We’re a group of dedicated dental professionals on a mission to transform our patients’ lives and raise the quality of dental care in our communities. Meet the seasoned team that’s leading the way!
Dr. Nazish Jafri, DDS, is a highly accomplished dentist, mentor, and business owner. After graduating from NYUCD in 2011, she has since become a respected leader in the dental industry. Dr. Jafri is the owner, CEO, and operator of Secure Dental, a leading dental service provider with 11 offices across state lines. With over a decade of experience in managing and growing successful businesses, she has established herself as an expert in the dental industry.
Dr. Jafri’s commitment to providing top-quality dental care has earned her a reputation as a skilled and knowledgeable dentist. She is deeply passionate about mentoring the next generation of dental professionals and is widely recognized for her dedication to helping them achieve their goals. Through her leadership and expertise, Dr. Jafri has made a significant impact on the dental industry, and her passion for helping others is an inspiration to many.
As the owner and CEO of Secure Dental, Dr. Jafri has built a strong reputation for providing exceptional dental care services to patients across different states. Her mission is to ensure that her patients receive the highest quality of dental care in a safe and comfortable environment. With her commitment to excellence, Dr. Jafri has earned the trust and loyalty of her patients and is considered one of the most trusted dental professionals in the industry. You can learn more about Dr. Jafri and her dental services by visiting www.secure-dental.com.
Serving as the Human Resource Manager at Secure Dental, Mark Liu enjoys meeting and working with other team members who want to do better in life and achieve greatness. Before joining Secure Dental 8 years ago, he worked in the IT field. He received a degree from Seneca College in Toronto, Canada in 2000. In his spare time, he plays basketball, works on his cars, and plays video games.
Lily Liu serves as the Payroll and Accounting Manager at Secure Dental, playing a significant leadership role in the company. With 9 years of experience at Secure Dental, including 5 years in a leadership position, Lily has become an integral part of the team. She appreciates working at Secure Dental due to its exceptional team dynamics and company culture. When she’s not busy in the office, you can find her reading, traveling, or hiking.
David Ortiz is the Operations Manager at Secure Dental. He has had an impressive career with more than 12 years of experience as a leader and manager, and 4 years working with Secure Dental. For David, the autonomy and freedom to lead as a leader is the most valuable part of his role. He earned a B.S. in Business Management from Indiana State University in 2016. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and playing video games.
Ashley Hughes is the Marketing Manager at Secure Dental and loves interacting with her team, having a creative outlet, and increasing market traction. She has spent the majority of her career in car wash acquisitions, gaining 10 years of leadership experience. Ashley received her A.S. from West Kentucky Community and Technical College and her B.S. from Capella University. When she isn’t busy running the marketing department, you can find her reading, playing video games, outside, or spending time with her family.
Mahwish Jaffrey began her education at the Institute of Business Management in Pakistan, where she received her Bachelor of Computer Science and MBA in Management Information Systems, graduating in 2011. She is also a Level 1 Chartered Financial Analyst and earned it from the CFA Institute. Currently working as the Credentialing Manager, Mahwish has been with Secure Dental for 3 years. When she isn’t busy in the office, you can find her gardening or cooking.
Lisa Kluga is the Office Manager at Secure Dental’s Lake Station and Portage offices and loves the opportunity to shape and develop these two offices into a supportive team, making the jobs of her staff and doctors easier. She has spent the majority of her career in the healthcare, restaurant, and beauty industries, and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Purdue University Northwest in 2022. When she isn’t busy running two offices, you can find her reading, doing puzzles, and spending time with her friends.
Trinity Hardges is the Compliance Officer at Secure Dental in Moline, where she oversees all operational processes as well as completing quarterly audits. During her 10 years at Secure Dental, she started off as a Front Desk Receptionist and worked her way up to the Lead Dental Assistant, and now the Compliance Officer. Outside of the office, Trinity enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and family.
Genta Vitija began her career with Secure Dental 2 years ago, gaining experience in the dental industry, while also establishing herself as a respected leader. Currently working as an Office Manager at our Schaumburg and Chicago offices, Genta has loved building relationships with her patients and team. While managing is her primary job function by day, Genta also enjoys traveling outside of the United States and cooking new recipes.
KLa Carver is an Office Manager at Secure Dental and loves helping patients create their smiles and change their lives. She has spent the last 7 years leading her team in Davenport and is most passionate about seeing her staff grow and achieve their accomplishments and milestones. KLa has an Associate’s of Science degree from Eastern Iowa Community College and is continuing her education with Western Illinois University and Saint Ambrose University. Outside of the office, she loves watching her kids excel in dance, baseball, and gymnastics, as well as reading, crafting, or traveling in her down time.
Sonya Jackson began her career with Secure Dental three years ago. Currently working as the Office Manager of our East Peoria location, Sonya loves being able to have a hand in the growth process of Secure Dental. While she enjoys putting smiles on the faces of patients and staff, Sonya also appreciates her time away from the office, where she watches her kids excel in baseball and gymnastics. Additionally, she enjoys go-kart racing and cooking.
Dr. Naru Kang is an associate dentist with Secure Dental’s Davenport office. He has been with Secure Dental since 2019, where he offers his patients same-day treatment, including implants, root canals, and extractions. Dr. Kang is passionate about the dental field and enjoys helping his patients by designing treatment plans tailored specifically to their needs. He graduated from New York University in 2019 with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Dr. Kang was also awarded the American Academy of Implant Dentistry Student Award for demonstrating the most interest academically and clinically in implant dentistry. When Dr. Kang is not in the office, he enjoys reading, relaxing, and sleeping.
Dr. Daniel Daewong Kang is an associate dentist at Secure Dental’s Davenport office. Prior to joining Secure Dental’s team, Dr. Kang completed his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Kang was awarded the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Award in 2019 while attending NYU. He is committed to providing his patients with quality care and enjoys relieving them of their pain. When Dr. Kang is not in the office, he is usually playing video games, working out, or reading.
Dr. Sangin Lim is an associate dentist at Secure Dental’s Moline office. He has dedicated his time at Secure Dental to making patients smile by restoring their smiles. For Dr. Lim, getting the chance to improve his skills is the most rewarding part of his role. Before joining the Secure Dental team, he earned his doctoral degree from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 2020. Outside of the office, Dr. Lim enjoys playing tennis, table tennis, and watching movies.
Dr. Yeon Soo Kim (Dr. Sophie Kim) is a graduate of NYU School of Dentistry, earning her Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2017. With a passion for providing exceptional dental care, she serves as an associate dentist at Secure Dental’s Moline location. Beyond the dental chair, she enjoys exploring her culinary talents as cooking is a favorite hobby. Driven by adventure, her next travel destination on her bucket list is Mexico. Dedicated to precision in her work, Dr. Kim considers her loupes as indispensable. Outside of dentistry, her interests span fashion, fitness, and travel.
Dr. Seo Woo Choi (Dr. Sarah Choi) is a dedicated general dentist based in Secure Dental’s East Peoria office. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2022 from New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Choi continues to educate herself in dentistry and has earned certificates in implant dentistry, third molar extraction, sleep apnea, and clear aligners. When she is not in the office, Dr. Choi spends her time expanding her Lego collection and tending to her plant, Greenie. The next place on her travel bucket list is Japan and hopes to vacation there soon.
Dr. Kwang Lim Lee (Dr. Kevin Lee) is a dentist at Secure Dental’s East Peoria office and has been there for 1 year. He attended New York University College of Dentistry, where he was admitted into the BA/DDS accelerated dental program. This program allowed him to finish both his Bachelor’s in Biology and Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 7 years, instead of the traditional 8+ years. After graduating, Dr. Lee received a certificate for completing a role as a provider in the Advanced Comprehensive Care Team at NYUCD. He has enrolled in and received various continuing education certificates in implant dentistry, third molar extraction, clear aligners, and sleep apnea. Outside of the office, Dr. Lee enjoys playing golf and hopes to travel to Pebble Beach soon to play a round there.
Dr. Kinjal Patel graduated from the Meharry School of Dentistry in 2024, after earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Long Island University at Brooklyn in 2017. She completed a prestigious one-year General Practice Residency (GPR) at Marshall Dentistry and Oral Surgery, further honing her clinical skills. An active member of the American Dental Association, Dr. Patel was honored with the International Student Award in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Beyond dentistry, Dr. Patel enjoys cooking, exploring new foods, and spending time outdoors. Traveling to Switzerland is on her bucket list, and family remains her most cherished part of life.
Dr. Hope Yoon earned her DDS from the University of Maryland in 2022, following a BS from Virginia Tech. She completed an AEGD residency at a respected community health clinic in Seattle and served as an Assistant Professor at Roseman University of Health Sciences. Dr. Yoon holds an AEGD certificate from NYU Langone and was awarded the Excellence in Prosthodontics Award by the Southeastern Academy of Prosthodontics in 2022.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Yoon enjoys baking, weightlifting, wheel throwing, and paddle boarding. Ibiza, Spain, tops her travel list, and coffee is her must-have.
Dr. Jonathan Phen is a dedicated dentist based at our Hammond and Foster Ave location, with a deep passion for dentistry and a commitment to continuous learning and skill development. He holds a Bachelor’s of Art from University of Florida, Master’s of Medical Science, and Doctorate of Dental Medicine from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. While in college, Dr. Phen served as the Vice President of LECOM’s Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Club and Research Group, showcasing his active involvement in academic and professional pursuits. He is a proud member of the Illinois State Dental Society, the American Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. In his leisure time, Dr. Phen enjoys playing the piano and stays informed about the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and medical technology. His diverse interests also include writing, general wellness, and personal fitness. Outside of work, Dr. Phen shares his home with two feline companions, Bonnie and Clyde.
Dr. Melissa Yousefi is an associate dentist for Secure Dental’s Hammond office. Driven by her compassion for her patients, she takes pride in providing the best possible care to patients, especially those with previous traumatic dental experiences and severe anxiety. Dr. Yousefi holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing, cooking, and planning exciting travels
Dr. Kunmin Roo is an accomplished associate dentist with a strong commitment to oral health, currently practicing at both Secure Dental’s Lake Station and Chicago offices. A 2018 graduate of New York University College of Dentistry, Dr. Roo is dedicated to staying at the forefront of dental advancements. As a proud member of the International Dental Implant Association and the Academy of General Dentistry, he has not only completed an IDIA Fellowship, but is also certified in implants, 3rd molar extractions, endodontics, and botox. Beyond the dental chair, he finds joy in watching Netflix, relaxing, and enjoying sports. He aspires to travel to Italy, and in his downtime, he cares for his two bunnies, Coco and Peanut. Driven by a passion for dentistry, he cannot imagine life without it and actively seeks personal growth outside the office to enhance his professional and personal life.
Dr. Lunan Shao is a dedicated associate dentist at Secure Dental’s Portage location. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering from UC San Diego in 2016 and went on to achieve her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan in 2021, where her academic achievements led to her induction into the dental honor society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon. Dr. Shao is not only passionate about dentistry, but also possesses a diverse range of interests, showcasing her love for culinary experiences as a self-proclaimed foodie. An avid traveler, she dreams of exploring Paris in the future. Outside of the dental office, Dr. Shao finds joy in the company of her Japanese Shiba Inu named PooPoo, and confesses that coffee is an indispensable part of her daily routine. In her leisure time, she indulges in her love for travel, sports, poker, and a variety of board games.
Dr. Yongwoong Lee is an associate doctor based at the Portage and Lake Station offices. A distinguished graduate of the New York University College of Dentistry in 2022, Dr. Lee is dedicated to providing high-quality dental care. He is an esteemed member of the American Dental Association, showcasing his commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in the field of dentistry. Dr. Lee’s academic excellence is further underscored by his membership in Omicron Kappa Upsilon at NYU. Beyond his professional pursuits, Dr. Lee finds joy in pursuing his favorite hobby, golf, and has a keen interest in exploring new cultures, with Japan being his next travel destination. Fueling his busy day is a passion for a good cup of coffee, and outside of work, he enjoys trying new restaurants and planning exciting travels.
Be the first to know about upcoming Secure Dental Events and Open Positions!
