Our Team

Since launching his initial private practice in Beverly Hills in 1992, Dr. Dean Salo has been a refreshing face in the Los Angeles dental landscape.

Running successful multi-disciplinary practices focused on patient education, highly individualized care, full mouth rehabilitations as well as the functional and aesthetic dental health of patients, Dr. Salo operates under the mantra of 100% Dentistry.

His passion for dentistry started early. He began learning the artistry of cosmetic restorations by working in a dental lab during college.

After graduating from UCLA in 1989 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biochemistry, Dr. Dean was the youngest in his class and earned his DDS from University of Pacific’s Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry at 24. He then went on to open his first practice in Beverly Hills, where he brought a fresh take to modern dentistry in an otherwise cluttered dental landscape. As his patient base grew, so did his practice. Now, Dr. Salo leads a team of the best dental practitioners in the field, at his multi-disciplinary Miracle Mile and South Bay practices, where he continues to deliver top-quality service to some of LAs most famous faces and those looking for the highest level of personalized care. Additionally Dr. Salo practices hospital dentistry, supervises residents at the General Residency Program and has privileges at the renowned and top-ranked Cedars Sinai Hospital.

For Dr. Salo, cosmetic dentistry is a passion and an art form. He has trained under some of the most prominent industry leaders such as Dr. John Kois and Dr. Michael Pikos. Dr. Dean completed multifaceted training at pristine Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies as well as Dawson Academy. He strives for perfection with each patient and focuses on designing restorations that look and feel natural. He incorporates artistry into his work, using century-old techniques of golden proportions combined with state of the art technologies, such as T-scan, to achieve proper occlusion and to perfect the bite. Dr. Dean incorporates most advanced technologies into his practice. Digital radiography, CT Scan and a variety of lasers are used in his practice to maximize patient comfort.

Upon realizing the widespread fear and anxiety associated with dentistry, Dr. Salo made it a personal mission to create an environment that catered to dental-phobics. To do so, he furthered his education in oral sedation, obtained an IV sedation license, and is currently a member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. One of the unique features of his practices is that patients can obtain all of their dental services in one office, from his team of top-notch specialists, while sleeping through the entire process.

Dr. Salo is a graduate of the Misch Implant Institute; one of the worlds most advanced training centers in dental implantology. His training at Misch enhanced Dr. Deans superior surgical skills and knowledge of periodontics necessary for complex implant treatments. His training and expertise in dental implants have allowed him to rehabilitate numerous cases of partial and/or total edentulism, the absence of teeth, giving patients the smiles they want and deserve. Dr. Salo has incorporated numerous cutting-edge technologies into his surgical practice, such as Plasma Rich Protein, which greatly accelerates the healing rate and recovery in his patients. His surgical skills have earned him a Fellowship at the esteemed International Congress of Oral Implantologist as well as the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

His drive for perfection, passion for his work, and love for his patients keep Dr. Salo in tune with all current developments in the industry. He is affiliated with some of the most respected dental organizations including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, The American College of Prosthodontists, and the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, a group of multi-disciplinary professionals, committed to the relief of craniofacial pain and dysfunction of TMJ. Dr. Deans TMJ treatments are focused on therapies and modalities, which offer patients relief and solutions without the use of surgeries and drugs.

Additionally, Dr. Salo has worked both domestically and abroad, assisting dentists in building patient-centered practices, as well as training them in advanced dental techniques and proper use of cutting edge technologies.

Dr. Salo and his wife actively support several philanthropic organizations including the Concern Foundation, which funds cancer research worldwide, the National MS Society, and Our House. Through both his practices, and with the help of his dedicated staff, giving back to the community is further encouraged through donations and support of organizations such as Art of the Brain, Spirituality For Kids, Jewish Home for The Aging, and the Avon Cancer Walk, just to name a few.

Dr. Salo has lived in Los Angeles since his early childhood. He presently resides in Beverly Hills with his wife and their three children.

Dr. Mark Nelson graduated from the top-rated USC School of Dentistry in 1982. Throughout his career, he has earned a reputation as both a perfectionist and a compassionate dentist—valued for his skill, integrity, and dedication to his patients. Many patients travel from Santa Barbara, Orange County, and across Southern California because they trust his diagnoses and exceptional work.

When asked about his career, Dr. Nelson reflects:
“I must admit I chose the right profession. Dentistry allows me to use my intellect through constant learning and treatment planning, while also using my hands—like an artist. At the same time, I get to interact with people. How great is that?”

Dr. Nelson invests countless hours studying advancements in dentistry, both domestically and internationally, to stay at the forefront of new technologies. Over the past six years, his continuing education has focused on bonded porcelain restorations (veneers, onlays, composites), oral facial pain, and TMJ disorders. His expertise enables him to create smiles that are not only beautiful, but also functional—helping patients avoid bite and joint problems that can arise after multiple restorations. He also provides care for patients suffering from TMJ-related pain and headaches.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nelson, call our Los Angeles office at 323-933-4444.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Nelson is dedicated to living a well-balanced life. He is an avid reader, plays guitar and sings, enjoys cycling, body surfing, and spending time at the beach. Recently, he began training in Krav Maga—an Israeli martial art and self-defense system—and quickly developed a passion for it. He also loves exploring diverse foods and wines, and his favorite music genre remains classic Rock and Roll.

Dr. Nelson resides in Los Angeles, is the proud father of two sons, and enjoys time with his close circle of friends.
“I’ve got great kids. Every morning, I’m amazed by my life—there is so much to be thankful for.”

Dr. Samantha Besser immediately puts patients at ease with her warm smile and friendly, outgoing personality. Many are surprised to learn that she is also an accomplished officer, having served five years as a Dental Officer in the U.S. Air Force, providing care for troops both at home and abroad.

Dr. Besser began her academic career at UC Santa Barbara before attending the prestigious Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. After graduation, she served in the U.S. Air Force, gaining valuable experience as a Dental Officer. Following her military service, she entered private practice as a general dentist.

With a particular passion for endodontics, Dr. Besser decided to pursue advanced specialty training. She was accepted into the highly competitive Endodontic Program at the USC School of Dentistry, a rigorous two-year program in a traditionally male-dominated field. Upon completion, she earned her Endodontic certification and became a Board Eligible Endodontist.

For more information about our practice or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Besser, call our Los Angeles office at 323-933-4444.

Dr. Besser is committed to utilizing the most advanced tools and technology in her field. She combines a gentle demeanor with exceptional skill and confidence, ensuring every patient receives the highest level of care. Known for her ability to ease anxiety, she takes extra time with nervous patients, provides thorough after-care, and uses anesthesia options to make root canal treatment as smooth and stress-free as possible. She also has extensive experience caring for children and patients with disabilities.

A California native, Dr. Besser currently resides in Santa Monica with her husband, Sean.

Dr. Eric Wu studied Chemistry at Pomona College, graduated magna cum laude, and was inducted into the national honor societies, Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi. He continued his studies at Harvard University, where for four years he immersed himself in the art and science of medicine and dentistry. After graduating with a DMD and several notable distinctions, he moved back to California and trained at UCLA, devoting another three years to the study of orthodontics.

Dr. Wu is focused on achieving perfection and finds immense joy in sculpting beautiful smiles and simultaneously improving the quality of life of his patients.

Using the safest and most gentle techniques, he makes every effort to provide his patients not only the very best results but also a positive and fun experience throughout their treatment. Dr. Wu is well versed in all aspects of orthodontics, stays on top of the latest developments in dentistry and orthodontics, teaches at UCLA School of Dentistry, and is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), American Dental Association (ADA), and California Dental Association (CDA).

Call 323-933-4444 to schedule your Consultation with Dr. Wu!

Oscar Alonzo, DDS, MD is a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, where he completed his undergraduate training at San Francisco State University, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

Dr. Alonzo, obtained his DDS degree from the prestigious University of California, San Francisco, which he followed with an esteemed postgraduate residency training program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Los Angeles County-Martin Luther King Jr. / Drew Medical Center.

Upon graduating from his residency, Dr. Alonzo went on to medical school training at the University of California, Los Angeles/Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science program. He completed a one-year general surgery internship at the University of California, Davis/East Bay in Oakland, California. He also has certification in Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support as well as Pediatric Advanced Life Support.

Dr. Alonzo has over twenty-five years of private practice experience as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in Southern California and has over twenty years of experience as a General Anesthesia Evaluator for the State of California.
Dr. Alonzo values the importance of maintaining active participation in organized dentistry and the academic community in California and abroad. He is a fellow of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, a diplomat of the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology, and an active member in good standing with the California Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

For more information about our practice or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Alonzo, call our Los Angeles office phone number 323-933-4444.

Dr. Alonzo’s clinical interests include wisdom teeth extraction, dental implants, oral pathology and bone grafting procedures. He has extensive expertise in anesthesia, which allows him to treat patients safely and comfortably in a controlled environment.

He greatly enjoys public speaking and educating his patients. Dr. Alonzo will always take the time to explain any aspect of a disease, condition or treatment to his patients and their family. Dr. Alonzo feels that it is critical that each patient has a complete understanding of treatment they are about to have, and utilizes visual aids, videos, and simple terminology to ensure that all questions are answered prior to all procedures. Soothing his patients and their family, while exhibiting genuine empathy are critical cornerstones in Dr. Alonzo’s approach to building a solid doctor-patient relationship.

He greatly appreciates the trust you and your family place in him and he looks forward to meeting all of your Oral and Maxillofacial surgical needs.