MEET THE DOCTORS
Allegra Nottoli, DDS, MPH
Dr. Allegra is a board-eligible pediatric dentist dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to children of all ages. She graduated with highest honors from the University of California, Berkeley, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular and Cell Biology with a minor in Science and Math Education. She went on to receive her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the UCLA School of Dentistry, graduating cum laude and being inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society. During her time at UCLA, she was mentored by Dr. Nini Tran, whose commitment to excellence and family-centered pediatric care greatly influenced her clinical philosophy.
Dr. Allegra completed her advanced pediatric dentistry residency at the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry, where she received extensive training in preventive, restorative, orthodontic, surgical, and special health care needs dentistry. During her residency, she served as chief resident, taught dental students, and co-authored a textbook chapter on tethered oral tissues. While at UNC, she also earned a Master of Public Health degree in Nutrition from the Gillings School of Global Public Health and was inducted into Delta Omega, the public health honor society.
She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and California Dental Association. Originally from Connecticut, but having grown up visiting her family in California multiple times a year, Dr. Allegra has always felt at home in California and is grateful to care for families in the community she loves.
In her free time, Dr. Allegra enjoys hiking, exploring new restaurants, relaxing at the beach, and visiting Disneyland with her little cousin. She is working on improving her Spanish and is committed to creating positive, comfortable, and empowering dental experiences for every child.
Catherine Eshaghzadeh, DDS
Dr. Catherine Eshaghzadeh is a board-certified pediatric dentist dedicated to making dental visits a positive and joyful experience for children. Coming from a family of dentists, she developed her passion early and completed ten years of highly competitive training at UCLA, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychobiology, Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, and pediatric dentistry specialty certificate. During her time at UCLA, she also worked with the Center for Children’s Oral Health on policy, advocacy, and community programs that expanded access to pediatric dental care.
Committed to advancing the field, Dr. Catherine has been a two-time invited speaker at the California Dental Association’s annual conference and received 1st place for her research presented at the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry conference.
Known for her warm and energetic personality, Dr. Catherine strives to create a supportive environment where children feel safe, encouraged, and excited to care for their smiles. She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, Southern California Society of Dentistry for Children, American Dental Association, and California Dental Association. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband and unwinding by the beach or in nature.
NINI TRAN, DDS, PHD
Dr. Nini is a board-certified pediatric dentist and scientist. Dr. Nini graduated with Honors in Biology from UCLA. She went on to graduate with Honors from the UCLA School of Dentistry where she earned her D.D.S. degree. She continued her educational path at UCLA by earning a Ph.D. in Oral Biology and a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry.
Besides being a pediatric dentist, she is an Assistant Professor and serves as the Predoctoral Program Director for the Section of Pediatric Dentistry in the Division of Preventive and Restorative Sciences at the UCLA School of Dentistry. Dr. Nini has played an integral role in training dental students and pediatric dental residents. She is passionate about scientific research related to dental health and provides care for her pediatric patients based on up-to-date guidelines and information.
As an advocate for children, Dr. Nini has maintained her presence and commitment to the field of pediatric dentistry. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Southern California Society of Dentistry for Children. She is also active in the American Dental Association and California Dental Association.
Originally from Bangkok, Thailand, Dr. Nini grew up in the United States. She speaks English and Thai fluently. She is a true Southern Californian and has served the San Fernando Valley region of the City of Los Angeles for several years. She considers it a privilege to care for her patient's oral health as they develop into adults. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and her son and watching medical drama series.
JOHN CHEN, DDS
Dr. John is a board-certified pediatric dentist. He graduated with a Neuroscience degree from Pomona College in Claremont. He completed both his D.D.S. degree and Pediatric Dentistry specialty at the UCLA School of Dentistry.
He is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, California Society of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and California Dental Association.
Dr. John is a true Angelino, never leaving Los Angeles County, since his family moved here from Singapore when he was one. He loves many things in life including traveling, music, photography, and reading; but he has a special place in his heart for cooking and eating delicious food with his wife, son, and friends.