Meet the Doctor

Merna Tajaddod, DMD, MMSc

Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics

Dr. Merna Tajaddod is an accomplished orthodontist who has dedicated her career to providing exceptional orthodontic care and creating beautiful smiles for her patients. With an impressive academic background and extensive experience, she has established herself as a leading expert in her field.

Education and Academic Achievements 

Dr. Tajadddod’s journey in dentistry began at the distinguished University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where she obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. She exemplified exceptional academic performance, graduating summa cum laude, showcasing her unwavering commitment to hard work and academic excellence. She further honed her expertise by earning a certificate in orthodontics and a Bachelor of Science degree in oral biology from Harvard School of Dental Medicine. She also had the privilege of sharing her knowledge and expertise as an instructor at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, shaping the next generation of dental professionals. 

Board Certification and Lifelong Learning

Dr. Tajaddod achieved board certification from the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) in 2002, and has successfully maintained her certification every decade since. The process of board certification is a rigorous and voluntary endeavor, symbolizing Dr. Tajaddod's unwavering dedication to the highest standards of orthodontic practice and her lifelong commitment to learning. The ABO certification process requires the completion of peer-developed, externally validated written and clinical examinations. As a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Tajaddod has attained this remarkable accomplishment through her pursuit of additional voluntary education and continuous self-assessment.

Orthodontic Speciality and Private Practice  

Dr. Tajaddod embarked on her professional orthodontic career in 2002, practicing as an orthodontist in Palo Alto and later opened her private practice, Tajaddod Orthodontics, in 2008. 

Dr. Tajaddod’s private practice, Tajaddod Orthodontics, is renowned for its commitment to excellence and patient satisfaction. As a board-certified orthodontist, she has earned a reputation for providing exceptional results and optimal bites. Specializing in a wide range of orthodontic treatments, including Non-Extraction Orthodontics, Early Orthodontics, Braces, Invisalign, and Surgical Orthodontics, Dr. Tajaddod caters to patients of all ages, from young children to seniors, as long as their periodontal health is optimal.

Patient-Centric Approach and Exceptional Results

Dr. Tajaddod is deeply committed to providing personalized care and exceptional service to her patients. Her genuine dedication to each individual's well-being is evident in her attention to detail and compassionate approach. By tailoring treatment plans to meet the specific needs of her patients, she consistently achieves outstanding results and creates beautiful, confident smiles. Dr. Tajaddod has transformed over 10,000 smiles, completing more than 3,500 non-extraction early orthodontic cases and has a multitude of five-star reviews from her highly satisfied patients. No wonder many patients commute from distant cities to complete their orthodontic treatment by Dr. Tajaddod in Palo Alto. 

With a focus on individualized care and a passion for treating severe malocclusions, Dr. Tajaddod’s practice stands out. She is skilled in addressing complex cases without the need for extractions or jaw surgery, preserving not only the patient's dentition but also their facial fullness. However, she also possesses the expertise to perform treatments involving jaw surgery or extractions when necessary, ensuring comprehensive care for her patients.

Leading a Dedicated Orthodontic Team

Dr. Tajaddod is proud to lead a highly experienced orthodontic staff that she has personally trained over the course of a decade. This cohesive team shares her dedication to transforming smiles and lives, and they feel honored to make a positive impact on their patients' oral health and self-confidence. The front office team is genuinely passionate about ensuring patient satisfaction. They possess extensive knowledge about insurance matters and excel at managing schedules to facilitate appointments.

Commitment to Community Engagement

Dr. Tajaddod’s passion for giving back to the community encouraged her to serve as the Mid-Peninsula Dental Society Community Health Chair from 2012-2015 and she led the promotion of the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others in the Palo Alto and Mid-Peninsula community. After serving six consecutive years on the Mid-Peninsula Dental Society Board of Directors, Dr. Tajaddod served as President in 2021. 

Driven by her passion for delivering the highest quality orthodontic care, Dr. Tajaddod continuously seeks opportunities for growth and improvement. She actively participates in advanced training programs and continuing education courses to stay abreast of the latest techniques and technologies in her field. By constantly expanding her knowledge and refining her skills, she ensures that her patients receive the most innovative and effective treatments available.

Philanthropy and Giving Back to the Community

Dr. Tajaddod is a dedicated partner of Smiles Change Lives, a national non-profit organization that aims to provide orthodontic treatment to children from families who qualify, helping them achieve a beautiful smile. She also finds it rewarding to support various local youth sports teams, school organizations, fairs, and holiday events as a sponsor. She enthusiastically lends a helping hand to her community and welcomes requests for sponsorship and donations. Her active involvement showcases her commitment to being an engaged member of the community.   

Personal Interests and Family Life

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Tajaddod finds joy and fulfillment in her family life. She is married and the proud mother of two teens. Spending quality time with her loved ones is an essential part of her life. She loves to go to SoulCycle and enjoys painting. 

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Education and Board Certification:

• University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
• Harvard School of Dental Medicine
• American Board of Orthodontics‍

Professional Associations:

• Harvard Society of Advancement in Orthodontics
• American Association of Orthodontists
• Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
• American Dental Association
• California Dental Association
• Mid-Peninsula and Santa Clara County Dental Societies