Meet Our Providers | Vida Dental

Maria-Teresa Ioannou, DDS

Maria-Teresa Ioannou, DDS, is the founder and lead dentist of Vida Dental. After working in various offices throughout New York, Dr. Ioannou realized people needed a new experience in dental offices. It wasn’t just modern dentistry that patients needed. Though fully certified and trained in the latest dental technology, Dr. Ioannou saw a gap in the practice of dentistry that neglected the holistic and whole being of the patient. She truly cares about her patients and wants them to feel their best both physically and emotionally. Having a beautiful smile is fundamental to achieving that balance. Dr. Ioannou received her dental degree from New York University in 2002. Following dental school, she did a one-year training at Mount Sinai Hospital in Miami, Florida, where she also interned at Jackson Trauma Hospital. After finishing her residency, Dr. Ioannou moved back to New York City with her husband and began working in Queens and Manhattan to be close to her family. In the fall of 2006, while she was on maternity leave with her first child, Dr. Ioannou went back to NYU and completed the Advanced Level of Dentistry at the Rosenthal Institute. She spent a year studying the art and science behind smile design, becoming proficient in veneers, implants, cosmetic bonding, and teeth whitening. She continues her studies with courses and lectures in the many cutting-edge dentistry advances today. When Dr. Ioannou isn’t at the office, she spends her time with her husband and four children. Additionally, Dr. Ioannou is the driving force behind a nonprofit organization dedicated to epilepsy awareness and research, inspired by her daughter who passed away due to epilepsy. Through her dedication to both her patients and her philanthropic endeavors, Dr. Ioannou embodies a commitment to holistic care and community betterment.

Sam Morhaim

Dr. Sam Morhaim earned his dental degree at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine in 1990 where he was honored for his hard work and dedication in periodontics, dentistry for the disabled, dental anesthesiology and so much more. He completed his residency at the Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, and then went on to finish his academic career at Boston University, School of Post-Doctoral Periodontics and Oral Biology. He graduated from Boston University with honors.

Dr. Morhaim has offered wisdom and excellence in periodontics for over 27 years in Long Island, Manhattan, Bronx, and now Queens! He is a well-seasoned expert at providing modern techniques and advanced implant treatment.

Fun Facts about Dr. Morhaim:

• He is not only a member but is also a Diplomat of the International Congress of Oral Implantologist (holding the highest honor for an active member)
• He is one of the first Periodontist to get certified with LANAP
• He has passions not only in dentistry, he wrote and published a children’s book titled, “Where Are All My Toys?”

Bobak Bakshoudeh

Dr. Bobby Bakhshoudeh is a true New York native, being born and raised on Long Island. He attended SUNY Stony Brook University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science and then went on to receive his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at NYU College of Dentistry, where he graduated in the top 20% of his class and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor society. He was also the sole recipient of the Samuel Charles Miller Award. His exceptionalism didn’t stop with school. Dr. Bakhshoudeh completed a one-year general practice residency at Woodhull Medical Center where he received advanced training in all facets of dentistry, including implant placement and complex surgeries. Dr. Bakhshoudeh was accepted into NYU’s prestigious two-year advanced education specialty program in endodontics. Besides being an amazing endodontist, Dr. Bakhshoudeh is also an amazing human. He has participated in numerous international outreach missions, to provide dental care to underserved communities in Ecuador, Mexico, and Nepal. Dr. Bakhshoudeh is an active member of the American Association of Endodontists and a board-eligible endodontist. He was awarded the DENTSPLY Resident Award for a presentation of his research at the annual session by the American Association of Endodontists. In his free time, Dr. Bakhshoudeh enjoys reading, traveling, and being outdoors. His passion for fitness drove him to complete an ironman triathlon. He also recently got engaged and is planning his upcoming wedding!

Dr. Danielle Lieberman, DDS

Dr. Danielle earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from S.U.N.Y. Buffalo in 2022. She furthered her training with a General Dentistry residency at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, where she gained extensive experience in comprehensive dental care.

Outside the office, Dr. Danielle enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, exploring new activities, and trying out different restaurants around the city.

Dr. Victoria Santizo

Dr. Victoria Santizo is a native New Yorker, born and raised in New Rochelle. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Iona college majoring in Psychology with a minor in Biology. She then went on to complete her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Touro College of Dental Medicine. She is a recipient of the Navy Health Services Collegiate Scholarship. After completing her training, she served as a Lieutenant in the US Navy and worked in Private Practice in San Diego, CA, where she received extensive training in restorative, comprehensive and adhesive dentistry. She deployed on the USNS Mercy- Pacific Partnership 2024 where she delivered dental care to the underserved Micronesia Region. This experience deepened her appreciation for the profound impact compassionate dentistry can have on people’s lives and reinforced her commitment to treating every patient with dignity and respect.

Patients appreciate Dr. Santizo’s gentle care and extensive knowledge, qualities that make even complex procedures feel manageable. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she is able to serve a diverse patient population with clear communication in the language they’re most comfortable with. She stays current with the latest research and technology to offer you the most effective evidence-based treatments available. Her approach emphasizes gentle technique and clear communication, so you always feel informed, comfortable, and in control of your care decisions.

When not practicing dentistry, she enjoys running and strength training, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her Husband, son and their two miniature schnauzers.