About Our Practice
Our Mission
Live Oak Dental Group commits to helping each patient achieve and maintain a beautiful smile. Helping patients keep their natural teeth healthy is our first priority, but when cosmetic, orthodontic, and restorative dental services are needed, our dedicated and experienced team ensures that your results are just as good or better than natural teeth.
The friendly, experienced dental team at Live Oak Dental Group offers patients contemporary, high-quality treatments. Our dental treatments not only enhance smiles but are intended to be long-lasting, providing value as well as excellent service.
Our Practice Philosophy
Live Oak Dental Group is defined by three key values:
- Personalized Care: We value our patients and what makes each and every one special.
- Deliberate Care: Our dental team takes time to evaluate, plan, and perform procedures with patience and care.
- Results-Oriented: At Live Oak Dental, we keep your goals in mind and strive for optimal results.
Meet Our Dentists
Richard Hardt, D.D.S.
- Loma Linda University
- 25+ Years of Dental Experience
For Dr. Richard “Rick” Hardt, DDS, in Porterville, California, dentistry just seems to be part of his DNA. Upon graduation from Loma Linda University, Dr. Hardt began his career in Lindsay, California, working alongside his father, William Hardt. He later moved to Porterville to work with Dr. Frank Baughman until he retired, then started his own private practice, Richard Hardt. D.D.S.
Dr. Hardt is a skilled general and cosmetic dentist who is dedicated to educating his patients about preventive dental care so they can maintain excellent oral and overall health. When cavities or other dental issues arise, Dr. Hardt makes a professional commitment to providing his patients with the best treatments available. If restorations are needed, Dr. Hardt prides himself in creating them to look as good or better than natural teeth in addition to being durable, providing value by lasting for years to come.
When Dr. Hardt isn’t practicing dentistry, you can usually find him taking photos or enjoying outdoor sports such as hiking, backpacking, camping, and fishing. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Teresa, and their many pets.
Dr. Lana Jabaji, D.D.S
Dr. Lana Jabaji received her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences from the State University of NY at Buffalo with highest distinction. She continued her education at Memphis University where she earned her master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA). She attended the State University of Mississippi, graduating with her doctorate in Dental Medicine (DMD). Dr. Jabaji was then qualified to complete a comprehensive post-graduate residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) at NYU Langone in Santa Barbara.
Dr. Jabaji’s academic achievements, management, and organizational skills coupled with her dedication to the profession at national and international level led her to be selected to receive the Student Servant Leadership Award from the Academy of Dentistry International.
Dr. Jabaji practiced dentistry in Santa Barbara, Visalia, Tulare, and currently practices in Porterville. She is passionate about dentistry and strives to provide the best dental care making patient comfort as her priority. Her main mission is to simplify what is often a very complicated and confusing area of health care, and to make the patient a part of their own treatment plan to achieve the desired optimal results.
Meet Our Team
Sandy Yanez, Registered Dental Hygienist
Shyanne Sisk, Registered Dental Hygienist
Josie Villarreal, Financial Coordinator/Office Manager
Liz Magallon, Business Facilitator
