Angels' Smiles / Sonrisas de los Angeles
Dr. Diana Zschaschel started her career working with the disabled while in the Psychology undergraduate program at UCLA. She worked with autistic children as a behavioral therapist and enjoyed the work immensely.
After graduating UCLA, she continued for one year working intensely with autistic children as both a therapist and program manager. Once in dental school, she informed her professors of her unique background. From that point, they referred many persons with disabilities to be treated by Dr. Zschaschel.
At that time the Statewide Special Olympics was being held at UCLA. She noticed there were no dentists at the volunteer kiosks. She started a grassroot program and established oral health screenings to the athletes which still runs today.
After graduating from UCLA she was asked to do a public health project for the disabled and was introduced the Lanterman Regional Center (resource center for persons with developmental disabilities). She impressed the director of clinical services who offered her a position as the only dental consultant for the regional center.
After graduating from UCLA she was asked to do a public health project for the disabled and was introduced the Lanterman Regional Center (resource center for persons with developmental disabilities). She impressed the director of clinical services who offered her a position as the only dental consultant for the regional center.
She continued her education by completing a Hospital residency program which focused on persons with complex medical conditions.
By 1999 she opened her own office and continued to serve as a consultant for the regional center and lecturer at UCLA.
She continued her work with the disabled and built a reputation as the dentist who will treat those other dentists rejected. "A last resort dentist" to help the most complex cases.
She has been featured on KABC's Vista LA and was awarded Local Hero of the Year from KCET and Union Bank.
Dr. Zschaschel feels that her patients are her "angels" and feels that every person, despite their circumstances, deserves compassion and quality dental care.
Surgery St. Vincent's Medical Center Dr. Diana Zschaschel DDS
