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925-253-0165
We are conveniently located in beautiful downtown Orinda. We accept most major insurances and are accepting new patients!

Meet Dr. Riza Santos

Dr. Santos received a BA in Integrative Biology and Psychology from UC Berkeley (GO BEARS!).  After college, Dr. Santos worked for several years as a Research Associate in the Biotech industry and then a Recruiter in the Software and Health Sciences industries.  Although she enjoyed her time in these fields, it became apparent that she would be most happy in a career that combined both her passion for science and working with people. This realization led her to graduate with honors from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine.  Upon graduation, she received the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry Award of Merit as well as the American Association of Women Dentists Eleanor J. Bushee Award for academic excellence and outstanding leadership.  Dr. Santos then completed her residency at The University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco.  She also currently works at a dental clinic in Pittsburg, and is clinical faculty with the UCSF/Lutheran Medical Center Residency Program.  

Dr. Santos is an active member of:

  • The American Dental Association
  • The California Dental Association
  • The Contra Costa Dental Society
  • The Seattle Study Club

She also attends more than the required continuing education courses annually in order to keep to date with the advances in dental care and technology.

Dr. Santos was raised in the East Bay and Ohio.  She and Dr. Rikli have two sons, Jacob and Noah.  When not working, Dr. Santos enjoys hiking, camping and running and has completed several marathons and half-marathons. She also loves making handmade cards, reading books highly recommended by others, dabbling in arts and crafts projects, and spending time with family and friends.

About Us

Rikli & Santos Family Dentistry is excited to announce

Dr. Dhillon and Dr. Sandhu are joining our practice!

Dr. Baljit Dhillon completed his undergraduate studies at Kenyon College and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from The Ohio State University. Dr. Dhillon has advanced training in same day dentistry, Digital Dentistry with emphasis in minimally invasive, cutting-edge techniques.  He is also pursuing a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction bestowed upon less than 6% of dentists. Dr. Dhillon comes to Orinda after honorably completing his active service with the US Navy.

Dr. Sumeet Sandhu completed her undergraduate studies at University of the Pacific in Stockton and then went on to complete her Master in Biomedical Sciences before obtaining her Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of the Pacific in San Francisco, California.   Her passion and focus are Cosmetic and Holistic Dentistry.  She has trained under some of the best clinicians nationally and looks forward to bringing you the best care available.

Dr. Dhillon and Dr. Sandhu are natives of California and are happy to be back home in the East Bay. When Dr. Dhillon is not in the dental office, he enjoys watching OSU football, hiking, spending time with his family and learning the latest in dentistry.  Dr.Sandhu enjoys time with family, watching Netflix, and loves yoga and dancing.

Dr. Dhillon and Dr. Sandhu will be assuming the dental practice in mid September and Dr. Rikli will be decreasing his clinical role in the upcoming weeks. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to all of you.  It truly has been a pleasure and privilege serving you and your families through the years. Thank you for your trust and confidence in us to take care of you and your dental health. We know that Dr. Dhillon and Dr. Sandhu will provide the high quality dental care that you are accustomed to. 

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Dhillon and Dr. Sandhu!