Meet Our Doctors

For over a decade, Dr. Igor Elperin has dedicated himself to bringing excellence in oral care to the Yakima and Ellensburg communities. After receiving his undergraduate degree in biology at Mercy College, Dr. Elperin graduated from the New York University College of Dentistry in 2010 with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. As a dentist invested in his education and his community, Dr. Elperin strives to better himself and his ability to serve you with excellent dental care. He is a member of the following prestigious groups:

• American Dental Association®
• Washington State Dental Association
• Yakima Valley Dental Society

In addition, Dr. Elperin has received his Invisalign® certification, CPR certification and a certificate in disaster relief from the National Disaster Life Support Foundation (NDLSF). Outside of the office, Dr. Elperin fills his time with his family and his hobbies. He enjoys both listening and playing music, nature photography, visiting museums, and watching films. He loves outdoor activities and spends time with his family on frequent bike rides. Dr. Elperin has the training, experience and compassion to bring you the highest-quality dental care that you deserve. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Reza Navabi Shirazi achieved his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering and his Masters of Biomedical Science degree before attending dental school at Nova Southeastern University in Florida, where he graduated with his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2016. He has received additional training in implant placement, full-arch rehabilitation and regularly completes additional continuing education courses to stay at the forefront of the dental field. Dr. Navabi is a member of the Washington Dental Association and the American Dental Association, and he has practiced in the Yakima and Ellensburg area for over 5 years. As a dentist, his goal is to continue advancing his skills, especially in full-arch rehabilitation and implant dentistry, to better serve his patients. Dr. Navabi’s wife, Dr. Tina Amir, is also a dentist. In his spare time, Dr. Navabi enjoys cooking and biking. He also likes shoes.

Dr. Tina Amir completed her undergraduate degree in nutritional sciences before attending dental school at Nova Southeastern University, from which she graduated in 2018. She is a member of the American Dental Association and the Washington Dental Association, and she completes additional training every six months to stay up-to-date with advances in the dental field. She has practiced in the Yakima and Ellensburg areas since 2018. As a dentist, Dr. Amir is committed to advancing her skills in the areas of restorative dentistry, prosthodontics and oral surgery to better serve her patients. Her goal is to one day open her own practice. Outside the office, Dr. Amir enjoys biking and traveling.

Dr. Sarah McDonald studied biology at the University of Washington for her undergraduate degree before attending the University of Washington School of Dentistry, graduating in 2017. She continues to pursue continuing education courses each year and has completed training in sedation dentistry, oral surgery, Invisalign orthodontics and BOTOX®. As a dentist, her goal is to make each patient feel comfortable and at home in the dental office. She strives to meet her patients’ goals for their smile and oral health, to be gentle when providing care and to achieve excellent results. Dr. McDonald has practiced in the Yakima and Ellensburg area since 2020. Dr. McDonald is a native Washingtonian and is the middle child in her family. When not in the office, she enjoys being outdoors and doing anything active.

Dr. Patrick Ferguson majored in biology and Spanish with a minor in chemistry. He attended the University of Washington School of Dentistry, graduating in 2006 with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, and constantly pursues continuing education to stay abreast of the latest advances in the dental field. He is a member of the ADA and the Washington State Dental Association, and he has practiced in the Yakima and Ellensburg area for over 15 years. As a dentist, Dr. Ferguson is committed to providing the very best quality of care in a relaxed and professional environment. Dr. Ferguson has been happily married for over 21 years and has three beautiful children. He loves hiking, fishing, gardening and viticulture. He has spent over three years abroad studying and speaking Spanish and Japanese.

Dr. Ruba Tawil completed dental school at Baghdad University in 2003 and completed a residency at the Florida Dental Institution in 2019. She has received advanced training in orthodontics and laser dentistry and continues to advance her education and training at every opportunity. Dr. Tawil is a member of the American Dental Association and has practiced in Washington since 2019, joining the Avanta Dental team in September 2020. As a dentist, she is committed to helping her patients smile and to giving them the confidence to enjoy their life with better oral hygiene. Dr. Tawil grew up in a family that appreciates knowledge and considers it the best way to grow into yourself as a human. She moved to the United States in 2013 with the goal of giving her family a better life as well as advancing her studies in dentistry to better serve the community. Dr. Tawil finds dentistry in general to be fun and rewarding as well as challenging, and she always goes the extra mile to help her patients receive the best possible care. Outside the office, she enjoys cooking, hiking and dancing.

Dr. Cliff Cullings earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology before attending the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, from which he graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 2000. He practiced in the Spokane and Liberty Lake, Washington, areas for 22 years prior to joining Avanta Dental in 2024. He enjoys being part of a practice where everyone around him has the same goal, and strives to provide the highest quality care to his patients in a friendly and warm environment.

Dr. Cullings was born in Walnut Creek, California. His family moved to Maui, Hawaii, shortly after his birth, and then relocated to Kodiak, Alaska, eventually settling in Anchorage, where he grew up. He and his wife, Bonnie, have two children, one son and one daughter. When not in the office, Dr. Cullings enjoys attending sporting events, skiing and snowmobiling. During the summer months he can often be found fishing at his family’s place on the Kenai River in Alaska. Dr. Cullings has a black belt in Kempo Karate.