Where You Will Be Treated Like Family
Even though we all appreciate the importance of maintaining our oral health, there aren’t many that look forward to a trip to the dentist’s office. It’s often perceived to be a scary, impersonal and possibly painful experience that, albeit necessary, most of us would happily avoid if other options existed. So we grit our teeth, hop in the chair and just get it over with.
Fortunately for our ‘09 teeth and gums, there’s the All Smiles Dental Center, and as the name so aptly suggests, a happy outcome always pleasantly achieved is its promise. Owned and operated by the caring, close and competent Vela/De La Rosa family, the center combines state-of-the-art treatment with an old style commitment to comfort, well-being and, most importantly, outstanding results. Yep, it’s a real family business, and patients soon discover they’re treated like one of the family too. Maybe that’s why there isn’t any frowning there — just all smiles. Open wide!
In 2010 the youthful Dr. David Vela and his more experienced father-in-law, Dr. Serapio De La Rosa, wishing to work together, purchased an existing practice located on the outskirts of the Alamo Heights area, put their stamp on it, and thanks to an abundance of word-of-mouth from satisfied clients, greatly expanded the patient base (up to 150 new patients each month). But with this growth, bigger digs were soon needed. After the completion in 2016 of their new tricked-out building on Teak Lane just off Sunset Road, All Smiles Dental Center officially became a 78209 business. And as a delighted Dr. Vela relates, “My father-in-law and I always loved Heights. It truly has the small-town feel that we were always looking for. It’s an area where you know your neighbors, and they know you. Kind of like an extended family, which is really what our practice is all about.”
And when you consider who staffs the Center, it really is family oriented. Dr. Vela and Dr. De La Rosa (and the newest member of the team, Dr. Ramon Ray, who although not officially related, is treated like a brother/son) are the primary dentists. All are highly trained in the latest disciplines of general dentistry covering preventive care, cosmetics, root canals, extractions and other essential oral treatments as well as several highly specialized procedures. For example, Dr. Vela is a preferred provider of Invisalign, while Dr. De La Rosa is laser certified for periodontal surgery. Whatever the situation, they are ready to tackle almost any dental challenge. With new cutting-edge technologies and therapies constantly being introduced, continuing education remains an important commitment for all three.
But the talented doctors are only a part of the familial equation. Stephanie Vela, Dr. Vela’s wife and the daughter of Dr. Serapio, expertly handles the hygienist duties. She and David met while attending St. Mary’s University. And Mrs. De La Rosa (Pat) efficiently runs the office and oversees the other 10 staffers who technically, commercially and logistically support the overall operation. All in all, the kinship throughout the center runs deep, and as Dr. De La Rosa expresses, “Our patients truly sense the closeness we feel for each other, and after a visit or two, they become like a member of the family as well. Frankly, there’s a great feeling around our office.”
Couple the aspect of family, the high level of professionalism and the commitment to the patient’s overall contentment with the 3,700-square-foot state-of-the-art facility (which boasts nine fully equipped treatment rooms, each designed to maximize the patient’s comfort), and a visit to the center really can be a positive emotional experience. To further ensure satisfaction, before any procedure each client may select from a “menu” the personal touches that can greatly minimize or eradicate any uneasiness. Options include a choice of television programming (amazingly, each treatment room has two TVs, one mounted on the ceiling, allowing for the reclining patient to view the screen, and another wall-mounted set angled for a normal seated position), the use of a warm and cozy blanket, special music, darkened eyeglasses and even a little sedation safely provided via nitrous oxide. When combined with the services of the caring and competent health providers, the mix truly does minimize anxiety, stress and unpleasantness as the procedures are quickly and adroitly administered. As Dr. Vela emphasizes, “If the patient feels any discomfort before, during or after, we haven’t done our job, no matter how successful the outcome.”
So beyond the previously mentioned reasons, why else should an ‘09er patronize the All Smiles Dental Center? Can you say convenience? The practice operates Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Also, on two Saturdays per month, the center is open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. And you can even make appointments online on their informative website.
So make the Vela/De La Rosa family’s All Smiles Dental Center your source for expert, compassionate dental care because who doesn’t want to be treated like family? Rinse, please!
By Ernie Altgelt
Photography by Martin Waddy
