OUR DOCTORS

Denise Bass Allen, DDS
I grew up in Berkeley, California. Now, I live in Oakland, and have one daughter. My hobbies include skiing, hiking, reading, traveling, gardening, cooking, and floral arrangement.

Susanna Cheng, DDS
I was born and raised in Oakland, CA. I graduated from Skyline High School. I received a Bachelors of Science degree from the University of San Francisco. I went straight to the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry where I received my D.D.S. in 1991. I practiced adult dentistry for the first 2 years out of dental school. I began associating at a pediatric dental office in 1993. Between 1993 and now, I have treated very few adults. I much prefer to work with children. I began associating with Dr. Denise Bass Allen in July of 2001.

Eric D. Smith, DDS
I completed my DDS at the University of Maryland in 2001. After graduation, I served as a general dentist in the United States Air Force for 6 years. As an intern for a pediatric dentist, I realized I wanted to treat children full time. In July 2009, I completed my Pediatric Dental residency at the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children in Jackson, MS. I am an Associate Clinical Professor in the Dept of Pediatric Dentistry UOP School of Dentistry. In my free time, I enjoy golf, skiing, and backpacking.

Dr. Niekia Franklin
I cannot wait to meet you and your family and provide the most positive experience for your child! I appreciate the technical aspects of dentistry in addition to providing patience and personalized attention to all my patients. I completed my Bachelors of Science in Zoology at the University of Oklahoma and my Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas. I then completed my Master’s Degree and specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at the Riley Hospital for Children and Indiana University School of Dentistry. I am Board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. I enjoy spending lots of time with my adopted corgi/spaniel “son-dog” Maximus, exercising, volunteering, camping, fishing, cooking healthy meals, hosting dinner parties and organizing tailgates (a throwback to my Southern roots)

OUR SUPPORT STAFF

Regina Bass, Financial Manager (Retired)
Mrs. Bass graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Education and Music. She received her Master’s in Reading Comprehension from the University of San Francisco. Mrs. Bass taught 4th, 5th and 6th grade for Oakland Unified School District for 36 years. She has been married to Walter Bass for 57 years. Mrs. Bass has been Dr. Allen’s financial coordinator since the beginning. She has also done 1000 hours of volunteer work for Alta Bates Hospital Gift Shop. She is a talented seamstress and knitter. Her hobbies include aerobic walking, shopping, flower arranging, and watching Emeril Live.

Desiree Hamlin-Harris, Financial Coordinator
Desiree was born and raised in San Francisco, California. She has been in the dental field since 1998 and has been with Dr. Denise since 2001. She enjoys watching sports, traveling the world, and spending time with her family and friends, especially her little Yorkie (son) Dallas.

Sarahi Almendra, Financial Coordinator/Receptionist
I was born in Veracruz, Mexico and was raised in Oakland. I attended Carrington College and took ESL at UC Berkeley. I am bilingual in Spanish and English. I have 3 children and in my spare time I enjoy doing children’s activities.

Isilda Ormonde – Registered Dental Assistant (fala Portuguese)
Isilda was born in the Azore Islands of Portugal, but came to the United States at age 3. She currently lives in Alameda, has 3 children and loves spending her time with her immediate and extended family.

Patricia Gallagher – Computer Specialist
Patricia received her B.S. from the University of Wyoming. She enjoys ballroom dancing, traveling, and working with rescued rabbits. She is “mom” to two house rabbits and a cat.

Donna Jackson, Registered Dental Assistant
In 1988, Donna graduated from Bryman College. She’s been an RDA since 1991. She worked in general dentistry for 7 years and then in pediatric dentistry for 10 years. She has really enjoyed working with kids the most because every child is unique. She’s currently married with 3 children. Her hobbies include swimming, crafts, and cooking.

Ngoc (Ruby) Tran, Registered Dental Assistant
Ruby graduated from the College of Alameda in 1997. She worked in General Dentistry for three years and now in Pediatric Dentistry for ten years. She has been an RDA since 1999. She is trilingual, speaking Vietnamese, Cantonese, and English. She also understands some Mandarin. In her free time, she likes to travel and spend time with her family.

Stacey Strickland, Registered Dental Assistant
Stacey studied to be an RDA at Contra Costa College and has been an RDA since 1995. She first worked with General Dentistry for 5 years and has worked in Pediatric Dentistry since 2000. Stacey enjoys camping, fishing, reading and spending time with her family. She has 3 young adult children.

Keion Glover, Sterilization Coordinator
I have been a patient of Dr. Denise’s since I was 4 years old. Now I am the sterilization coordinator. In my spare time I like to bowl and play video games.

Mayra Apodaca, RDA
I received my RDA in2009 and have been in Pediatric Dentistry since then. I have no children of my own but enjoy working with them very much. I am bilingual in Spanish and English. I love to read in my spare time.