Office Administrator

We appreciate your interest in our dental care services. I'm Runi Snelson, the office Administrator. Our main goal is to help you achieve optimal dental health. With a team of 28 staff members, you might see different faces during your visits. We want you to feel comfortable with everyone and confident in their expertise.

I joined this office in 1976 after training in a prestigious New York dental office and working for ten years in Huntington Beach. I received my formal dental training at Cypress College and became a Registered Dental Assistant (R.D.A.) in 1977. I keep my skills updated through management seminars, CPR training, maintaining my X-ray license, and supporting the Dental Assistants' Association.

In my free time, I enjoy knitting, oil painting, aerobics, and classical music. I grew up in Bergen, Norway, and have four grandchildren. I'm here to assist you with your dental treatment and any questions you may have. Now, let me introduce you to our staff.

Receptionist/Practice Manager

Sherry Barker joined our office in 1979 after moving to Orange County from Arizona. She graduated from the Arizona Dental Assistant School in 1970 and practiced her vocation as a dental assistant in an orthodontic office and in a very highly regarded prosthodontic office until her move to California.

Sherry has extensive experience as a dental assistant and receptionist to help you schedule your appointments in the most convenient and efficient manner.

Sherry enjoys the beach, travel, movies, and deep sea fishing.

Receptionist/Practice Manager

Melody Esquer, R.D.A., is a highly experienced dental assistant and office manager with over forty-nine years in the field. Born and raised in Newport Beach, she graduated from Estancia High School and furthered her education in dental assisting at the National Education Center and Orange Coast College. Melody became a Registered Dental Assistant in 1999 and was an active member of the Dental Management Association for over a decade. She excels in her roles and enjoys helping patients with appointments and insurance.

Married for forty-two years, Melody has two daughters, a granddaughter, and three grandsons. She is an active member of St. John the Baptist Church and school, serving on the Auxiliary Board for over 17 years, including two terms as President. In her free time, Melody enjoys traveling, cooking, crafts, water aerobics, and spending time at the beach.

Receptionist/Practice Manager

Kate Salcido, R.D.A., has been part of the dental team since 2004, bringing 39 years of experience in dentistry. A native Californian from Whittier, Kate completed her dental prerequisites at U.C. Santa Barbara and graduated with honors from Los Angeles College of Medical and Dental Assistants in 1966. She earned her R.D.A. at U.S.C.

Kate worked in general dentistry for 15 years before joining an endodontic practice in Newport Beach for 22 years. She later managed a periodontal office in Huntington Beach for 2 years. Kate has a daughter living in Huntington Beach and enjoys the beach, movies, walking, reading, gardening, and home improvement projects.

She brings extensive experience to the office and is eager to assist with appointment scheduling and insurance.