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Our Practice

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About Us

Dr. Morgan Moranda and Dr. Nina Stevens are elite orthodontic care providers. With offices in Palm Desert and Yucca Valley, our practice's top priority is to provide you the highest quality orthodontic care in a friendly, comfortable environment.

Drs. Moranda and Stevens offer comprehensive and advanced orthodontic care for patients of all ages utilizing state-of-the-art appliances, including self ligating Damon brackets, Invisalign® and Invisalign® Teen.

At Schantz and Moranda Orthodontic Care, we know what a significant difference in health and self-esteem a beautiful smile can make, which is why we are dedicated to giving each of our patients the beautiful, straight smile they deserve!

Meet The Orthodontists

Dr. Morgan Moranda

Dr. Morgan Moranda was born and raised in Southern California. He completed his undergraduate education in Biology at the University of California Riverside. Achieving high honors and actively being involved in research that was published in the Journal of Neuroscience led to his acceptance to the dental school at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Dr. Moranda continued on his academic path and was involved in research while at UCLA. He graduated at the top of his class. He also met his future wife while in dental school, Annette Moranda, D.D.S., who practices in Rancho Mirage, CA. Dr. Schantz is Dr. Moranda’s uncle and mentor.

This helped Dr. Moranda decide to pursue orthodontics. He followed the same path as Dr. Schantz and began his 36-month residency at the University of Connecticut, widely known as one of the top residency programs in the world. During his residency, his interest in research led to a Master of Science degree and he was awarded a two-year scholarship for scholastic and research merit. He went on to being involved in teaching incoming residents and became the chief resident of his class, and received his certificate as a specialist in orthodontics.

After completing his orthodontic residency in 2004, Dr. Moranda entered into a well-established private practice with Dr. Schantz in Coachella Valley, at what is now Schantz and Moranda Orthodontics.

Dr. Moranda is an active member in several professional organizations including the:

  • American Association of Orthodontists
  • American Dental Association
  • California Dental Association
  • Southern California Damon Study Club

He also enjoys teaching and is certified by the California Dental Board as a registered continuing education provider for his peers, and as an instructor for the Orthodontic Assistant Program.

Dr. Moranda supports several local organizations. He serves as president of the board for the Foundation for Palm Desert Charter Middle School. Dr. Moranda is very involved with a charity golf tournament he founded in 2010 that benefits the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Southern California. This annual event has raised over $100,000!

On a more personal level, Dr. Moranda enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters on the tennis courts and on the ski slopes. He is actively involved in athletics, he's an avid fly fisherman and enjoys golfing in the desert. You also may be able to catch him at a “gig” on the weekends when he is playing guitar and singing in an active rock and roll band.

Dr. Nina Stevens

Dr. Nina Khanna Stevens was born and raised in the desert. As a high school student at Xavier College Preparatory, she dreamed of being an orthodontist and returning to practice in the local community. She completed her undergraduate degree at Pepperdine University and graduated with honors. During her time at Pepperdine, she had the opportunity to study abroad in London as well as serve on a month-long dental service trip in Fiji. 

After her time at Pepperdine University, Dr. Stevens continued her education at Loma Linda University where she pursued her Doctorate of Dental Surgery as well as a Masters degree in Bioethics. While a dental student, Dr. Stevens continued to volunteer to provide care to underserved populations both locally and abroad in Honduras. 

Dr. Stevens was accepted to the University of the Pacific for orthodontic residency, one of the leading programs in the nation for clear aligner treatment. She married her college sweetheart just a few weeks before starting residency and moved to San Francisco to pursue her training. 

After completing her orthodontic residency, Dr. Stevens joined Schantz and Moranda Orthodontic Care as an associate doctor. She is thrilled to be back in her hometown and serve the community that raised her. 

On a personal level, Dr. Stevens enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and of course beloved dog, Sadie. She enjoys golfing, working out, cooking, and DIY projects. 

Video Testimonials

Read reviews from our Patients

Dr. Schantz and Moranda’s office is amazing. They always make us feel welcome. Their priority it safety and also comfort. Thank you for the amazing care you provide to my children! The office staff are the best!

Nicole F.

I 100% recommend this place!! I had some pumps on the road with financial issue and they actually gave me options and helped me out so much!! Every single one of them are super sweet! Since day one I felt welcomed!!

Stephanie A.

I don’t think I’ve ever had a better experience at an orthodontist anywhere. The Dr’s are great, the office is clean and comfortable, and the staff are beyond compare. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Your teeth with thank you!

Stan G.

Dr. Moranda, Dr Schantz and staff are the most kind and caring professional people in all aspects of their practice. Dr. Moranda takes the time to really listens to your concerns. Turning what could be a very stressful into a feeling of confidence, trust and options which will work for his patients. Five Star's are not enough! Highly recommend his practice!

Marcus V.

I normally go to the YV office but today I went to the PD location. Maggie and Dr. Moranda put on my brackets and lower permanent retainer. Both of them were very polite and professional. On top of my care, I had my 3 month old son with me. All of the staff were very generous and kind to my son and helped keep him cool and occupied while I was getting treatment. Overall, this place is very nice and family friendly. Thank you!

Samantha P.

I always receive a job well done! All of my questions are answered to my satisfaction before I make a decision in the care that I am offered. All of the staff are professional, friendly, and detail-oriented in guaranteeing that their job is done to the highest quality. I travel to receive care here because other locations do not make what I need for dental night guards.

Ariel T.

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