A Love for My Patients and Their Smiles

I love my job. I am a doctor who helps my patients feel better. I am an artist who creates beautiful smiles. I am a teacher who educates patients about their oral health. I am a therapist who helps patients overcome their fears. I am a student who continually learns about advances in dentistry.

And most of all, I am a friend to my patients. I care about their lives and look forward to seeing them and hearing what’s new. I don’t know of any other profession that would let me wear so many wonderful hats each day!

I am glad, every day, to make a difference in people’s lives. I’m proud to have helped raise a generation of kids who are happy to go to the dentist. I am proud to have patients who came to me as nervous adults and now look forward to visits. I am happy to create a smile for someone, and give them confidence.

Above all, I am proud that my team and I have the common goal of helping our patients attain and maintain great oral and overall health and wonderful smiles.

My favorite part of being a dentist is being part of my patients’ lives. I love the relationships I have with each person, each family, in our practice. I love that every six months or so I get to catch up on their lives. I have families where I’m seeing the children of patients I first saw as children. I have families where I see four generations. I am honored by these friendships and treasure each.

Education and Continuing Education

Bachelor of Science in biology – University of North Carolina
Doctorate of Dental Surgery, summa cum laude – University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, School of Dentistry
Member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society

While an undergraduate and then a doctoral student, I pursued research, and received multiple grants from the National Institutes of Health, as well as a fellowship. I presented the research at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. I’d originally planned on going into dental research, but in my fourth year I found I loved working with patients so much that I decided to go into general practice.

I remain committed to my learning and stay current on research. I want to provide the best treatment for my patients, and continuing education allows me to do so. I use my years of research to investigate new treatments and technologies fully before incorporating them into the practice.

Professional Memberships

American Dental Association
Academy of General Dentistry
Texas Dental Association
Texas Academy of General Dentistry
Capital Area Dental Society

Personal Life

I grew up in Austin and attended Anderson High School. I spread my wings a bit when I went to the University of North Carolina, but returned home for dental school and decided to stay here.

My husband I married here in Austin in 1991. We have two children, Lily and Matthew. They’re both students at Westwood High School.

When I’m not at work, I’m volunteering somewhere. I’ve been a Girl Scout leader for almost 15 years and have been active with the Boy Scouts as a den leader and in troop committee roles. I’ve also volunteered for the schools, swim teams, and the Westwood Band, and served on their boards. Of course, I also volunteer to provide dental care here and far, far away.

My friends say I may have a problem with so many volunteer activities. Personally, I just see an area where I can help and say, “I could do that!” and I do.