Meet Dr. Marielena Torres-Ricart
BOARD CERTIFIED PEDIATRIC DENTIST
I am enthusiastic 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 ever has to suffer from dental pain. Practicing pediatric dentistry in San Antonio has allowed me to follow my passion for informing and caring for children.
Education and Continuing Education
I am proud to have followed in my brother’s footsteps to study and practice dentistry. It was his passion for serving and the gratitude expressed by his patients in our native San Pedro 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 board certified and am constantly continuing my education. I am dedicated to staying informed of the latest developments in pediatric dentistry, allowing me to offer my patients and their parents the most cutting-edge care and education.
Family and Community
I love living in the San Antonio community with my husband, son, and daughter. We are surrounded by our family, including 12 nieces and nephews, so 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 severely impacted. This is what made me decide to pursue my education in pediatric dentistry and partake in regular outreach programs, not only here in the U.S., but also back in small towns in the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Peru and Ecuador where I have attended children and patients with special needs.
Providing my little patients with healthy smiles 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, as children are so inquisitive, vibrant, and full of life. Nothing makes me happier than being able to appease their fears of dentistry and make their experience a great one. My passion for children and their health is what led me to become a board-certified pediatric dentist in Texas.
Professional Affiliations
