Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Steven Kauftheil, DDS, is a caring and devoted prosthodontist at ToothDocs. Dr. Kauftheil is highly experienced in general dentistry and specialized fields such as restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry.

After earning his bachelor's degree from Stony Brook University in New York, Dr. Kauftheil received his medical doctorate from the School of Dental Medicine at Stony Brook. He went on to complete additional prosthetic dentistry training at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Many patients choose a prosthodontist as a general dentist because of their rigorous education in general dentistry and their training in advanced dental techniques. Along with providing quality treatments, like the replacement and reconstruction of teeth, Dr. Kauftheil believes in giving each patient a level of personal commitment that makes them feel both comfortable and informed about their options.

Dr. Kauftheil is a member of the American Dental Association and the American College of Prosthodontics. Additionally, he regularly takes continuing education courses to offer his patients the latest in dental care, including cosmetic dentistry treatments, Invisalign®, and smile makeovers.

Dr. Nazli Diba, DDS, is a devoted pediatric dentist working with children and their families at ToothDocs. Dr. Diba sees patients from infancy through adolescence, working to provide the gentlest and kindest care.

Dr. Diba received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. She went on to complete her residencies in general dentistry and pediatric dentistry at UCLA and Long Island Jewish Hospital. Dr. Diba has also received special training in the treatment of cleft lip and cleft palate and in special needs dentistry.

Going to the dentist can be stressful for a child, particularly when the territory is unknown. In working with her younger patients and their parents, Dr. Diba strives to create an office environment that is warm and welcoming. Her goal is to make any trip to the dentist easy.

Oren Hariri, a dedicated dental professional from Baltimore, Maryland, has built a foundation in dentistry through a comprehensive educational journey rooted in his hometown. After completing his early education in Baltimore, Oren pursued his dental degree at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, where he developed a strong clinical and academic background. He then advanced his training with a one-year General Practice Residency at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a wide range of dental procedures and patient care. To further his expertise, Oren undertook a three-year specialization in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at New York University. This extensive training and commitment to excellence has equipped Oren with a deep understanding of both general and specialized dental care, allowing him to provide exceptional treatment and service to his patients.

Dr. Elina Prakash was born and raised in Texas, where she completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Texas at Austin—Hook ‘Em! She then earned her DMD degree from Tufts School of Dental Medicine, graduating cum laude, before completing her pediatric dental residency at NYU College of Dentistry right here in the city.

Dr. Prakash loves working with kids because, in her words, they make everything so much more fun! Needless to say, she has found the perfect vocation for herself and has a true passion for her work. She enjoys educating parents and children about good oral hygiene and preventive care, transforming what could be a not-so-fun experience for a child into an enjoyable one.

She is an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and maintains certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Prakash enjoys an active lifestyle centered around family and friends. She loves skiing, dancing, music, and volleyball.

A native of Thousand Oaks, California, Dr. Samantha Tsai received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Southern California, where she also completed her undergraduate studies. While in dental school, Dr. Tsai fell in love with the endodontic specialty, and was the one student out of her class chosen to receive the Endodontics Achievement Award. She was also granted the Friends of Dentistry Scholarship, which is awarded to the select top five students in each senior class. After eight years at USC, Dr. Tsai was ready to experience the other coast, so she completed a General Practice Residency at Kings County Hospital Center in Brooklyn, where she performed the most endodontic procedures out of the residents within her class and fell for New York City.

Since then, Dr. Tsai has had her practice limited to endodontics, and completes her endodontic residency specialty program at Temple University in 2025, where she has received the Excellence in Endodontics Resident Classification since matriculation. Dr. Tsai has had extensive training and experience in the endodontic specialty including root canal treatment as well as retreatment, apicoectomy (surgical root canal treatment), and vital pulp therapy.

In her free time, Dr. Tsai enjoys pouring latte art (she used to moonlight as a barista during residency!), reading thick novels, bouldering, graphic design, and cooking 10-course meals for her loved ones.

Dr. Christopher D. Higgins is committed to practicing patient-centered, evidence-based endodontics. He is known for his positive, calming demeanor and making patient comfort his top priority. Dr. Higgins attended Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, where he graduated with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery and was awarded the Endodontic Excellence Award by the New York State Association of Endodontists. He continued his specialty education at Columbia University, receiving his Advanced Specialty Certificate in Endodontics. Dr. Higgins remains committed to staying up to date with the latest advancements in dentistry and maintains a national presence as a member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Endodontists, and the New York State Association of Endodontists. Dr. Higgins specializes is in non-surgical root canal therapy, non-surgical retreatment, endodontic microsurgery (apicoectomy), and the management of traumatic dental injuries. He is also experienced in regeneration, apexification and internal bleaching procedures. Dr. Higgins takes pride in fostering quality patient experiences by combining skilled training with compassionate care. Originally from Miami, FL, Dr. Higgins enjoys spending time at the beach, routing for his Miami Heat/Dolphins sports teams, and exploring restaurants in New York City.