Meet Your East Lansing Modern Dental Doctors In East Lansing, MI

Dr. Aziza Askari, DMD,MBA,MAGD - Cosmetic Dentist

After earning her undergraduate degree in Pharmacology at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Dr. Aziza Askari was accepted into the prestigious Temple University School of Dentistry. There she earned a combination Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)/Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Dr. Askari completed her AEGD at UofM in Ann Arbor.

When she was presented with the opportunity to join a dental practice that was dedicated to delivering a personal and friendly approach to dental care, Dr. Askari couldn’t refuse!

She is dedicated to meeting your individual needs with warmth and compassion and is eager to help you love every aspect of your smile. Dr. Askari loves her work and is passionate about providing the services her patients want and need to stay healthy. She enjoys helping people with TMJ disorder solutions, sleep apnea treatments, and migraine relief. Getting you – and keeping you – out of pain is her greatest reward.

Dr. Askari was bestowed the Top Dentist Award by Hour Detroit Magazine and is a member of the American Association of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists, the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. She is a Master with the Academy of General Dentistry, which represents her dedication to continuing education for the benefit of her patients.

Dr. Askari is certified as a sedation dentist by the Dental Organization of Conscious Sedation. She’s also a certified Invisalign, Fast Braces, Six Month Smiles, Botox, and facial fillers provider.

Dr. Bruce Bates, DDS - General Dentist

Dr. Bruce Bates earned his bachelor of science degree in Zoology in 1980 and his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 1984, both from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. In his 30+ years of serving as a dentist, Dr. Bates has taken great pleasure in helping others find their healthy, dream smiles.

Dedicated to providing compassionate and comforting care for all of his patients, Dr. Bates has worked with a diverse population of people. From working as a dental hygienist focusing on gum disease prevention, to helping the underserved, to participating in a mobile dentistry setting providing care for geriatric and juvenile patients, he has thoroughly enjoyed providing multiple phases of dentistry. Managing his own dental practice for decades, Dr. Bates is well-versed in all aspects of general dentistry and in helping his family of patients achieve optimal oral health with a beautiful smile.

Dr. Ali Khiblil, DDS - General Dentist

Dr. Ali Khiblil earned his Bachelor of Dental Science in 2003 from the University of Tripoli in Libya. From there, he completed a Residency in Esthetic Dentistry and a Master of Science in Dentistry from Boston University in 2012. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2021.

Dr. Hana Gadalla, BDS, MS - Board Certified Periodontist & Implant Specialist

After earning her bachelor of dental surgery (BDS) degree in 2007 in Libya, Dr. Hana Gadalla pursued additional education in maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, and implant dentistry over the next 3 years before coming to Michigan. Knowing the critical importance of communication, Dr. Gadalla attended the American Language program at Ohio State University before pursuing her specialty education in periodontics: a Certificate of Fellowship in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry from the University of Florida. She completed her periodontics residency at the University of Detroit Mercy, has been a Board-Certified Periodontist since 2016, and is certified to provide IV sedation.

Dr. Jasmine Cheema

Dr. Jasmine Cheema achieved her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkley, in 2011 and her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Nova Southwestern University in 2018. She earned her Master of Orthodontic Science from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2022.

Focused on providing the highest quality clinical care to her patients, Dr. Cheema understands that orthodontic treatment can help patients find their smiles, express their true selves, and be fully confident in who they are. She dedicates herself to giving each patient her full attention and her best effort, and she loves getting to know each person in her care while customizing a treatment plan that’s tailored to their specific needs and goals.

Dr. B (Umneet Banvait), DMD, General Dentist

Dr. Umneet Banvait earned her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She was also a research associate in orthodontics at the University of Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco.

Dr. Muad Mohamed - General Dentist

Dr. Muad Mohamed grew up in Tripoli, Libya, before immigrating to the United States and studying dentistry in Boston and Detroit. Dr. Mohamed completed his education, graduated in 2020, and has practiced ever since.

Dr. Al Wesley - Prosthodontist & Implant Specialist

Born and raised in Michigan, Dr. Albert Wesley earned his doctorate from the University of Detroit in 1987 before obtaining his prosthodontics certification in 1990 from Indiana University. He has over 30 years of experience in all facets of general dentistry and loves helping patients protect, strengthen, and love their smiles.

Dr. Steve Hechtman - General Dentist

With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Steve Hechtman has developed a profound passion for providing empathetic, attentive, and quality dental care. He obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Since then, he has dedicated his career to dentistry and helping patients get out of smile-pain.

Dr. Hechtman’s adoration for dentistry stems from his belief that optimal oral health is essential to overall well-being. Throughout his career, he has prioritized continuing education and staying updated on the latest dental techniques and advancements. Dr. Hechtman’s goal is to ensure patients keep their natural teeth for life through a combination of preventive care and restorative treatments.

Dr. Elizabeth Biggs - Board Certified Orthodontist

Born and raised a Michigander, Dr. Elizabeth (Lizzy) Biggs achieved a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience with a minor in art at the University of Miami before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Michigan. She then achieved her masters in orthodontics and orthodontics certification at the University of Michigan. She is a board-certified orthodontist and an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, Michigan Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and Michigan Dental Association.

Passionate about the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and treatment of all forms of malocclusion of the teeth and associated impacts on their surrounding structures, Dr. Lizzy loves helping her patients prevent, treat, and rectify an expansive array of orthodontic issues to achieve and maintain optimum harmony among facial and cranial structures. Whatever your needs and goals, she’s here to help!

Dr. Lena Akkad - Board Certified Orthodontist

Specializing in orthodontics was a natural choice for Dr. Lena Akkad. She completed her orthodontics residency program in 2022 from Detroit Mercy, igniting her fervor for treating smiles with a patient-centric approach and providing friendly and compassionate care.

Dr. Akkad is focused on improving, enhancing, and transforming her patients’ smile esthetic and function with customized care that addresses an array of bite and crowding issues, misalignment concerns, and more. Passionate about oral health education and all aspects of orthodontic care, she’ll listen closely to your needs and goals, develop a customized plan to help, and will always prioritize your well-being and satisfaction through every step of the process!

When she’s not caring for smiles, Dr. Akkad enjoys working out at the gym, practicing Pilates, and playing tennis. She also loves spending time with family, socializing with friends, reading books, and watching documentaries. Dedicated to giving back, she’s also deeply committed to charitable work and provides free dental care at a clinic in Malta, Detroit. She also participates in yearly mission trips to Jordan, where she provides dental care to Syrian refugees.

Meet The Team at East Lansing Smiles

Dr. Lena Akkad

Chris Noonan, RDH

Dr. Umneet Banvait

Along with our specialists and general dentists in East Lansing is an attentive and compassionate team dedicated to your experience in and out of the dental chair. Whether you’re seeking flexible appointments, need assistance with your dental insurance, or could use a refresher on your at-home cleaning routine, we’re here for you. We treat every smile and patient with personalized care. Call now for a positive experience you’ll remember!