All professionals at Origins Specialty Dentistry maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in the dental field. Read on to learn more about our team’s experience and training.
Dr. Parisa Kerieh, DDS
Prosthodontist
Dr. Parisa Kerieh is a Prosthodontist with over 16 years of experience in restorative dentistry, dental implants, esthetic and general dentistry. Dr. Parisa Kerieh and her professional team at Origins Specialty Dentistry ensure high-quality dental care in their relaxing state-of-the-art office in San Antonio, Texas. She has completed 3 years of Prosthodontics Specialty at New York University, College of Dentistry as the Chief Resident.
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She was also a part-time clinical faculty in Department of Operative Dentistry at NYU. Prior to her post-graduate residency, she earned fellowship in Advanced Comprehensive Dentistry after receiving her Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) Degree. She has been recognized for excellence in patient care and received the highest academic standing award in Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry in 2014. As an active member of San Antonio District Dental Society (SADDS), Dr. Kerieh has served as an alternate Delegate to Texas Dental Association (TDA). She is proficient in restoration and replacement of damaged or lost teeth and improving esthetics utilizing a wide range of simple and complex restorations, implant and removable prostheses.
Dr. Kerieh is a member of numerous professional organizations, including American College of Prosthodontists, Texas Dental Association, San Antonio District Dental Society, Academy of Osseointegration, American Dental Association, and Northwest San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. As an awarded dentist, she is active in giving presentations to her peers on Smile Design, Cosmetic Dentistry and All-on-four Implant Dentures.
Dr. Kerieh is committed to continuing education courses and advanced training to offer world-class dental care with the latest technology to her patients. Aside from practicing at Origins Specialty Dentistry, she has been involved with numerous clinical research projects and published on interdisciplinary dentistry, full mouth rehabilitation, preventive and implant dentistry.
Throughout her years practicing dentistry in San Antonio, she has been dedicated to the patient-centered approach with their comfort in mind. Using latest advanced technology in her office including Digital Dentistry, CT Scan, In-house Lab, Intraoral Scanning, CAD/CAM technology and Milling Machine, she ensures detailed treatment planning and execution with the utmost precision. Being both General Dentist and Prosthodontist, she is passionate about the art and science of dentistry from fillings and veneers to full mouth restorations.
Dr. Kerieh is the co-founder of Origins Dental Education Center (ODEC), offering continuing education courses to colleagues. Her volunteer experience in community services and outreach programs show her passion for patients’ health and well-being. Dr. K enjoys nature walks in the beautiful Hill Country, playing piano, travelling and cooking with her family.
We invite you to schedule your appointment with Dr. Kerieh, your Family Dentist at Origins Specialty Dentistry. She is looking forward to meeting you in person. Our colleagues may find our specialty referral form in Forms.
Dr. Babak Najafi, DDS, MDS, FRCD(C)
Periodontist
Dr. Babak Najafi is a Board-Certified Periodontist, co-owner at Origins Specialty Dentistry in San Antonio. With over 17 years of experience, he is committed to providing high-quality dental care in a warm and caring environment. Coming from a family of dentists, he pursued his passion after receiving Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree & practicing general dentistry to become a specialist. He completed his 3-year post-graduate residency in Periodontology with honors and earned Certificate in Periodontics and Master’s Degree (MDS) from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, The State University of New Jersey.
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Alongside his private practice, Dr. Najafi was a former Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) School of Dentistry. He also maintains an adjunct faculty position in the Department of Periodontics, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, and has published several articles on periodontal regenerative procedures, dental implants and minimally-invasive dentistry. Dr. Najafi has also authored the Smile Design and Lip Repositioning Chapter in the textbook, Interdisciplinary Treatment Planning: The Global Diagnosis System, Second Edition by Dr. J. W. Robbins and Dr. J. S. Rouse, published by Quintessence. His Master’s Thesis was on Dental Implants and Sinus Bone Grafting Surgeries which was published in Journal of Oral Implantology and presented at American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
As an active member of San Antonio District Dental Society (SADDS), Dr Najafi has served as an alternate Delegate to Texas Dental Association (TDA) and was honored with the TDA’s prestigious 10-year award, recognizing his commitment to the Texas Dental Association. He serves as Ad-Hoc reviewer for Journal of Periodontology, Official Publication of American Academy of Periodontology and Journal of Oral Implantology, Official Publication of American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Dr. Najafi also received the Certificate in Laser Dentistry from the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry and became a certified LANAP clinician.
He is currently an active member of American Dental Association, San Antonio District Dental Society, American Academy of Periodontology, Texas Dental Association, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Northwest San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Royal College of Dentists of Canada, Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, and Southwest Society of Periodontists.
His expertise in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease), Gum and Bone Grafting, Dental Implants, Esthetic Dentistry and Oral Surgeries using the latest technology rooted from his rigorous dental school years, post-graduate advanced training, and extensive experience practicing in San Antonio. Patients state that Dr. Najafi and his experienced team go above and beyond to help them feel at ease & well prepared for any minor or major dental treatments. Offering different sedation options to help anxious patients feel relaxed during their dental appointments.
Alongside his practice, he is involved in teaching. His scientific presentations in local and international dental meetings show his commitment to cutting-edge dentistry. Dr. Najafi is a Fellow-Elect in the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and involved with numerous clinical research studies. His recent papers have been published in International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry (Official Journal of the Academy of Osseointegration), Journal of Clinical Advances in Periodontics (Clinical Journal of American Academy of Periodontology), Journal of Clinical Oral Implants Research (Official Publication of the European Association for Osseointegration), Journal of Oral Implantology (Official Publication of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry), etc. Dr. Najafi is also the co-founder of Origins Dental Education Center (ODEC), offering continuing education courses to colleagues.
Serving San Antonians, he has been involved with various community services to promote oral health care. As his friends say, Dr. Najafi has dentistry in his blood. His father, uncle, brother & wife are all dentists. Being surrounded by dentists, his mother has been his role model of perseverance and compassion. He continued his family values into his practice. Dr. Najafi and his wife, Parisa, could not be happier to call San Antonio their home. Aside from his passion in dentistry, he is an avid reader, history buff, and surely, a big Spurs fan! If not in the office, he enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends, hiking, tubing & reading books.
He looks forward to meeting you in person and taking care of your dental needs. To make an appointment with him, Contact us. Our colleagues may find our specialty referral form in Forms.
Valerie Torres, RDH
Registered Dental Hygienist
Born and raised in San Antonio, Valerie is our dedicated dental hygienist at Origins Specialty Dentistry. She brings over 10 years of experience in the dental field, along with a passion for providing exceptional oral care and education to the community she grew up in.
She graduated from Concorde Career College and is happy to call Origins Dentistry her home. Valerie is committed to providing the highest standard of care to her patients with a gentle touch. She enjoys making dental visits fun and comfortable for her patients, helping to eliminate the stigma that the dental office is a scary place!
When not in the office, Valerie enjoys having picnics in the park with her kids and husband and playing video games with her 7 year old son. She also enjoys reading fantasy novels and rewatching her favorite comedy shows.
Taylor Arce, RDA
Office Manager
Always cheerful and ready to help with a smile on her face, Taylor is our Office Manager at Origins Specialty Dentistry.
She has been in the dental field for 13 plus years. Being experienced as a registered dental assistant, she is super knowledgeable in the front desk and back office. She goes above and beyond to make our patients feel comfortable and relaxed at office. Our team truly appreciates her professionalism & positive attitude which ensures delightful days at Origins Dentistry.
Taylor is happily married and has two beautiful boys. In her free time, she enjoys taking family walks, going dancing with her husband, cooking, and going to the river
Stephanie Santana
Treatment Coordinator
Stephanie is our dedicated and experienced Treatment Coordinator at Origins Specialty Dentistry. As a Treatment Coordinator with 15 years of experience in the dental field, she is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable, informed, and confident throughout their dental journey.
Stephanie enjoys building meaningful relationships with our patients and guiding them through their treatment plans to ensure they receive the care they need. Helping people achieve healthy, beautiful smiles is what she loves the most about what she does.
Loni Simmons, RDA
Registered Dental Assistant
Loni is our quick-witted Registered Dental Assistant at Origins Specialty Dentistry.
She pursued her dental aspirations and graduated from San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic. Since then, she has acquired many years of experience in various aspects of dentistry. She is a very resilient and warm-hearted person who is devoted to her responsibilities and enjoys taking life day by day.
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Loni provides our patients with a sense of ease, and comfortability as soon as they step into our office and it is almost immediately that her knowledge and skills in the field are shown through. Outside of her professional life, Loni is a loving mother, dutiful wife and playful companion. She has been married for almost seventeen years. Her marriage has brought her three wonderful, spunky teenagers: Naomi, Christian, and Aralyn as well as a very spoiled dog, Bruno, whom she named after her favorite singer: Bruno Mars.
Dana Sollock, RDA
Registered Dental Assistant
Dana is a native Texan with several years of experience as a dental assistant. She has been with Dr. Kerieh for over 10 years and brings a positive can-do attitude and a passion for helping patients feel comfortable and confident during their visit. Truly a gem on our team! Her dedication, positivity and passion make every day smoother and every patient feel at ease.
In her spare time, Dana enjoys discovering new treasures with her husband and daughter at local thrift stores, flea markets and antique malls.
Monica Guerrero, RDA
Registered Dental Assistant
Born and raised in Fredericksburg, Monica is our bright and charismatic Registered Dental Assistant. In her free time, she enjoys creating beautiful memories with family and friends, exploring new destinations. Her adventurous spirit extends to discovering the hidden gems of downtown San Antonio. Whether it’s strolling through the charming Riverwalk or enjoying walks with her boyfriend and their dog, Ridley, she finds joy in every moment.
Over the weekends, you can find her wine tasting in the Hill Country. Her zest for life reflects not only in her professional dedication as a dental assistant but also in her genuine enthusiasm for the simple pleasures that make each day extraordinary.
Morgan Tyson, RDA
Registered Dental Assistant
Known for her calming presence and cheerful personality, Morgan is our amazing dental assistant at Origins Specialty Dentistry. She has been in the dental field for over 3 years and truly can’t imagine doing anything else. As a registered dental assistant, she loves helping our patients feel at ease, sharing a few laughs along the way, and making every visit as comfortable as possible.
One of her favorite parts of the job is getting to know the patients and being part of their smile journey. She believes a warm smile and a little kindness can make all the difference, and loves bringing that to our team every day.