Dr. Cifarelli and Dr. Larijani are highly trained and nationally recognized as leaders in the field of aesthetic dentistry. They are Program Directors and Clinical Instructors with the California Center of Advanced Dental Studies, a leading program that teaches smile makeover practices to dental specialists. They are featured on KTLA TV’s Best of L.A. as the best cosmetic dentists in the area. With their passion and attention to detail, dentists have come to trust Dana Point Dental to regain a beautiful and healthy smile.
Meet Our Doctors
Dr. Lilian Cifarelli
For over 20 years, Dr. Cifarelli has proudly served her community as one of the best dentists in Orange County. Having been born and raised in Southern California, she is especially humbled to work and live in the community she calls home.
From a very early age where she helped out in her father’s dental lab to her dental assistant jobs while still in high school, Dr. Cifarelli has always known she wanted to become a dentist. Having skipped 7th grade, she began college at UC Irvine at age 16, where she earned two bachelor degrees. She went on to earn her doctorate from UC San Francisco and then completed a General Practice Residency at VA Hospital, West L.A., where she furthered her training in oral surgery and hospital dentistry. In addition, Dr.Cifarelli has advanced training in aesthetics, laser and implant dentistry and is licensed to offer oral conscious sedation for those patients desiring a more relaxed and comfortable dental experience.
Because Dr. Cifarelli has seamlessly combined her passion for education, her commitment to excellence along with her expertise in cosmetic dentistry, she was invited to join the faculty at UCLA School of Dentistry as a Clinical Instructor in the prestigious post-doctoral Center for Esthetic Dentistry residency program. Dr. Cifarelli is responsible for teaching the resident dentists the skills, techniques and artistry needed to become a true cosmetic dentist. She has also been an instructor and local director with California Center of Advanced Dentistry where she taught hands-on smile make-over courses to practicing dentists.
Dr. Cifarelli has received recognition for volunteering her time and dental services to underprivileged children. She has also proudly participated with Big Sisters of America, Laura’s House, Second Harvest food bank and routinely donates her dental services at a number of homeless shelters as well as donates smile reconstructions to some very deserving Veterans of our military forces.
When not in the office or teaching, Dr. Cifarelli enjoys times with her sons, her French bulldog, riding her bicycle, pilates and traveling.
Dr. Amir Larijani
Dr. Larijani has been practicing cosmetic, implant and family dentistry in Orange County for over 23 years. He believes in giving patients a complete range of options to improve their oral health and enhance their smiles. Dr. Larijani believes in treating all of his patients with the highest level of service. His goal is to provide the finest dental care and the best dental experience.
Dr. Larijani received his Bachelors in Science from the University of California Irvine in 1995. He graduated from New York University College of Dentistry in 1999. Since then, Dr. Larijani has received extensive training in implant and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Larijani is experienced and licensed in Oral Conscious Sedation. Dr. Larijani regularly takes continuing education courses and participates in professional seminars. He provides his patients the most advanced therapy and the best that the dental profession has to offer.
Dr. Larijani is a member of the Orange County Dental Society, the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the Collegium International Oris Implantatorium and he is the Co-founder of the Nobel Biocare Implants for General Practitioners Study Group. He is a member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners and Certified in Digital Smile Design.
Dr. Larijani has been the owner of Santa Margarita Dental Group since 2006 and a co-owner of Dana Point Dental (Cifarelli and Larijani Esthetic Dentistry) since 2007.
Dr. Larijani is happily married and is fluent in Farsi. Some of his hobbies include traveling, philanthropy, collecting music, cooking, painting, poetry, playing percussion instruments, basketball, snorkeling and watching the Lakers overcome adversity.
Dr. Larijani loved spending time with his wife Michelle and his kids Jayda Cameron and Sage.
Dr. Alexa Elliott
Dr. Alexa Elliott is a general dentist who provides gentle and detailed dentistry with a focus on patient centered care. She is from San Clemente and a second generation dentist that followed in her father’s footsteps. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Human Health Science from Loyola Marymount University. After her undergraduate studies, Dr. Elliott earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, at which she volunteered and provided dental care to underserved populations ranging from children to the homeless on skid row to elderly in senior living.
Dr. Elliott is passionate about keeping up to date on the latest advancements in dentistry and enjoys taking continuing education courses. She is working through the Kois Center curriculum, an advanced dental continuing education. She is also active in her Spear study club, which focuses on comprehensive and cosmetic treatment plans by collaborating with other doctors in the dental field. She is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, Orange County Dental Society, and American Academy of Clear Aligners.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Elliott loves spending time with her family, which includes her husband, son and daughter. She is an avid runner and loves to run 5Ks and an occasional half marathon. She also enjoys riding her Peloton bike. Her favorite sports teams to root for are the USC Trojans and the Golden State Warriors.
Meet Our Team
Shannon Wright, RDH BS
Shannon has called Dana Point Dental home since 1998. She has always maintained excellence in oral health care to her patients, who she consistently treated like family. With meticulous care and compassionate education, she champions her patients to success. Shannon earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, one of the nation’s top dental hygiene programs. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and was elected for membership in the Sigma Phi Alpha National Dental Hygiene Honors Society in 1998.
Following graduation, Shannon volunteered her time and skill providing care to patients at the VA Hospital in Loma Linda, 29 Palms Marine Corps Base, and The Assistance League of San Bernardino. Shannon is certified in Soft Tissue Laser Therapy, nitrous oxide sedation and regularly attends continuing education courses in order to provide the most advanced treatments to her patients. She resides in San Clemente with her husband and family. Shannon enjoys hiking, traveling, swimming and interior design.
Kristina Salazar, RDH
Kristina joined Dana Point Dental nearly 4 years ago and has been a licensed Dental hygienist for the past 10 years. Kristina believes in providing comprehensive, personalized dental care to best address her patients’ individual needs. Kristina will work together with you to improve your oral health which is directly linked to your overall wellness. When Kristina is away from the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and exercising at OrangeTheory Fitness, cooking and camping.
Jennifer Wong, B.A., Office Manager
Jennifer joined Drs. Cifarelli and Larijani over 10 years ago following a very successful 7 years of customer service in the banking industry. Jennifer has a genuine determination to ensure that every patient has an exceptional experience. From warmly welcoming new patients to the practice to courteously working with patients’ insurance to maximize their benefits, Jennifer has a remarkable way of letting our patients know that they are her first priority. Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science degree from University of California, Riverside, School of Business Administration.
She also developed a passion for cooking and has completed a culinary program with The New School of Cooking. Outside of the office, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and cooking delicious food.
Jeanie Jung B.S., Clinical Team Manager
Jeanie has been managing our clinical team and back office for over 17 years. Jeanie brings not just years of experience and expertise but shares her remarkable Grace, kindness, love and loyalty with the entire team and our patients. When not working, Jeanie enjoys her time with her 5 granddaughters, outdoor nature walks and hosting family gatherings.
Jeanie earned a Bachelor of Science from University of Wisconsin, Madison
Crystal, DA
Crystal has been a dental assistant for over 13 years and with Dana Point Dental for over 8. Crystal has an exceptional way of making our patients feel calm and cared for regardless of the procedure being performed. She is certified in oral conscious sedation and is gifted in making your dental appointment an easy and comfortable experience.
Crystal moved here from Oregon, loves the OC and is newly married to her husband Brian.
Kassandra, DA
Kassandra joined Drs Cifarelli & Larijani over 6 years ago as a dental assistant and has worked in the dental field for nearly 12 years. Kassandra is an exceptional assistant who particularly enjoys working with cutting edge technology.
She leads the team in 3D Invisalign imaging, Itero scanning and Cone Beam CT scanning. Kassandra loves helping patients obtain a healthy mouth and their dream smile.
Kassandra enjoys travelling, finding new adventures and spending time with her new husband, Jonathan.
Melanie, Patient Concierge
Melanie is our Patient Concierge, where she facilitates a warm and welcoming experience for all of our patients. She is able to coordinate appointments as well as assist with treatment plans and insurance questions.
Melanie has over 30 years of experience working at the corporate executive level and takes pride in her professionalism, positive and dedicated attitude.
Melanie is an active member in her church and community. She is a humanitarian, patron and advocate for the homeless, elderly and animals. Melanie enjoys crafting in several mediums and shares a love of cooking and baking for friends and family