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. While he enjoys all aspects of dental care, his greatest passion lies in cosmetic smile transformations and complex full-mouth rehabilitation cases.

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. She brings extensive clinical experience to South Gate Dentistry & Orthodontics, including owning and operating her own dental clinic in Amman, Jordan, along with advanced hands-on training completed during her U.S. certification process.

Dr. Rene is passionate about providing exceptional dental care while helping patients feel comfortable, relaxed, and confident throughout their treatment experience. She believes every patient is unique and takes the time to understand each individual’s needs, concerns, and goals while building strong, compassionate doctor-patient relationships.

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 her friendly and compassionate approach, Rafa is dedicated to helping patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident throughout their dental journey. She 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. 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, positive experience for everyone who visits the office.

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.