Meet Dr. Marielena Torres-Ricart
BOARD CERTIFIED PEDIATRIC DENTIST
I am passionate about teaching children how to overcome their fears, creating happy smiles and happy patients that will enjoy visiting the dentist for a lifetime. My goal is to make dental visits fun for our patients and their parents from the moment they walk into our office. I am a true believer in prevention and would love to see a world where no child has to ever suffer from dental pain.
Education and Continuing Education
I am proud to have followed in my brother’s footsteps to study and then practice dentistry. It was his passion for serving and the gratitude expressed by his patients in our native San Pedro in the Dominican Republic that made me realize that I wanted to do the same and make a difference.
My education began at the Universidad Central del Este, San Pedro de Macoris where I received my Doctor of Dentistry degree in 2004. From there, I went to New York University to obtain my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2009. I received my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, PA in 2011.
I am constantly involved in continuing education and recently completed my board certification. I am a great believer in being informed of new developments in the dental field, thus being able to offer my patients the best care available.
Family and Community
My husband, son, daughter, and I love living in the San Antonio community. We are surrounded by our family, including 12 nieces and nephews, therefore there is always something fun and exciting happening! When I’m not working I enjoy food, travel, and art.
In my native San Pedro de Macoris, DR, I realized early on that poverty and poor health go hand in hand, and children are the most affected. This is what made me decide to continue my education in pediatric dentistry and partake in regular outreach programs, not only here in the US, but also back in the Dominican Republic. I had the pleasure of serving a small town in the Dominican Republic in 2011 and also Nicaragua in 2010 where I attended children and special need patients.
Providing my little patients with a healthy smile, and being able to take part in their growth by educating them and their parents is invaluable to me. There is never a dull moment in pediatrics, with children being so inquisitive, vibrant, and full of life. Nothing makes me happier than being able to appease their fears of dentistry and making their experience a great one.
Professional Affiliations
