Miki Johnson, R.D.H.,
Has been a clinical hygienist offering a decade of experience to her patients. She received her degree in dental hygiene from West Los Angeles College, where she graduated with the President’s Distinguished Honor Award and was elected to membership in the Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society for academic excellence. Miki was a staff hygienist and teaching assistant at the UCLA School of Dentistry before joining the Woods dental team.
Miki is committed to excellence and is dedicated to focusing her full attention on her patients as individuals. She brings to the practice a solid and well-rounded foundation of hygiene expertise in general dentistry and advanced prosthodontics, having worked with patients from ages 4 to 98. Miki’s top priority is to provide the highest-quality care available in a patient-centered, ethical practice. She enjoys attending continuing education meetings and is always looking for new techniques and ideas for motivating her patients and increasing dental awareness. Miki is also fluent in Japanese and active in Pilates classes. During her free time, she is involved in pet rescue, and she enjoys spending time with family, friends and her cat, Cocoa.
Ruby Fernandez, R.D.A.,
Joined the office in 2002 and has 14 years experience as a registered dental assistant. As well as being the primary assistant to Dr. Woods, she manages the back office to keep our treatment rooms organized and running smoothly. As the chief “hand holder,” Ruby always greets her patients with a smile. Her gentle touch provides personalized, soothing attention during all dental procedures. Her previous experience includes working for the Faculty Group Dental Practice at UCLA for six years. Ruby keeps her technical skills at an advanced level by enrolling in continuing education classes and by obtaining additional licenses in new techniques. Ruby received her doctor of dental medicine degree from Centro Escolar University in Manila, Philippines, and is fluent in Tagalog and Kapampangan.
Yvonne Heredia
The office manager. She is the first person patients meet when they walk in. When they call, hers is the enthusiastic, friendly voice they hear. She wants people to be comfortable when they come in, and she does her best to make sure they don’t have to worry about anything. Yvonne has been in the dental field for a decade and has been at Dr. Woods’ practice for more than a year. She’s glad she came to the practice and considers Dr. Woods “very awesome!” Yvonne runs the entire front office and coordinates appointments, insurance, and billing. She answers all the business-related questions. She devotes her spare time to her two sons, 3 and 5, and their father.
Maria Sandoval, R.D.H.,
Has been our part-time hygienist since early 2007. Maria received her degree in dental hygiene from West Los Angeles College in 2005. While a student there, she served as class president. Maria graduated with honors and, throughout her education, earned a place on the Dean’s List. She also received the Leadership Award from the California Dental Hygiene Association when she graduated. She has worked in the dental field since 1995 and is an expert in several aspects of dentistry, ranging from front office to assistant and registered dental hygienist. “I enjoy working with Dr Woods and the entire staff because we all share the same goal: Patient care is of the utmost importance,” Maria says. “Also, working with a fellow hygienist has given me a stronger foundation, since we can consult each other about the best treatment for individual patients and share new techniques and experiences with each other.”
Maria has treated patients from ages 2 to 98. Her goal is to provide each patient with an individual plan to maintain overall health. Since graduating, Maria has volunteered at her children’s school, where she discusses and demonstrates good oral hygiene.
Maria enjoys spending her free time with her two wonderful children, her husband of 13 years and the most adorable rescued mutt around! She loves cooking and trying out new recipes. Sometimes, Maria finds the time to squeeze in a good book.