. Salo has worked both domestically and abroad, assisting dentists in building patient-centered practices, as well as training them in advanced dental techniques and proper use of cutting edge technologies.

Dr. Salo and his wife actively support several philanthropic organizations including the Concern Foundation, which funds cancer research worldwide, the National MS Society, and Our House. Through both his practices, and with the help of his dedicated staff, giving back to the community is further encouraged through donations and support of organizations such as Art of the Brain, Spirituality For Kids, Jewish Home for The Aging, and the Avon Cancer Walk, just to name a few.

Dr. Salo has lived in Los Angeles since his early childhood. He presently resides in Beverly Hills with his wife and their three children.

Dr. Madelyne Salo, a Los Angeles native and second-generation dentist, co-founded Salo Manhattan Beach with her father, Dr. Dean Salo. After completing independent research at UCLA School of Dentistry, she attended the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, where she served as president of the Alpha Omega International Dental Society. Her expertise spans cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, and endodontics, ensuring comprehensive care for patients of all ages. Her practice emphasizes cutting-edge technology and building strong, long-term patient relationships.

Believing that oral health is key to overall wellness, Dr. Madelyne prioritizes a holistic approach with thorough checkups for early issue detection, like oral cancer. Outside the office, she enjoys jewelry-making and stained-glass art and is an active member of professional organizations, including the ADA and Omicron Kappa Upsilon. She also volunteers in the community, educating children on the importance of dental care.

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Erik Wu, DMD, is a board-certified orthodontist at Select Dental & Orthodontics in Torrance, California. Dr. Wu focuses on providing top-quality dental care while helping his patients reach their smile goals.

Dr. Wu graduated from Pomona College with his bachelor’s degree in chemistry. During his time there, he was invited to be a part of the national honor societies, Sigma Xi and Phi Beta Kappa. After graduation, he continued with his studies at the prestigious Harvard University in Massachusetts, where he immersed himself in the science and art of dentistry and earned his doctorate in dental medicine (DMD).

He moved back to California following his studies and received specialty training in orthodontics at the University of California, Los Angeles.

At Select Dental & Orthodontics, Dr. Wu uses safe and gentle techniques to deliver  positive patient experiences. He is highly experienced in all aspects of orthodontics, including traditional braces and clear aligners.

As an instructor at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry as well as an active member of the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, and the California Dental Association, Dr. Wu is always looking for new ways to improve his patients’ oral health and quality of life.

Samantha Besser, DMD, is a board-certified endodontist at Select Dental & Orthodontics in Torrance, California. Dr. Besser is highly experienced in treating pediatric patients as well as individuals with disabilities.

Dr. Besser attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, for her undergraduate studies before transferring to Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, where she received her doctorate in dental medicine (DMD). Once she graduated from medical school, Dr. Besser spent five years providing dental care to U.S. troops both abroad and at home while serving as an honorary U.S. Air Force Officer.

After her time in the military, Dr. Besser practiced as a general dentist with a passion for the field of endodontics. She pursued a highly competitive endodontic program at the University of Southern California’s Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry and eventually earned her certification in endodontics after two years of meticulous training.

At Select Dental & Orthodontics, Dr. Besser uses the most advanced techniques in dentistry to treat her patients. While providing a welcoming and friendly environment, she offers multiple forms of anesthesia to help alleviate dental anxiety in her patients and ensure they have a comfortable experience throughout treatment.

Many patients have praised Dr. Besser for her gentle manner, warm personality, and dedication to their oral health care. Dr. Besser is a California native, and currently lives in Santa Monica with her husband Sean.

Oscar Alonzo, DDS, is an oral surgeon at Select Dental & Orthodontics in Torrance, California. With over 25 years of private practice experience, Dr. Alonzo offers his expertise in oral disease and anesthesia to restore patients’ oral health and provide them with functional, healthy smiles.

Dr. Alonzo is a native of the San Francisco Bay Area. He completed his undergraduate education at San Francisco State University, earning his bachelor’s degree in psychology. Following his studies, he went on to obtain his doctorate in dental surgery (DDS) from the University of California, San Francisco.

He received specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery through his residency at the Martin Luther King Jr. Outpatient Center in Los Angeles. Upon completing his residency program, Dr. Alonzo pursued medical training through the University of California, Los Angeles, and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. He also completed a general surgery internship at the University of California, Davis.

With certifications in basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), and pediatric advanced life support (PALS), Dr. Alonzo is equipped with the necessary skills and training to provide safe and effective oral surgeries for all ages.

As a member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, American Dental Board of Anesthesiology, the California Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Dr. Alonzo values the importance of continuing education and always strives to provide the newest dental insights to empower his patients to take care of their oral health.

Dr. Alonzo holds special interest in anesthesia, wisdom teeth extractions, bone grafts, dental implants, and oral pathology. However, you can rely on Dr. Alonzo to deliver comprehensive care for all of your oral health needs.

At Select Dental & Orthodontics, Dr. Alonzo is passionate about building patient-doctor relationships, and offers all the support and guidance you need to make informed treatment decisions. He often utilizes simple terminology, visual aids, and videos to ensure all patients understand their conditions and procedures prior to receiving any kind of dental treatment.

Ryan Park, DDS, is a board-certified periodontist at Select Dental & Orthodontics in Torrance, California. Dr. Park takes great pride in providing patient-centered periodontal treatment that restores harmony and balance to your oral health. He always makes the time to educate patients about oral health care and works closely with them to maintain a beautiful smile.

Dr. Park is an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology. He received his bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of the Pacific in Stockton. After graduating, he went to the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco for his doctoral program in dental surgery.

Upon completion, he took up a periodontics residency program with the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in Manhattan, New York.

Outside of practicing dentistry, Dr. Park loves to travel internationally and explore his local hometown of Los Angeles. His current favorite travel spot is the Amalfi Coast in Italy. He also enjoys playing golf and tennis, and catching up with family and friends. He is a big foodie and welcomes all patient recommendations.