Meet the Team

We recognize that all of our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.

We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.

From managing office flow to scheduling appointments and handling insurance, our front office team is here to greet you with a smile every time you come to visit.

Front Desk Staff
Karen

Karen

Office Manager

I began my career as a dental assistant in 1987, right here at The Dentists. Having transitioned to management, I am now responsible for accounts payable, payroll, human resources, and maintaining and tracking regulatory compliance.

I love working with the dentists and the entire staff because of their unwavering passion for providing the best care possible. Each team member is genuinely committed to delivering treatment that not only addresses the specific needs of our patients but also ensures their comfort and well-being throughout the process. The compassion they show for each patient is truly inspiring, as they take the time to listen, understand and make every person feel valued.

Staci

Staci

Business Manager

I joined The Dentists in 1999, having first completed my training as a dental assistant. Now, as our business manager, I file insurance claims, coordinate accounts, and fight insurance companies to get our patients the benefits they deserve. I genuinely love the people I work with. We are a work family that supports and cares about each other, both in and outside the office.

I am married with five children, two grandchildren, and two dogs. We spend all our weekends at home relaxing in the pool with family.

Deanna

Deanna

Treatment Coordinator

It’s been a pleasure to have been a part of the team here at The Dentists for the past 20 years. As our treatment coordinator, I will discuss different options and plans that are best suited for the patient and their needs. I really appreciate being part of the process of giving people their confidence back by allowing them to smile again.

I’ve lived in Bastrop since 2005 with my husband Chris and our dogs Remi, Gunner, and Tikka. I love traveling, whether it’s out of the country or a road trip in the Jeep with the top down!  I also enjoy UT sports, especially football. (HOOK 'EM)

Jimmie

Jimmie

Front Desk

I began my dental career in Tampa, Florida, after graduating from dental assistant school in 1984. Shortly after moving to the area, I joined The Dentists! After all these years here, we’re much more like family than anything else. There’s nothing better than getting to visit with families I’ve known for generations.

I moved to Bastrop in 1985 after traveling the world with my husband while he was in the Air Force for 20+ years. While I am now a widow, I spend most of my time with my three children, four grandchildren, and one great grandchild. I still love traveling with family, shopping, and watching Hallmark movies.

Sydney

Sydney

Front Desk

In addition to my role at the front desk, I'm also cross trained as an assistant. I starting working with The Dentists in 2022 after completing RDA school, so you may see my smiling face helping out in the back! Whether I’m assisting the doctors, preparing the room, answering questions, and most importantly calling the lab to insure your cases are in office so you can smile BIG! I always aim to create a calm and supportive environment. I truly enjoy the variety this role brings and feel grateful to be part of a professional, caring team that’s dedicated to helping patients achieve their best smiles.

Outside of work, I have three dogs, and a cat named Tito (who is my baby). I enjoy being with my family, going to the beach whenever I can, fishing at the coast, and hanging out with my friends.

Amy

Amy

Scheduling Coordinator

I began my dental career as an assistant in general dentistry more than 24 years ago and have since transitioned into an administrative role as our scheduling coordinator. I work to make sure that our patients are scheduled efficiently so that they never feel rushed during their appointments.

I moved to Bastrop in 2014 from Corpus Christi after getting engaged to my husband. We have three wonderful grandkids and enjoy spending time with them. We also enjoy fishing and hanging out with our pups on the weekends.

Mary

Mary

Front Desk

I received my dental assisting and nitrous certificate through UTSA in 2021 and started working with Dr. Smith as her assistant in our Hallettsville office in 2022. I appreciate our focus on good communication, teamwork, and building positive relationships with our patients and each other.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also work at our family-owned exotic deer breeding ranch and fish hatchery, and I love it!


Dental Assistants

Desk Assistants

Our dental assistants are here to make your experience in our office as easy and stress-free as possible. Usually working alongside Dr. Smith, Dr. Koppuzha, and Dr. Grewal, our assistants help with many of the procedures and treatments you’ll receive at our office. They are dedicated individuals who look forward to building a relationship with you and your family.

Lucy

Lucy

I graduated from Austin Dental Assisting School in 2015 and am certified in nitrous oxide monitoring. I love the fast-paced nature of dentistry and the hands-on experience I get working closely with our doctors as our lead RDA. Every day brings something new, and I enjoy continuing to learn and grow in my role. I’ve learned so much from everyone, each in their own unique way.

When I have free time, I like to spend it with my family, husband, and kids. I love going to my son's soccer games, watching my baby girl grow and do new things, and going on walks with my dogs. I especially enjoy the outdoors, be at the beach, mountains, or just our local parks.

Jaime

Jaime

I’ve been a dental assistant since graduating from Allied Health Careers in 2003, and I’m also certified in nitrous oxide monitoring. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping create new smiles through cosmetic dentistry; it’s amazing to see the transformation and how confident patients feel afterward. What truly inspires me every day is the passion our entire team has for taking excellent care of our patients. I feel proud to be part of a group that puts heart into everything we do.

I’ve been blessed with one child, and we share our home with our dog. I like trying new foods, traveling, and spending time on my family’s land at the river.

Shayla

Shayla

I completed my dental assisting training at Austin Dental Assisting School in 2020 and have also had the benefit of on-the-job training, along with being certified in nitrous oxide monitoring. I enjoy working closely with our doctors and assisting on all types of dental procedures. I love helping patients feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible during their visit. I truly enjoy working with this team. We support each other, and it’s fulfilling to be in an environment where everyone is eager to help and lift each other up.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter. We love watching sports together, especially football and basketball (GO CELTICS!).

Alejandra

Alejandra

I graduated from Austin Dental Assisting School in 2017 and joined The Dentists in 2023. One of the things I enjoy most about being a dental assistant is getting to know our patients. Everyone has different needs and experiences, and I love building that personal connection. My goal is always to help patients feel comfortable and at ease so that their visit is a positive one. When patients leave with a smile and feel confident about coming back, I know I’ve done my job well.

I am very family oriented and love spending my time off with my three kids and husband. The best part after a long day is seeing my family gathered at the table for dinner.

Areli

Areli

I started in the dental field after attending Dental Assisting Options in 2022. I love seeing familiar faces come through the door and catching up with our long-time patients. One of my favorite parts of this job is getting to work alongside such a supportive, hardworking team. Our doctors create a fun, dynamic environment where no two days are ever the same, and I’m proud to be part of a team that’s focused on making the office a better place for everyone who walks in.

I enjoy traveling, going to movies with my friends, baking, photography, and any fun form of art. I also have a cat that loves to trip me up when I get home from work!


Dental Hygienists

Hygienist Staff

With years of experience and continual training in the most current hygiene treatments and procedures, our hygienists are able to give you the peace of mind you deserve when trusting someone with your oral health. When it comes to patient care, our hygienists are second to none in providing a comfortable, positive dental experience you’re sure to enjoy.

Kari

Kari

I joined The Dentists in 2003 after earning my Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene. I love working here because we are all like family. We like to have fun and most of us have worked together for a long time. It’s rewarding to be part of a team that genuinely cares about our patients and supports one another every day.

I have one adult son and enjoy spending time with family and friends. My guilty pleasure is watching crime shows!

Melanie

Melanie

I earned my associate’s degree in dental hygiene in 1996 and have spent the past 30 years with the doctors and staff here at The Dentists. I enjoy getting to know my patients and helping them feel comfortable and confident during their visits. My goal is to make every appointment a positive experience by being gentle, thorough, and always attentive to each person’s needs. I take pride in educating patients about their oral health and giving them the tools they need to maintain healthy smiles at home.

Jessica

Jessica

Like many on our team, I began as a dental assistant before continuing my education to become a dental hygienist in 2016. I enjoy the relationships I build with my patients, connecting with them on a personal level, and helping them to love their smiles by educating them on their oral health.

I married my husband Garret in 2019, and we have two wild and wonderful children, Grayson and Jolene. I spend my free time with my family, traveling, fishing, and hunting, and I try to work out every day!

Brooke

Brooke

I received my dental assistant certification from Dental Assisting Options in La Grange, Texas. I worked part time as an assistant while completing pre-requisites for hygiene school and graduated from Coastal Bend's dental hygiene program in 2022. I love building relationships with my patients and seeing how education and good home care can make a difference in their dental and overall health.

In my spare time, I enjoy walking my two dogs, working out, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth

I began my dental career in 2017 after earning a dental assisting degree from UT Health. I gained experience in both general and orthodontic practices before joining The Dentists in 2018, followed by dental hygiene school at Coastal Bend in 2025. It’s been a true pleasure to build relationships with my patients while helping them find their own personalized path to success with their oral health.

Outside my work as a dental professional, I clean homes on the side and bake cakes for small events. Born and raised a country girl, I enjoy spending my free time outdoors with my two cats, my dog, and my significant other, especially hunting every weekend of duck and deer season.