ABOUT

Meet Our Team

modern dentistry in a comfortable environment

Providing compassionate, gentle dentistry is the heart of our practice. By offering accessible insurance and financing options, we are able to lower barriers to superior dental care, which allows us to make real differences in our patients’ lives. Everything we do at Tri-City Dental Excellence is with you in mind. We love to have fun with our patients and hope that we will be able to form lasting friendships as we help maintain your smile. We always provide honest, straightforward advice and strive to keep you informed every step of the way.

Welcome to Tri-City Dental Excellence in Vista, CA
in-house dental membership plans in Vista, CA

Dr. Mike Zabihian at Tri-City Dental Excellence in Vista, CA

Dr. Mehrdad “Mike” Zabihian, DDS

Meet Dr. Zabihian, or as we all know him around here, Dr. Mike! Since joining us in 2017, he has played an integral role in delivering exceptional care to our patients. Graduating from the esteemed University of Illinois in 1997, Dr. Mike brings decades of experience and expertise to his practice.

Driven by a profound commitment to providing personalized attention, Dr. Mike prioritizes individualized, high-quality treatment over standardized approaches. He believes in taking the time to understand each patient’s unique needs and crafting tailored solutions accordingly.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. Mike finds fulfillment in sports, particularly tennis and soccer. These activities serve as outlets for his passion and dedication, reflecting the same precision and focus he brings to his dental practice. Dr. Mike’s dedication to excellence and genuine care continues to make a lasting impact on our patients and community alike.

Good to Know

  • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from University of Illinois.
  • Decades of experience.
  • Committed to providing personalized and high-quality treatment, focusing on individualized patient needs rather than standardized methods.

Fun to Know

  • Enjoys sports and the outdoors as a way to channel his passion and maintain focus. He loves:
    • Soccer
    • Skiing
    • Tennis
    • Mountain biking
  • Poker enthusiast.

Dr. Arash Panah, DDS

Dr. Panah’s journey in dentistry began in Southern California, where he cultivated a deep passion for oral health. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from California State University Long Beach, laying the groundwork for his future in dental care. Pursuing excellence, Dr. Panah achieved top honors, graduating as Valedictorian from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 2000, solidifying his commitment to excellence.

As a leading dentist in Vista, CA, Dr. Panah is dedicated to staying at the forefront of his field. He remains at the cutting edge of oral health care by completing hundreds of hours of continuing education. His areas of expertise span across cosmetic dentistry, implantology, oral surgery, endodontics, and general dentistry, ensuring comprehensive care for his patients.

Dr. Panah’s unwavering dedication to advancing his skills and knowledge reflects his commitment to providing his patients with the latest advancements in oral health care. With his expertise and compassionate approach, Dr. Panah continues to transform smiles and improve lives in Vista and beyond.

Good to Know

  • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from University of Southern California School in 2000 (Class Valedictorian).
  • Received numerous awards, including:
    • Fixes Prosthodontics Award
    • Branemark/Cantor Humanitarian Award (Implant Dentistry)
    • Behavioral Dentistry Award
    • Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) honorary fraternity
    • Class Valedictorian Award – USC Class of 2000
  • Active member of the American Dental Association and California Dental Association.

Fun to Know

  • Married to Dr. Sormeh Panah.
  • Arash and Sormeh have 2 children.
  • Bachelor of Biochemistry from the California State University Long Beach.
  • Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry.
  • Favorite pastimes: tennis, triathlons, and spending time with his wife and kids.
Team
Carla
Office Manager

Carla has been a Los Angeles native where she lives with her three amazing children. She has been in the dental field for the past 20 years. Her favorite part of dentistry is helping and connecting with patients. She enjoys quiet nights at home with her family and going on walks. She loves Mexican and Mediterranean food.

Carla - Office Manager at Try-City Dental Excellence in Vista, CA
Gabriella
Registered Dental Hygienist

Gabby has been a dedicated dental hygienist for over 15 years, providing exceptional care to her patients. A native of South San Diego, she earned two degrees from Southwestern College in Chula Vista: one in child development and a second in dental hygiene. Gabby also holds a specialized Alternative Practice (RDHAP) license from the University of the Pacific, enabling her to serve a wider range of patients outside of a traditional office setting. When she's not at work, Gabby loves to spend time with her family, traveling, attending music events, and going on theme park adventures.

Gabriella - Registered Dental Hygienist at Try-City Dental Excellence in Vista, CA
Ashley
Dental Assistant

Ashley's interest in the dental field began early, leading her to attend PIMA Medical Institute. Her favorite part of her job is connecting with patients and helping them feel comfortable. She especially enjoys assisting with extractions. In her free time, Ashley loves to relax at the beach, go to concerts, and spend time with her family and friends.

Ashley - Dental Assistant at Try-City Dental Excellence in Vista, CA
Laly
Dental Assistant

Born and raised in Oceanside, Laly began her dental career after attending Pima Medical Institute. She has been a dental assistant for over a year and finds great satisfaction in taking care of patients and continually learning new skills. In her time off, Laly loves to visit the beach, explore new places and foods, and spend time with her family.

Laly - Dental Assistant at Try-City Dental Excellence in Vista, CA