Manoj Sharma, DDS
Doctor Manoj Sharma spent his formative years in Toronto, Canada before attending the prestigious Northwestern University School of Dentistry in Chicago. His dream of owning his own practice was realized in 2006 when he started SDC. Dr Sharma enjoys all facets of his career, especially providing a personal touch that is sometimes lacking in the professional world today. He has instilled in his staff an “open door” policy of good communication with each other and every patient that walks through the door. Through communication and a merger of the art and science of dentistry, Dr. Sharma has created an environment that is enjoyable for all patients and his staff to come to. He is an avid golfer and tennis player, a passionate hockey fan and is always available to his patients for whatever their needs may be. He is never far from one of his guitars or one of his Dachshunds.
Sanjay Nigam, DMD
Dr. Jay grew up on the East Coast and attended Muhlenberg College, a small liberal arts school in Allentown, Pennsylvania. After college, he gained valuable experience working in a laboratory for New York Medical College, where he spent two years analyzing data related to surfactant therapy, honing his skills in research and data extrapolation. Following his laboratory work, Dr. Jay earned his dental degree from Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. After graduation, he served as an active duty dentist in the United States Army, during which he dedicated himself to active duty soldiers and continuing education. He was a regular attendee at Spear Education, where he completed numerous courses in treatment planning, occlusion, endodontics, complex cosmetic cases, and the latest dental materials.
Dr. Jay has also completed extensive training in implant dentistry, including a one-year maxicourse at Loma Linda University. Currently, he pursues implant continuing education in Miami under the mentorship of renowned oral surgeon Dr. Arun Garg. His participation in Implant Seminars has deepened his love for implant dentistry and enhanced his surgical skills with the latest advancements in the field.
He is a proud member of the International Dental Implant Association. After leaving the Army, Dr. Jay worked at a dental office in Tempe, Arizona, before opening his own practice with his wife in Scottsdale. Dr. Jay is passionate about dentistry and dedicated to providing exceptional care to his patients. He is a family man who loves the outdoors, playing pickleball on weekends, and reading inspiring books on self-improvement. He has two daughters who are currently attending the University of Arizona, Bear Down!
Steven Velasco, DMD
Outside of the office, Dr. Velasco’s joy is fueled by taking his wife to Mariachi concerts and singing to Spanish music that he mostly understands (…mostly). His version of being a boy dad includes home workouts with toddlers attached to his legs and teaching his boys to dance, even though rhythm has yet to find him. Within the office, Dr. Velasco approaches each patient with gratitude and enthusiasm because he loves being a dentist. The pursuit of becoming a dentist took him out of homeless shelters and gave him an unimaginably great life. That positive energy spills over into each appointment where he’s grateful for the opportunity to help every patient. Whether it’s navigating a root canal, designing veneers or placing an implant, expect candid honesty, clinical excellence and a few bad dad jokes along the way.
Nicole – Office Manager
Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Nicole moved to Arizona with her family in 2003. She married her high school sweetheart, and together they have two amazing daughters and a French Bulldog named Zeus. Nicole began her career at Sapphire Dental Care in 2013 as a hygiene assistant and quickly found her passion for helping patients. In 2014, she stepped into the role of Office Manager, where she continues to thrive. Over the years, she has built lasting relationships with patients and finds joy in watching their families grow. To Nicole, Sapphire Dental truly feels like her home away from home. When she’s not at the office, you’ll likely find her enjoying a Starbucks iced coffee or catching up on Bravo reality TV.