At Tahoe Oral Surgery, our primary goal is your well-being. Our surgical staff consists of skilled assistants experienced in providing seamless and comfortable procedures. Our front office team is friendly, knowledgeable, and highly organized, ensuring your administrative experience is as pleasant as possible. We strive to create a comfortable environment where surgical excellence and compassionate care intersect to provide you with the best oral healthcare experience.
Our Tahoe Oral Surgery Offices
Our offices in Truckee and South Lake Tahoe are equipped with the latest advancements in oral surgery technology, allowing us to offer the most advanced and minimally invasive treatments available. We take pride in maintaining a welcoming and soothing environment, ensuring your visit is as pleasant as possible.
We Care About Our Community and Environment
At Tahoe Oral Surgery, we believe in the power of giving back. That's why we donate our time and money to numerous nonprofits and local charities that support the environment and the Tahoe-Truckee community. Some of these charities include Dentistry from the Heart, California Care Force, Tahoe Donner Land Trust, Truckee Trails Foundation, The Wilderness Society, and more.
Dr. Rachel Appelblatt
Dr. Appelblatt grew up not far from here, in the Sacramento Valley. Her love of the Tahoe area grew from numerous family trips to the Lake, where she developed an early passion for hiking,
backpacking, and trail running. After earning her BS in Biology from the University of Michigan, she returned to Lake Tahoe to work as a biologist with the Forest Service, monitoring amphibians and reptiles and their habitats throughout the Lake Tahoe basin. During this time, Rachel met Darren, a fellow Forest Service employee and outdoor enthusiast. They fell in love over long backpacking trips through the Desolation Wilderness and would later return to Lake Tahoe for their wedding.
After her time with the Forest Service, she began to pursue her interest in dentistry by working with an oral surgeon in Sacramento. Building on the experience she gained in that practice, she applied to dental schools to become an oral surgeon.
In 2009, Dr. Appelblatt graduated from the University of Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and immediately began her 6-year dual-degree residency program at New York University. At NYU, Dr. Appelblatt obtained her MD and gained impressive surgical skills, including in-depth training in dentoalveolar surgery, dental implants, outpatient pediatric anesthesia, and facial cosmetics. Her time at New York’s Bellevue Hospital also allowed her to gain extensive experience working with highly anxious and medically complex patients.
Dr. Rachel Appelblatt joined Tahoe Oral Surgery and Implant Center in July 2015. She lives in South Lake Tahoe with her husband Darren, son Ryder, daughter Madelynne, and dog Baxter. She loves living in Lake Tahoe and enjoys all the outdoor opportunities the area offers.
Dr. Mori Naftulin
Dr. Mori Naftulin grew up in Sacramento but Truckee was her home away from home. Her family spent all of their free time coming up to Tahoe and it quickly became her favorite place. After attending college at UCLA, she moved to Truckee for 2 years to fulfill her dream of living in the mountains and skiing everyday. During that time she worked as a lift operator and dispatch for ski patrol at Squaw Valley in the winter and spent the summer renting boats at Donner Lake and driving the drink cart at the Tahoe Donner golf course. She also bused tables at the Lodge in Tahoe Donner.
She then attended University of the Pacific for dental school. She graduated dental school in 2017 and then completed a General Practice Residency at University of Colorado. During that year, she realized her true passion was oral surgery. She moved back to Sacramento to practice general dentistry while applying for oral surgery residency. She completed an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at The Ohio State University.
While in Columbus she met her husband, Jake. He had heard about how much she loved Lake Tahoe so on his first visit to the lake, Jake proposed. They returned a year later to get married. Dr. Naftulin could not be more excited to be moving back to Truckee and becoming part of this amazing community. In her spare time, you can find her on the slopes, hiking, paddle boarding, golfing, or hanging out with Jake and their 3 dogs, Rocky, Ziggy, and Red.
Sabrina Damron
Surgical Assistant
Kristina
Surgical Assistant
Lauren
Practice Manager
With a passion for patient care and a commitment to excellence, Lauren ensures that our practice runs smoothly and efficiently. She wears many hats, handling HR, PR, and all other responsibilities involved in managing a successful oral surgery practice.
Lauren received her education and training from Lake Tahoe Community College and Brandman University. Encouraged by friends already working in the dental field, Lauren pursued a career aligned with her values of providing quality care to others. She joined Tahoe Oral Surgery as an intern while still in school, and her dedication and expertise earned her a permanent place on the team.
Lauren's favorite aspect of her work is witnessing the positive impact she and her team have on patients' lives. She takes great satisfaction in hearing how pleased and relieved patients are after receiving our services.
In her spare time, Lauren enjoys testing her culinary skills and participating in various outdoor activities in the beautiful surroundings of Lake Tahoe. She particularly loves river rafting on the Truckee River and boating on Lake Tahoe during the warmer months. As a winter enthusiast, she indulges in snowboarding, having moved to Tahoe from Hawaii to experience living in a snowy environment. Lauren has been a resident of Tahoe for over 15 years, embracing its unique lifestyle.
Jo
Patient Care Coordinator
Jo provides exceptional care coordination for patients. Her responsibilities include checking patients in and out, scheduling appointments, verifying benefits, assisting with treatment plans, and lending a helping hand in the back office when needed.
Jo attended Sacramento State University and Solano Community College and worked in the medical field for over ten years before switching to dentistry. Jo's commitment to patient care and her enthusiasm for her team make her an invaluable asset as a patient care coordinator. Her dedication and compassion ensure patients receive the highest support and care throughout their dental experience.
In her spare time, Jo enjoys being outdoors, watching new TV shows, and exploring her city's various events.
Yvonne
Surgical Assisitant
Merelis
Surgical Assistant
Merelis is a surgery assistant who has been working in the dental field since 2012. She began her career in general dentistry in Southern California, where she grew up, and has been with Tahoe Oral Surgery since moving to Tahoe in 2017.
Inspired to pursue a career in dentistry by her son's partial cleft, she loves that her job allows her to provide great care alongside friends and colleagues. Trained at UEI in San Marcos, CA, Merelis is skilled in various aspects of dental assistance. Her positive attitude significantly contributes to the comfort and ease of patients.
In her spare time, Merelis enjoys savoring iced coffee in the early mornings and embarking on road trips with her family. A fun fact about her is her passion for snagging great deals at the grocery store.