Meet the Doctors

Ajay B. Setya, DDS, MSD

Doctor Ajay B. Setya started practice as a periodontist in 1995. It is his goal to provide the highest standard of periodontal treatment at reasonable cost in a caring and friendly environment.

Since starting on his first periodontal patient, he has guaranteed that those standards are maintained through regular and extensive continuing education in advanced periodontal procedures.

Dr. Setya is an accomplished and experienced specialist in all aspects of periodontics, including gum disease treatment, bone regeneration, cosmetic and functional gum treatments and placing dental implants.

A long-term desire to help people and have an impact on their lives motivated Dr. Setya to become a periodontist. “I have always wanted to help people in a meaningful way,” he says, “I love restoring my patients’ full oral health and improving their confidence with functional and cosmetic procedures. Old fashion caring and the latest technology are an amazing combination in helping our patients obtain optimal oral health.”

Caring and kind

Dr. Setya is known by his patients for his kind, caring manner and his attention to detail in every aspect of care. Patients have commented that he inspires confidence when he explains what will happen in treatment and he puts them at ease when he answers all their questions.

Education and advanced training

In 1990, Dr. Setya earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree at Case Western Reserve University College of Dentistry in Cleveland, Ohio. While practicing general dentistry for several years, he returned to Case Western in 1992 and completed three years of specialist training and residency in Periodontics, earning his Master of Science in Dentistry Degree and full certification as a Periodontist in 1995.

Dr. Setya spent a year of his residency at Case Western exclusively training in dental implant treatment. He has since completed hundreds of hours of advanced dental implant training and has received numerous certifications in advanced techniques from the Misch International Implant Institute, Spear Dental Institute and the Pankey Institute; three of the most renowned advanced training centers in the country.

Dr. Setya continues to take over 100 hours of continuing education each year to keep up with the latest developments in implant treatment and all other aspects of periodontal therapy.

Training other practitioners

Dr. Setya is a regular lecturer and trainer at dental and periodontal continuing education seminars across the U.S., and will occasionally conduct classes overseas. He has already given lectures on periodontal treatment, gum grafting techniques and dental implant procedures in the Middle East and Asia.

Locally Dr. Setya conducts regular study club meetings for local dental specialists to help them keep abreast of the latest technical developments. He also delivers a training seminar four times per year to over 100 local hygienists in advanced hygiene techniques and successful patient education methods.

Professional Memberships

• American Academy of Periodontology
• American Association of Independent Periodontists
• California Society of Periodontology
• Southern California Periodontal Group
• International Congress of Oral Implantologists
• Academy of Osseointegration
• American Dental Association
• California Dental Association
• Orange County Dental Society

Community work

Dr. Setya provides dental care to clients of a local organization called “Laura’s House,” a non-profit counseling and transition center for women seeking refuge from domestic violence and abusive relationships. He also provides an annual “Day of Free Dentistry” for needy members of the community as a member of the national “Dentistry from the Heart” program.

On a personal note

Dr. Setya is happily married with three children. When not in the office he loves spending time with his family, playing tennis, hiking, biking and traveling.

Robert C. Hirst, DDS, MS

Dr. Robert Hirst started practicing periodontics in 1972 as a member of the US Navy Dental Corps. He left the Navy in 1976 and opened up our office as the first periodontal practice in Mission Viejo.

Since the beginning of his private practice Dr. Hirst has dedicated himself to providing his patients with the highest quality periodontal care in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere and at reasonable cost. To ensure that care remains of the highest quality, Dr. Hirst takes extensive continuing education to keep abreast of the latest advances in technology and procedures.

Dr. Hirst loves being a periodontist because he can help his patients improve their overall health and self-confidence. “Better oral health leads to better overall health, including  self-image,” he says. “It’s great to see my patients’ improved comfort and confidence after they have received treatment.”

Caring and gentle

Patients comment that Dr. Hirst goes out of his way to make sure they understand everything that is going on and that his gentle and reassuring nature puts them at ease.

Advanced education and military service

Dr. Hirst earned his Doctor of Dental Science degree at West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 1966. When graduating from dental school he was recognized for his competence with awards from the West Virginia Society of Oral Surgeons and the American Academy of Oral Medicine.

That same year, Dr. Hirst entered the U.S. Navy Dental Corps. In 1967, he completed a one year periodontal training and treatment residency on a fellowship program at the Naval Hospital in San Diego. He finished his periodontal specialist training at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry while still in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps and received his Masters Degree in periodontics in 1972.

While in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps, Dr. Hirst served at the Naval Hospitals in Norfolk, Virginia and  San Diego and aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Ticonderoga. After receiving his degree in periodontics in 1972, Dr. Hirst spent three years as head of the Periodontics Department at the Naval Regional Dental center in Guam. He left the Navy in 1976 with the rank of Commander, U.S. Navy Dental Corps.

Professional memberships

• American Academy of Periodontology
• American Dental Association
• California Society of Periodontists
• Orange County Dental Society

Dr. Hirst has been a delegate to the California Dental Association and is a past Treasurer, Vice-President and President of the Orange County Dental Society. He was Vice President of the Guam Dental Society while serving in the U.S. Navy.

Community Involvement

Along with Dr. Setya, Dr. Hirst provides dental care to clients of “Laura’s House,” a non-profit counseling and transition center for women seeking refuge from domestic violence and abusive relationships. He also participates in the “Dentistry from the Heart” program in their annual “Day of Free Dentistry” for needy members of the community.

Outside the office

Dr. Hirst lives with his wife Valerie in Laguna Niguel and they have raised six children. He has an avid interest in Southwestern artifacts and enjoys reading, hiking and traveling.