Dr. Scott Niven was raised in Newport Beach, California. He attended Newport Harbor High School and the University of California Irvine graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He graduated with honors receiving the Ralph Waldo Gerard award for an outstanding research project of the year. His research project, "Interleukin-1 Beta is linked to Axonal Sprouting through its Regulation of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Expression", was published in the Journal of Undergraduate Research. 2001.V31,431-440. Dr. Niven attended the University Of Southern California School Of Dentistry and graduated in 2006 receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. He graduated with honors receiving the Rex Ingraham award for excellence in clinical operative dentistry. Dr. Niven was also a member of the Psi Omega dental fraternity.

After dental school, Dr. Niven moved back to Newport Beach and began private practice as well as teaching at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. Dr. Niven has been in private practice with Dr. Watson since 2006. Dr. Niven takes 1000’s hours of continuing education units to keep on the forefront of dentistry. He is an active member of the Laguna Gnathological Research and Study Group, Spear Study Club, Orange County Dental Society, and American Dental Association. Dr. Niven was also a former part-time clinical instructor at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. Dr. Niven lives in Newport Beach with his wife and  daughters.

Dr. Scott Niven was raised in Newport Beach, California. He attended Newport Harbor High School and the University of California Irvine graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He graduated with honors receiving the Ralph Waldo Gerard award for an outstanding research project of the year. His research project, "Interleukin-1 Beta is linked to Axonal Sprouting through its Regulation of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Expression", was published in the Journal of Undergraduate Research. 2001.V31,431-440. Dr. Niven attended the University Of Southern California School Of Dentistry and graduated in 2006 receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. He graduated with honors receiving the Rex Ingraham award for excellence in clinical operative dentistry. Dr. Niven was also a member of the Psi Omega dental fraternity.

After dental school, Dr. Niven moved back to Newport Beach and began private practice as well as teaching at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. Dr. Niven has been in private practice with Dr. Watson since 2006. Dr. Niven takes 1000’s hours of continuing education units to keep on the forefront of dentistry. He is an active member of the Laguna Gnathological Research and Study Group, Spear Study Club, Orange County Dental Society, and American Dental Association. Dr. Niven was also a former part-time clinical instructor at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. Dr. Niven lives in Newport Beach with his wife and  daughters.

Dr. Edward Watson was a great man whose memory will outlive the time we were fortunate enough to spend with him. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and colleague; his impact on everyone around him was inescapable, his presence unforgettable. Dr. Watson was a pillar of his community, his church, a mentor, and a role model to many. His life and career leave a lasting impression on us all.

Edward Arthur Watson was born in 1946 in Inglewood, CA into a loving family where he grew up with his sister Annetta. Interested in science, Ed received a BS in Mathematics from the University of Redlands before attending the USC School of Dentistry where he graduated in 1972. While Dr. Watson was undoubtedly passionate about dentistry, he would tell you the best part of dental school was meeting the love of his life, Mikelle, whom he married in 1973. Together they founded his practice in Newport Beach, CA, where they also made a lovely home for their amazing children Bonnie and Riley. Active in the dental community, Dr. Watson earned a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 1984 and went on to earn a Mastership in the same academy in 1997. Other professional accolades include Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and Fellow of the International College of Dentists.

In 2004 Dr. Watson was introduced to Dr. Niven. Shortly thereafter they began working together and started their partnership, Watson & Niven. They practiced together for over 16 years. During that time Dr. Watson was able to pass on his knowledge from his 50 years in dentistry to the person who he selected to take over the practice and its future.

Dr. Watson was as active outside of the office as he was inside. He had a passion for surfing, boating, and his 5 grandkids. His seemingly boundless energy was disrupted late in 2021 where he began feeling unusually tired. Just a few months later he was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma, an aggressive cancer that ultimately took him from us way too soon. Ed was the most caring person most of us have ever met, his desire to help others knew no limits. Dr. Watson, we will miss you.

Dr. Edward Watson was a great man whose memory will outlive the time we were fortunate enough to spend with him. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and colleague; his impact on everyone around him was inescapable, his presence unforgettable. Dr. Watson was a pillar of his community, his church, a mentor, and a role model to many. His life and career leave a lasting impression on us all.

Edward Arthur Watson was born in 1946 in Inglewood, CA into a loving family where he grew up with his sister Annetta. Interested in science, Ed received a BS in Mathematics from the University of Redlands before attending the USC School of Dentistry where he graduated in 1972. While Dr. Watson was undoubtedly passionate about dentistry, he would tell you the best part of dental school was meeting the love of his life, Mikelle, whom he married in 1973. Together they founded his practice in Newport Beach, CA, where they also made a lovely home for their amazing children Bonnie and Riley. Active in the dental community, Dr. Watson earned a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry in 1984 and went on to earn a Mastership in the same academy in 1997. Other professional accolades include Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and Fellow of the International College of Dentists.

In 2004 Dr. Watson was introduced to Dr. Niven. Shortly thereafter they began working together and started their partnership, Watson & Niven. They practiced together for over 16 years. During that time Dr. Watson was able to pass on his knowledge from his 50 years in dentistry to the person who he selected to take over the practice and its future.

Dr. Watson was as active outside of the office as he was inside. He had a passion for surfing, boating, and his 5 grandkids. His seemingly boundless energy was disrupted late in 2021 where he began feeling unusually tired. Just a few months later he was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma, an aggressive cancer that ultimately took him from us way too soon. Ed was the most caring person most of us have ever met, his desire to help others knew no limits. Dr. Watson, we will miss you.

As a SoCal native, Dr. Kim received her bachelor degree in Physiological Sciences at UCLA. She comes with fantastic experience and has been practicing dentistry since 2011 after graduating USC School of Dentistry at the top of her class. Her professional accolades include being inducted in the OKU Honor Society and completing her general practice residency at the prestigious Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

She is multi-lingual and had the opportunity to present her published research in Mexico City during her dental school education. In addition to her quality dental work, Dr. Kim was selected for her kind and gentle chairside manner to compliment the culture we aim to maintain in our office and are very excited to have her join the practice. In her free time, she enjoys going on long walks with her two dogs Bonnie and Bella, taking road trips, baking, reading, and hiking.

As a SoCal native, Dr. Kim received her bachelor degree in Physiological Sciences at UCLA. She comes with fantastic experience and has been practicing dentistry since 2011 after graduating USC School of Dentistry at the top of her class. Her professional accolades include being inducted in the OKU Honor Society and completing her general practice residency at the prestigious Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

She is multi-lingual and had the opportunity to present her published research in Mexico City during her dental school education. In addition to her quality dental work, Dr. Kim was selected for her kind and gentle chairside manner to compliment the culture we aim to maintain in our office and are very excited to have her join the practice. In her free time, she enjoys going on long walks with her two dogs Bonnie and Bella, taking road trips, baking, reading, and hiking.

Cari Sapien started as a chair-side dental assistant in our office in 2002 and is now the office manager. Cari grew up locally in Seal Beach and attended Los Alamitos High School. She attended Concord Career Institute for her dental assisting degree and graduated number one in her class. Cari lives in Fullerton with her husband, Aaron, her son Aiden and her daughter Avery. She enjoys going to the Colorado river with her family on weekends.

Cari Sapien started as a chair-side dental assistant in our office in 2002 and is now the office manager. Cari grew up locally in Seal Beach and attended Los Alamitos High School. She attended Concord Career Institute for her dental assisting degree and graduated number one in her class. Cari lives in Fullerton with her husband, Aaron, her son Aiden and her daughter Avery. She enjoys going to the Colorado river with her family on weekends.

Gina Hutchings is a Registered Dental Hygienist. She grew up in Huntington Beach and attended Marina High School. From there she went to USC, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Gina currently lives in Long Beach with her husband and two children. She enjoys spending time with her family skiing and at the beach. Gina has worked in our office since 1985.

Gina Hutchings is a Registered Dental Hygienist. She grew up in Huntington Beach and attended Marina High School. From there she went to USC, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Gina currently lives in Long Beach with her husband and two children. She enjoys spending time with her family skiing and at the beach. Gina has worked in our office since 1985.

Leslie Dwan is a Registered Dental Hygienist. She grew up in Newport Beach and attended Corona del Mar High School. Leslie attended USC School of Dentistry receiving a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and has worked in our office since 1986. She currently lives in Newport Beach with her husband and three children. Among many other activities, Leslie enjoys spending time with her family on their boat in Catalina when she is not working.

Leslie Dwan is a Registered Dental Hygienist. She grew up in Newport Beach and attended Corona del Mar High School. Leslie attended USC School of Dentistry receiving a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and has worked in our office since 1986. She currently lives in Newport Beach with her husband and three children. Among many other activities, Leslie enjoys spending time with her family on their boat in Catalina when she is not working.

Mikelle Watson is a Registered Dental Hygienist and has been with our office for many years. Mikelle grew up locally in Bellflower, attended Bellflower High School and then Long Beach State College where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Mikelle received her Dental Hygiene degree from USC School of Dentistry in 1971. She graduated with honors, receiving the award for clinical excellence and was inducted to the honorary dental society Alpha Tau Epsilon. After graduation she joined the faculty at USC as a full time clinical instructor in the dental hygiene department. She retired from the academic world in 1978 and was awarded “Instructor of the Year” by her students and colleagues. She was a member of the California State Dental Hygiene Examining Committee for 30 years and has spent many hours volunteering at the Cheri Harris Children’s Dental Center of the Newport Beach Assistance League.

In addition to her clinical work, Mikelle has worked in the dental industry and was the senior clinical educator for the dental endoscope company, DentalView. She has presented continuing education programs to many dental hygiene programs and associations across the United States, Europe and Australia.

Mikelle is married to Dr. Edward Watson and has two grown children and 5 wonderful grandchildren. She enjoys walking around Balboa Island, gardening, reading and spending “quality time” on “Bucket List” with Ed.

Mikelle Watson is a Registered Dental Hygienist and has been with our office for many years. Mikelle grew up locally in Bellflower, attended Bellflower High School and then Long Beach State College where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Mikelle received her Dental Hygiene degree from USC School of Dentistry in 1971. She graduated with honors, receiving the award for clinical excellence and was inducted to the honorary dental society Alpha Tau Epsilon. After graduation she joined the faculty at USC as a full time clinical instructor in the dental hygiene department. She retired from the academic world in 1978 and was awarded “Instructor of the Year” by her students and colleagues. She was a member of the California State Dental Hygiene Examining Committee for 30 years and has spent many hours volunteering at the Cheri Harris Children’s Dental Center of the Newport Beach Assistance League.

In addition to her clinical work, Mikelle has worked in the dental industry and was the senior clinical educator for the dental endoscope company, DentalView. She has presented continuing education programs to many dental hygiene programs and associations across the United States, Europe and Australia.

Mikelle is married to Dr. Edward Watson and has two grown children and 5 wonderful grandchildren. She enjoys walking around Balboa Island, gardening, reading and spending “quality time” on “Bucket List” with Ed.

Susan Hardy is a Registered Dental Hygienist. She grew up in Lemon Heights, North Tustin, and graduated from Foothill High School. After attending Santa Ana College and California State University, Fullerton , she moved on to the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and received her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene in 1982. Upon graduation, Susan received the award for Outstanding Proficiency in Dental Hygiene, the highest honor given to a graduating senior dental hygiene student. After graduation, she taught clinical dental hygiene at USC from 1982-1986. She has worked in our office since 1984. Susan lives in Silverado with her cats, birds, and tortoises. She enjoys spending time with her two grownup children, Reid and Quinn, and granddaughter Harper. She loves her live music concerts, her 4 vintage Volkswagens, volunteering at the Shea Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center, and being an advocate for personal and environmental health.

Susan Hardy is a Registered Dental Hygienist. She grew up in Lemon Heights, North Tustin, and graduated from Foothill High School. After attending Santa Ana College and California State University, Fullerton , she moved on to the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and received her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene in 1982. Upon graduation, Susan received the award for Outstanding Proficiency in Dental Hygiene, the highest honor given to a graduating senior dental hygiene student. After graduation, she taught clinical dental hygiene at USC from 1982-1986. She has worked in our office since 1984. Susan lives in Silverado with her cats, birds, and tortoises. She enjoys spending time with her two grownup children, Reid and Quinn, and granddaughter Harper. She loves her live music concerts, her 4 vintage Volkswagens, volunteering at the Shea Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center, and being an advocate for personal and environmental health.