Meet Our Team

Michelle Palmer, R.D.A., Office Manager

Michelle is one of the first people you meet when you enter our office. She has been in the dental field since 1991 and has been with our team since 1992. She began as a dental assistant and she obtained her registered dental assistant license in 1995. Her warm and caring personality have benefited our practice and she became our office manager in 1997.

Rachel Marquez, D.A.

Rachel has been a member of our team since 1998, first as a dental assistant and now helps in the front office as well. Her professional attitude and gentle demeanor allows her the flexibility of being able to contribute to all aspects of our office.

Paula Ward, R.D.A., R.D.H.

Paula began her dental career in 1983. She started as a licensed dental assistant for 8 years and then decided to continue her love for dentistry by earning her bachelor degree in dental hygiene at U.S.C. in 1995. After graduating, she continued as an instructor in the periodontal department and became a member of our team in 2000. As advances in dental health continue we share the same philosophy of incorporating new technology to help maintain and educate our patients for overall health.

Susan Dragoo, R.D.H., R.D.H.A.P.

Susan Dragoo, RDH, RDHAP began her dental career in 1981. She is a graduate of San Joaquin Valley Dental Hygiene College and received a post graduate certificate in Alternative Practice Dental Hygiene from the University of Pacific School of Dentistry, San Francisco. She became a member of our team in 2006. She has a diverse dental background and brings great passion to her craft with a desire to continue to grow professionally. She believes that oral health is essential to total body health.

Veronica Ortiz, D.A.

Veronica is our primary dental assistant who works side by side with Dr. Smith. She helps keep our patients relaxed and comfortable by catering to their needs. She has a genuine desire to help others and is the perfect team player.

Gail Smith, Office Coordinator

Gail has worked for our team since the practice started in 1988. Her commitment and attention to detail were the building blocks for our professional environment. She now spends her time marketing our practice and helping to maintain an efficient office.