Meet the Team
Dr. Surabhi Gajendragadkar, DDS, MPH
Dentist
Dr. Surabhi Gajendragadkar, affectionately known as Dr. G, joined Smile Craft Dental Lounge on October 1, 2025. She comes from a distinguished family of healthcare professionals in India, which inspired her early passion for pursuing a career in dentistry. Recognized for her academic excellence, Dr. G was awarded a full scholarship to dental school in India, where she earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree.
Her desire to broaden her impact led her to the United States, where she pursued a Master’s in Public Health at Bowling Green, Kentucky, also on a scholarship. This education deepened her ability to provide holistic care, connecting oral health with overall wellness. In 2016, Dr. G completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the prestigious Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC. Since then, she has been serving patients throughout Orange County with dedication and compassion.
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For Dr. G, dentistry is the perfect blend of science and artistry. She takes pride in building long-term relationships with her patients, easing their pain, restoring their smiles, and witnessing the profound boost in confidence that follows. Her professional interests include patient education, preventive care, and comprehensive treatment, always with the goal of helping individuals achieve optimal oral health and aesthetics. She is an Invisalign-certified provider and an active member of the American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA), Orange County Dental Society (OCDS), and the USC Alumni Association.
Her passion for dentistry has been recognized through multiple academic scholarships, including the one that first launched her journey in India. To this day, she remains deeply committed to empowering patients with the knowledge and care they need for lifelong oral health.
Outside of the office, Dr. G enjoys a vibrant family life with her husband of over 12 years and their two daughters. Together, they love exploring the outdoors, from biking the Jeffrey Trail to hiking Crystal Cove and enjoying breathtaking California sunsets. At home, she tends to her backyard fruit garden and finds joy in discovering new places, cultures, and cuisines.
Dr. G and the entire team at Smile Craft Dental Lounge are excited to welcome patients into an environment where quality care meets comfort, with the shared mission of creating healthy, confident smiles.
Owen Barber
Lead Dental Assistant
Owen is the Lead Dental Assistant at Smile Craft Dental Group. Born and raised in Lakewood, California, she is the second oldest of five siblings and graduated from Lakewood High School in 2014. After attending Long Beach City College, Owen’s path shifted when she became a mother and transferred to a trade school, where she discovered her passion for dentistry. Her career as a dental assistant has since taken her across Southern California, ultimately leading her to settle in her current city and join the Smile Craft Dental Group team.
Owen’s inspiration to enter the dental field came from her own experience as a patient. Growing up, she had extensive dental and orthodontic treatment—correcting an underbite, a diastema, and wearing braces and headgear. Seeing her own transformation inspired her to help others feel confident in their smiles. She knew she was in the right profession when a nervous patient thanked her for being warm and reassuring throughout a procedure, confirming her belief that compassion is just as vital as skill in dentistry.
Outside of work, Owen enjoys a busy and fulfilling family life. She recently got married and lives in downtown Long Beach with her husband, their eight-year-old daughter, and one-year-old son. A former church pianist for the children’s choir, Owen also enjoys collecting stuffed animals and coffee mugs—a reflection of her warm and cheerful personality.
Vanessa Moreno
Front Office
Vanessa is a dedicated Front Office team member at Smile Craft Dental Group. Born and raised in Laguna Hills, she has spent most of her life in Orange County and has always been drawn to the dental field. Vanessa finds the universality of dentistry fascinating — the idea that no matter where you are in the world, everyone shares the same basic foundation of dental care. She also believes that a healthy, beautiful smile can boost a person’s confidence and positively impact their life.
Having worked in several dental offices, Vanessa began her career as a dental assistant before transitioning to her current front office role. She loves engaging with patients, helping them feel comfortable, and guiding them toward better oral health. For her, the most rewarding part of her job is seeing how improving someone’s smile can also improve their overall well-being.
Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys volunteering and teaching the Bible. She also loves spending time with friends over a good meal and staying active through walking and running.