I am originally from Southern California, but I have made San Francisco my new home since my graduation from UCSF School of Dentistry. Upon graduation, I immediately started teaching at UCSF and started my private practice in San Francisco. Less than ten years later, I started a second practice in Redwood City. I continued my education by taking various specialized courses all over the United States in everything from TMJ disorders and cosmetic dentistry to full mouth reconstruction. I am a graduate of the Dawson Academy, where I trained to treat occlusal problems and TMJ issues, and of the Rondeau for Orthodontics. This has allowed me to provide the best dental care to my patients. Throughout the years, I have obtained a substantial amount of knowledge that has allowed me to provide 99% of the work that my patients need, including implants, braces, and extractions. I take pride in being able to treat not just the problem but also the cause of the pain and discomfort that my patients have by applying my knowledge in TMJ stability and disorders. This is an area in which less than 5% of dentists have tke knowledge or ability to provide treamtment. I am also an Invisalign Preferred Provider.

I am especially proud of my work in cosmetic dentistry because it was a goal of mine before I graduated from dental school. I can relate to a lot of my patients cosmetic needs, since I lost my two front teeth while playing basketball at school when I was only 15 years old. I had to wear a gold bridge, which made me so self-conscious that I would cover my mouth when I laughed, and I could never bring myself to smile for pictures. I quickly learned how important a beautiful smile is to a persons self-esteem, confidence, and in turn, their overall happiness.

My patients can rely on the fact that I am always up-to-date with the new information and technology in dentistry, and that I am constantly striving to be the best. Whenever there is a new discovery in the dental field, I am on the next flight to learn about it and how it can benefit my patients.I am also a faculty member for Hiossen, and I regularly take dentists to Mexico for training.

Dr. Chela Gonzalez completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Berkeley, where she majored in molecular and cell biology. She followed in her fathers steps and received her DDS from the University of California, San Francisco, where she received the Cosmetic Dentistry Award in her senior year. Dr. Chela loves her career, and when she is not working, she is taking courses atthe Spears Institute in Scottsdale Arizona, covering topics such as dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, and more! Even as a recent graduate, she has already attended the annualAACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry)conference in Boston, taken all the seminar courses offered at the Spears Institute, completed implant courses, and become a member of an Implant Study Club. From the moment she graduated, she knew that making her patients feel great and confident about their smiles was her ultimate goal. She strives every day to continue to progress in her skill and her knowledge in order to provide her patients, friends, and family with the best possible dental treatment.

Dr. Maria Gonzalez graduated from the University of California, San Francisco. She earned honors in patient-centered care and in her periodontics rotation. She also received letters of recommendation from several of the faculty members. Dr. Maria also received the highest honor from the San Francisco Dental Society in ethics and professionalism. She has joined her father in practice to gain all of the experience and knowledge that she can in several aspects of dentistry, including root canals, occlusion, implant dentistry, and more. Dr. Maria has extended her field of study by taking continued education courses in practice management, marketing, and incorporating medical billing into a dental practice. She is also certified in basic life support and is the current HIPAA officer in her practice. Dr. Maria is an active member in her local dental societies, as well as the American Dental Association and California Dental Association, where she has been part of many volunteer opportunities in her community.

Dr. Maria has decided to start her career in the Bay Area not solely because her father is here but also because this is where she feels at home with the people of her community. She was born and raised in the Bay Area, and she completed her undergraduate studies at San Francisco State University. She also completed her associates degree in life studies at Canada College and graduated with high honors. Dr. Maria is looking forward to building long-lasting relationships with her patients by gaining their trust and respect. She enjoys what she does and wants to portray that to her patients. When Dr. Maria is not practicing dentistry, she enjoys spending time with her two sons, playing soccer, scrapbooking, and spending time outdoors.