About Us

     We are an experienced dental practice dedicated to providing quality dental care in a comfortable and friendly environment. All members of our staff possess an exceptional work demeanor and will make your visit as enjoyable and stress free as possible. We understand dental visits are not something most people look forward to, but we promise to provide exceptional care in a pleasant and professional atmosphere.

Dr. James C. Withers - DDS

Photo of James C. Withers

Attending USC for his undergraduate education, he pitched the Trojans baseball team to two national championships, even setting a record for a "shut-out" win over Oklahoma State in the final game!  He is still an active member in his fraternity, Phi Delta Theta, which is the same fraternity his son joined 40 years later!  After graduation he made the difficult decision of giving up a professional baseball career for USC Dental School. He has never regretted his decision.

Our office prides itself in delivering high quality patient care with an emphasis on restorative and cosmetic needs including implant dentistry.  Dr. Withers' years of experience have paid off, as he has become a true master of his trade.  Just ask his patients!

Dr. Withers belongs to many continuing education academies and currently serves on the California Dental Association's Board of Managers for Scientific Sessions, where he scouts and recruits speakers to come to California for the CDA's continuing education courses.  Dr. Withers is an active member of the Pierre Fauchard Academy of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, the Academy of Osseointegration, and the Academy of General Dentistry, just to name a few.

He takes great pride in his office and in his hometown.  For over 20 years he has helped organize the free screenings at local schools, screening over 2500 students each year!  He is very proud that his son will be joining him as a new dentist in the practice this year.

In his spare time, Dr. Withers enjoys watching USC football, golfing, fishing, and spending time with his family.  

Dr. Brian Withers – DDS

Photo of James C. Withers

Dr. Brian Withers is a recent graduate of the University of the Pacific Dental School in San Francisco.  UOP is considered one of the top dental schools in the nation.  While meeting the demands of this accelerated, year round program, 'Dr. Brian' was able to engage in several outside activities, including being a co-founder of the Dental Division of Project Homeless Connect.  While building this program from scratch, Brian worked closely with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsome to bring dental treatment to hundreds of homeless in San Francisco for the first time. Project Homeless Connect Dental Division has now grown into a full externship rotation at UOP, and students continue to gain experience and bring care to those who need it most in the Bay Area community.  

Aside from that, Brian was an active member of the Dental Aesthetics Study Club, participated in the SCOPE outreach program, and participated in UOP's advanced clinical sessions for pediatric dentistry.  He was awarded the community service award at his graduation, and continues to look for ways to participate in public health activities in the South Bay.  

He is happy to be back in the South Bay, where he was a graduate of Mira Costa High School in '99.  At Mira Costa, Brian was on two CIF finals football teams, and finally got a championship ring his junior year.  To top it all off, Brian was selected as one of the team captains his senior year.

His undergraduate education was at the University of Southern California, where he received a Bachelors degree in International Business with a minor in pre-med.  At USC Brian lettered in, and was captain of, the rugby team his senior year, and President of his fraternity, Phi Delta Theta.  

In his spare time, Brian loves to see live music.  He enjoys playing both the guitar and the piano, fishing with his father, golfing, watching sports, and of course, going to the beach.  He is looking forward to serving the South Bay and is very excited to be working alongside his father.

Liliana C. - RDH

Photo of Liliana C. RDH

After 12 years of dental assisting, Liliana decided to become a dental hygienist, which she truly enjoys. In an effort to increase her knowledge and provide excellent service to her patients, she attends dental seminars much more than required. In her remaining time off she either travels, spends time with her loved ones or just goes shopping.




Jennifer A. - RDH

Photo of Jennifer Austin RDH

Jennifer graduated from West Los Angeles College dental hygiene in 2002. She joined our team in 2003. She has a baby girl who is two and now is having her second child due in July '08. She is a local girl who grew up here in the South Bay and when she is not working away at the office, you can find her spending time with her family.




Linda S. - RDA, Back Office Manager

Photo of Linda Stephenson RDA

Linda had her training at SCROC, El Camino College and Loma Linda University. She has been an RDA since 1976 and joined Dr. Withers’ practice in 1979. Linda and Dr. Withers have worked together for 29 years, and she is an invaluable part of our team. She is a California native and loves Corvettes. When she is not keeping our office in shape, you will find her with her husband somewhere out in the ocean on their boat.



Martha P. - RDA

Photo of Martha Petredis RDA

Martha graduated from Bryman School in 1975 and had her training at UCLA where she discovered that general dentistry was her passion. Originally from Colombia, she is fluent in Spanish. Martha moved to the USA in 1971 and made it her home. Martha joined our team in 1998, she brings to our office lots of energy and laughter. On her off days, she enjoys scrap booking, sewing, dancing and time with her family.



Jacqueline T. - Office Manager

Photo of Jacqueline Torfin Office Manager

Jacque is a 40 year resident of Hermosa Beach and has a 36 year career in dentistry. She has worked as Dr. Withers’ office manager for 29 years. Her many years of knowledge have helped the office flourish into the productive, progressive office that it is today. Travel, cooking and golf are a few of her favorite pastimes.




Yuni T. - Hygiene Coordinator

photo of Yuni Tripler Hygiene Coordinator

Yuni brings over 20 years of experience in customer service to our practice. She will assist you in scheduling all your dental hygiene needs. When she is not dedicated to her job, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, especially watching her children play sports with their favorite local teams. Weakness: Chocolate!




Karen B. - Front Office Manager

Photo of Karen Bowers Front Office Manager

The newest member of our staff has come to us with many years of experience in dentistry in the South Bay area. She is our appointment and financial manager. A native Californian, she was in the first graduating class from S.C.R.O.C in 1968. Other family members have followed in her footsteps. She enjoys the outdoors, cooking for large crowds, and loves floral arranging and interior decorating.




Ana G. – RDH, BSDH

Photo of Ana G. – RDH, BSDH

Originally from Brazil, Ana has been in the USA for 16 years. After attending West High School in Torrance; she discovered her passion for dentistry. She attended dental assisting at SCROC where she found out about a career in dental hygiene. While working full-time and attending classes at night at different community colleges, Ana got accepted at The University of Southern California Dental Hygiene Program. Ana did well at the program and today she is a part-time clinical faculty member at USC; besides working at our office three days a week. Ana is very passionate about dentistry; she has been married for six years to her husband Ken.

Danielle P. – RDH

Photo of Danielle P. – RDH

Danielle is a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, where she earned a BS in Dental Hygiene, graduating with honors.  She still visits USC once a week, as a part time faculty member for the dental hygiene program.  She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her French bulldog "Buzz". She loves teeth, the outdoors, and anything sports related.