Our Staff

OUR TEAM WELCOMES YOU TO ANACAPA DENTAL ART INSTITUTE

Dr. Saj Jivraj and his team members want to help each patient achieve their desired, life-changing, aesthetic smile while supporting optimal dental health. Anacapa Dental Art Institute is conveniently located just off the 101 Freeway in Oxnard, in a modern complex across from The Collection Riverpark and Whole Foods Market. We serve all surrounding communities, including Agoura, Calabasas, Camarillo, Los Angeles, Malibu, Ojai, Port Hueneme, Santa Barbara, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Westlake Village, and Woodland Hills.

DR. SAJ JIVRAJ

Dr. Jivraj is an award-wining prosthodontist whose education and training sets him above and beyond your average dentist. Dr. Jivraj has over 2 decades of experience in the field of dentistry and prosthodontics and is considered one of the leading prosthodontists in the country, even getting voted “Best in USA” in 2008 by his peers.

DR. DEICY GIRALDO

Dr Deicy Giraldo completed her Prosthodontic training at the University of Bogota in Colombia. She also graduated from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California where she completed the Advanced Program for International Dentists. She received multiple awards including, the Outstanding International Student Award and the Predoctoral Achievement award: Sponsored by the American College of Prosthodontics.

Dr Giraldo worked in her own private practice as a Prosthodontist for the last 10 years where she focused exclusively on dental implant and cosmetic rehabilitations.

Even while running her practice, she always strived to be an active member of the profession by participating in academia. She was a faculty member as an Adjunct Professor of the Prosthodontics Post-Graduate program at the UNICOC University in Colombia. Her responsibilities were to train the graduate students in advanced dental procedures involving, cosmetic and dental implant rehabilitation

Dr. Giraldo is scientific consultant and key opinion Leader for several dental companies. She lectures nationally and internationally and has published in several scientific journals.

She is a sports enthusiast who enjoys hiking and biking. On her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling and going on family outings with her husband and his two children.

SONIA ESCAMILLA, OFFICE MANAGER

Sonia began her career in dental at an early age, since then has managed several offices across Ventura and Los Angeles County. Sonia prides herself in creating the best atmosphere for her doctors, team, and patients, making sure each individual has the best experience possible.

She has volunteered and served in multiple non-profit organizations, including the Special Olympics, Casa Hogar and Kaboom, which help build playgrounds for underprivileged communities.

Sonia is a connector who loves to bring people together, so it’s no surprise in her spare time you can find her hosting or planning the next event.

LAURA CASTELLANOS RDA – LEAD REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT

Laura has been a Registered Dental Assistant for many years, working in various facilities before she was hired at Anacapa. She finds working for Dr. Jivraj educational and inspirational, seeing that he takes the time necessary to teach her new techniques and methods to expand her abilities as a Dental Assistant.

She is the lead dental assistant at Anacapa Dental. She credits an advancement of her skills as a Dental Assistant to Dr. Jivraj, having learned more since working for him than any other practice. Laura enjoys helping patients alongside Dr. Jivraj as she knows they are in very capable hands and will walk away smiling.

In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym, hiking and fishing.

DARLENE HERRERA RDH – HYGIENIST

Darlene has enjoyed dental hygiene for the last 26 years.   Darlene graduated from Cerritos College in 1992 and her dental training was from UCLA dental school, VA medical center in West Los Angeles.   Darlene has enjoyed helping her patients with their oral health and improving their smiles and will continue her career for many more years.  Anacapa Dental Art Institute is the best office she has ever worked for, and she loves working with Dr. Jivraj and Dr. Yeung and believes they are the best and together make a great team.

Outside of work Darlene enjoys walking her dog, working out, going to the movies, and spending time with her husband and two daughters whom are her proudest accomplishments!!

MICHELLE LAMAS – REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST (RDH)

Michelle Lamas has been in the dental field since 2008. She completed her Dental Hygiene qualification at Oxnard School of Hygiene, all while be a mother and wife. Michelle has a passion for dentistry which really comes through to our patients. She loves helping patients and is our new patient concierge. Michelle is a life long learner and strives to gain knowledge in all facets of dentistry, not only improve herself but evolve into a remarkable dental care provider. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, travelling and enjoying good restaurants.

ALEXANDRA PRADO – TREATMENT CO-ORDINATOR

Hello my name is Alexandra Prado and I have worked in the dental profession for nine years. Throughout my career, I have held many titles, such as receptionist, dental benefit coordinator, and different managerial positions. During my career in the dental industry, I’ve developed a passion to help patients obtain the type of healthy and beautiful smile they want and love. My job has given me a sense of fulfillment. I do my absolute best to offer our patients support throughout their dental journey by assisting them throughout their benefits process. Working as a benefits coordinator allows me to assist our patients with the crucial financial process and help navigate significant paper work which will lead to a smooth experience with their dental journey. My aspiration will hopefully lead to long and productive relationships not only with patients, but with my co-workers as well.

Outside of work all my time is spent raising my three beautiful children, whom I love very much and who make me appreciate each and every day.

ASHLEY GUTIERREZ – HYGIENE CO-ORDINATOR

Hello, my name is Ashley Gutierrez. I was born and raised in Ventura County. I am currently enrolled in college to extend my dental knowledge by becoming a Registered Dental Hygienist. I worked back office as a Dental Assistant for 2 years, now I am a Dental Hygiene Co-ordinator. I am a single mother to a boy.

I love watching him grow and play sports. I own a horse and I enjoy horseback riding on my free time. Aside from that, I enjoy spending time with my family most importantly.

ERIKA SIMENTAL – HYGIENE CO-ORDINATOR

Erika Simental born and raised in Ventura County. She has been in the dental field for over 5 years now and is currently a team member at Anacapa Dental Art Institute as the Hygiene Coordinator. She is a new mom and enjoys taking her little one on sunset strolls. She loves spending quality time with family and watching her daughter grow.

JESSICA AMBRIZ – TREATMENT CO-ORDINATOR

Jessica has been in the dental field since 2005. She has worked all positions in the field from back office as an RDA, marketing, and billing.

She currently serves patients at Anacapa Dental Art Institute as treatment plan coordinator where patients are treated with the upmost care and service. Her passion with patient care began at the young age of 17 where she learned the dental field offered the upmost personal and professional growth and she is not done yet. There is nothing more fulfilling to her than being part of someone’s life changing experience.

When Jessica is not at the office, she is spending time with her 3 boys, daughter, and husband.

GRACE BARRAZA – REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT

Griselda “Grace” has been in the dental field for 17+ yrs. She has been trained in all specialties of dentistry and became a licensed assistant in 2003 with the dental board of California. A highlight in her career was when she assisted live educational dental surgeries at UCS. Grace takes pride in making sure every patient in her chair has the best dental experience.

In her free time she enjoys spending time with her 2 children and fur baby Zeno. Loves going to exhibitions and comedy shows with her better half. She also likes reading fictional books on paperback.

YOMALY GUTIERREZ – MARKETING

Yomaly Gutierrez has been working in customer service since the age of 15, and has been the marketing Director at Anacapa Dental Art Institute since January 2021. As a very involved mother of three daughters, she loves participating in their softball events and being their number one fan. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as exploring new dine out restaurants. Making patients feel welcomed and cared for, as if they were family, is not only her goal but also her passion.

VIRGINIA TORRES – DENTAL ASSISTANT

Hello, my name is Virginia “ Vicky” Torres raised in the beautiful town of Santa Paula. I am a single mother of a handsome young man who’s dream is to become a doctor and I will do what I can so he could achieve his dream. I love to spend my free time with my family and friends.

I joined the Anacapa dental team back in March of 2021 and I have learned so much from Dr. Jivraj and the team here at Anacapa Dental and I will continue learning to become a great dental assistant. I enjoy being part of a place where we can help patients with their oral health. Seeing patients leaving with a smile makes all what we do worth it.