Our Team

In addition to maintaining a high degree of professionalism, each member of our team has a genuine concern and desire to help, which drives their interactions with patients. Our patients continually thank us for putting them at ease, answering their questions and addressing their concerns, and devoting adequate time and attention to them throughout every stage of their treatment. In this way, we strive to exceed expectations, putting our patients and their oral healthcare first.

We invite you to learn more about our team members by visiting the sections below.

Hygiene Team Office Coordinators

Hygiene Team

Prevention-focused services are provided by our specially trained and certified registered dental hygienists. Our extended dental hygiene team is trained in modern techniques such as laser therapy systems as well as local spot anti-microbial agents and dry mouth treatment and prevention techniques. Our goal is primarily to improve and maintain the soft tissues and supporting structures of the mouth. Doing so results in better overall health and contributes positively to tooth preservation.

The following treatments are provided by our excellent team of dental hygienists:

• Adult prophylaxis/cleaning
• Child prophylaxis and fluoride
• Deep cleanings with anesthesia
• Periodontal maintenance
• Plaque control
• Breath control
• Occlusal sealants
• Counseling for smoking cessation
• Counseling for dental anxiety
• Counseling for dry mouth and nutrition

Penelope Mulligan, B.S.D.H, RDH

Penelope Mulligan is a native Texan and has resided in San Diego since 2008. She began her college education at the University of North Texas studying Biology and Kinesiology. She then obtained her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from Texas A&M/Baylor College of Dentistry, located in Dallas, Texas.

During her attendance at Texas A&M, Penelope traveled under school sponsorship to various rural areas of Mexico, Indian Reservations in Oklahoma, Texas Denton State School (under the auspices of Dept. of Aging and Disability Services), Texas Scottish Rite Hospital (a pediatric orthopedic hospital), and she worked extensively with HIV/AIDS patients from The Nelson Tebedo Clinic in Dallas, Texas.

In 2007 with over ten years practicing as a Dental Hygienist, Penelope has worked for the prominent firm Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceuticals (OraPharma) as a Hygiene Educator. Her role was to educate and present clinical information on chemotherapeutic agent to Dental Hygiene programs in universities and corporate/private practices. Since her move to Southern California, we have been extremely happy to have her as part of our team.

Penelope is also an avid continuing education attendee. She enjoys seeking out methods to improve the comprehensive care she provides to patients by using new and innovative techniques (i.e. Lasers, Chemotherapeutic Agents), products and philosophies. She is a member of The American Dental Hygiene Association and The San Diego County Dental Hygiene Society.

She enjoys music, reading, her friends and outdoor activities. Penelope is an avid sports fan and is certified in scuba diving, which she has incorporated in her extensive travels throughout Europe, parts of South America and remote areas of the Caribbean. Not surprising when you meet Penelope, she was voted Social Chairperson of her class.

Danielle Edgley, B.S.D.H, RDH

Danielle is a dedicated dental hygienist who believes a healthy smile is the foundation of overall wellness. With over a decade of clinical experience, she brings a high level of precision and passion to every patient she sees. Danielle earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene from Eastern Washington University and holds active professional licenses in both Washington and California.

Her strong academic foundation, combined with hands-on clinical experience, prepared her to deliver exceptional care across a wide range of patient needs. Her calm, compassionate approach helps create a safe and supportive environment where patients feel understood and empowered.

Committed to excellence, Danielle regularly attends continuing education courses and professional conferences to stay current with the latest advancements in dental hygiene, periodontal therapy, and patient-centered care. Her dedication to lifelong learning ensures that her patients receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based treatment available.

Throughout her education and career she has had the opportunity to volunteer her time at nonprofit health clinics, the VA hospital, and traveled to Dominican Republic for a humanitarian trip with the Smiles for Life Foundation. These experiences helped her learn the importance of providing essential dental care to underserved communities and remains one of the most rewarding aspects of her career.

Danielle is a San Diego native who loves the outdoors, travel, and is a foodie at heart. A lifelong athlete, Danielle is a marathoner, a former Division 1 soccer player, and a certified scuba diver. She tied the knot in Puerto Vallarta and is currently enjoying life with her husband and their dog, Perdy.

Minh Nguyen, RDH

Originally from Vietnam, Minh relocated to San Diego in 2004, where he spent his early career caring for animals as a Registered Veterinary Technician. Transitioning his passion for health and patient wellness to human care, he went on to earn his Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from Concorde Career College.

Since obtaining his license, Minh has gained valuable experience across several premier San Diego dental offices. He spent a significant portion of his career working within a holistic dental practice, where he developed a deep appreciation for alternative and natural methods. Now a dedicated member of our team, Minh combines his diverse clinical background with an unwavering commitment to creating a calm, safe, and comfortable environment for every patient who sits in his chair.

When he is not helping patients achieve healthy smiles, Minh loves spending time with friends and exploring San Diego’s vibrant food scene as a self-proclaimed foodie. An avid music lover, you can frequently catch him attending local music festivals or walking his Doberman Pinscher, Drogon, through the neighborhood parks.

Sarah Chriss, RDH

Sarah is a Registered Dental Hygienist with almost 10 years of experience providing comprehensive preventive and periodontal services. She believes exceptional dentistry is built on clinical excellence, compassion, and meaningful patient relationships. Her goal is for every patient to feel comfortable, informed, and genuinely cared for. Her favorite part of being a dental hygienist is building lasting relationships with her patients and helping them feel at ease during every visit.

Throughout her career, Sarah has developed extensive experience treating patients with a wide range of dental needs, from routine preventive services and periodontal therapy to complex restorative and cosmetic treatment. She enjoys educating patients about their oral health, helping them understand their treatment options, and creating positive dental experiences built on trust, compassion, and attention to detail.

Dedicated to lifelong learning, Sarah regularly pursues continuing education to stay current with advancements in dentistry and provide the highest level of treatment for her patients.

A San Diego native, Sarah enjoys spending time with her son and mini dachshund, traveling, boating, attending live music, and making the most of Southern California’s outdoor lifestyle.

Office Coordinators

At the Scripps Center for Dental Care, our team works together as a family. When you visit our practice, our friendly office coordinators will make sure that you’re well taken care of. We will make your scheduling and visiting the practice as easy and convenient for you as possible.

Clinical Coordinators

Patient and Financial Coordinators