David Abdelmalak, DDS, MMSc
Dr. David was raised in Southern California and grew up in the South Bay area. He attended the University of California, San Diego, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in microbiology while volunteering with the UCSD student-run dental clinic. He graduated from Howard University College of Dentistry as a member of the national honor dental society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon. During dental school, Dr. David performed groundbreaking research with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with a focus on cancer therapy for patients.
He then pursued his endodontic training at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, where he earned his Master of Medical Science degree through the Harvard Medical School system. While attending Harvard, Dr. David taught endodontics to the dental students for over two years, serving as their attending doctor during clinical treatment of patients. Dr. David has lectured nationally and internationally with a focus on 3D imaging technology, advancements in endodontic instruments and the proper use of antibiotics for the treatment of infections. He had been awarded many honors and distinctions for his medical research and lectures in modern endodontics.
He is an active member of many dental societies: the American Dental Association®, the California Dental Association, the American Association of Endodontics and the American Association of Dental Research.
In his spare time, Dr. David enjoys surfing, skiing and hiking.
Lisha Gu, DMD
Dr. Gu was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She attended Wake Forest University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science. She graduated from Tufts School of Dental Medicine and subsequently completed a two-year General Practice Residency at West Los Angeles Veterans Hospital, where she served as chief resident. During her residency at the VA hospital, she provided dental care to veterans and collaborated with an interdisciplinary team of physicians. After completing her General Practice Residency, Dr. Gu worked as a general dentist in private practice, where she discovered and nurtured her passion for endodontics. She then pursued advanced endodontic training at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. Throughout her residency, Dr. Gu conducted groundbreaking research in oral pathology with a focus on endodontic microsurgery. During this time, she also served as faculty in both the Urgent Care clinic and the undergraduate dental clinic. Dr. Gu is an active member of the American Dental Association, American Associate of Endodontics, The California Dental Association, and The California Association of Endodontics. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, playing tennis, and spending time with friends and family.