Carmen Shishja, RDH

Hello, my name is Carmen Shishja. I graduated from USC in 1994, and have been a Registered Dental Hygienist for the past 13 years, 12 of those with Dr. Hagen!

I am married, and have a five-year old son named Mark. In addition to spending as much time with my family as possible, I also enjoy biking and walking.

I am a perfectionist, as are Dr. Hagen and the rest of our staff, so I feel we work very well together. I think our office is unique in the way we all work together in an effort to do everything possible to make our patients comfortable.

See you soon!

Tina Flores, RDH

My name is Tina Flores, and I have been a hygienist at Dr. Hagen’s office since 2002. I’m proud to say that Dr. Hagen hired me immediately after completing my hygiene training at Cerritos College.

I was fortunate to be introduced to Dr. Hagen through my sister, Lizz, who was working in his office as a hygienist at the time. I started working with Dr. Hagen and his staff one day a week, but now am happily here three days a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday!

My husband Mike and I have a very needy cat that serves as our child. We also have a very special niece and nephew that we enjoy spoiling. Mike’s hobby in playing the drums in a band, and I don’t ever miss a show. We also like to travel to see other local bands perform as well.

My goal as your hygienist is to make your visit as pleasant as possible, and to help you in any way I can to improve your oral health.

I hope to see you soon!

Valarie LaForce, RDA

I’d like to introduce myself, I’m Valerie.

I have been a Registered Dental Assistant since 1986 and most of my dental career has been spent assisting doctors chairside. A few years ago, I began training for front office duty. Now you will probably meet me as soon as you walk through the front door. I’ll be happy to help you with your appointments, insurance or account questions, or anything else you may need while in our office. Because of my experience, you may also see me in the operatories assisting Dr. Hagen or Dr. Abas on occasion as well!

I have been blessed with one son, Adam, who is 28 and works for Pepsi. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love the outdoors and walking with my dog, Starr.

I have been helping Dr. Hagen since September of 2005, and it has been a pleasure working here and meeting all of our special patients.

Looking forward to seeing you at your next visit!

Karen Phoung Phun, RDA

Hello, I’m Karen Phoung Phun and I’ve been a registered dental assistant for 19 years. Not only have I worked with Dr. Hagen for the past eight years, but my daughter, Nicole, has also spent time helping out in our office.

I am married to JD and I am happy to say that we are now proud grandparents! Nicole’s husband is a Marine so she and grandson Connor spend a lot of time with us. It has cut into my knitting and crocheting time but I couldn’t be happier-he’s so cute!

I am a perfectionist, as are Dr. Hagen and Dr. Abas, so we work well together. I enjoy doing cosmetic cases with both doctors, and feel especially good when a patient’s new smile changes their appearance and sometime even makes them feel better about themselves.

See you soon!

Enrique Saucedo

Hi, my name is Enrique Saucedo. I’m 39 years old and have been married to my wife, Laura, for seven years. We don’t have children, but we do have a dog named Bandit.

I’ve been in dental assisting for over 20 years and until recently, was working at USC as the head of their dental assisting program. It was there I met Dr. Abas and I was honored when he contacted me regarding a position in Dr. Hagen’s office.

In my spare time I like to work out and I love playing sports of any kind, but baseball is definitely my favorite. I knew this job was going to be perfect for me when I saw the entire office covered with sports photos…track me down if you want to talk sports!

I care about my patients and I want to do everything possible to make them feel comfortable. Even though I have only been working here since July of 2006, I know everyone in this office feels the same way. I look forward to meeting you.