The People Behind The Smiles
Our team is made up of experienced pediatric dentists, hygienists and staff who truly enjoy caring for children. We take the time to get to know each child, meet them where they are, and turn dental visits into something families can feel good about. Warm, skilled and always in your corner.
Our Mission
Our mission is to raise a generation of kids who feel proud of their smiles and confident taking care of them. We set out to melt away dental fear by building a bright, playful space where children can simply be themselves. We do it by keeping things upbeat, sharing plenty of laughs, and sparking a love of learning in kids and grown-ups alike! We deliver exceptional care through a team of highly trained, child-focused, warm-hearted, and genuinely enthusiastic people who love the art and science of pediatric dentistry.
We honor what makes every child one of a kind — including those with special needs — and we care for kids from their very first tooth all the way to adulthood as though they were our own. We're curious by nature and partner closely with parents on every step of their child's care, all within a spotless, thoughtfully designed office. And while we love to joke around and have fun, we're just as devoted to showing up for our families — making sure every parent and patient feels supported, heard, and truly understood.
Our strength grows from teamwork: with one another, and with the families who trust us with their children. We listen closely to every concern and lead with timeliness, respect, honesty, and education that's genuinely fun and easy to follow. We know each child walks in with a different comfort level, so we adapt to every patient with creativity and heart. We promise to cheer on every win — big or small — and to meet every tear with patience and grace. We're proud to offer a true dental home starting by age one, in line with American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines. That home shapes the entire family experience — from your very first phone call to the last high-five of every visit — backed by a network of trusted specialists we can turn to whenever your child needs them. Come smile with us.
Lily H. Ghafouri, DMD, MS
Dr. Lily Ghafouri graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry. She attended Boston University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her DMD degree in 2003, graduating with honors. Dr. Lily went on to complete her residency at the University of Illinois, Chicago, and is board-certified.
Dr. Lily practices specific behavior management and calming techniques in her personalized approach when treating patients. This ensures that patients will have a positive pediatric dental experience. She brings a passion for the profession, outstanding professional skills, and a commitment to her patients to deliver the highest quality dental care.
Shiva Borukhim DDS
Dr. Shiva Hedvat Borukhim specializes in dentistry for infants, children, and patients with special health care needs. She grew up in Los Angeles and received her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees from UCLA, graduating Magna Cum Laude and as a member of the National Dental Honor Society. She is proud to have continued her education at UCLA’s Pediatric Dentistry residency program and was a recipient of the Pugh Achievement Award, honoring the top 3% of scores on the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Examination. She married her wonderful and supportive (Trojan!) husband during her second year of dental school, and they have two bright and energetic sons, Dean and Pierce.
In Loving Memory of
Dr. Robert R. Smith, DDS
From his very early years of walking the San Diego Zoo on weekends with his grandmother, Dr. Robert Smith developed an interest in the biological sciences. That interest grew and propelled him through his education to earn his BA degree in zoology at U.C.L.A., to dental school at U.O.P. in San Francisco, and to completing his formal education with his pediatric dental residency at Oregon Health Sciences in Portland. Then it was time to engage in the complex world of dentistry for children, and that started in 1972 with his first dental practice in the West San Fernando Valley. He migrated over the hill a short time later to open his practice on Sunset Boulevard.
Ready to Join Our Dental Family?
From first baby visits to teenage dental care, our team is committed to creating positive experiences that help children build healthy smiles for life. We look forward to welcoming your family to Sunset Pediatric Dental Group.