MEET THE DOCTORS

Affinity Dental of La Mesa is operated by Dr. Paul Michels DDS. and his father, Dr. Alan Michels.
Coming from a proud family of ten, the Michels’ take the slogan “where you are treated like family” to heart, and Affinity Dental’s mission is to make every patient feel like family.

At Affinity Dental of La Mesa, we understand the difficulties in choosing a new family dentist. You need a dentist who you can trust to do the “right thing” for you and your loved ones. At Affinity Dental, we pledge to treat everyone that walks through our doors as we would treat our own family. We work with our patients to provide the best individual care by discussing their oral health goals. We will listen to your needs and concerns, and help you overcome any hurdles preventing you from achieving those goals.

Dr. Paul Michels
Dr. Paul Michels
Dr. Alan G. Michels
Dr. Alan G. Michels
Dr. Mark Olson
Dr. Mark Olson
Dr. Jestina Benson
Dr. Jestina Benson

Dr. Paul Michels

Dr. Paul Michels graduated with honors from the University of Southern California School Of Dentistry in 2009.   Dr. Michels currently heads  Affinity Dental of La Mesa in San Diego, CA, where he works alongside his father Dr. Alan G. Michels DDS.  The Michels’ strive to create a relaxed environment where everyone is treated like family.

Dr. Michels has an extraordinary passion for dentistry and works hard to educate his patients regarding their oral health so they can make their own educated decisions.  His approach to your treatment starts with patiently listening to you. Then, after a complete and thorough examination, a personalized treatment plan is prepared.

Dr. Michels is licensed to perform conscious oral sedation for patients who suffer from dental anxiety so you can have all your dental problems addressed at one time in a calm, relaxing environment. Although he offers a wide variety of treatment options ranging from routine cleanings to complex oral surgeries, Dr. Michels primary focus is cosmetic and implant dentistry.

Dr. Michels is a graduate of the prestigious California Implant Institute in San Diego under the direction of the renouned Dr. Louie Al-Farage, author of many textbooks used in oral implantology.

Dr. Alan G. Michels

Following graduation from UCLA, and dental school at USC, I practiced dentistry for a decade, and then co-founded the first pre-paid dental plan, Safeguard Health Plans, which became a publicly-traded company. My wife and I have been married for more than 50 years, and have eight children, and 27 grandchildren. My priority in life has always been my family, and my values center around integrity and kindness. I’ve always conducted myself with those guiding principles in mind, and I am proud to say that my children have done the same. Our dental office will treat you like family.

Dr. Mark Olson

Native San Diegan Dr. Mark Olson already knew from the age of five that he wanted to be a dentist like his dad.  With an accomplished dental practice spanning nearly five decades, Mark’s father frequently brought his young son to the office to “help” and to meet his patients.  Mark also had the opportunity to travel the world with the family while the elder Dr. Olson volunteered his dental services in clinics in underserved remote countries.

Following graduation from Christian High School in El Cajon, Mark went on to study at Point Loma College in San Diego, obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry.  His drive and passion to earn his dental degree brought him to the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco.

Dr. Olson is an active member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and the San Diego County Dental Society and continually upgrades his dental skills and knowledge by attending state and national dental conferences annually.

Dr. Jestina Benson

Dr. Jestina Benson earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Howard University College of Dentistry.  She furthered her training with a residency in Advanced General Dentistry at the University of Maryland and is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.  After working in Maryland for several years, Dr. Benson relocated to San Diego for its beautiful sunshine.

Dr. Benson provides a wide range of restorative, cosmetic and preventive dental services to patients of all ages.  She believes that dentists can make the world a better place one smile at a time and her goal is to improve patient health, appearance, and self-confidence in a gentle, honest, and compassionate manner.  Outside of the office, Dr. Benson enjoys traveling and quality time with family and friends.