Los Angeles Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Senior Clinician Mentors

 

Robert J. Relle, DDS, FACS

Dr. Robert Relle was attracted to oral and maxillofacial surgery — jaw surgery specifically — while in dental school. He knew he didn’t want to spend his career doing generic procedures when he had the skills to provide more life-changing care to patients. He was inspired by the impact he knew he could provide with jaw treatment, and it was a no-brainer to pursue oral and maxillofacial surgery and specialize in corrective jaw surgery.

Dr. Relle decided to work in private practice because it gives him the opportunity to work with all sorts of other specialists and provide the highest quality of care. When patients visit a specialist, they know they are getting the best chance for optimal results. He loves seeing the change in patients and restoring their oral function and self-confidence.

Steven B. Kupferman, DMD, MD, FACS

Dr. Steven Kupferman was born in southern California and was happy to move back after his education to practice in Los Angeles. Growing up, Dr. Kupferman knew he wanted to go to dental school after his uncle, a dentist, served as a type of mentor. He pursued oral surgery when he realized he could make a bigger difference and provide patients with a more effective change.

Dr. Kupferman enjoys experiencing the appreciation his patients express after treatment. He likes the feeling of being a specialist, and his focus on jaw surgery and treatment of jaw dysfunction allows him to provide patients with care that not everyone can offer.

Dr. Relle decided to work in private practice because it gives him the opportunity to work with all sorts of other specialists and provide the highest quality of care. When patients visit a specialist, they know they are getting the best chance for optimal results. He loves seeing the change in patients and restoring their oral function and self-confidence.

Benjamin W. Walline, DDS, MD, FACS

Dr. Benjamin Walline was inspired to pursue a dental career by his father, who was a dentist, and his mother, who suggested he follow in his father’s footsteps. It was easy for Dr. Walline to choose oral and maxillofacial surgery once he attended dental school because he was attracted to all aspects of the specialty, including corrective jaw surgery and wisdom teeth removal. After working with Dr. Kupferman at Kaiser, he decided to switch to private practice because he liked the idea of being able to perform both office-based and hospital-based procedures.

Dr. Walline’s favorite thing about being an oral surgeon is the effect he can have on patients’ lives. More specifically, he loves how much he can help jaw patients who may not feel comfortable with their appearance. He can get to know patients and pay careful attention to their goals and then provide them with optimal results, giving them a reason to smile and feel more confident in themselves.

Jay K. Lee, DDS, MD

Dr. Jay Lee was born and raised in Portland, OR. His interest in oral surgery developed over time, and while he was completing his training, he realized the specialty appealed to him more than any other. Joining the team at LACOMS was an easy decision for Dr. Lee. Dr. Relle was his mentor when he was at UCLA, and he liked that the practice focuses on hospital-based, major surgeries.

Dr. Lee enjoys being an oral surgeon for the simple fact that he enjoys helping patients. He finds his job incredibly rewarding because he gets to do what he loves every day. Oral surgery combines all of his interests and allows him to take care of patients in a full scope. He works hard to help patients feel comfortable and reassure them that he will treat them like his own family.

Brittany Sonnichsen, DMD

Originally from Connecticut, Dr. Sonnichsen moved to the Golden State because her husband is a California native, and she loves the beautiful sunshine. She was inspired to pursue oral surgery after shadowing a neighbor, an oral surgeon, in her office. Dr. Sonnichsen loves working with her hands and finds it very rewarding to make patients feel comfortable and relieve patients of their pain and nervousness. She wants patients to feel like they can ask her any questions and wants them to feel confident that they are receiving excellent care.

Dr. Sonnichsen joined the Los Angeles Center for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery team and believes the services and care offered here are second-to-none. She looks forward to treating patients in the greater LA area by utilizing advanced technology and a state-of-the-art surgery center. Being a part of such a highly skilled team of experts means that patients can receive exceptional care at any time, and she is eager to get to know her patients and guide them through an outstanding oral surgery experience.