dr ross ddsSteve Ross, DDS

Dr. Steve Ross graduated from Brigham Young University in 2000, earning his bachelor’s degree. He went on to dental school at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), graduating in 2008. The majority of his dental school training had a foundation in function and aesthetics. Dr. Ross is dedicated to staying up to date in dentistry, so he continues his education continuously. He learns something new every day. Dr. Ross has received advanced training in implants, dentures, root canal therapy, periodontics, sedation dentistry, and treating medically compromised patients. Dr. Ross has been practicing in the Salinas, California, area since 2009. He is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA). Dr. Ross’s goal is to give patients what they want whenever possible.

Dr. Ross and his wife Jen have one daughter and three sons. Dr. Ross is an Eagle Scout. He enjoys hiking and attending local sporting events.


dr matthew malvase dmdMatthew Malvase, DMD

Dr. Matthew Malvase was born and raised in San Jose and has been in the dental field for over 14 years. He attended the University of California at Santa Barbara, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in biology and also discovered his passion for dentistry when he worked as a dental assistant during summer breaks. He went on to become a registered dental hygienist, studying at Carrington College in San Jose. Upon graduating from dental hygiene school, he decided he wanted to further his dental education even more and was accepted to Roseman University College of Dental Medicine in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree and was inducted into the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. In his free time, Dr. Malvase enjoys rooting for the San Francisco Giants and the 49ers and playing golf.



Our friendly dental team
welcomes you to Ross Family Dental! We cannot wait to make you a part of our dental family. We will ensure that your visits with Dr. Steven Ross are as comfortable and pleasant as possible. We are committed to explaining your dental options so that you can take an active part in your dental care. We encourage you to contact our dental office in Salinas, California, today to learn more about us and to schedule your next visit with our dentist.



Alissa Valencia-Garcia, RDH
Periodontal Therapist

Alissa joined the Ross Family Dental team in August, 2013. After graduating from high school she attended the Dental Careers, Salinas Regional Occupational Program while taking her prerequisite courses for the Dental Hygiene Program. Upon graduation from Hartnell College, Alissa transferred to Diablo Valley College where she received her Dental Hygiene Degree in 2009. Alissa’s favorite part about being a part of the Ross Family Dental team is having the opportunity to educate her patients on their oral health condition and treatment options. She strives to make every patient feel as comfortable as possible at every visit. Outside of work Alissa enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and friends and going on runs.



Amelia Morales, RDH
Periodontal Therapist

Amelia has been with our practice since April, 2014 and contributes as one of our amazing hygienists. Amelia graduated from the Dental Hygiene Program at Carrington College in 2011 with a degree in Dental Hygiene. Amelia enjoys being a part of the progressive team at Ross Family Dental. It is her priority to help educate her patients on their oral condition and treatment options while providing the very best dental care, delivered in the most comfortable manner possible. When not caring for her patients at work, Amelia is busy taking care of her two boys and family.



Leanne Costa, RDH
Periodontal Therapist

Leanne has been an integral part of our team since 2007 and is one of our dedicated dental hygienists. She graduated as valedictorian in 2007 from the prestigious Cabrillo College of Dental Hygiene, where she also served as class president. Leanne loves helping her patients achieve their oral health care goals and building close relationships with the people that she cares for at Ross Family Dental. She is a joy to be around and her laughter and upbeat personality are infectious! When not at work, Leanne enjoys spending time with her husband, George, and their daughters, Paige and Piper. She likes to read and enjoys cooking and baking.


diana office coordinator
Diana Alvarado, RDAEF2
Clinical Coordinator

Diana has been with our team since February, 2016. She delivers care and treatment for our patients, while working both alongside Dr. Ross and directly with patients, specializing in Dental Restorations. She connects with our patients almost immediately, and strives to deliver great care and dental treatment. Diana graduated with an Associate of Science degree in Dental Assisting from Monterey Peninsula College in 2008. Her passion for dentistry led her to pursue furthering her career, and in 2014, she graduated from the University of Pacific, Dugoni School of Dentistry Registered Dental Assisting Extended Functions program, (RDAEF2). Diana says, “I have a great passion for dentistry, and am grateful for the opportunity to work with the most genuine and caring person, Dr. Ross.”



Mayra Mancilla
Insurance Coordinator

Mayra began her dental career in 2008 and has been working in dental office administration since that time. She contributes professionalism and accountability to our team. Mayra has worked alongside Dr. Ross since 2016 and believes that he is an amazing dentist. He is genuinely kind and values his relationships with his patients as much as he does with his team. In addition to her dental experience, Mayra attended Cabrillo College where she completed the EMT, Phlebotomy and Medical Assisting Programs. Mayra enjoys spending time with her sweet little girls, Delaila and Rubi, when not assisting patients in our office.


Yusuf dental assistant
Yusuf Suri
Dental Assistant

Yusuf grew up in Southern California before moving to Salinas and graduating from North Salinas High School in 2014. He then earned a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences from the University of California, Irvine before joining our practice in 2018 to gain shadowing experience under Dr. Ross. The team loved him enough to bring him on as an assistant, and he’s been with us for just over three years now. Yusuf has found mentorship through Dr. Ross and his incredibly knowledgeable team, learning about what it truly means to be a provider for your community. He is currently in the process of interviewing for dental school and hopes to one day serve his community in the same capacity as Dr. Ross and Dr. Malvase. In his spare time, Yusuf enjoys skateboarding and listening to music.


Elizabeth
Elizabeth Adams, RDH
Periodontal Therapist

Elizabeth obtained her dental hygiene degree in 2008 from Cabrillo College, and she also holds a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene (BSDH). Her passion and dedication as a hygienist stem from the bonds and relationships she forms with her patients while assisting them in obtaining a healthy mouth. Born and raised in Monterey County, she thoroughly enjoys long hikes and a great book. Elizabeth loves spending time with her husband and two children.


Marissa dental assistant
Marissa Sollid
Dental Assistant

Marissa Sollid is a dental assistant currently enrolled in the dental assisting program at Monterey Peninsula College. She plans on obtaining her registered dental assistant license once she completes her program. She found her passion for dentistry in her dental careers class at her high school. She also volunteers at her local animal shelter. In her free time she likes to spend time with her pets and find to new places to explore.


George Registered Dental Assistant
George Lips
Registered Dental Assistant – Hygiene Coordinator

George joined the team at Ross Family Dental in March 2022. He transitioned from his father’s practice, TLC Dentistry, where he had been a manager since 1997. George enjoys seeing the existing TLC patients as well as getting to know the patients of RFD. Stop by the hygiene center and say “Hello”!


Angie
Angelina Cornwell
Scheduling Coordinator
Bio coming soon!


Eddie
Eddie Mexicano
Sterilization Tech
Eddie is the sterilization tech for Ross Family Dental. He joined the team in November of 2022. You will mostly see him moving around in our hygiene office assisting our wonderful hygienists. He works hard to keep our hygienists on time, which allows for a smooth patient experience. He is currently enrolled at Hartnell Community College and working on an associates degree in welding. Eddie works alongside his mom, Rachel, an assistant here at Ross Family Dental. On his free time, he enjoys eating pizza and playing video games.


Mirna
Mirna Soto
RDA
Bio coming soon!


Nancy
Nancy Stephenson
RDAEF2
Bio coming soon!


Yanitza
Yanitza Leon
Hygiene Coordinator
Bio coming soon!


lisa
Lisa Lowther
RDH
Lisa is a dental hygienist. She graduated from Carrington College in 2012. Lisa grew up loving dentistry, her father is a dentist! On her free time, Lisa loves to cook, bake, and spend time with her 4-pound yorkie, Dezi. Lisa is passionate about her patient’s comfort and loves building long lasting friendships with them. She enjoys helping patients maintain and improve their oral health.


Shadia
Shadia Albarran
Treatment Coordinator
Bio coming soon!


Rachel
Rachel Trevino
RDA
Bio coming soon!