Culture & Core Values
My identity as a first-generation Dominican and Mexican-American woman is at the center of everything I do in life, in service, and in dentistry.
Growing up I learned early that perseverance, gratitude, and faith are not just values; they’re a way of life. My culture taught me that every success is built through community, humility, and the desire to lift others as you rise.
The warmth, hospitality, and strength of my heritage have shaped how I approach every patient and every challenge. Whether it’s greeting someone in Spanish to make them feel more comfortable or simply listening with empathy, I aim to bring cultural understanding and compassion into every interaction.
First-Generation Perspective
Being first-gen means more than being the first in my family to graduate from college, it means carrying the dreams, sacrifices, and hopes of those who came before me.
I grew up understanding that education and opportunity are privileges earned through persistence. Every degree, every patient, and every milestone is a shared victory for my family, my culture, and my community.
My background fuels my drive to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds who may feel unseen or misunderstood in healthcare settings. I want to be the kind of dentist who not only restores smiles but also restores trust in the healthcare system, especially among populations who have historically faced disparities and barriers to access and respect.
Cultural Awareness Through Research
My passion for equity and representation led me to conduct my Honors Thesis at Vanderbilt University, where I researched Racial and Ethnic Oral Health Disparities in the United States.
Through that project, I analyzed how cultural factors, socioeconomic barriers, and healthcare access influence oral health outcomes among minority populations. What I discovered reaffirmed what I already knew from lived experience: that culture, language, and trust play a powerful role in how people seek and receive care.
My thesis became more than an academic project, it was a reflection of my identity and a call to action. It taught me that as a dentist, I have the opportunity and responsibility to advocate for culturally competent care and to ensure that every patient, regardless of background, receives the respect and education they deserve.
Cultural Sensitivity in Patient Care
Dentistry, to me, is more than clinical skill; it’s communication, empathy, and connection.
I understand that a patient’s comfort, understanding, and trust often depend on how well we respect their culture, language, and values. I strive to make every patient feel seen, heard, and valued, regardless of where they come from or what language they speak. I aim to bridge the gap between oral health education and accessibility, ensuring that every patient feels empowered to take control of their smile and health.
Values That Guide My Life and Career
Compassion: Treat every patient with understanding, patience, and empathy.
Excellence: Pursue growth through education, curiosity, and integrity.
Humility: Remember where I come from and who I represent.
Community: Give back through service and mentorship.
Authenticity: Lead with honesty, kindness, and purpose in all that I do.
My roots are my foundation, they remind me to lead with my heart and to bring warmth and resilience into everything I do. As I continue my journey through dental medicine, I carry my culture with pride not only as a part of who I am, but as a way to connect, heal, and inspire others.