Meet The Staff

Meet the staff - Steve Horne DDS

Hygienists

Lisa Sugg

Lisa Sugg

Lisa Sugg, RDH, is from a family of dental professionals. Her father is a retired oral surgeon, mother a retired dental hygienist, and uncle a retired orthodontist. Her great uncle, the late Dr. Gene Burks, opened his dental practice in Solana Beach in the 1950's. It is only natural that Lisa chose a career in the dental field!

After growing up in Solana Beach and graduating from Torrey Pines High School, Lisa attended San Diego State University, University of California San Diego, and University of California Los Angeles, where she received her clinical dental hygiene training. She also was trained and licensed in Medical Diagnostic Ultrasound and worked in both professions for a few years. After starting a family, she chose to return to part-time dental hygiene only.

Lisa has worked in many dental office settings including general dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics. Additionally, she spent 2 years in a private dental office in Melbourne, Australia where she developed and implemented a periodontal program as the first hygienist to see patients in that practice. She has been a part of this office in Leucadia since February 1990 when she joined the founder, Dr. Benedict and her fellow hygienist and colleague, Lena. 17 years ago she was retained as a clinician by Dr. Madurowicz, and is now fortunate to be a part of Dr. Horne's amazing dental team that continues to provide the highest quality of care.

Lisa has two sons who are now in college. The oldest is a senior in mechanical engineering at University of California Santa Barbara and the youngest is a freshman at California Polytechnic Institute, San Luis Obispo. She loves visiting them and exploring the central coast whenever she can get away for a few days.

Her favorite activities include stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba, hiking, spin class and working out at the gym. She also enjoys attending book club and bunco.

Michelle Mitchell

Michelle Mitchell

Originally from Michigan, she moved with her family to California when she was in grade school. Being an attentive and inquisitive youngster she actually enjoyed her visits to the dentist and hygienist as a child. Becoming a hygienist was a natural choice when she entered college and she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from USC in 1994, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Throughout her dental career she has worked in both General/Cosmetic and Periodontal Specialty practices.

Having an interest in the Healing Arts, she continued her education and earned her Masters of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture. She has a private practice in Del Mar, CA.

In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog, yoga, traveling, reading, cooking, baking, and spending time with family and friends; and—sleep.

Carolina Worland

Carolina Worland

Happily married for 12 years with 2 beautiful girls, Maya (9) and Milan (7). Carolina loves being a mom, but being in dentistry has been her passion for over 20 years. Originally from Brazil, where she attended dental school, she moved to the United States 18 years ago. She worked as a registered dental assistant for 8 years and decided to become a dental hygienist.

As a dental hygiene student she received awards for academic achievement highest GPA (4.0) of her class and was awarded scholarships from California Dental Hygiene Educators Society and Southwestern College commitment to Excellence. She was also awarded membership in Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society.

Her family has an active lifestyle. Carolina loves yoga, running and a good book when it's time to relax!

Front Office

Michelle Quint

Michelle Quint

Being a “North County” native, I have enjoyed seeing our community grow and all the new generations that have come along with that! I have had the pleasure of being in Cosmetic Dentistry for over 20 years and have gained experience and knowledge which has allowed me to understand the nuances of patient care and the importance of earning trust. I enjoy being a dental concierge, helping patients in all of their front office needs including scheduling, insurance billing, and coordinating treatment with our back office staff and specialty offices when needed. Please feel free to call anytime, as I am more than happy to assist you with any of your questions or needs.

When not at the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, watching live music, taking vacations, visiting one of our many local beaches and setting out on endless road trips. I am always up for an adventure and taking advantage of what life chooses to bring me!

Favorite Quote: “Be the change that you wish to see!” ― Mahatma Gandhi

Registered Dental Assistants

Elizabeth (Beth) Lawrence

Elizabeth (Beth) Lawrence

Registered Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions

Beth has been in the dental field for over 20 years. She graduated from Concorde Career Institute with honors and continued her education at UCLA School of Dentistry where she earned an Expanded Functions license.

Beth is committed to helping her patients maintain their smile and dental health. In order to stay current with her profession, she regularly attends required continuing education classes staying up to date with the latest in dental technology. Patients will appreciate her bubbly positive personality and radiant smile.

When Beth is not spending time with her family or friends, you will find her out cycling, motorcycling, or hiking. She is thrilled to be a part of Dr. Horne’s dental team, which affords her the opportunity to live and work near the coast.

Edward K. Whittemore

Edward K. Whittemore

Registered Dental Assistant with Expanded Functions 2

Eddie is a dental professional with 15 years of experience in the field. Prior to pursuing a career in dentistry, he established a foundation of creativity in esthetics studying and working in graphic design.  Eddie drew upon this knowledge and experience as he began his career in dentistry as a registered dental assistant, and his skills evolved to create wax-ups for smile makeovers.  He then pursued and completed an intensive expanded functions dental assisting program through UCLA.  He is one of a select group of dental professionals throughout the country who is licensed as a RDAeF II.

Eddie’s next plan was to attend dental school, but he was not accepted.  Despite this setback, he has continued to develop his skills and provide high-quality care to all the patients he serves, finding ways that his unique set of skills and abilities can contribute to the highest standard of dentistry and patient experience.

Outside of work, he is a proud father of five boys. Eddie’s oldest son is a Marine, and his second son has special needs due to a genetic disorder called Bardet-Biedl syndrome. His third son is an outgoing and charismatic young boy, and his fourth son is a bit sneaky but full of personality. His youngest son is starting kindergarten next year.

In his personal life, Eddie’s wife is a motorcycle enthusiast and even bought him a motorcycle as a gift when they first married 10 years ago. They currently reside in Lakeside, California, and love the location and the people in the community.

Eddie and Dr. Horne first worked together from 2011-2017, and they are excited to be reunited in caring for the wonderful people of Encinitas and surrounding communities.

Rivann Chea's

Rivann Chea's

Registered Dental Hygienist

I’m Rivann! I graduated from Loma Linda University with a BS in Dental Hygiene. Outside of work, I’m all about staying active.

- Whether it’s hitting the trails for a good hike, soaking up the outdoors, or traveling and discovering new places. I thrive on spending time with family and friends, sharing adventures and making memories. Lately, I’ve been diving into gardening and I’m excited to see where this new hobby takes me. 

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