Meet Our Doctors
Learn more about the passionate practitioners dedicated to your holistic dental health.
Dr. Monica Atallah-Khawand
DDS
Her Story
Dr. Monica Atallah-Khawand is a biological and integrative dentist whose approach to dentistry centers on whole-body wellness, biocompatible materials, and empowering patients to take an active role in their health. After learning more about the powerful connection between the mouth and the body as well as the impact that nutrition, environmental exposures, and dental materials have on overall health, Dr. Atallah developed a deep passion for improving the long-term well-being of both herself and her patients.
About three years ago, she discovered biological dentistry, and it changed everything. She realized dentistry could be more than treating teeth: It could be a path to supporting systemic wellness and reducing inflammation.
Education & Training
Dr. Monica earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Howard University College of Dentistry in 2019, where she met her now husband and eventual co-founder, Dr. Joseph Khawand. She completed her General Practice Residency at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in 2020, gaining advanced clinical experience and treating medically complex patients.
Driven to deepen her understanding of oral-systemic health, she pursued additional training in biological dentistry through: • IABDM - International Academy of Biological Dentistry & Medicine • Biodentistry 3.0 with Dr. Dominik Nischwitz ("Dr. Dome"), a globally recognized leader in biological and nutritional dentistry
These programs strengthened her expertise in biocompatible materials, clean restorative protocols, cavitation management, and nutritional support for oral health.
Clinical Focus
At Aura Dental and Wellness, Dr. Monica integrates evidence-based dentistry with a root cause, functional philosophy.
Her clinical focus includes: • Biological and biocompatible restorative care • Inflammation reduction and oral-systemic health balance • Myofunctional and airway-focused considerations • Patient education and autonomy
Her guiding belief is simple: Dentistry should improve your health, not compromise it.
Outside the Office
Outside the operatory, Dr. Monica is passionate about living a balanced, wellness-centered lifestyle. She enjoys learning about nutrition, staying active through Pilates, barre, and yoga, and prioritizing time with family and friends. Travel is a constant source of inspiration for her, as she loves exploring new places, cultures, and perspectives. She also values being involved in the local community, attending events and gatherings that foster connection and shared experiences beyond the dental office.
Specialties
Dr. Joseph Khawand
MS, DDS
His Story
Dr. Joseph Khawand is an esthetic and rehabilitative dentist who blends advanced cosmetic dentistry, airway-focused TMJ treatment, and minimally invasive surgical care. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Howard University College of Dentistry, followed by a General Practice Residency at NYU Langone - Brooklyn (2019-2020), where he gained hospital-based surgical and acute-care experience.
His journey began with a passion for esthetics, but quickly evolved as he discovered how the bite, airway, and jaw position directly influence posture, sleep, and whole-body physiology.
Education & Training
This led him to post-graduate training at the Las Vegas Institute (LVI) for Advanced Dental Studies, where he completed advanced training in: • TMJ and craniofacial pain rehabilitation • Airway dentistry and physiologic bite design • Full-mouth esthetic reconstruction
At LVI, Dr. Khawand also trained in biomimetic restorative dentistry, mastering minimally invasive adhesive techniques that preserve natural tooth structure while maintaining esthetics and function.
To expand his surgical expertise, he completed comprehensive implant training through: • Misch Implant Institute • Implant Seminars with Dr. Arun Garg
Clinical Focus
Today, Dr. Khawand specializes in esthetic full-mouth rehabilitation, physiologic bite therapy, and implant surgery—always prioritizing patient comfort, function, and longevity.
Outside the Office
Outside the office, Dr. Khawand is a lifelong martial artist and a black belt in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Tae Kwon Do, and he regularly kickboxes. He enjoys cooking, traveling, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with his wife Monica, family, and close friends.
Specialties
Our Story
The People Behind the Practice
Beyond the operatory, we are partners in life and in mission — committed to building a practice rooted in authenticity, wellness, and genuine care.
Our Team
Meet Our Staff
Natalia Miura
Receptionist
Natalia is the first voice you hear and the first smile you see at Aura Dental and Wellness. As our Receptionist, she creates a warm, calm atmosphere from the very first interaction — whether you're calling to book your first appointment or walking through the door for a visit. With a natural gift for making people feel at ease, Natalia ensures that every patient feels welcomed, comfortable, and taken care of from the moment they arrive. Her genuine warmth and attentiveness set the tone for the entire Aura experience.
Maria Soria
Dental Assistant
Maria is the steady, skilled presence in the operatory that patients rely on throughout their care at Aura Dental and Wellness. As a Dental Assistant, she works closely alongside our doctors to ensure every procedure runs smoothly, safely, and comfortably. Her attention to detail, clinical precision, and calm chairside manner help patients feel at ease even during more involved treatments. Maria is deeply committed to Aura's standards of care and takes pride in being an integral part of every patient's journey toward better oral health.
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Book your appointment with one of our dedicated practitioners.
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