Please click here for more information on our COVID Updates.
Important message: Coronavirus
Please see below regarding steps we are taking are asking our patients to take in light of the Coronavirus outbreak:
Your Health and Safety are our priority:
We are incorporating the following into our routine
- Being extra careful with our hand hygiene and personal protective equipment
- Reducing the number of staff in direct contact with you
- Asking our staff to take sick leave even for a common cold
We would appreciate it if you could assist us by
- Minimising the number of people attending the appointment e.g additional siblings or friends or anyone not required in the surgery area
- Reducing any unnecessary appointments
- Rescheduling an appointment when you are UNWELL even if it is just a cold. We will take this into consideration and provide the soonest available appointment once you are well again.
If you have travelled abroad in the last 14 days or been in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus please check the gov.uk website for the latest COVID-19 travel advice. You may need to call NHS 111 for further advice before making or attending your appointment.
As a team, we commit to standardise all infection control and personal protective protocols and to avoid cross contamination of any virus, to us and our patients.
Please let us know if you or a family member has travelled abroad in the last 3 weeks.
To start your smile journey, call: 1-858-458-1088 Contact Us
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Cara Z. Hodgson, DDS, MS
Associate Orthodontist
I'm thrilled to bring my skills, energy, and passion for orthodontics to Dr. Styrt’s team! Known for my warm demeanor and dedication to patient-centered care, I'm committed to making every patient feel comfortable, confident, and well-cared-for on their journey to a beautiful, healthy smile.
It's incredibly rewarding to work closely with patients and contribute to their self-confidence and overall well-being. I couldn't ask for anything more rewarding than that!
What is my background?
I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Biology from UC Berkeley. I then attended UCLA for my Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Degree, where I was honored with the Dean’s Scholarship. My time at UCLA included participating in an outreach program in Nicaragua, where I helped establish a mobile dental clinic and provided care to communities with limited access to services.
I continued my education at Loma Linda University, where I received my Master’s Degree and Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. I graduated as one of the top students in my class and remain actively involved in the professional community.
My Professional Commitment
Although my formal education is complete, I believe in the importance of lifelong learning and actively participate in professional organizations to stay current with the latest advancements in orthodontic treatment and technology.
I am a proud member of the:
A core value of mine is connecting with patients. I am fluent in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese, which allows me to effectively communicate and build trust across different languages and cultures.
Who am I outside the office?
When I'm not helping patients achieve their best smile, I enjoy being outdoors. Anything involving water is a favorite—especially swimming! I also love hiking, traveling, and spending quality time outside with my husband, Rob, and our two beloved dogs.
I am excited to be a part of the Dr. Styrt team and look forward to helping you or a family member achieve a healthy, confident smile!
Monday 
                                Office hours: 8:00am – 6:00pm 
                                
Tuesday 
                                Office hours: 8:00am – 6:00pm 
                                
Wednesday 
                                Office hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm 
                                
Thursday 
                                Office hours: 8:00am – 6:00pm 
                                
Friday 
                                Office hours: 9:00am – 3:00pm 
                                
