Our Residents
Meet Our Orthodontic Residents At UNLV
The UNLV School of Dental Medicine is home to some of the most exceptional students, and under the guidance of our expert faculty, these residents provide
Class of 2025
Class of 2026
Class of 2027
Dr. Usama Al Abdullah
Dr. Al Abdullah was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq, where he received his first dental degree and worked as a general dentist for three years. Then, he immigrated to the United States in 2016 and started the journey to pursue his US dental license. After working as a dental hygienist for two years, he attended the University of Pennsylvania and earned a Doctorate of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) with honors in Vulnerable Populations. Among his accomplishments, he was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society, and the Mathew Cryer Honor Society, and was the recipient of the American Equilibration Award. Dr. Al Abdullah is blessed with a gorgeous, caring wife and a lovely daughter. He is passionate about soccer and is a die-hard soccer fan who will never miss a match for his team, no matter how late he has to stay up. During his free time, Dr. Al Abdullah loves to spend time with his family, play hide and seek, and dance to Disney songs with his daughter. Additionally, he enjoys traveling, working out, playing billiards, and watching TV.
Dr. Jake Boone
Dr. Jake Boone was born and raised in the small community of Ada, Oklahoma, located in the southeast part of the state. Dr. Boone is one of four boys and grew up with a passion for the outdoors and playing sports. He attended the University of Oklahoma where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, graduating with special distinction, and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, graduating with distinction. Dr. Boone is excited to continue his education here at the UNLV orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics residency program. In his free time, he loves to golf, fish, spend time outdoors, and cheer on the Oklahoma Sooners.
Dr. Corey Foulk
Dr. Corey Foulk was born in Orange, CA but raised in Reno, NV. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 2018 with a B.S. in Exercise Science and a B.A. in Spanish Studies. During his undergraduate education, Dr. Foulk took a two-year leave to serve a mission for his Church in El Paso, TX. He received his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from UNLV in 2022. Dr. Foulk got married to his wife, Chelsy, in 2015. They have one son, Coleman, and a baby girl, Mae. Most of Dr. Foulk's free time is spent with his family but growing up next to Lake Tahoe he loved snowboarding in the winter and being in the mountains and on the lake in the summer. Currently, since being in Las Vegas, has gotten into golf and riding motorcycles out in the desert. Dr. Foulk is passionate about orthodontics and looks forward to helping the community by improving dental function and esthetics.
Dr. Zachary Hendrickson
Dr. Zachary Hendrickson was born and raised in Logan, Utah. He attended Utah State University but after one semester he took a leave of absence to serve a two-year religious mission in Chihuahua, Mexico. He still loves speaking Spanish with patients whenever he can. Upon returning to Utah, he finished his bachelor's degree in business administration with minors in biology and chemistry and graduated Summa Cum Laude. He received his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in May 2022. He graduated Magna Cum Laude and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society. Dr. Hendrickson is excited to be part of the Las Vegas community which is much closer to family and full of activities he enjoys with his wife, Kenzi, their five-year-old daughter Oakli and their two-year-old son Lincoln. In his spare time, you can find him hiking, skiing, riding bikes and motorcycles or just enjoying time with friends and family.
Dr. Kyle Hodges
Dr. Kyle Hodges is from Hampton Roads, Virginia. After High School he first attended Southern Virginia University on a baseball scholarship. After one season he left baseball behind to serve a two-year church mission in São Paulo, Brazil, where he learned to speak Portuguese fluently. Upon returning from his mission, he attended Brigham Young University and received a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. He then continued his education and received his Doctorate in Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine in 2022. He graduated with the highest honors, Summa Cum Laude, and received The American Academy of Oral Medicine Award. Dr. Hodges is eager to pursue his specialty training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at UNLV. Dr. Hodges is married to his beautiful wife, Jocelyn, and together they have two wonderful children. In his free time he enjoys golfing, sports, and anything that gets him outside with friends and family.
Dr. Dustin Hunsaker
Dr. Dustin Hunsaker was born and raised in Sandy, Utah. He graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sport Science with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology in 2013. During his undergraduate education, Dr. Hunsaker took a two-year leave to serve a church mission in the Midwest, spending time in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Minnesota. He received his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan in May 2017. He served on active duty in the Navy for five years following dental school. He served one year at Parris Island, SC, two years in Okinawa, Japan and two years in Oak Harbor, WA. He and his wife have three energetic boys and a baby girl. Dr. Hunsaker enjoys spending time with family, hiking, golfing, playing pickleball, playing soccer with his boys, and water sports.
Dr. Joseph Soderberg
Dr. Joseph Soderberg was born and raised in Las Vegas. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Dr. Soderberg spent two years on a church mission in Spokane Washington. He worked in the business world briefly before realizing that orthodontics is his true calling. He graduated from the University of Las Vegas, Nevada School of Dental Medicine in 2022. Dr. Soderberg loves being from Las Vegas and enjoys the beautiful desert. He enjoys spending time outdoors and riding dirt bikes. He has indoor hobbies like music and movies when the weather is hot. He is happy to be at UNLV and excited to help patients develop their beautiful, confident smile.
Dr. Megan Zimbelman
Dr. Megan M. Zimbelman considers her roots from both Kansas City, MO and Salt Lake City, UT. She comes from a medically oriented family and at an early age aspired to be like her parents by dedicating her life to the care of others. This goal started at Gonzaga University where she graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's in biology and minored from her studies in the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Honors Program. Her next educational milestone was at the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated summa cum laude, interned at a FQHC and worked in an honors clinic dedicated to providing care for refugees, asylum seekers, and survivors of intimate partner violence. During her doctoral studies, Dr. Zimbelman's philosophy became that proper positioning and alignment of teeth within the facial skeleton is key towards lifelong oral health. With a passion to come back to the west coast, she was ecstatic to match into an orthodontic residency at UNLV. While not at UNLV, you can likely find Dr. Meg outside either hiking, playing tennis, skiing or training for her next race, curled up with a good book, cheering on the Gonzaga Bulldogs or keeping in touch with family and friends.
Dr. Michelle Cui
Dr. Michelle Xuan Cui was originally born in Singapore, however she spent her childhood in Toronto, Ontario. She then immigrated to Hershey, Pennsylvania where she spent her formative years before moving to New York City. Her academic pursuits at New York University included obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, as well as completing a 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training program at a local yoga studio in NYC. She continued on to earn her Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) at the University of Pennsylvania - School of Dental Medicine where she graduated summa cum laude with an honors in Nutritional Science. Among her accomplishments, she was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society at UPenn. Dr. Cui developed an appreciation for orthodontics and providing specialized care for her patients and is thrilled to continue her specialty education in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at UNLV. Outside of UNLV, you will almost always find her with her rescue rottie-lab mix named Kali. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new coffee shops and restaurants, horseback riding, skiing or snowboarding, reading a good book, and spending time with friends and family.
Dr. Sara Endo
Dr. Sara Endo was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. She graduated from Santa Clara University in Northern California with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. After college she spent a year at home in Hawaii working as an assistant in an orthodontic office. She then went to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Columbia University in New York City. During her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. Dr. Endo is looking forward to joining the UNLV Orthodontic Clinic and helping the community of Las Vegas!
Dr. Julia Esfandi
Dr. Julia Esfandi was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She began her academic journey at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where she earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology, graduating Summa Cum Laude. With a strong drive to make a positive impact on her community and provide quality dental care, she continued her education at UCLA where she obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Dr. Esfandi is excited to join the Las Vegas community where she can immerse herself in the wide array of entertainment and dining options the city offers. Beyond her dedication to dentistry, Julia loves exploring new restaurants, embarking on exciting travels, and spending time with her friends and family.
Dr. Anya Hatfield
Dr. Anya Hatfield grew up in Wichita, KS. She graduated from Duke University with a bachelor's degree in neuroscience. After spending several years working as a dental assistant in her parent's dental practice, she decided to attend dental school. As a first-year dental student, she was a finalist for the Craniofacial Biology Group Junior Research Award. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Colorado before moving to Las Vegas for her orthodontic residency. In her free time, Anya enjoys spending time with her husband (Ben) and daughter (Harlow), hiking, cooking, traveling, and horseback riding.
Dr. Eric Hollensbe
Dr. Eric Hollensbe was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and raised in Carmel, Indiana. He went on to study Industrial Engineering Technology at Purdue University and received his bachelor of science in 2015. Between college and dental school he worked as a pharmacy technician in Indianapolis. He went on to study dentistry at Indiana University School of Dentistry and graduated in May of 2020. After graduation he worked as a General Dentist around the state of Indiana filling in at multiple offices as a locum tenens dentist until he found his love of Orthodontics helping out at an orthodontic clinic on Saturdays in his free time. He enjoys spending time with his two cats, Miss Kitty and Leroy, as well as playing golf and watching the Boston Bruins.
Dr. Tommy Le
Dr. Tommy Le was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and moved to Las Vegas in 2005. He earned both his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (B.S.) and Doctorate of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from the University of Nevada- Las Vegas while graduating with honors, Magna Cum Laude. Dr. Tommy Le was the recipient of both the American Association of Orthodontists Academic Excellence and William S. Kramer Award, and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society. Outside of the clinic, you can find him working out at the gym, singing his favorite songs at karaoke, watching his favorite shows and movies, or trying new food and drinks. Besides being a dentist, he is also a huge traveler, music lover, and car fanatic. Dr. Tommy Le has developed his passion for orthodontics after his life-changing orthodontic treatment that had brought out his positive mentality and self image, and he is more than ecstatic to provide that same positive impact to all of his patients.
Dr. Shayna Mesko
Dr.Shayna Mesko is originally from the Northeast and graduated from the University of Connecticut Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. She went on to graduate second in her class from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, MA. After obtaining her DMD she was commissioned in the United States Navy as a dentist for five years. With the Navy, she completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency at the Capt. James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center and Naval Station Great Lakes. She was then stationed at Marine Corps Base Quantico treating Marines, Sailors, and presidential support staff.After her military service, Dr. Mesko practiced primarily restorative dentistry in private practice in Philadelphia for three years before ultimately making the transition to specialize in orthodontics here at UNLV.Outside of dentistry, Dr. Mesko enjoys refinishing furniture and spending time with her baby boy, husband (who's also an orthodontist!), and two Plott Hounds. Together they love walking, hiking, and exploring their new city.
Dr. Philip Punzalan
Dr. Philip Punzalan was born in Daly City, California and grew up in both Reno and Las Vegas,NV. He attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Business Administration. He then graduated with magna cum laude honors from the UNLV School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Punzalan's #1 passion,outside of orthodontics, is basketball. While he was born in the Bay Area, he is a die-hard Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant fan. His other hobbies and interests include working out,music, gaming, building PCs, fashion, reading, and golfing.
Dr. Ariana Caranto
Dr. Ariana Caranto was born and raised in Houston, TX. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor's in Science and Arts in Biochemistry and a Certificate in Business from the McCombs School of Business. She found her passion for orthodontics after having braces herself four times, which allowed her to experience and appreciate the positive impact orthodontic care can have on a person's life. She received her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from The University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine in May 2024. As a dental student, she placed 3rd at UNLV's Annual Research Day in 2022 and went on to present at the Hinman Research Student Symposium in Tennessee. She also remained an active member of Student and Executive Councils, promoting school spirit and community within the dental school. Outside of school, she loves to take spin and pilates classes, play volleyball or spend time with her kitten, Cucumber. While she remains an avid Houston sports fan, you can also find Dr. Caranto cheering on the Vegas Golden Knights, Raiders, Aces, and Aviators! She is overjoyed to continue her specialty training at UNLV and to serve the Las Vegas community.
Dr. Sandy Hong
Dr. Sandy Hong, originally from China, moved to the San Gabriel Valley in Southern California at the age of five. She pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Biology. Following her college education, Dr. Hong worked as a dental assistant, which solidified her passion for dentistry and orthodontics. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from UNLV School of Dental Medicine, with cum laude honors and awards in Prosthodontic Excellence and Peer Mentorship. Dr. Hong is proud to be the first in her family to become a doctor. During her free time, Dr. Hong enjoys cooking, playing tennis, making trips to Southern California to visit her family, and discovering new music.
Dr. David Foote
Dr. David Footewas born and raised in Reno, NV. He grew up working for his father's construction company where he developed a love for hard work. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science. During his undergraduate education, Dr. Foote served as a missionary for two years in Southwest Russia where he became fluent in the Russian language and gained a love for Russian culture. He received his Doctorate in Dental Medicine (DMD) from the University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine in April 2024. Dr. Foote enjoys participating in a variety of sports, including basketball, tennis, pickle ball and golf. He also enjoys boating and spending time with his family. As a native Nevadan, he is excited to be a part of the Las Vegas community where his mother grew up.
Dr. Justin Simpson
Dr. Justin Simpson was born in Glendale, California, and raised in Pleasant Grove, Utah. As a child, he loved playing sports and could always be found with a ball in his hand. During his high school years, Justin played football, baseball and wrestled. Following high school, Justin served a mission for his church in Los Angeles, California, where he learned the Spanish language. Upon returning from his mission, he attended BYU, majoring in microbiology. It was during this time that he met his wife, Andrea. Before dental school, their family began with the arrival of a beautiful daughter, Saylor. During dental school, they welcomed another addition to their family, Summer. Justin's interest in dentistry was sparked by seeing his sister receive free braces from a generous orthodontist in their hometown. Witnessing the transformation in her confidence inspired him to pursue orthodontics. He received his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine. He graduated with honors, Magna Cum Laude, and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society.
Dr. Tyler Pisciotta
Dr. Tyler Pisciotta was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is the oldest of 4 siblings, and grew up playing soccer and running cross country and track. Prior to attending university, Dr. Pisciotta spent two years in Barcelona, Spain as a church service missionary. He then attended Brigham Young University- Hawaii and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology with minors in History and Spanish. He earned a Doctorate in Dental Medicine (D.M.D) from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He graduated with Cum Laude honors and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society. Dr. Pisciotta is excited to be continuing his specialty training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at UNLV. When he is not studying, Dr. Pisciotta enjoys spending time with his family and friends; playing card games, hanging out by the pool, and going to the movies. He loves food and can often be found trying a new restaurant on the weekends. He also enjoys playing with his 2 year old mini-goldendoodle, Gigi.
Dr. Maggie Savoie
Dr. Maggie Savoie grew up in Rehoboth, Massachusetts and attended school in Providence, Rhode Island for most of her life before moving to Palm Beach, Florida for her last two years of high school. Dr. Savoie's parents met playing polo, so naturally she picked up riding as a sport. She rode horses competitively starting at just 6 years old and continued until starting her first year of dental school. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Marine, Estuarine, and Freshwater Biology from the University of New Hampshire - Durham. Following her undergraduate studies, Dr. Savoie took two gap years to work and travel, during which she conducted research in South Africa and Mozambique. She subsequently attended New York University, where she obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2023. Although Dr. Savoie is passionate about orthodontics, she also dedicated significant attention to oral medicine. During her time at NYU, Dr. Savoie was in the honors in oral medicine program and conducted research on Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders, which she presented at the American Academy of Oral Medicine Annual Conference. Furthermore, during her time at NYU, Dr. Savoie was inducted into the Omega Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a branch of the National Dental Honorary Society, and received both the American Academy of Oral Medicine Award and the Dr. Bernard E. Rudner Memorial Award for her exceptional performance in delivering comprehensive oral care. She completed a one-year general practice residency at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, New York prior to starting her orthodontic residency at UNLV. In her leisure time, Dr. Savoie enjoys scuba diving, solving jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with her two dogs, Nala and Maizy.
Dr. Claudio Pinero
Dr. Claudio Pinero was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He spent his childhood visiting his family in Nicaragua and learning to play musical instruments. He attended Florida International University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. He then attended Louisiana State University School of Dentistry where he received his Doctorate in Dental Surgery with a certificate for Honors in Teaching. During his time in dental school, he served as Historian for his class. He found his calling for the profession of orthodontics while shadowing an office in New Orleans. During his free time, he likes to travel and spend time with his two standard poodles while enjoying his passion for photography and seeing live music.
Dr. Jordyn Zirlin
Dr. Jordyn Zirlin was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She graduated from UC Davis with a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences. She discovered her passion for dentistry in her final year of college and decided to pursue additional education at San Francisco State University. She attended University of Nevada Las Vegas for dental school and received her Doctorate in Dental Medicine, graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors. Dr. Zirlin was invited to be a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society and received the William S. Kramer Award of Excellence in her junior year of dental school. In her free time you can usually find her spending time with her friends and family. Her favorite part of every day is getting to play with her hairless cat Neko. She enjoys playing video games, staying active, and eating lots of good food. Dr. Zirlin is excited for her residency because she loves to learn and better herself each day and can't wait to help her patients achieve the healthy smile of their dreams.