At Dental Group Palomar, your smile is cared for by a team that values skill, integrity, and genuine kindness. From our front desk to our clinicians, each person is dedicated to making every visit comfortable, informative, and tailored to your needs. Explore the profiles below to meet the people behind your care, learn about their training and passions, and see how we work together to deliver confident, healthy smiles.
Meet our Dentists
Dr. Al – General Dentist
Dr. Al brings a unique perspective to the field of dentistry, having been born and raised in Iraq and completing his education in both Egypt and the United States. He began his dental education in Baghdad in 2004, but after three years, he had to relocate to Egypt and graduated from MSA University‘s dental school. Determined to continue his education, he moved to the United States to complete his postgraduate advanced residency at the University of Kentucky’s School of Dentistry. Here, he honed his skills in cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, implants, and IV sedation.
After graduation, Dr. Al started his career in Chicago, practicing general dentistry in a private office for nearly 5 years. He is a licensed dentist in California and Illinois and a member of the American Dental Association, Illinois Dental Society, and California Dental Society.
After years of serving his patients in Chicago, Dr. Al decided to move to San Diego, where his family lives. In his free time, he enjoys working out, spending time with his family, and traveling the world. Dr. Al is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to his patients, utilizing his diverse background and international experience to offer a unique and comprehensive approach to dentistry.
Dr. Yahya – General Dentist
Dr. Yahya is a highly skilled and accomplished dentist with a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of comprehensive patient care. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Doctorate of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.), he was recognized as outstanding in Comprehensive Patient Care during his dental school education.
Professionally, Dr. Yahya is a licensed dentist in California, Illinois, and Texas. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, the Illinois Dental Society, the Chicago Dental Society, and the San Diego County Dental Society, and has made it a priority to stay active in these professional organizations.
Dr. Yahya is committed to serving his community in various ways by providing the best that dentistry has to offer. Patients can expect to be treated courteously and professionally by the team, and will feel respected and welcome. Dr. Yahya’s goal is to improve the health of his patients in a personal and caring manner, and he takes pride in ensuring that each patient’s health and comfort are of utmost importance.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Dr. Yahya also enjoys serving the community in various ways, such as volunteering in dental clinics and providing free dental care to underprivileged communities.
When he’s not working, Dr. Yahya enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and trying new cuisines. He believes that a healthy lifestyle, including good oral hygiene, is essential for overall well-being. He looks forward to serving all your dental needs and helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
Dr. Jorge Sanchez – General Dentist
Dr. Jorge Sanchez is a dedicated general dentist committed to delivering high-quality care with a warm, patient-centered approach. Born in El Centro, California, he earned his dental degree from Universidad De La Salle in Guanajuato, Mexico, and began practicing in 2021.
Dr. Sanchez values strong relationships with his patients and takes the time to ensure each person feels comfortable, heard, and confident in their treatment. Whether it’s routine care or more complex procedures, he’s focused on helping patients achieve healthy, lasting smiles.
Outside the office, Dr. Sanchez enjoys exploring new places and trying out local restaurants.
Meet our Team
Oscar – Dental Hygienist
Hi! I’m Oscar Mendoza, a licensed dental hygienist with 6 years of experience helping patients achieve and maintain healthy, confident smiles. I’m passionate about preventive care and educating patients on the importance of oral hygiene in their overall health. Whether it’s a routine cleaning or guiding you through better home care habits, my goal is always to provide gentle, thorough care in a comfortable environment.
Outside the clinic, I enjoy working out and spending time with my family, which helps keep me balanced and energized for the work I love.
Claudia – Dental Assistant
Hi! My name is Claudia, and I am a dedicated and certified Expanded Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) with over 20 years of experience in providing high-quality patient care and chair-side assistance in fast-paced dental environments. Trained in advanced dental procedures and expanded clinical functions, I work closely with dentists to deliver efficient, compassionate, and patient-centered treatment.
My expertise includes restorative procedures (placing fillings, sealants, and crowns), radiographic imaging, impressions, infection control, and patient education. I am passionate about creating a positive dental experience for every patient by combining technical skill with a warm, reassuring approach, as well as staying current with continuing education to ensure the best care and compliance with the latest dental practices and safety standards.
When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and reading.
Melissa Castro – Dental Office Manager
With over 16 years of experience in dental office administration, Melissa is the heartbeat of our practice. As Office Manager, she ensures that every patient experience is seamless—from the first phone call to the final follow-up. Her strong organizational skills, warm personality, and deep understanding of dental operations help keep the practice running smoothly each day.
Melissa excels in coordinating schedules, managing insurance and billing, and supporting both patients and clinical staff with professionalism and care. She is passionate about creating a welcoming environment and takes pride in helping patients feel informed and at ease throughout their dental journey.
Outside of work, Melissa is a proud Mom of two, enjoys spending time with family, and loves fashion.
Abigail – Patient Coordinator
Hi, I’m Abigail! I’ve been the friendly face at the front desk of a dental office for the past 9 years. I enjoy helping patients feel welcome and cared for, whether it’s scheduling appointments, answering questions, or making the insurance process easier. I’m a proud mom to a wonderful daughter and a fluent Spanish speaker, which helps me connect with even more of our patients every day.