About - South Gate Dentistry & Orthodontics

Our Team

Dr. Mark Noori

Dr. Mehrdad (Mark) Noori earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the USC School of Dentistry in 2008 after receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from University of California, Los Angeles in 2003. Graduating in the top 5% of his class, Dr. Noori began his career with a vision to redefine the traditional dental experience by making every visit more comfortable, relaxing, and stress-free for patients.

Passionate about advanced dentistry and lifelong learning, Dr. Noori remains at the forefront of modern dental techniques and technology. He is highly regarded for his expertise in cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and full mouth reconstruction, helping patients achieve healthy, confident, and beautiful smiles through personalized treatment plans and exceptional care.

Known for his gentle approach and compassionate patient care, Dr. Noori completes more than 75 hours of continuing education annually to stay current with the latest advancements in dentistry. As a result, he is able to provide patients with the most modern and effective treatment options available. While he enjoys all aspects of dental care, his greatest passion lies in cosmetic smile transformations and complex full-mouth rehabilitation cases. Furthermore, Dr. Noori is dedicated to helping patients achieve healthy, functional, and beautiful smiles through personalized treatment plans and exceptional care.

Dr. Rene Shakhshir

Dr. Rene began her dental career nearly 17 years ago after graduating from dental school in Algeria. Following her move to the United States, she continued her education and achieved her goal of becoming a California Board-Certified Dentist in 2023. In addition to owning and operating her own dental clinic in Amman, Jordan, she completed advanced hands-on training during her U.S. certification process. As a result, Dr. Rene brings extensive clinical experience and a diverse international background to South Gate Dentistry & Orthodontics, allowing her to provide compassionate, comprehensive, and high-quality dental care to patients of all ages.

Dr. Rene is passionate about providing exceptional dental care while helping patients feel comfortable, relaxed, and confident throughout their treatment experience. Furthermore, she believes that every patient is unique and deserves individualized attention. Therefore, she takes the time to understand each person’s specific needs, concerns, and goals before recommending treatment. In addition, Dr. Rene is committed to building strong, compassionate doctor-patient relationships based on trust, communication, and respect. As a result, patients feel supported and empowered throughout every stage of their dental journey.

Her expertise includes preventive dentistry, restorative care, and functional esthetic dentistry, with a strong focus on personalized treatment planning and long-term oral health. Dedicated to continuing education and modern dental advancements, Dr. Rene works closely with patients to create customized treatment plans designed to achieve healthy, beautiful smiles.

Dr. Rene is proud to be a member of the California Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the San Gabriel Valley Dental Society.

Dr. Alan Lavian (Oral Surgeon)

Rafael Sosa (Treatment/Financial Coordinator)

Rafa is the Treatment and Financial Coordinator at South Gate Dentistry & Orthodontics and has nearly 20 years of experience in the dental field. Passionate about helping patients receive the care they need, Rafa works closely with every patient to coordinate treatment plans, maximize insurance benefits, and provide flexible financial options that make dental care more affordable and accessible.

Known for hisKnown for his friendly and compassionate approach, Rafa is dedicated to helping patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident throughout their dental journey. In addition, he takes the time to educate patients about their treatment options, financial arrangements, and insurance benefits so they can make informed decisions about their oral health. Furthermore, he takes pride in minimizing out-of-pocket expenses whenever possible while helping patients achieve healthy smiles and complete their recommended dental treatment with peace of mind.

Evelyn Arellanes (Office Manager)

Evelyn is the Office Manager at South Gate Dentistry & Orthodontics and brings more than 10 years of experience in the dental field. In addition, her extensive background allows her to efficiently oversee daily operations while ensuring that every patient receives exceptional service. Known for her warm personality and dedication to patient care, Evelyn enjoys working closely with both the dental team and patients to create a welcoming and positive experience for everyone who visits the office. Furthermore, she is committed to fostering a friendly and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable and valued. As a result, patients appreciate her professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to outstanding care.

Committed to exceptional customer service, Evelyn goes above and beyond to ensure every patient receives the highest level of care, attention, and support throughout their visit. Her goal is to make each patient feel comfortable, valued, and confident in choosing South Gate Dentistry & Orthodontics for their dental care needs. Through her professionalism and compassionate approach, she helps create an outstanding patient experience that keeps families returning to the office year after year.