Our Greater Houston Dental Experts
Dr. Hugo E. Artaza, DDS
Houston's Premier Implant Dentist
Dr. Hugo E. Artaza is a standout private practitioner with over 40+ years of extensive knowledge and diverse experience in the field of dentistry. Originally from Austin, Texas, he has dedicated himself and his dynamic practice to providing the highest and most advanced level of dental care to his growing patient community and beyond. He has also lived eight years of his youth in South America, where he became fluent in Spanish. After graduating from Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston, he attended Texas Tech University, where he was selected for early entrance into dental school. Dr. Artaza graduated from The University of Texas HSC Dental Branch in Houston after completing the four-year program in just three years as a Doctor of Dental Surgery.
Dr. Artaza is considered by most not your typical general dentist. He has spent his entire career perfecting and innovating numerous dental specialties and procedures, including TMJ, dental crowns, dental root canals, dental implants, tissue and bone grafting, and reconstructive dentistry. He is one of the most expertly trained and experienced robot-assisted dental implant surgeons in the country and has mastery in the areas of anesthetics, restoration, and overall diagnosis. Dr. Artaza firmly believes that performing effective oral surgery and other complex procedures also requires a combination of cutting-edge technology and the most advanced equipment available. Aligned with a relentless pursuit for continuous advancement in knowledge and procedural expertise, he is most passionate about creating healthy and beautiful smiles that will forever change people’s lives.
Dr. Artaza is a member in good standing with the Greater Houston Dental Society, Texas Dental Association, American Dental Association, American Academy of General Dentistry, and the Pankey Institute. In his free time, he enjoys volunteer work in many areas and committees of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He is also an avid fitness enthusiast who cycles many miles on a regular basis.
Olesya Olendzki
Registered Dental Hygienist
Olesya (“Ollie”) joined us in June 2020 as a seasoned dental hygienist with a wealth of experience spanning over seven years. Hailing originally from Russia, she brings a unique international perspective to our practice, having lived in Greece and Turkey. Her passion for travel and exploration is matched only by her dedication to oral health. Her comprehensive knowledge and skillset underpin her commitment to providing top-notch dental care. Beyond the dental chair, Olesya finds solace in the world of yoga, a testament to her holistic approach to well-being. Whether she’s cleaning teeth or exploring new horizons, Olesya’s enthusiasm shines through in all aspects of her life.
Suzi Garcia
Office Manager
Suzi became a valued member of our team in February 2012, beginning her tenure by providing chairside assistance to Dr. Artaza and making close relationships with their patients. Over the years, she has adeptly filled various roles within our office, ultimately embracing the position of Office Manager with warmth and competence. Suzi is renowned for her ability to address a multitude of challenges, from insurance queries to accounting complexities, all while maintaining close collaboration with the Human Resources Manager and Dr. Hugo Artaza to ensure the entire office operates with utmost satisfaction. Beyond her professional life, Suzi is passionately involved in her youngest daughter’s softball activities, deeply values quality time with her husband and their four children and is a devoted participant in her church’s community.
Dr. Cazandra Guajardo
Doctor’s Assistant
Cazandra received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from The Autonomous University of Nuevo León in 2016 and brought her many skills and broad experience to us from Mexico. She is bilingual and has been a passionate and dedicated Dental Assistant with us since 2019. Specializing in robotic dentistry and restoration techniques, Cazandra is well-equipped to provide advanced and innovative treatments for the best possible outcomes relative to our patients’ dental health. Her commitment to ongoing education ensures current knowledge of the latest techniques and technologies, allowing her to deliver the highest standard of care.
While dentistry is her professional calling, she finds solace and inspiration in the great outdoors. Fishing and embarking on exciting adventures in nature are her “go-to” hobbies. As a proud and loving dog mom, Cazandra also shares the same level of empathy and compassion for our dental patients.
Dr. Paola Pineda
Doctor’s Assistant
Paola has been working with us as a Doctor’s Assistant since July 2016. She graduated in 2001 with her Doctor of Dental Surgery License. She is exceptionally experienced as she was previously a dentist specializing in Periodontics in Venezuela prior to moving to the United States. Of course, she is bilingual and enjoys working in an environment that is always striving to be on the cutting edge of dental technology and consistently delivers the highest level of patient treatment. Paola and her husband have two beautiful children who are their greatest blessing. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and loves to bake!
Dr. Maria Gracia Manrique
Doctor’s Assistant
Maria joined our practice in 2001, shortly after obtaining her Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the University of Zulia in Venezuela. She is a compassionate Dental Assistant committed to providing exceptional care to our patients. Also bilingual, she brings many valuable experiences and an expanded knowledge base to our practice and our patients. Marie is dedicated to keeping up with the latest advances in dental technology, ensuring our patients always receive the highest level of quality care. Outside of the office, she enjoys music and spending time with her partner and her two children.
Destiny Fransaw
Patient Care Coordinator
Destiny recently joined our team with a passion for helping patients feel genuinely cared for and comfortable during every visit. As Patient Care Coordinator, she enjoys building strong relationships with patients and helping create a smooth, positive, and stress-free experience from start to finish. Her warm personality, attention to detail, and compassionate approach help patients feel welcomed the moment they walk through the door.
Outside of her professional role, Destiny loves spending quality time with her young daughter, traveling, and enjoying new experiences. She values making meaningful memories with family and friends and brings the same positive energy and caring attitude into the office each day.
Mercedez Perez
Patient Care Coordinator
Mercedez brings years of patient care experience to our practice and is highly dedicated to offering compassion, clarity, and reassurance as our patients explore their treatment plans and financial options. She helps patients turn past dental health challenges into positive steps forward, inspired by wisdom from Disney’s “Rafiki” ™: ‘The past can hurt, but the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.’
Outside of helping patients navigate their dental care with confidence, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and hosting epic movie marathons at home.
She looks forward to helping script next healthy chapters with our patients, alongside our awesome team!
Gigi Clark
Human Resources/Marketing Director
Gigi joined the Artaza team in April 2023 as a seasoned Human Resources and Marketing Director, with predominant experience in professional financial services and international healthcare staffing and recruitment industries. Along with other specialty experience in areas such as company mergers and acquisitions (start-ups and roll-ups) and immigration and deployment management of international nurses to the U.S., her operational and compliance management knowledge within Human Resources and Marketing activities bring broad support and strategic guidance to our practice’s short and long-term initiatives and goals.
Gigi has traveled extensively, living in Norway and England in her younger years, and visited many other foreign countries and domestic cities throughout her business career. She enjoys traveling, meeting new people, learning and exploring new things, and activities that help her grow professionally and personally. She is a long-standing committee member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and enjoys other volunteer opportunities with specialty groups supporting animal awareness and special needs people. She is eager to learn more about dentistry and always looks forward to meeting and building on-going relationships with our patient families.
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