The Smile Team
Pearl Maciel, RDA, Office Manager
Pearl graduated from Citrus College Dental Assisting Program in 1984, receiving her Registered Dental Assistant license. She joined our team that same year.
Pearl is an active member of the American Dental Assistants Association and has certification for the Diode Soft Tissue Dental Laser, Cerec 3D advanced training and Digital Radiography training.
Her vast knowledge and respect of the dental field including her expertise in dental insurance is a great asset not only to our office but to our patients as well.
Caitlin Rivera, RDA
Caitlin graduated from California State University. She is a member of the Hispanic Dental Association as well as the San Fernando Valley Dental Association. She joined our office July of 2020 and assists with all duties to make sure our office runs smoothly. Caitlin finds that working in our office will give her the experience to pursue her dreams to someday be a dentist herself. She is a welcomed addition to our team.
Angel Jauequi, RDA, RDH, RDHAP
Angel graduated from Pasadena City College Dental Assisting Program in 2008, receiving his registered and certified dental assistant licenses. He continued his education at Pasadena City College in the Dental Hygiene Program and graduated with an Associate in Science degree in Dental Hygiene and an Alternative Practice certificate in 2010.
Angel joined our team in 2011. He is an active member of the American Dental Hygiene Association and the San Gabriel Valley Dental Hygienist Society. Angel has certification for Diode Soft Tissue Laser and has had Biolase Laser and Digital Radiography training. We are pleased to have Angel as part of our team – he is a favorite hygienist for many of our patients.
Jackie, RDH
Jackie Graduated from the University of Southern California Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene in 2021. She is a current and active member of the California Dental Hygiene Association and enjoys learning about new dental products and techniques to help our patients.
Outside of her clinical days in Hygiene you can find her sifting through vintage goods at a flea market, exploring new foods and restaurants, and traveling to new places.
Alma Rivera, RDA
Alma graduated from the East Los Angeles Occupational Center Dental Program in 1992 and received her Registered Dental Assistant license in 1993. She holds certifications in California Dental Radiation Safety, radiographic techniques, coronal polishing, and sealants.
Since joining our team in 2018, Alma has brought enthusiasm and dedication to every patient interaction. She actively pursues continuing education to stay current with the latest dental techniques and best practices. With her warm smile and skilled hands, Alma is a valued member of our team.
Jill, RDA
Coming Soon!
What patients say about our team
dave holman
★★★★★
I woke up on Christmas morning to discover I had a cracked tooth. Living in the Palm Springs area, I still haven’t found a dentist I trust, so I called my dentist of over 40 years in Pasadena—Dr. Stephanie Lee's. The voicemail said the office was closed for the holidays and wouldn’t reopen until January 7th, but for emergencies, we were instructed to call Dr. Lee directly.
I honestly didn’t expect a response, but to my surprise, Dr. Lee called me back within 15 minutes—wow. I explained the situation, and she said she would put together a crew to help. About 30 minutes later, she called again and told me she could see me the following Tuesday. I was incredibly grateful.
When I arrived on Tuesday the 30th, I was warmly greeted by Pearl, whom I’ve known for over 40 years. She was there handling administrative duties, and Jill, the dental assistant, made me feel comfortable throughout the entire visit. Of course, Dr. Lee was there as well, and I thanked all of them for coming in during the holidays—it truly meant so much.
Dr. Lee carefully assessed the situation and confirmed that I needed a crown. Using state-of-the-art equipment, she was able to prep the tooth and create a new ceramic crown efficiently and expertly. When you love what you do, it shows—and Dr. Lee certainly does.
This experience was nothing short of a Christmas miracle. I can’t thank Dr. Lee and her team enough for their professionalism, dedication, and kindness.
Response from Science of Smiles
Dave, thank you so much for your incredibly kind and heartfelt review. We are truly touched by your words and grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us over the past 40 years—it means more than we can express.
I’m so glad we were able to be there for you during such a stressful and unexpected situation, especially over the holidays. Pearl, Jill, and I were more than happy to come in and help, and your appreciation made it all the more meaningful. Knowing you felt cared for and comfortable throughout the visit is exactly what we strive for.
It was a pleasure seeing you, even under the circumstances, and I’m grateful we could get you smiling again so quickly. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and for being such a valued part of our dental family.
Linda S.
★★★★★
Dr. Stephanie Lee DDS is an exceptionally knowledgeable and highly skilled dentist who has earned my complete respect and trust. She stays current with the latest developments and incorporates advanced imaging technology into her practice. At a personal level, she explains all of the treatment options, tells you which she recommends and, importantly, why. She further explains her reasoning as she works, including when she encounters something unexpected, so you always understand what is happening and what to expect. I value her honesty, thoroughness, and genuine care, and have complete confidence in her judgment. While Dr. Lee's expertise and thoughtful approach are the foundation of the practice, Pearl, the office manager, keeps the office running efficiently and creates a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The office is clean and well organized. Angel is excellent at dental cleanings--highly skilled and meticulous. The dental assistants to Dr. Lee are impeccable. My family has trusted Science of Smiles for more than 25 years, and I recommend them wholeheartedly.
vivian badashian
★★★★★
I love getting my teeth cleaned. It's the only doctor's appointment that I affirmatively look forward to, and I am so grateful to have found this office. All the wonderful ladies at the front desk, from Maricella to Pearl, and Dr. Lee are so warm and welcoming and professional. And Angel, whom I see pretty often to do my cleanings... let me just say that that man has changed my life. It's not an overstatement. He taught me how to brush my teeth correctly and floss my teeth correctly and what type of toothbrush to use and how (electric is NOT a panacea, and certainly not for your gums!)... you wouldn't think that an adult would need be retaught these things, but I did! I had been doing it incorrectly my entire life, the result being that my gums would bleed every time I got my teeth cleaned.... Not anymore! My gums have never been happier, the happiest after a visit with him. Angel is so thorough, meticulous and obsessed with getting every little plague particle off my teeth... thank you Jesus for this man! He makes my teeth literally sparkle. I leave his chair feeling like a million bucks. Do yourself a favor and book an appointment at this office. Ask for Angel... your smile deserves it.
Response from Science of Smiles
Thank you Vivian for sharing your kind words about Angel. He really does care about our patients and it shows by how thorough and meticulous he is. We appreciate how much he makes our patients' teeth sparkle. Glad to hear you leave his chair feeling like a million bucks because we do too =)
Sarah H.
★★★★★
I love Dr. Lee. She is the most detailed oriented dentist I've ever met. she'll study your teeth and give you a short and long term plan. I love that she uses a holistic and conservative approach. I really hated gking to the dentist as a kid, but she really helps calm my nerves and make sure I don't feel the angst when I'm there. I'm very happy and really trust her to keep my teeth healthy. i dont live close by anymore (a flight away lol) but still come back for her. im so glad she can help make a crown and fill my cavities all while im visiting during Thanksgiving break. also, she has the warmest staff too! jill and Pearl were really helpful. the reminders before my appt was so helpful too! btw.... one of the reasons why I love Dr Lee is she has state-of-the-art equipment. the digital scanner for my teeth is so cool. The office feels and is very professional, clean, and modern! There's a small parking lot and plenty street parking. She is located on the second floor.
Cynthia C
★★★★★
Everyone is extremely nice, professional and customer service oriented my last two appointments have been with Nora and I have to say her manner and professionalism and detail is beyond any I've experienced with other dental providers, she takes the time to educate which is something I always personally enjoy and she loves her job which clearly comes across. The entire staff is very knowledgeable and customer service oriented which is pretty rare to find at that level these days, and of course Dr. Stender is fantastic, approachable and makes you feel welcomed! Can't wait for my next follow up...I've never looked forward to dental appointments in my life before this!
Update: 2/5/25 I have been seeing the newer hygienist Jackie, for about two years now and I am very delighted with her care and knowledge. Dr. Lee is also very welcoming and thorough, my questions are always answered with as much information as possible to make the right decision for the recommended course of treatment. I do not see myself moving elsewhere anytime soon!☺️
Response from Science of Smiles
Cynthia, we want all of our patients to feel welcome and comfortable! It's also important to us to teach as we go so that there are no surprises along the way. Our entire staff loves that we get to care for people every day! You know where to find us if you ever need anything. -Dr. Stender, DDS
Tom P.
★★★★★
As we all know, going to the dentist can be a painful experience, but my experience at Science of Smiles is the best I have had of all the dentists I have had in my lifetime. (I'm 64). Firstly, the front office is friendly and helpful and professional. I get my teeth cleaned here twice a year and Angel is a terrific, thorough and empathetic hygienist who is as concerned about your comfort as he is about caring for your teeth. Then there is Dr. Lee. She is great! Personable, kind, funny, meticulous. She is the best dentist I have ever had. Just yesterday she applied a crown to a rear molar. A tough location and she did it with ease with minimal discomfort. Lastly, I am impressed with all the technology they have. 3D imaging for constructing the crown I got was super cool to watch. I know I am good hands when I come here. It gives me peace of mind to know that my dental needs are being so well cared for. I highly recommend Science of Smiles.
S
★★★★★
Recently I went to Dr. Lee’s practice for a teeth cleaning and consultation regarding a toothpaste allergy. Angel, my hygienist, was fantastic. He helped clean my teeth and provide wonderful feedback on brushing and flossing. Apparently I have been flossing wrong all these years and he guided me on how to floss effectively. I have a toothpaste allergy and Dr. Lee was able to recommend a toothpaste I can use and doesn’t cause an allergic reaction. Her front office staff was friendly and filling out paperwork was easy on a tablet. Dr. Lee is friendly and caring. I felt my concerns were heard and addressed.
Response from Science of Smiles
Thanks S for taking the time to write such a thoughtful and kind review. We appreciate great patients like you.
Pat P.
★★★★★
Hands down, this is the best dentistry in Southern California. My family gets exceptional care from start to finish. Pearl and the rest of the front desk team is efficient, friendly, professional and always willing to help. The dental hygienists are all outstanding--thorough, gentle and clearly skilled at what they do. Dr. Lee and Dr. Stender are absolutely top-notch. Knowledgeable, compassionate, and genuinely invested in my dental health. They always take the time to listen, explain my options clearly and provide care that feel both personal and expert-level. This office is a gem in Pasadena, we drive 50 miles to see them!!