Sam
RDH Dental Hygienist of Middletown Dental Associates
SUNY Orange
Sam Stefl is a caring and compassionate dental hygienist who is passionate about helping others, especially nervous patients. A graduate of SUNY Orange, Sam brings a problem-solving approach to dentistry, ensuring that each patient receives personalized and gentle care.
Known for treating patients like family, Sam is dedicated to making dental visits as comfortable and pain-free as possible. With a kind and patient demeanor, Sam is committed to helping patients feel at ease and confident in their dental care.
An interesting fact about Sam: instead of going to college right away, Sam purchased their first home at the age of 19—a testament to their determination and drive.
Mary
RDH Dental Hygienist of Middletown Dental Associates
SUNY Broome
Mary Lopez is a dedicated dental hygienist who is passionate about building meaningful relationships with her patients. A graduate of SUNY Broome, Mary’s goal is to be more than just a healthcare provider—she aims to become a trusted partner in her patients’ oral health and overall well-being.
As a bilingual healthcare provider, Mary ensures that patients fully understand their oral health status, the importance of preventive care, and how to manage their oral hygiene in their preferred language. This approach helps achieve better health outcomes and fosters a strong patient-provider relationship.
Mary is committed to providing excellent care while making patients feel comfortable and valued. An interesting fact about Mary: on her very last trip to Binghamton for graduation, she received her very first speeding ticket, making that day unforgettable!
Fran
RDH Dental Hygienist of Middletown Dental Associates
SUNY Orange’s Dental Hygiene program
Franceli’s passion for dentistry is driven by her belief in the power of education. She loves helping patients understand the importance of oral health and how it impacts their overall well-being. For her, the most rewarding part of her job is earning her patients’ trust and connecting with them on a personal level. She values the stories and experiences they share with her, and she finds that she learns just as much from them as they do from her.Franceli is committed to building strong, trusting relationships with her patients, both in and out of the dental chair.
When introducing herself to new patients, Franceli prefers to go by “Fran,” reflecting her approachable and friendly nature. She wants her patients to know that they are part of a team, working together in their best interest. Franceli understands that many people feel anxious or nervous about dental visits, and she is dedicated to making her patients feel as comfortable as possible from the moment they walk in.
An interesting fact about Franceli is that she was born with teeth—two little front teeth, to be exact. Her mother was shocked to discover this unique feature when she was born, and Franceli likes to think that it was a sign that she was destined for a career in dental hygiene. This early connection to the dental world has shaped her love for the profession and reinforced her belief that things happen for a reason.
Susan
RDH Dental Hygienist of Middletown Dental Associates
Valencia College in Orlando, FL,
Susan’s approach to dentistry is rooted in her own experiences. Growing up, she had several bad dental encounters that left her fearful of visiting the dentist. It wasn’t until she moved to Florida and met an exceptional dentist who provided painless care that her perspective began to change. This dentist took the time to numb her properly before a filling, which was a revelation for Susan. The experience was so profound that she wanted to kiss the ground he walked on! Instead, the dentist encouraged her to consider a career in dental hygiene, knowing there were many patients out there who, like Susan, were scared of dental visits. This advice inspired her to go back to school and pursue her dream of helping others.
Today, Susan takes great pride in making her patients feel comfortable and cared for. She finds immense satisfaction in seeing the transformation in patients who come in anxious and leave with newfound confidence. By taking the time to explain treatments in simple terms and offering tailored options, Susan ensures that her patients are fully informed and at ease during their visits.
Susan’s journey from a fearful patient to a compassionate dental hygienist is a testament to her dedication to the profession. She is grateful for the opportunity to help others overcome their dental anxieties and is proud to be part of a field that makes such a significant impact on people’s lives.
Celeste
RDH Dental Hygienist of Middletown Dental Associates
Fortis Institute – Scranton
Celeste Short Venancio is a dedicated dental hygienist with a strong passion for periodontal disease. A graduate of Fortis Institute in Scranton, Celeste loves educating patients about gum health and its connection to overall well-being and homecare.
Introduced to new patients as Celeste RDH, she focuses on providing comprehensive care while ensuring patients understand the importance of managing their gum health. Celeste also emphasizes that if patients are experiencing specific issues, a cleaning may not always be possible on the first visit.
An interesting tidbit about Celeste: when she was a senior in high school, she was unsure about her future career. After Googling “top 10 best jobs in America,” she found that dentistry topped the list. Her love for teeth and desire to start a career quickly led her to dental hygiene school, and now she is passionate about the dental field and aspires to become a dentist one day!
Katie
RDH Dental Hygienist of Middletown Dental Associates
Orange County Community College
Katie Bocash is a passionate dental hygienist whose commitment to promoting overall health and well-being shines through in her work. A graduate of Orange County Community College, Katie loves interacting with and educating patients about the importance of oral health, and she finds great fulfillment in seeing the positive changes it brings to their lives.
Katie is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and relaxing environment for her patients. She takes pride in building meaningful relationships and helping those with dental anxiety feel more at ease. Her goal is to ensure that every appointment is both calming and informative.
Introduced to new patients as someone who loves to connect on a personal level, Katie enjoys talking about her two calico cats (her “children”), spending time outdoors, going to the gym with her husband, and exploring new places around Orange County. Originally from New Hampshire, Katie and her husband decided to stay in the area after his assignment at West Point.
An interesting fact about Katie: Her move to Orange County was inspired by her husband’s military stationing, and they’ve grown to love the area so much that they decided to make it their home.
Erika
RDH Dental Hygienist of Middletown Dental Associates
SUNY Broome
Erika Guevara is a dedicated dental hygienist with a passion for making a positive impact on people’s health through prevention and education. A graduate of SUNY Broome, Erika loves helping others and is committed to enhancing their well-being by promoting good oral health.
Erika’s goal is to create a welcoming and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable and informed about their dental care. Her commitment to education and prevention helps ensure that every patient receives the best possible care and understands the importance of maintaining their oral health.
From a young age, Erika knew she wanted to be a dental hygienist, inspired by her own positive experiences with an exceptional hygienist. She strives to offer the same level of care and comfort to her patients, making each visit a positive experience.
