The DENTAL STUDIO SF Team

Laura DeGrassi, Registered Dental Hygienist

I have always been fascinated by the human body. I started working in a children’s dental office at the age of 15 and put myself through college, dental assisting along the way. I graduated in 2007 with my bachelors of science from the University of the Pacific’s School of Dentistry.

I have been blessed to be the hygienist here since 2008. I truly love my job and I’m proud of our amazing practice. You’re not just a mouth here; you’re family.

Dr. Cornehl has always been on top of the newest advancements in dentistry and encourages us as a team to bring that education and skill back to our patients. We are dedicated to helping you achieve an overall healthier life!

When I’m not saving the world from gingivitis, I enjoy staying active, trapeze, traveling, and time with my family, friends and dog Brodie!

 

Heather Mahan, Registered Dental Hygienist

Originally from Chicago, I’m still trying to decide West Coast best coast or Midwest is best – I love both!

When I was a freshman in college, I decided to pursue a career in dental hygiene. I was unsure of which major to pick and I had my own dental appointment (which I always loved going to – is there a better feeling than clean teeth?!). The hygienist was so patient with the million questions I asked, and I thought this is totally something I could see myself doing! I’m so glad I did – I love this profession.

I treat every patient how I would want to be treated and I think my expectations of treatment are pretty high! A reason I wanted to work with Dr. Cornehl – someone else who has high standards. Not only have I been in private practice for a decade but have 3 years of instructing dental hygiene students. Teaching requires you to be up to date with all the new research and standards.

In my free time I love trying new exercise classes, hiking, traveling and exploring parts of the city – usually based on restaurants!

 

Maria Hernandez, Registered Dental Assistant

My name is Maria, and I have been in dentistry for over 28 years. I am the first member of Dr. Cornehl’s team, beginning in 2006 as his assistant. It has been a great pleasure watching the practice grow while building on the skills I’m passionate about. It’s rewarding for me to play an integral part in helping our patients to achieve their dream smile. For fun, I enjoy sports and spending time with family.

 

Liz Anchondo, Dental Assistant

Liz AnchondoMy name is Liz, and I have been a dental assistant for 23 years, caring for patients and helping them smile again.

There are many reasons why I choose dental assisting as my job – it is rewarding and a fulfilling joy that allows me to be a part of giving someone back their smile.. What I love most is helping others, and I love seeing patients’ smiles transform. Along the way, I am able to help ease patients’ anxieties and build trust. That bond encourages patients to continue making regular dental visits and keep their smiles healthy.

Being a dental assistant is so much more than assisting! I love the variety of each day, patient, and every case! Being chair-side to make patients feel special is the best feeling in the world! Dentistry is continuously changing – it is so gratifying to see my team and I constantly learning in order to give patients the best care and experiences we possibly can!

This office in particular is an amazing office; the dental office runs smoothly because of their organizational and administrative expertise. There’s never a dull moment in this amazing office and in dental assisting.

 
 

Cathy Buenafe, Front Office Administrator

My name is Cathy, and I am the friendly face at the front desk! I have been providing customer service for more than seven years.

I am happy to answer your questions, plan your appointments, help resolve concerns, make your visits a positive experience, and will assist you in explaining and discussing your insurance benefits and processing dental claims.

It is truly a blessing to work with Dr. Cornehl, who genuinely cares for and respects his patients and employees. We are staffed with people who really understand the meaning of teamwork and everyone works as hard as they can to create an organized, enjoyable, and welcoming workplace.

In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors, especially in the summer, and love spending time with friends watching movies and basketball games.

Minnie Avalos, Dental Assistant

Hello there! I’m Minnie Avalos, a passionate Dental Assistant at DENTAL STUDIO SF. I have always had a deep love for healthcare and dentistry, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of this amazing team. I have fully embraced my role and am dedicated to providing exceptional care to our patients.

What I love most about working at DENTAL STUDIO SF is the clean and organized environment, along with the support and camaraderie of the entire staff. They inspire me to go above and beyond in delivering the best possible patient experience. It’s a true privilege to work alongside such talented professionals.

Outside of the dental world, I have a passion for attending car shows and going on scenic cruises with my loved ones. I believe that a beautiful smile holds the power to transform lives, and I am committed to empowering our patients on their journey to optimal oral health. Through top-notch care, education, and support, I strive to make a positive difference in each and every patient’s life.

Mercedes Marrun – Patient Coordinator

Mercedes is a dedicated Patient Coordinator at Dental Studio SF. With over 12 years of experience in the dental field, she excels in both clinical and administrative aspects of dentistry. Mercedes greets patients, schedules appointments, handles insurance processing, and manages billing. She loves working with her amazing team, ensuring every patient has a comfortable experience. Mercedes, a Bay Area native, began as a dental assistant and transitioned to the front office. Her dental philosophy is “Only floss the teeth you want to keep.” Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her two sons, exploring new recipes in the kitchen and creating cherished family memories.