About Our Dallas Practice | White Rock Orthodontics

COVID-19 Information – 2022

White Rock Orthodontics Update During the COVID Era

White Rock Orthodontics remains committed to the safety of our patients, our Team, and our families. We continue to ask your help to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Please note that all Team members and both doctors at White Rock Orthodontics are fully vaccinated.

Prior to Entering the Office:

If you or someone in your family has been experiencing flu-like symptoms or has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please do not come to your appointment.
Please notify us and we will reschedule your appointment for a later date.

During Your Visit:

While in the Reception area, masks should be worn at all times while not actively eating or drinking.
During your appointment, please wear your mask at all times when entering and leaving the clinic.
Tooth brushing in the office continues to be suspended at this time. Please brush and floss at home prior to your appointment.
Hand sanitizer is available throughout the office.

We are constantly evaluating the rapidly-evolving federal guidelines to help prevent the spread of this virus.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call or text us.

Meet Dr. AJ Ortega

Welcome to White Rock Orthodontics! I am honored to be entrusted with the care of children, teens, and adults of all ages. I believe that orthodontics is a wonderful combination of art and science that can be tailored to each individual’s wishes. Creating a beautiful smile is a team effort that requires constant clear communication and cooperation! My goal is that each patient feels that their individual concerns are addressed and questions are answered completely throughout treatment. It always amazes me to see the changes that occur, not only in a patient’s smile, but also in his or her self-confidence and attitude about smiling! I love it when we help patients “Find Their Smile”!

Education & Experience

I grew up in Dallas and graduated from St. Mark’s School of Texas. My personal journey in becoming an orthodontist took me from Coast to Coast and around the world:

For college, I attended Princeton University (Princeton, NJ) and graduated with a degree in Geology and a minor in Spanish.
I earned my Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) from Harvard School of Dental Medicine (Boston, MA).
I completed a General Practice Residency at the Naval Medical Center San Diego (CA), which gave me invaluable experience in understanding complex dental treatments, including caring for hospitalized children and adults.
I served an additional three years as a Navy dentist, which included a year-long deployment to a tiny island in the middle of the Indian Ocean called Diego Garcia.
I earned my Master of Science (MS) degree and Certificate in Orthodontics from Baylor College of Dentistry (Dallas, TX).

I believe that in order to provide the best treatment for our patients, continuing education for the entire office is paramount. At Baylor, I was fortunate to have been trained in the newest techniques in orthodontics by some of the leaders in the profession. Now, I am committed to continuing education to stay up-to-date in techniques that help deliver the best care for my patients.

History of Service

Immediately after college, I joined the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) where I performed community service for a year in various cities in California and Idaho. During my service in the AmeriCorps NCCC and the US Navy, I learned a deep sense of service and responsibility to give back to the community in which I live and to this great country of ours.

Personal

I live in Lake Highlands and I am fortunate to provide orthodontic care for the community that I know and love. My wife, Lauren, is a pediatrician, and we have two wonderful daughters, Ava and Layla. We’ve also adopted a 3-legged cat named Jade who is the boss of the house!

I believe that the world is an incredible playground for discovery. My family and I can often be found traveling, hiking, camping, and fishing. I also try to stay motivated to work out, run, and stay in shape!

I look forward to getting to know you and helping you “Find Your Smile”!

Our Team

Sam, RDA

Treatment Coordinator

Kimberly RDA

Orthodontic Pantologist

Rebecka RDA, SOA

Lead Assistant, Specialized Orthodontic Assistant

Biranda RDA

Lab & Records Technician

Emily RDA, SOA

Specialized Orthodontic Assistant

Hellen, RDA, SOA

Specialized Orthodontic Assistant

Sam joined our WRO family in 2024 with experience in nearly every position in the dental office. Sam has been working in the field since 2018 and began specializing as an orthodontic assistant in 2021. Her diverse experience allows her to bring a wealth of knowledge and care to her role, always striving to make patients feel comfortable and at ease.

Outside of work, Sam loves to catch the latest movies with her husband, Adriel. Sam is always experimenting in the kitchen and trying out new recipes—whether cooking or baking, she’s always up for a challenge. She’s never seen a recipe she couldn’t conquer!

Kimberly is one of our Treatment Coordinators and here to help you get started on your orthodontic journey. You can also find her in the front office assisting patients with scheduling and payments. Kimberly has been in orthodontics since 1999 and joined the WRO family way back in 2012! She has held every position in the office, from chair-side to administrative, so if you have a question… she has the answer! Kimberly loves her cat, Charlie, watching movies, hanging out with friends, and (thanks to her niece) is a huge Baylor Bear fan!

Rebecka began working in orthodontics in 2011 and joined the WRO family in 2015. She is our lead clinical assistant and is extremely passionate about helping patients find their smile. Rebecka’s natural ability to connect with people helps her build strong patient relationships. In her free time, she loves cuddling with her fur baby Stella, watching reality TV, and brunching with her friends.

Biranda joined WRO in January 2017 and she has been in the dental field since 2010. Her favorite thing about working in orthodontics is meeting new people and seeing their improvements throughout treatment. Biranda is the mother of 2 girls and 3 boys and outside of the office they enjoy going to sporting events and catching the latest movies.

Emily began working in orthodontics in 2019 and joined the WRO family in 2021. Emily is not only one of our talented chair-side assistants, but also the unofficial office comedian and loves making people laugh. Emily is constantly learning new techniques in order to help each patient achieve their best smile. Emily loves personally getting to know each patient and spends all of her free time with her 2 boys, Isaiah and Ian. She likes watching movies and LOVES rainy days.

Hellen was welcomed into the WRO family in June of 2022! She has been working as a Orthodontic Assistant since 2021. She enjoys building relationships with our patients and working along side her team! Hellen spends her free time working on her baking skills in the hopes of one day owning her own Bakery. Hellen loves hanging with her family and her boyfriend Alejandro. She and Alejandro recently added to their family with the purchase of their chameleon, “Mike Mysowski”.

*A Specialized Orthodontic Assistant is a special designation awarded by the American Association of Orthodontists to orthodontic assistants who take a voluntary knowledge and proficiency exam to demonstrate advanced knowledge of orthodontics. To quote from the program handbook: “This is the hallmark of excellence in orthodontic assisting.”

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