Meet Our Dentists in Bakersfield, CA

Diplomate Certified, American Board of Oral Implantology, Implant Dentistry

As a Bakersfield native, Dr. Richard Casteen has been practicing in the area since 1989. His father, William F. Casteen, MD, and sister, Carol Casteen, MD, have both been ophthalmologists here for many years. After graduating from University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1987, Dr. Casteen became a diplomate for the American Board of Oral Implantology as well as a fellow for the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the Misch Implant Institute. He is also a current member of the ADA® and the CDA.

In his work, Dr. Casteen places great care and consideration when helping rebuild the mouths of his patients. He strives to help each of his patients improve not only the beauty but the function and overall comfort of their smiles as well. Outside of the office, he enjoys flying airplanes near his home in the Santa Ynez Valley. He also has a passion for sail boating and the arts. He developed a theater company in Los Angeles called Tom Cats, which produced original plays as well as the classics. Dr. Casteen also has a love for animals, and he feeds more stray cats and dogs in Bakersfield than you can imagine.

Dr. Jeffrey McCardle graduated from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 2015, where he trained and studied advanced implantology procedures. In addition to receiving multiple hours of continuing education each year, he is also a member of the American Dental Association®, the California Dental Association and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

Having practiced for over five years in the area, his goal as a dentist is to help patients establish and maintain excellent dental health by providing the best dental care possible. Outside of the office, Dr. McCardle enjoys spending time with his three boys and going golfing with them.

Dr. Kennedy received a bachelor’s degree from Emory University in 2002 and Cal State University, Northridge in 2014. He graduated from Keck School of Medicine of USC in 2016 with his master’s in dentistry and graduated from Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC in 2020 with his Doctor of Dental Surgery. Dr. Kennedy constantly continues his education because he has a passion for it and believes continuing to grow as a clinician is paramount to his profession. He completed the Whitecap Institute Implant Pathway course and will be receiving his AGD Fellowship in the summer of 2023, which illustrates his commitment to furthering his dental knowledge. Dr. Kennedy is a member of the American Dental Association®, Academy of General Dentistry, Arizona Dental Association, California Dental Association and the Kern County Dental Association. Dr. Kennedy has been practicing dentistry for three years and his goal as a dentist is to take care of his patients to the best of his abilities. He aims to give them the best treatment and care that they deserve. He challenges himself to preserve and when needed, restore their oral conditions to their natural state.

Dr. Kennedy’s wife, Erika, is currently pursuing her master’s degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University. Recently, his family expanded as they welcomed their son, Ruairi Brady (now 6 months old). They have two dogs, Layla and Uncle Fester, who are a big part of their family. Outside of work, Dr. Kennedy enjoys hiking, camping and skiing. He is a huge outdoor enthusiast

Passionate Dentist & Lifelong Learner!

Dr. Mandy Chen is dedicated to making every patient feel comfortable, cared for, and confident in their smile. Her journey into dentistry began at the University of the Pacific, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in biology. Driven by a passion for helping others, she continued her education at the prestigious Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, graduating in 2020. Afterward, she honed her skills through a general practice residency at the Sacramento VA Medical Center.

Dr. Chen’s commitment to excellence is reflected in her ongoing dedication to learning and growth within the field. She is an active member of several esteemed organizations, including the American Dental Association®, the California Dental Association, the Kern County Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Most recently, she became a fellow at the highly esteemed Resnik Implant Institute, which involves taking over 200 hours of continuing education and passing a test. In recognition of her outstanding work, she was honored as a Top Dentist of 2022 by Women in Medicine Magazine.

Her philosophy of care centers around creating personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Dr. Chen is especially passionate about helping patients overcome dental anxiety, using a gentle approach and genuine compassion to make every visit a positive experience.

When she’s not transforming smiles, Dr. Chen enjoys an active lifestyle alongside her husband and their two adorable dogs, Alfred and Nala. A former high school cross-country runner, she still loves hitting the trails and has recently completed her lifetime goal of running a marathon. Whether she’s running, spending time with family, or making a difference in her community, Dr. Chen’s positive spirit shines through in everything she does.

Check out Dr. Chen’s Esthetic Portfolio here!

Dr. Brian Kim is an established and highly skilled dentist with over 30 years of experience in general dentistry and orthodontics. He has been delivering compassionate dental care to residents of Kern County and has earned a great reputation for his quality and patient-centered care.

He strongly believes in building relationships based on trust, helping you make informed decisions about your dental care.

Dr. Kim first had the inspiration to enter the field of dentistry as a teen, when he realized how much his classmates and even some of the adults he knew feared going to the dentist. He wanted to make the experience more patient-friendly and comfortable, and he decided that the best way to do it was to become a dentist himself. He attended the University of California, Irvine, for undergraduate studies and received his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts.

In his spare time, Dr. Kim enjoys traveling, skiing, golfing and spending time outdoors.

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Dr. Robert Sharobiem graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 2009 with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree after earning his Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences from the University of California, Irvine. As a Board-Certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Sharobiem makes a point to continue his education every year and has received advanced training in oral surgery at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, New York.

Dr. Sharobiem is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) and a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). He was also awarded the 2013 AAOMS Humanitarian Award and the Vitals Patients Choice Award.

With over 10 years of experience providing quality care to his patients, Dr. Sharobiem considers his primary goal in oral surgery to provide personal care to each and every patient while alleviating any pre-operative anxiety and minimizing post-operative discomfort. It’s very important to Dr. Sharobiem that each patient has a positive experience.

Dr. Sharobiem has an amazing niece and nephew whom he loves spending time with. When he’s not at the office, he enjoys reading, doing crossword puzzles, traveling, hiking, basketball, bowling, trying new foods and volunteering at church as well as overseas medical missions.

Anesthesiologist

Dr. Bipin is a graduate of the University of Texas, where he obtained his MD. He completed his surgical internship and anesthesiology residency at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital of Columbia University in New York. He is Board Certified in both Anesthesiology and Pain Management.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Patel has been working in all facets of anesthesiology. During surgery, Dr. Patel ensures the course of anesthetic is safe and smooth and the recovery is without any event or incidents; his thoroughness is impeccable. With every anesthetic he administers anti-nausea medication, pain medication and medication to decrease the swelling from dental surgery.

Generalist Family

Dr. Arfan Taba is an experienced general dentist and practice leader with more than three decades of clinical and operational experience in the United States and internationally. He has practiced dentistry since earning his Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania, and has held an active California dental license since 1994.

Dr. Taba’s career includes extensive experience in restorative, prosthodontic, endodontic, and cosmetic dentistry, as well as surgical extractions and comprehensive treatment planning. Most recently, he served as Owner Dentist at Turlock Smiles Dentistry with PDS Health, where he was promoted from associate to owner based on clinical excellence and leadership performance. In this role, he oversaw clinical operations, coordinated hygiene and treatment workflows, implemented digital dentistry protocols, and enhanced practice efficiency and patient satisfaction.

In addition to his work in California, Dr. Taba has practiced internationally in the United Arab Emirates, where he served as a managing dentist in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, providing general and cosmetic dental care and managing dental services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier in his career, he founded and operated multiple successful private practices throughout California, including Village Dental Group in Anaheim, Tuscany Dental in Lake Elsinore, and Ocean View Plaza Dentistry in San Clemente. Across these practices, he built long-term patient relationships and led multidisciplinary teams with a strong emphasis on quality, comfort, and patient education.

Dr. Taba is known for his patient-centered communication style, strong diagnostic skills, and ability to manage complex cases while maintaining high standards of care. His leadership experience spans team development, clinical workflow optimization, and digital integration within modern dental practices.

He is fluent in English, Arabic, and Romanian and has been actively involved in professional leadership organizations, including serving as President of the California Chapter of the NAAMA Medical Association. Dr. Taba brings a global perspective, clinical depth, and proven leadership to advanced dental and educational environments.

Generalist Family

Dr. Shahin Safarian is an accomplished dentist, educator, and business leader with more than 25 years of experience in comprehensive dental care, advanced full-mouth rehabilitation, and professional education. He holds a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts University and a Master of Business Administration, combining clinical excellence with strategic leadership in modern dentistry.

Dr. Safarian is the Founder and CEO of Lovebites Dental Enterprise, where he designs and delivers educational and coaching programs for dentists and dental teams nationwide. Through this platform, he provides continuing education, mentorship, and practice optimization strategies focused on clinical excellence, communication, branding, and sustainable growth. His programs have helped multiple practices reduce overhead and achieve significant financial and operational improvements.

In addition to his educational work, Dr. Safarian has owned and operated Irresistible Smiles in San Diego since 2005, a multi-specialty practice providing complex full-mouth rehabilitations, implant-supported restorations, cosmetic dentistry, and comprehensive interdisciplinary care. His clinical expertise spans dental implants, dentures, orthodontics, TMJ therapy, cosmetic dentistry, and advanced restorative treatment planning, supported using digital radiography and 3D imaging technologies.

Dr. Safarian has also served as an Assistant Instructor in Principles of Orthodontics, contributing to undergraduate and graduate dental education through structured lectures, mentorship, and skills-based instruction. He is a Fellow of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI) and is a sought-after public speaker, having presented for leading global dental organizations and implant companies, including Straumann Group, Noris Medical, and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

Multilingual in English, Farsi, and Spanish, Dr. Safarian is known for his ability to connect with diverse patient populations and professional audiences alike. He remains actively involved in organized dentistry and is a member of the American Dental Association®, California Dental Association, and San Diego County Dental Society. His career reflects a strong commitment to clinical excellence, education, mentorship, and elevating standards across the dental profession.

Generalist Family

Dr. Afifi enjoys building strong, trusting relationships with every patient he meets. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University in 2023 after completing a Bachelor of Arts in biology with a minor in psychology. This background helps him consider both oral health and overall well-being when planning care.

Dr. Afifi went on to complete a two-year general practice residency program, including one year as chief resident. During this time, he gained extensive experience in comprehensive dentistry and in managing a wide variety of clinical situations with confidence and calm. He is a member of the American Dental Association® and remains committed to ethical, thoughtful and patient-centered dentistry at every visit.

His goal as a dentist is to address concerns early and help patients leave feeling better than when they arrived. Dr. Afifi takes time to listen, explains options clearly and recommends care that fits each person rather than a one size fits all plan. Outside the office, he enjoys watching and playing soccer, which helps him stay active, focused and balanced in his daily life.

Dr. Floyd Jesse Cawthon III is an experienced orthodontist and dental educator with more than four decades of clinical, academic, and research involvement in dentistry. He is board eligible in orthodontics and has practiced extensively in private and group practice settings throughout California, with a career distinguished by clinical excellence, teaching, and scholarly contribution.

Dr. Cawthon earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Howard University College of Dentistry following undergraduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He completed postgraduate orthodontic training at Louisiana State University School of Dentistry and has continued advanced education throughout his career, including orthodontic surgery forums and dental sleep medicine mini-residencies at UCLA.

Clinically, Dr. Cawthon has practiced orthodontics and comprehensive dental care in multiple private practices across Northern, Southern and Central California, including long-standing private practice in Los Angeles. His expertise includes orthodontics, orthognathic surgery planning, dental sleep medicine, and interdisciplinary care. He has also worked collaboratively with oral surgeons and specialists in complex treatment planning environments.

Dr. Cawthon has a strong academic and instructional background. He served as a clinical instructor in the Cleft Palate Division at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital and has remained actively involved in teaching, mentorship, and professional education throughout his career. His early exposure to hospital-based dentistry and craniofacial care laid the foundation for a career emphasizing precision, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based practice.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Cawthon has an extensive research and publication history, with peer-reviewed articles published in the Journal of Dental Research and multiple presentations delivered at national and international dental conferences. His research interests have included dentofacial relationships, craniofacial anatomy, oral oncology, and preventive dentistry.

Dr. Cawthon is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association®, California Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. He has also been recognized with multiple awards for research excellence, community dentistry, and contributions to dental education.

Dr. Cawthon brings a rare combination of clinical depth, academic rigor, and instructional experience, making him a valuable leader, educator, and mentor within advanced dental and orthodontic training environments.

Dr. Dee Todd Herring is a highly experienced general dentist and dental surgeon with more than 20 years of comprehensive clinical, surgical, and leadership experience across private practice, hospital-based care, and military service. He currently practices in Colorado and Wisconsin and is known for his advanced surgical skill set, full-mouth rehabilitation expertise, and commitment to comprehensive, high-quality patient care.

Dr. Herring’s clinical background includes extensive experience in oral surgery, dental implantology, endodontic surgery, periodontal surgery, and full-arch reconstruction. He has performed a wide range of advanced procedures, including guided and freehand implant placement, bone grafting with PRF, sinus augmentation, ridge splitting, Osseo densification, All-on-4® and All-on-6® implant restorations, overdentures, apicoectomies, and surgical extractions with grafting. He is certified in LANAP® laser therapy and routinely utilizes advanced technologies such as CBCT imaging, intraoral scanning, digital impressions, and 3D printing.

In addition to his clinical expertise, Dr. Herring has significant leadership and practice management experience. He has owned and operated a private general dentistry practice for over a decade and has managed clinical teams in both private and corporate practice environments. His background includes supervising staff, maintaining OSHA compliance, and ensuring high standards of infection control and patient safety.

Dr. Herring also served as a Major in the United States Army, where he functioned as a clinic oral surgeon and provided periodontal and surgical care for active-duty military personnel. His military service included leadership roles as Preventative Dentistry Officer, OSHA Officer, and Outreach Program Coordinator, as well as support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Case Western Reserve University, holds a Master of Science in Biochemistry, and completed a hospital-based residency at the Veterans Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, with rotations in oral surgery, anesthesia, endodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, emergency medicine, and geriatrics. Dr. Herring was named Resident of the Year for two consecutive years.

Dr. Herring maintains active dental licensure, DEA certification, and advanced life support credentials, including ACLS and BLS. He brings a depth of clinical knowledge, surgical precision, and leadership experience that make him a strong contributor to advanced dental education and clinical training environments.

Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Soudabeh Sharafi is a board-certified pediatric dentist with more than 25 years of experience providing comprehensive dental and orthodontic care for children and adolescents. She is the owner and lead pediatric dentist at Del Mar Laser Dentistry & Orthodontics in Del Mar, California, where she has been in private practice since 2005, delivering advanced, patient-centered care in both clinical and hospital settings.

Dr. Sharafi’s clinical expertise spans pediatric preventive and restorative dentistry, Phase I and Phase II orthodontics, Invisalign treatment, sedation dentistry, and advanced laser dentistry using BioLase® technology. She has extensive experience treating complex pediatric cases, including cleft palate patients and children with craniofacial anomalies, and regularly coordinates hospital-based procedures under general anesthesia. Her approach emphasizes patient safety, comfort, and family education, with a strong focus on behavior management and individualized treatment planning.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Sharafi brings significant leadership experience as a practice owner, overseeing clinical operations, staff development, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Earlier in her career, she practiced in both high-volume multi-specialty environments and private group practices, further strengthening her breadth of experience in pediatric and orthodontic care.

Dr. Sharafi completed her pediatric dentistry specialty training at the University of Pittsburgh and holds a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Tufts University. She also completed a postgraduate fellowship at a cleft palate clinic in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She maintains active licensure in California and holds certifications in Invisalign, sedation dentistry, advanced laser dentistry, and hospital dentistry, along with CPR/BLS and PALS certification.

She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association®, the California Dental Association, and the San Diego County Dental Society. Dr. Sharafi is deeply committed to clinical excellence, education, and advancing high standards of pediatric dental care.