Our Doctors
Steven F. Vaughan, DDS, MAGD, ABGD
Family Dentist
Dr. Steven F. Vaughan received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology after graduating with honors from Rice University in Houston. He received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery with highest honors from the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School in San Antonio. Dr. Vaughan completed his residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital (also in San Antonio), gaining advanced training in complex care cases such as implant dentistry, full-mouth reconstruction, and Invisalign® orthodontics.
After being drawn back to Houston in 2005, Dr. Vaughan joined Contemporary Dental with the goal of utilizing his extensive experience to provide patients with customized, comprehensive, and high-quality dental care. Since 2005, he has also served as a part-time faculty for the Advanced Education in General Dentistry and General Practice Residency programs at UT Health Houston. Dr. Vaughan continues to advance his education and ability to provide quality care to all patients by dedicating hundreds of hours of his personal time to attending continuing education courses.
Dr. Vaughan is trained in the administration of nitrous oxide and IV sedation, and is an active member of:
- Houston Academy of General Dentistry (HAGD)
- Texas Academy of General Dentistry (TAGD)
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
- Greater Houston Dental Society (GHDS)
- Texas Dental Association (TDA)
- American Dental Association (ADA)
Dr. Vaughan’s philosophy of always putting the patient first gives him the ability to develop lifelong relationships with patients, many of whom he has treated since their early childhood. Outside of the office, Dr. Vaughan enjoys running, exercising, brewing beer, and spending time with his wife, three children, and dogs, Ollie and Chewy.
“It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.”
Dr. Kathy L. O’Keefe, DDS, MS, PLCC
General and Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Kathy O’Keefe is a lifetime Houstonian and proud Bellaire native with over three decades of experience in clinical and academic dentistry. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Biology from the University of Houston in 1981, and earned her DDS from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston in 1985. She later completed a Master of Science in Oral Biomaterials in 2000.
Dr. O’Keefe began her career in academics, teaching, mentoring, and conducting research at the UT School of Dentistry and remained there for 20 years, eventually achieving Tenured Associate Professor status. She has published and presented her work nationally and internationally, and has received multiple Teaching Excellence Awards.
After retiring from full-time academia, Dr. O’Keefe transitioned to private practice, working for 21 years at a Houston-based general dentistry practice before joining Contemporary Dental in 2019. In addition to her education, she actively pursues continued learning in various areas, including cosmetic and restorative dentistry, implant dentistry, and TMJ dysfunction. She is passionate about easing dental anxiety, providing high-quality, ethical care, and building lasting relationships with her patients.
Dr. O’Keefe is a member of several professional organizations, including:
- American Dental Association
- Texas Dental Association
- Greater Houston Dental Society (Past President, 2020–2021)
- International College of Dentists
- Pierre Fauchard Academy
- The Dental Advisor (currently serving on the editorial board)
Dr. O’Keefe has received numerous honors recognizing her clinical excellence, including the Houstonia Top Dentist Award (2025), GHDS President’s Award (2018, 2019), and was a 2024 nominee for AGD Texas Dentist of the Year.
Outside of the office, Dr. O’Keefe enjoys volunteering at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church, sailing, exercising, needlework, and spending time with her grandchildren and family.
“If you see a fork in the road, take it.” – Yogi Berra
Fabia Younus, DDS, MS
Orthodontist/Periodontist
Dr. Fabia Younus received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine before receiving her Master’s Degree in Periodontology from Saint Louis University. She completed her residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston, training under Dr. Vaughan and other exceptional dentists. Dr. Younus joined Contemporary Dental in 2017, bringing her expertise in orthodontics, periodontal health, Invisalign® treatment, dental implants, soft-tissue grafts, and other complex treatments to benefit all of our patients.
Dr. Younus is an active member of:
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
- American Academy of Periodontology (AAP)
- Greater Houston Dental Society (GHDS)
- Texas Dental Association (TDA)
Dr. Younus’ extensive experience is matched by her dedication to developing warm and friendly relationships with her patients. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling, reading, watching Arsenal soccer, and spending time with her husband, young son, and cat.
“Your smile is your best accessory.”
Sudarat Kiat-amnuay, DDS, MS, FACP, FAAMP, BCCA
Prosthodontist/Maxillofacial Prosthodontist
Education:
- DDS (Honors) | Khon Kaen University Faculty of Dentistry, Thailand, 1994
- MS, Oral Biology | University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Louisville, KY, 1999
- Certificate, Prosthodontics | University of Louisville School of Dentistry, 1999
- Certificate, Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Oncologic Dentistry | UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2000
- Certificate, Advanced Education in General Dentistry | UTHealth School of Dentistry at Houston, 2012
Dr. Sudarat Kiat-amnuay holds academic appointments as a tenured professor and director of AEGD Residency Program. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics and the American Board of Clinical Anaplastology. She is currently a fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists, the American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, and the International College of Dentists and the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Leadership Institute.
Dr. Sudarat joined Contemporary Dental in 2020 as an extension of her UT Dentists’ extramural practice, bringing her 20+ years of clinical and residency evidence-based teaching experiences. She recently completed one of the world’s largest, 21-implant full mouth rehabilitation cases. Her expertise is in treatment of complex prosthodontics and implant dentistry, full-mouth rehabilitation, cosmetic and restorative dentistry, smile design and makeover, veneers, digital dentures, and obturators (dentures for resected jaws), dental oncology, prosthetic rehabilitation of gunshot wounds, and rehabilitation of genetic disorders of children and adults (such as amelogenesis imperfecta, ectodermal dysplasia, and multiple missing teeth.)
The recipient of more than 50 teaching and research awards, Dr. Kiat-amnuay has published more than 70 abstracts and 40 peer-reviewed journal articles, and contributed to multiple book chapters. She has presented/co-presented over 200 programs locally, nationally and internationally. She is a principal and co-principal investigator of more than 20 funded projects, many of them from prestigious federal funding agencies such as NIH, HRSA, etc. She is a reviewer/editorial board member for several journals including the Nature Publishing Group, a board director member of the board certification in clinical anaplastology organization, and has served as a committee member of several national and international dental organizations.
Dr. Sudarat’s philosophy came from the legacy of her beloved uncle, formerly Thailand’s Surgeon General and Thailand’s Interim Minister of Public Health chosen by the beloved King Rama IV, the world’s longest-reigning head of state for 70+ years:
“Once you become a doctor, underline and bold that word and remind yourself to be kind, put patient’s needs ahead of yours as if they were your own family members, strive for excellence to bring about the best treatment outcomes, and never give up at the first try but always plan to do things right the first time.”
Outside of her practice and teaching, she enjoys being a foodie, cooking new recipes, hiking, white water rafting, zip lining, walking, Pilates, and traveling with her family.
Our Team
Annoris Perez
Office Manager
Annoris graduated from the UHCL with her B.S. in criminology in 2021. She has been working as our office manager since 2018. She loves seeing patients walk out of the office happy with their smiles. Outside of the office, she enjoys sightseeing, exploring new places, and spending time with her family.
Karina Rios
Dental Assistant
Karina graduated from the Texas School of Business before joining our practice in 2016. In addition to being a registered dental assistant, she is also a certified basic life support provider. Her calm demeanor helps patients feel more comfortable during their visit, and she loves hearing about their experiences and life stories.
Outside of the office, Karina volunteers with Give Kids a Smile, and she also enjoys traveling, finding new places to eat, and spending time with her children.
“You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching, love like you’ve never been hurt, sing like nobody’s listening, and live like it’s heaven on earth.” – William W. Purkey
Veronica Lozano
Dental Assistant
Veronica graduated from the San Antonio College of Medical and Dental Assistants and joined our team in May 2011. She is CPR certified and our patients appreciate her energy and positive attitude. In addition to being friendly and informative, Veronica strives to educate our patients about their oral health. She always enjoys seeing the confidence they obtain following treatment.
Veronica is a member of St. Helen’s Catholic Church and when not in the office, she enjoys working out, shopping, watching movies, travel, and spending time with her family at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. She is married to her husband Jesse and has a son named Stefan and two step-daughters, Kai and Hali. She also has two grandchildren, Emy and Dallen.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Ceci Sun
*bio coming soon
Dien Trinh
*bio coming soon
Amanda Avalos
*bio coming soon
