Merna Ghallab

GPR-trained general dentist with advanced hospital-based experience in comprehensive dentistry, pediatric and special-needs dentistry, oral surgery, operating-room dentistry under general anesthesia, emergency care, and treatment of medically complex patients. Strong background in pediatric patient care, interdisciplinary care, patient-centered treatment planning, preventive dentistry and patient/caregiver education, teaching, and public health.

General Practice Resident at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (2025-01 – Present)

• Completed a 12-month hospital-based General Practice Residency providing comprehensive dental care to a diverse patient population, including pediatric, special-needs, developmentally disabled, and medically complex patients, with care adapted to individual behavioral, communication, functional, and medical needs.
• Performed comprehensive examinations, diagnosis, radiographic assessment, individualized treatment planning, restorative dentistry, preventive care, patient/caregiver oral-hygiene education, endodontic treatment, and extractions.
• Developed experience creating a comfortable, patient-centered clinical environment for patients with varying behavioral, developmental, communication, and medical needs while working closely with patients, caregivers, and the interdisciplinary team.
• Completed oral surgery training with experience performing routine and surgical extractions, managing infection and bleeding, and providing post-operative instructions and follow-up care.
• Provided comprehensive dental treatment in the operating room under general anesthesia, including pre-operative assessment, treatment planning, restorative and surgical care, and post-operative management.
• Participated in on-call and emergency coverage, evaluating dental pain and urgent conditions and strengthening efficient clinical decision-making in a fast-paced hospital environment.
• Collaborated with dental specialists, physicians, anesthesia personnel, nursing, patients, and caregivers to coordinate safe care, reinforce preventive strategies, and support continuity of treatment.

Team Lead, COVID-19 Contact Tracing at Los Angeles Department of Public Health (2020-01 – 2021-12)

Doctor of Dental Surgery in DDS – Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC (2021-01 – 2025-05)

Master of Public Health in MPH – University of Southern California (2019-01 – 2021-05)

Bachelor of Arts in Public Health – University of California, Berkeley (2017-01 – 2019-05)