Faculty
Anne Contreras, CDA, COA, RDA, OA, M.Ed.
Dental Assisting Professor. Program Director and Department Chair.
Professor Anne Contreras brings nearly 30 years of experience in dentistry as a clinician and educator. A lifelong learner and dedicated educator, she is passionate about connecting classroom instruction with real-world clinical experience and preparing students for successful careers in dental assisting.
She holds an Associate of Science Degree in Dental Assisting from Cypress College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Chapman University, a CTE Teaching Credential and Master’s Degree in Education, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction, from the University of San Diego, and a Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education from Humboldt State University.
With more than a decade of teaching experience across colleges, adult education programs, and high schools, Professor Contreras brings extensive clinical expertise to her instruction. She continues to practice as a chairside orthodontic assistant, ensuring her teaching reflects current clinical standards and professional practice.
Her professional leadership includes serving as a Subject Matter Expert for Registered Dental Assistant and Dental Assisting National Board examinations and three appointments as Chair of the Dental Board of California, representing dental assistants. She currently serves as a site visitor for the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and as a BLS Health Care Provider CPR Instructor for the American Heart Association.
Committed to serving both the profession and her community, she volunteers at community dental events that provide care and education to individuals with limited access to dental services.
Professor Contreras is proud to be part of Cerritos College, where she is inspired by the dedication and potential of its students. She looks forward to sharing her experience, passion, and knowledge while supporting students throughout their educational journey and preparing them to become confident, skilled dental professionals.
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. Also, investment in knowledge pays the best interest."
Vanessa Aguilar, CDA, RDA, BA
Dental Assisting Adjunct Instructor
Mrs. Aguilar has been a Registered Dental Assistant for 25+ years. She has worked in General practices, orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry offices. Mrs. Aguilar has 14+ years of teaching experience; in addition she is also a Certified Dental Assistant through DANB and a licensed CPR Instructor through the American Heart Association. Mrs. Aguilar received her Teaching Credential in Career Technical Education from The Commission on Teaching Credentials of California in Health Science and Medical Terminology. She has earned her bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Westcliff University, Irvine. Mrs. Aguilar is a member of the California Association of Dental Assisting Teachers, and the American Dental Assistant Association, she has a passion for teaching and is committed to creating a supportive learning environment for her students.
Theresa Burk, CDA, RDA, BS
Dental Assisting Adjunct Instructor
Ms. Burk has been part of the dental profession for over 30 years. She earned her Associate of Science Degree in Dental Assisting from Chaffey College and later completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Grand Canyon University. In addition to teaching, she continues to work in pediatric dentistry, maintaining her connection to clinical practice.
She is proud to serve at Cerritos College and enjoys mentoring future dental professionals as they begin their journey into the field.
Bryant Dineros, CDA, RDA, OA, MA
Dental Assisting Adjunct Instructor
Bryant Dineros is an experienced dental professional with over fifteen years in the field. He graduated from El Camino Community College with an Associate's in Chemistry, California State University - Long Beach with a Bachelor's in American Studies, and California State University — Fullerton with a Master's in Instructional Design & Technology. As a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) with an Orthodontic Assistant Permit (OAP), Bryant holds certifications from the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) as a CDA and COA. He has worked in multi-specialty practices, bringing a broad range of expertise in dental assisting, emerging technologies like digital radiography and CAD/CAM systems, and corporate dentistry.
Bryant’s teaching career, which began 9 years ago, is inspired by his own positive experiences with mentors. He teaches at both private and community colleges, sharing his clinical knowledge and passion for dental technologies. His untraditional path to licensure through hands-on experience allows him to connect with students in a meaningful way. As a Subject Matter Expert for the Dental Board of California, he provides insight into the evolving landscape of the profession.
Outside of his professional life, Bryant enjoys spending time with his family and exploring diverse interests. He is passionate about financial freedom, trading stock options, skateboarding, music festivals, and discovering new boba shops and restaurants. His well-rounded perspective, both as a dental professional and as an educator, allows him to inspire and guide the next generation of dental practitioners.
Ernesto Dominguez, R.D.A, C.D.A., B.A
Dental Assisting Adjunct Instructor
Mr. Dominguez has been in the dental field for 11 year performing various roles such as dental administrator and chairside assisting. He has an Associates Degree from Fullerton College and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from California State University Fullerton.
Mr. Dominguez enjoys the opportunity to help students achieve their career goals and become a professional.
Teresa Hurtado, R.D.A., C.D.A., B.A.
Dental Assisting Adjunct Instructor
Mrs. Hurtado has been a Registered Dental Assistant for 20+ years. She has worked in General practices, orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry offices, in addition to 16+ years of teaching experience. She received her Teaching Credential in Career Technical Education from The Commission on Teaching Credentials of California in Health Science and Medical Terminology. Mrs. Hurtado earned her Bachelor's of Arts degree in Career and Technical Education from California State University, San Bernardino. Mrs. Hurtado enjoys teaching Dental Assisting to her students and inspiring others to enjoy their dental careers.
Jessica Kelly, RDH, RDA, CDA
Dental Assisting Adjunct Instructor
Jessica Kelly has dedicated over a decade to dentistry. She began her journey as a dental assistant in 2013 and later completed her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene in 2018. Jessica’s career revolves around guiding patients toward optimal oral health through preventive dentistry. Her passion extends beyond patient care—she actively educates and inspires future dental health professionals. Jessica Kelly remains committed to supporting students on their dental field journey.
Marisol Saucedo, R.D.A., C.D.A., B.S.
Dental Assisting Adjunct Instructor
Marisol Saucedo is a highly experienced Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) and Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) with 32 years of experience in the field. She is also certified as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Assistant.
Marisol has earned an AA degree in Dental Assisting from Cerritos College and a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Studies: Vocational Arts from CSULB. She has been teaching part-time at Cerritos College for 23 years.
Kristin Espinoza, RDA
E-mail Kristin Espinoza
Education Completed:
High school graduate with college coursework and over a decade of professional experience
in the dental field.
Professional Activities:
Volunteer participant at community public health and oral health education fairs,
supporting outreach efforts to promote oral health awareness and preventive care.
Professional Experience:
She has over 10 years of experience in the dental field, with a career dedicated exclusively
to dentistry. Her experience includes working in a variety of specialties, including
oral surgery, periodontics, and full-mouth reconstructions.