Meet our compassionate dental team

All our professionals at Schaffer Dental Excellence maintain the highest levels of accreditation and pursue ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in dentistry.

Robert Schaffer, DDS

Schaffer Dental Excellence

SCHOLARSHIP

Health Professional Scholarship from the United States Navy to attend New York University, College of Dentistry

RESIDENCY

Advanced Education in General Dentistry
Camp Lejeune, Jacksonville, North Carolina

Dr. Schaffer began his academic work at East Carolina University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors. He was then commissioned as a Naval Officer, and went on to earn his degree in Dentistry, DDS at New York University. Upon graduating NYU he was promoted as a Lieutenant in the US Navy. His post-doctoral work included a one-year residency in advanced education in general dentistry at the Marine Corps base at Camp Lejeune. Dr. Schaffer had a variety of experiences as the Senior Dental Officer, including deploying with the Marines to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. While in Afghanistan, Dr. Schaffer supported combat readiness and humanitarian missions for the 22nd MEU, Marine Expeditionary Unit. He then worked as a general dentist at MCRD, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego providing dental treatment to active duty Marines, Sailors and Marine recruits. He is a member of several professional and academic societies/organizations including ADA, California Dental Society, San Diego County Dental Society, and Seattle Study Club. Dr. Schaffer has taken extensive continuing education courses including, Invisalign, Six Month Smiles, Lumineers, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry.

After six years of being a partner in a highly successful private practice in Wilmington NC, Dr. Schaffer and his family realized how much they missed living in San Diego! They are very excited to return & call San Diego home again!!

Samir Merchant, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Samir Merchant was raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended The Ohio State University and earned degrees in Biological Sciences and Spanish. While earning his bachelors degree, he worked as the driver and dental assistant on O.H.I.O. (Oral Health Improvement Outreach) Coach Bus, where he would serve the dental needs of local children alongside Pediatric Dentistry Residents. This experience molded the philanthropic views of dentistry that Dr. Merchant holds today. Dr. Merchant went on to The Ohio State College of Dentistry where he received his D.D.S. degree. Afterward, he went on to open three successful dental practices in Columbus, Ohio. While practicing, Dr. Merchant also served as an Adjunct Faculty Professor at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry from 2014-2018, where he taught senior dental students about practice management principles and advanced dental procedures. After many years serving the Columbus community, Dr. Merchant, his wife Dr. Shbeena Shah, and their Boston Terrier, Tucker, decided it was time to follow their dream of moving to beautiful San Diego. Dr. Merchant has an unmistakable desire to provide dental care of the highest quality to his patients, while making sure they feel educated, comfortable, and at ease.

Sandy Cadiz

Business Manager

Hi my name is Sandy Cadiz AKA"Sandy Beaches" I am the Business Manager at Schaffer Dental Excellence. I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Schaffer and our awesome team for the past three years. My background started in Hotel Management but I have always had a passion for beautiful smiles. I decided to leave the Hotel Management field 26 years ago and I am happy to say it was one of the best decisions in my life! I love working in dentistry! I myself am a bit of a dental coward so I have great empathy for others that share this annoying fear. It gives me great joy to teach others that with the many amazing advances in dentistry there is no reason to have a fearful experience. I also love that our office is very modern with the latest technology and that we are the only dental office in Southern California that is a green dental office caring for our planet! On a personal note I have two grown wonderful sons and a very handsome 10 month old grandson. I got my nickname Sandy Beaches because I am crazy about the beach and spend a lot of vacation time in Hawaii and just recently discovered how awesome Mexico beaches are! I love boogie boarding and being in the sun enjoying the outdoors!