Dr. Patino has been serving Visalia and surrounding areas as your local dentist since 1975 in his private practice in downtown Visalia. Services include prevention, extractions, fixed and removable prosthetics, implant restorations, veneer restorations, and endodontics.

Dr. Patino has been participating in the Puente Program since 2011. Dr. Patino volunteers through the local community college working with those wanting to pursue a health science career. The program's mission is to increase the number of educationally disadvantaged students who enroll in four-year colleges and universities.

Soon after earning her BA at CSU Los Angeles in 1969, Marie married Alex Patino. 'Alex and I married in June 1969. I feel dentistry is written into my marriage contact! Even the majority of our staff has been together for a long time--over20 years with us. We work well as a team, coordinating and executing whatever challenges cross our path.'While keeping up with the many new developments in dentistry, Marie has especially enjoyedseeing the Before and After of their work and the difference it hasmade in their patients ' lives.

On a personal note she adds, 'We have two daughters and we were recently blessed with our firstgrandchild, a little girl.' Alwaysinvolved in PTA , Mariewas honored for her dedication when she was inducted into the Visalia Educational Foundation Hall of Fame.

'I didn 't really choose dentistry, it chose me when I was in school.I 've been in the dental field fornine years now and with Dr. Patino for about a year and half. He and Marie make us all feel like a part of their family. We have such a good time--I think our patients truly enjoy coming here too.'

Margaret chose dentistry because she thought it would be a rewarding field of work. Aftermajoring in Dental Assisting at vocational school and community college,sheworkedin dentistry for 12 years before coming to workwith Dr. Patino 21 years ago. 'I have enjoyed helping patients feel comfortable, relaxed, and trusting.'

An advocate of health and wellness, Susan was drawn to dentistry, aprofession that reflects her priorities. After earning her AA in Dental Hygiene at Fresno City College,Susan worked in the profession for five years before coming to workwith Dr. Patino, where she 's been for 25 years.The most rewarding aspect of her job is 'being a component - a part of the team - that allows clients to keep their teeth as long as possible.'

Susan is a member of the Valley Oak Dental Hygiene Assn, where she has been Secretary and Continuing Education Chair, and she has been a mentor to students in the San Joaquin Valley College Dental Hygiene Program. She enjoys spending time withhusband and two daughters as well as gardening and snow skiing.