08/29/2026
It’s the 10 year anniversary since a white coat has been placed on my shoulders… Being able to change my patients’ lives daily through dentistry is the greatest gift in my life that I have never taken for granted.
When the days are challenging, I often mentally take myself back to this moment. The anxious excitement 23 year old Rita felt, as she had no idea what the future held. If only she knew…
This dentist would one day help arrange international clinics that donated hundreds of thousands of dental care to patients who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it or have access to it.
This dentist would one day sponsor the surgery and smile of a Missouri man who was on death row 17 years before he was exonerated for a crime he didn’t commit.
This dentist would one day rebuild a woman’s confidence after surviving a domestic violence incident by gifting her a complete smile makeover.
Among these highlights, what’s equally important are the conversations, laughs, stories, tears, and hugs shared daily with my patients that I have the honor of serving. Dentistry IS hard on the body and mind, but it is the biggest blessing that this was MY calling. I hope I’m making younger me proud, because without her perseverance and spirit, I wouldn’t be where I am today. 🤍
Without the love and support of my family, I also would not be where I am today. 🤍
Miss Sierra Nevada 2016 - the first title I held as a student dentist. 👑✨ Without pageants, I truly believe wouldn’t be where I am today.
Oh, the joy I felt this day. This was the conclusion of the preclinical portion of my education. The start of what I was destined to do; the day I could start treating patients!
My first photoshoot in the white coat. This is still my contact photo on my iPhone. The sentimental version of myself can’t bear to change it. 🥲
Miss California International 2019 - the second title I held as a 3rd year student dentist. 👑✨
My white coat/career also brought me the love of my life. He happens to sport the same look. 😉🤍
What a gift to be able to sit down at the end of every day and talk about our days in a way that the other one completely understands. We are so grateful to serve different
