MEET THE TEAM
OUR TEAM
ABE ESTESS DDS
President / Board Member
Dr. Abe Estess is a board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon orginally from Santa Cruz, CA. A graduate of Stanford University, USC School of Dentistry and University of Washington Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, he now lives and practices in Hermosa Beach, CA. An avid surfer, he first visited Fiji in 2005 and instantly fell in love with the islands and people. He has subsequently become an integral part of the Fiji Dental & Medical Foundation, having participated regularly since 2013. He stepped into the role of President of the Foundation in 2023.
MARK BROWN
Board Member / Co-Founder
Mark Brown first visited Fiji in 1997 on a surf trip, and has since made many trips back. When asked why he's involved in the Fiji Dental & Medical Foundation he responded, "The people of Fiji who make the journey so fabulous continue to excite me with their wisdom and generosity. They're always smiling; their happy faces are the reminder of the simple things in life that make all of us happy. Their needs are put aside for yours while you are in Fiji. In the many years I have been to Fiji, I have been taken care of and I would now like to return the favor and help take care of those who I care for so much and hold so deeply in my heart."
ALLYSON ESTESS MD
Board Member
Dr. Allyson Estess is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon who has practiced in Los Angeles’ South Bay since 2013. Born and raised in Southern California, she attended Stanford University, UC Irvine School of Medicine, and completed her orthopedic surgery residency at USC. A lifelong athlete and former competitive soccer player, runner, and triathlete, Dr. Estess is passionate about helping others stay active, healthy, and engaged in the activities they love. She first visited Fiji in 2005 and has returned many times, both as a member of the Fiji Dental & Medical Foundation and with her husband and two children, who share her love of the islands and its people.
MATT HARAN
Board Member
Matt Haran is a Southern-California based general contractor who joined the Fiji DMF in 2022 overseeing clinic set-up, facilities, equipment and non-medical supplies. Drawn to the infectious warmth of the lcoal Fijian community, he eagerly awaits his service on this annual journey. A graduate of Western Michigan University, Matt leads an active lifestyle and enjoys traveling, boating and wood-working. He resides in Hermosa Beach with his wife and two children.
GREG HERD DDS
Board Member / Co-Founder
Dr. Greg Herd, a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, has practiced dentistry for more than 25 years. He and his wife first visited Fiji on their honeymoon and were captivated by both the beauty of the islands and the warmth and kindness of its people. The Herds have returned nearly every year, and their connection to Fiji soon grew beyond recreation as they began providing humanitarian services. Recognizing the potential to make a greater impact, Dr. Herd partnered with fellow philanthropists and healthcare providers to establish the Fiji Dental & Medical Foundation.
GREG MOEGLING DDS
Board Member / Co-Founder
Dr. Greg Moegling grew up in La Habra, California, and graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 1981. He has maintained a private dental practice in Whittier, California, ever since.
His first experience in Fiji was a surf trip in 1995, where he was immediately struck by the warmth, kindness, and welcoming spirit of the Fijian people. When the opportunity arose to volunteer at the Foundation’s inaugural clinic, he was quick to say yes. His ongoing work with Fiji Dental & Medical Foundation has been deeply rewarding, renewing his passion for dentistry.
MICHAEL FULBRIGHT DDS
Board Member
Dr. Michael Fulbright is a cosmetic and reconstructive dentist who has served the South Bay for more than 25 years. A graduate of the USC School of Dentistry, he has completed advanced training in implant surgery, cosmetic dentistry, and dental sleep medicine. Dr. Fulbright and his family live in Hermosa Beach and enjoy an active coastal lifestyle. For more than four years, he has volunteered his time and expertise in Fiji, providing dental care and supporting the health and well-0being of the local communities. What began as an opportunity to serve has grown into a meaningful connection to the people, culture, and islands of Fiji—one he is honored to continue through the Fiji Dental & Medical Foundation.
BRIAN SPANGLER DDS
Board Member
Dr. Brian Spangler is a general dentist and co-owner of Spangler & Fast Dental in Beaverton, Oregon, where he has practiced since 2004. A Portland native, he is a graduate of Oregon State University and New York University College of Dentistry. Driven by a commitment to expanding access to oral healthcare, Dr. Brian joined the Fiji Dental & Medical Foundation in 2020. He especially values the opportunity to work alongside the local communities, build lasting relationships, and experience the warmth and resilience of the Fijian people. He lives in the Portland area with his wife and two children and enjoys racing, motorcycles, skiing, traveling, and cheering on OSU athletics.
Our Partners
