Our practice was founded in 1939 by Dr. Bruce K. Adams and transitioned to Dr. Werts in 1981. Dr. Paul Yang joined our practice as of November 1, 2022 to continue the legacy.
For many of our patients we have been their general dentists for their entire lives, a responsibility and honor in which we take great pride.
Dr. Carl Werts, D.D.S., F.A.G.D., F.I.C.O.I.
Dr. Werts, a third generation doctor and Southern California native, grew up in Los Angeles and South Pasadena. He received his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of California, Davis in 1976 and attended the Georgetown University School of Dentistry in Washington, D.C., graduating in 1980. Dr. Werts was awarded prestigious Fellowship Degrees from the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) in 1988, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (FICOI) in 2014, and the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry in 2023.
Dr. Werts was the second member of his family to graduate from Georgetown. His father, Dr. C. Francis Werts, graduated from Georgetown with a medical degree in 1940.
And Dr. Werts’ grandfather, Henry Clyde Werts DDS, received his California State Dental License September 1920 and practiced in Los Angeles from the 1920’s to the 1960’s.
Dr. Werts is on the advisory committee for the West Coast Dental Study Club and is past-president of the Glendale Academy of Dentists.
Professional Affiliations
- American Dental Association
- California Dental Association
- Institute For Advanced Laser Dentistry
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry
- International Congress of Oral Implantologists
- San Fernando Valley Dental Society
- Academy of General Dentistry
- The Western Society of Periodontology
- West Coast Dental Study Club, an affiliate of the Seattle Study Club
Humanitarian Affiliations
(Also see our community service page here.)
- Los Angeles Christian Health Centers (LACHC)
- Los Médicos Voladores
- Cambodian Health Professional Association of America (CHPAA)
Professional Experience
- Solo Practice since 1981
- Former Clinical Instructor, Pasadena City College, Dental Hygiene Program
- Humanitarian dentistry missions
- Transcript of most recent five-year continuing education
Personal Information
Dr Werts and his wife, Melinda, were married in 1976. They live in Pasadena near the Rose Bowl. Their interests include photography, international travel, gardening, and cooking.
During the span of 12 years, Dr Werts was an avid high-altitude mountaineer. He has climbed mountains on five continents: Denali (Mt. McKinley) in Alaska, the Cordillera Blanca in Bolivia, the Alps of New Zealand, and the Alps of France. His ultimate achievement was the summit of a prized peak in the Himalaya, Ama Dablam.
Pictured above is Dr. Werts (left) and his teammate Robin DeSoto standing atop the 22,495 foot peak of Ama Dablam in 2005 with Mount Everest behind them.
Dr. Paul Yang, DDS
Dr. Paul Yang, DDS, received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences at UCLA, then went on to pursue a Master of Science in Oral Biology at the UCLA School of Dentistry. After receiving his MS degree, he received clinical training and earned his DDS degree from UCLA in 2019.
As an excellent and dedicated clinician sworn to provide high-quality personalized dental care from a biomimetic approach with the best treatment options available, Dr. Paul spends a considerable amount of time attending continuing education (CE) courses in the various disciplines of dentistry. He is fully versed in the latest dental technology, including restorative-driven implant placement surgery; interdisciplinary dental treatment planning for longer success and maintenance; digital dentistry; and the study of esthetic dental materials using advanced 3D dental technologies.
Furthermore, he is an active member of various dental study clubs in the Southern California area, including the West Coast Study Club (WCSC)—an affiliate of the prestigious Seattle Study Club, and the acclaimed Frank Spear Curriculum. It is through the WCSC that Dr. Werts and Dr. Yang met, and they immediately bonded over their shared passion for providing patient-centric oral healthcare.
Like Dr. Werts, Dr. Yang is committed to being a lifelong student of dentistry to ensure the optimal care of our patients.
Professional Affiliations
- Alleman Center of Biomimetic Dentistry
- Western Los Angeles Dental Society—Occlusion Study Club
- West Coast Dental Study Club an affiliate of the Seattle Study Club
- Implant Accelerator
- Spear Education
- Next Level Dentistry
- Kois Center enrolled
Professional Experience
- Associate dentist since 2019
- Transcript of recent continuing education (coming soon)
Personal Information
Dr. Paul is a Los Angeles native and is proud to be the son of Korean immigrants. When he is not busy in the clinic or attending courses, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, going to the gym for weightlifting, and watching superhero action movies.
Sylvia Gomez, Receptionist
Sylvia has been in the dental field for more than 35 years and started with Dr Werts in 1994. She is highly experienced, and brings to the office a wonderful professional and caring attitude. She and her husband, Paul, have been married since 1973 and have raised four great children. They are also proud grandparents and love spending time with their grandchildren, James and Ruby. Click here to read more about Sylvia’s 25 years of service to our patients.
Michell Kim, Dental Hygienist
Michell has been with our practice since 2004 and is also a graduate of the Pasadena City College Dental Hygiene Program. She and her family are from Korea and are passionate fans of the Korea Soccer team, and Dodgers baseball. She enjoys dental hygiene and is extremely conscientious in the care she gives. She also has a background in design and is a graduate of Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.
Denise Holliday, Dental Assistant
Denise Holliday has enjoyed being in the dental field since 1980 and shares that her dental career has been the “center of her life.” She is blessed with two daughters and two grandchildren and they love to garden and cook together. Her hobbies are going to car shows, and playing pool in a league (not for money though, just for the trophies!).
Pamela Simaie, Dental Hygienist
After graduating high school, Pamela started working in a dental office which helped her choose the path of becoming a hygienist. She then enrolled at San Joaquin Valley College where she graduated and became a licensed hygienist in 2005. Pamela is married to her wonderful husband, Joseph, who is a dentist and they have an amazing son who gives meaning to their lives. She loves planning events, cooking and traveling. Most importantly, hosting family gatherings and being close with her family defines who she is.
Aryana Zamanifar, Dental Assistant
Originally trained as a dentist in Iran, she embarked on a journey of education and professional growth by relocating to the United States with her supportive husband, Mohsen. Driven by an unwavering passion for dentistry, she dedicated herself to gaining valuable insights into the field by working as a dental assistant in the United States. This practical experience not only refined her skills but also heightened her dedication to providing unparalleled patient care. She possesses a fervent enthusiasm for dentistry and is wholeheartedly dedicated to achieving her goal of becoming a professional in the United States. Currently, she is eagerly waiting to be accepted into an international dentist program in the US, which will enable her to practice dentistry and further contribute to the field she loves. She finds enjoyment in activities such as watching movies, following series, and indulging in baking.