About Us | 4M Dental Implant Center
The Doctors at 4M Dental
Meet Our Doctors
Choosing to invest in dental implants is a big decision. There are many dentists who say they specialize in full-arch dental implants. So what makes us any different? Quite a lot, actually.
Sean Mohtashami, DDS
Samira Houshiar, DDS
Athena Goodarzi, MS, DDS
Philip Konopa, DDS
Kostika Polena, DDS
Tira Emadi, DDS, MS, DABOI
Kamran Pakdamanian, DMD
Kal Eissa, DDS
Ninella Bogosian, DMD, FICOI
Andrew Denning, DDS
Samuel Sauza Jr, DDS
Sean Mohtashami, DDS
Dr. Sean is a leading authority on full-mouth dental implants and is a world renowned expert in cosmetic dentistry. He truly knows how to design a beautiful and personalized smile.
Upon graduating from the USC School of Dentistry he continued his quest for knowledge and completed many specialty programs in his field. Deeply committed to education, in 2018 Dr. Sean created his own institute for learning in Long Beach, CA, and is currently teaching and mentoring doctors from around the world.
This, combined with over 20 years of practical experience, has made Dr. Mohtashami a Top 100 Implant Surgeon worldwide.
Samira Houshiar, DDS
Dr. Samira Houshiar graduated UCI with honors receiving her bachelor’s degree in Biology in 1997. In 2001 she received her Doctoral in Dental Surgery (DDS) from UCLA school of dentistry and since she has continued her education in many different dental subspecialty programs.
Soon after receiving her DDS, she continued her education in cosmetic dentistry at LVI (Las Vegas Institute) and graduated in 2003. While practicing cosmetic and general dentistry, she completed her certification in Occlusion, Neuromuscular, and TMJ treatment concurrently. In order to bring more comfort for her most anxious patients, Dr. Samira completed the training necessary to be certified in Conscious Sedation (2004) and I.V. Sedation (2020).
Since completing her assistant fellowship in Implantology back in 2009, Dr. Samira has dedicated her career to full mouth reconstruction and designing beautiful and functional smiles for her patients. She is currently practicing at 4M Dental Implant Center at the Newport
Beach location. Dr. Samira Houshiar is a firm believer that the road to quality has no finish line. She is dedicated to staying at the cutting edge of technology and all dentistry has to offer. She is determined to change lives one smile at a time.
Athena Goodarzi, MS, DDS
Dr. Athena graduated from The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, one of the top dental programs in the nation. She completed her residency at the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University, New York City.
Dr. Athena’s area of expertise is full mouth rehabilitation through the All On X Dental Implants Solution. She strives for excellence and is passionate about utilizing her research and academic teaching background to share her unique skills in full mouth rehabilitation with colleagues, whom she mentors across the nation. Dr. Athena takes pride in teaching full arch restorative concepts alongside Dr. Sean Mohtashami at 4M institute.
Dr. Athena’s skills in blending art with function are unique, but her attention to detail and gentle approach to dentistry are what stand out the most. Dr. Athena’s ability to connect with her patients, create relationships, and design the best treatment possible makes her the perfect addition to our team.
Dr. Athena has profoundly affected the smiles and lives of many of our patients globally and would love to do that for you, too.
Philip Konopa, DDS
Dr. Phil received his doctoral degree from the University of Washington and completed his residency at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
His skills and experience enable him to excel in full-service general and cosmetic dentistry with an emphasis on comprehensive/reconstructive procedures.
Dr. Konopa is well versed in fixed restorations & aesthetics, and helps our patients achieve a beautiful, functional smile they are proud to show the world.
Derik Alexanians, DDS
Upon graduating from UCLA, Dr. Derik has made Southern California his home and has been practicing dentistry here for over two decades.
His comprehensive knowledge of restorative dentistry techniques such as extractions, bone and tissue grafting, implant surgery & placement through the use of oral and IV sedation, allows him to provide unparalleled care.
Dr. Derik is our Clinical Director. He will light up your day with his contagious smile and is one of the best people you’ll ever meet.
Kostika Polena, DDS
“I believe everyone deserves the benefit of a happy and healthy smile. As your dental provider, I am committed to helping you overcome any barriers preventing you from receiving the best oral health care possible.”
Early on Dr. Polena discovered a love and talent for art and later for science, graduating from UNLV with a degree in Biochemistry. Dentistry has turned out to be an ideal blend of his two passions. For Dr. Polena, dentistry has been a tremendously rewarding experience thus far and looks forward to a long career and enduring relationships with his patients.
Dr. Polena’s patients will quickly recognize the quality and the personal dental care he delivers. Through effective treatment plan presentation and patient communication, he has been able to consistently exceed patient expectations.
Dr. Polena excels in dental implants, extractions, dentures/partials, crowns and bridges, laser dentistry, Invisalign, and more.
Tira Emadi, DDS, MS, DABOI
Dr. Tirakhsh Emadi is a prosthodontist and implant specialist practicing in Long Beach, CA. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 2009 from Tehran Azad University of Dentistry in Iran and practiced general dentistry for several years. Dr. Emadi furthered his expertise by obtaining a specialty certificate in Prosthodontics and a Master of Science in Dentistry from Nova Southeastern University, where he also served as Chief Resident and received the dental implant surgery award. He has completed advanced training in implant dentistry, including the Maxicourse by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), and excels in digital dentistry and complex implant procedures, such as zygomatic and pterygoid implants.
Dr. Emadi is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID), a prestigious credential representing the highest level of competency in implant dentistry reinforcing his dedication to excellence in implant dentistry. He is very passionate in clinical practice as well as teaching other dentists on different topics including single implants, Overdenture, full mouth dental implant rehabilitation, zygomatic/pterygoid implants, and digital workflow. He has delivered over 25 presentations at national and international dental conferences and published several articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals. His presentations have received accolades, including first place at the 70th AAID annual conference and second place at the 29th Academy of Osseointegration annual meeting.
Dr. Emadi actively contributes to professional dental implant organizations, including the ADA, CDA, AAID, AO, and Harbor Dental Society. He is also involved in the Academy of Osseointegration’s committees, such as the Academy News, Young Clinician, and E-Poster Committees.
1. Implant Rehabilitation After a Partial Resection of the Mandible Resulting from Submandibular Gland Malignancy-A Case Report. J Oral Implantol. 1 June 2022; 48 (3): 220–225.
2. Full Mouth Rehabilitation Using Dental Implants with Immediate Loading in a Systemic Sclerosis Patient; A Case Report. Inside Dentistry. 2021 July; 17(7).
3. Immediate Implant Placement and Provisionalization in the Esthetic Zone Using Flapless Technique. Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry. 2021 July/Aug;7(42).
4. Oral rehabilitation of a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and orofacial pain: A case report. Surgery and Rehabilitation. 2017 Sep;1(3) 1-5.
5. Effect of Surface Treatment on Retention of Prefabricated Glass-fiber Posts. Journal of Universal Surgery. 2016 Feb;3(5).
6. The Effects of Two Attachment Types on the Stresses Introduced to the Mandibular Residual Ridge; A 3D Finite Element Analysis. Quintessence International. 2013 Sep;44(8):585-590.
7. Stress Introduced by Two Attachment Types in Four Implant-retained Overdenture; A 3D FEA Study. Research in Dentistry. 2009 Jul;6(2):9-17.
Kamran Pakdamanian, DMD
Dr. Kamran Pakdamanian’s professional journey is marked by commitment to excellence and patient-centered care. In 2023, he proudly earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the esteemed Western University of Health Sciences, laying a strong foundation for his career in dentistry.
Recognizing the importance of patient comfort and accessibility to care, Dr. Pakdamanian obtained certification in I.V. Sedation, furthering his expertise to offer anxiety relief for patients. By integrating his education and I.V. Sedation Certification, along with specialized training in All-On-X Implant Dentistry, Dr. Kamran exemplifies his dedication to excellence. Through his holistic approach, he ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care, addressing both their oral health needs and their comfort during procedures.
Kal Eissa, DDS
Dr. Kal Eissa received his High School Diploma from Cambridge, UK, his dental degree from University of Cairo, and his Continuing Education from the University of Minnesota. Dentistry is a profession that allowed Dr. Eissa to positively impact people’s lives almost immediately. “It’s a great feeling!” says Dr. Eissa. “Few professions can give you this privilege. I’m lucky to be in one.”
Ninella Bogosian, DMD, FICOI
Dr. Bogosian is a highly motivated, caring, and compassionate dentist who always takes the time to understand her patients. Utilizing the latest technology, she ensures patients are comfortable and informed during all procedures. Her calm demeanor and advanced
knowledge can help to put even the anxious patient at ease.
After earning a bachelor’s degree, Dr. Bogosian proceeded to follow her passion by earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Arizona in 2020.
Understanding the importance of being a life-long learner, Dr. Bogosian has taken numerous continuing education courses related to Prosthodontics, Biomimetics and Cosmetic Dentistry. She also completed additional extensive training in implant dentistry and is a Fellow of International Congress of Oral Implantology. Her focus is on
oral surgery and implant dentistry involving full mouth reconstruction (All-On-X Dentistry).
She is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, International Congress of Oral Implantology, and American Academy of Facial Esthetics.
Andrew Denning, DDS
Dr. Andrew Denning earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. After practicing for several years in Tennessee and Mississippi, he moved with his partner to San Diego where they currently reside. For his entire career, Dr. Denning has pursued advanced training in full mouth rehabilitation and implant placement. He has a passion for working with patients with complex oral health challenges in order to restore them to healthy, functional, and beautiful smiles. Dr. Denning loves being able to put patients at ease before their appointments and delivering high quality work in a relaxing environment.
Samuel Sauza Jr, DDS
After receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Loma Linda University, Dr. Samuel Sauza entered one of the most prestigious postgraduate programs for residency, training, and research in the field of oral implantology, where he served for 3 years. Loma Linda University is one of the few formal institutions offering degrees in implant dentistry, where its full time residents learn both surgical and prosthodontic principles in-depth, allowing for whole patient care.
Having achieved his specialty training certificate in Oral Implantology, Dr. Sauza has continued to develop extensive post-graduate practical experience in the practice of oral-dentoalveolar surgery, the placement of conventional and advanced remote anchorage implants, bone grafting & tissue regeneration techniques, and the design of implant prosthetics utilized in partial & full mouth reconstruction. Dr. Sauza has treated a wide variety of patients and conditions over the years, with the majority of his work being focused on full arch implant dentistry and resolving complex cases encountered by his colleagues throughout California.
Utilizing his training on the most state-of-the-art techniques available, Dr. Sauza is able to provide his patients with simple, efficient, and comprehensive solutions to treat their needs. When under Dr. Sauza’s care, you can expect to experience a palpable level of empathy, understanding, and attention to detail that is often hard to find.
