But my patients warmly know me as Dr. Oz, and as your dentist, I am sure you want to get to know me a little better personally and professionally. I was born in Merced, California, and spent many of my childhood summers working for my father installing flooring. He taught me many lessons, including a strong work ethic. My mom was my cheerleader; she encouraged me to read great books and dream BIG and to love those around me. I believe my parents instilled in me many values that have helped to mold who I am today.

I grew up playing sports with my brothers, primarily Olympic wrestling. Though I lost nearly every match for the five years I wrestled, it was a great sport that taught me discipline. I was also involved and continue to participate in church worship. I began playing the drums at the age of 10, but after my mom discovered I had a voice, she made sing, and that soon became one of my passions!

I graduated from Merced High School then went on to earn my bachelors degree in chemistry from University of California Merced. From a young age, I knew that I wanted to be a doctor and an entrepreneur, and after earning my bachelors degree, I decided that dentistry was a great blend and the best of both worlds.

I believe a smile increases your face value, and in order to provide you with a functional and beautiful smile, I have dedicated my career to learning advanced techniques in restorative and sedation dentistry. My promise to you is to create a comfortable environment and truly listen to your needs and wants, then tailor a treatment plan unique to you!

I attribute many of my techniques to the great lessons I learned in Loma Linda School of Dentistry. I earned my Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) with honors, graduating summa cum laude. I excelled not only academically but also clinically. My involvement with dental mission work allowed me to gain insights and skills beyond what I could have learned in the classroom. I also realize the importance of continued education, though, and I currently have over 300 hours of continued education in courses such as implants and IV sedation. My desire is to continue to provide the excellent dental care that you have come to expect from Dr. Ross and High Desert Dental.

Though I truly love dentistry and would work every day if I could! I realize the importance of living a balanced life, and I am involved in activities such as leading worship at my local church, salsa dancing, making salsa and eating salsa, and going to the dog park with my wife and our little puppy, Rosie!

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. It is with a joyous heart I am sending you, my most treasured patients, notice of the addition of Dr. Ozzie Rodas and his wife, Taylor Rodas, RDH, to High Desert Dental. Dr. Rodas and Taylor have been practicing in Farmington for the past few years as part of the team at Sundance Dental. Fortunately for all of us, they have decided to fulfill their dream of owning their own private dental practice and are purchasing my practice.

This year marked my 40th year of having the opportunity to serve the oral health care needs of you and your families. To say the least, it has been my pleasure to have done so. I would like to say thank you in all sincerity for having given me the honor of entrusting your oral health care needs to me.

Throughout my career, I have endeavored to continue learning and practicing the latest proven clinical techniques as well as employing the latest technological advances in order to provide all of my patients with the finest care available. I am hopeful that you as a patient feel I have met my goal to be the best dental practitioner I am capable of being. To that end, I am quite comfortable in entrusting your continued care to Dr. Ozzie Rodas, as I believe his dedication to providing quality dentistry and oral health care is genuine and has been demonstrated both academically and clinically. I am sure that you will come to appreciate Dr. Ozzie Rodas and his wife, Taylor (a dental hygienist), for their clinical skills and caring concern for their patients.

The announcement of my pending retirement is of course bittersweet. After more than 40 years, I have come to know you not only as patients but as friends, and as such, I hope we will continue to remain in contact socially if no longer professionally. As of September 15, 2020, Dr. Ozzie Rodas will become the owner of High Desert Dental, and I will assume a limited role in providing clinical dental procedures and as an acting consultant to Dr. Ozzie Rodas and High Desert Dental.

As many of you are aware, I have a myriad of outside interests beyond my practice, and I am excited to have the opportunity to explore these interests while I am still physically and mentally able and eager to do so. Wish me luck, as I wish all of you a continuation of good health and maintaining your oral health care needs here with Dr. Ozzie Rodas and the team at High Desert Dental.

Dr. Martinez is originally from El Salvador. She studied for her doctorate at Alberto Masferrer Salvadorean University in El Salvador and then immigrated to the U.S. to study at the International Dental Program of Loma Linda University in California, where she got her second doctorate in dentistry that allowed her to practice in the U.S. She has worked as an associate dentist with different private and nonprofit dental practices in California and Utah.

Dr. Martinez enjoys working and serving people of all ages and backgrounds, and one of her greatest experiences was to participate in a mission trip to Honduras, where she worked with deserving communities. She is passionate about her career as a dentist and takes pride in the strong relationships she has created with her patients and colleagues throughout the years. Dr. Martinez has the personal mission of making this world a better place, one smile at a time. She is very excited to join the High Desert Dental family and to be a resident of the beautiful state of New Mexico.

Dr. Mortley is a local boy who grew up playing lots of baseball here in Albuquerque while his father worked his entire career at Sandia National Laboratories. He wanted to be a dentist from an early age, and attended Mitchell Elementary, Hoover Middle, and El Dorado High Schools. He attended the University of New Mexico and Brigham Young University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in microbiology, and then completed Dental School at University of Missouri. Additionally he has extra training in orthodontics.

His longtime patients appreciate that he is a straight shooter and tells patients only what they need for optimum dental health. He is free from any corporate pressure to sell extra procedures and treats each patient like he would his own family members. When not in the office, Dr. Mortley enjoys writing novels, gardening, astronomy, hydroponics and golfing with his children.

Dr. Rodas, Dr. Mortley and Dr. Martinez are proud to present our amazing dental team! Charismatic and friendly, our team of dental professionals is invested in our patients lives. We take the time to get to know you on a personal level, calling you by name as we see to your dental needs. Our communication is top notch as our kind team helps to educate you about our options. We have individuals who speak Spanish and also have a service dog. Get to know more about us below or call High Desert Dental at 505-888-2606 to schedule a visit with our dentists in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Taylor attended Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene. She has worked as a registered dental hygienist in Farmington and is proud to call New Mexico home. She feels very fortunate to love what she does, and she now manages the front office here at High Desert Dental. One of the most rewarding aspects of her job is being able to form close relationships with everyone that we are able to serve.

In her free time, she enjoys posting on her fashion blog, which has been a fun, creative outlet. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their quarantine puppy, Rosie, and hope to grow their family soon!

In 2013, Daniel received his Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene from UNM and is licensed to administer local anesthesia. He participates regularly in continuing education courses, in all areas of dental healthcare, to maintain progressive skills in dental hygiene.

He is patient focused and driven to provide a personable experience with the highest quality of dental care possible. Daniel encourages patients to ask questions about their oral hygiene so that he can help educate and encourage them to maintain good periodontal health. Daniel believes everyone can find their path to having great oral health, and he is excited to help you along your dental journey!

Shannon was born and raised in Utah. She has lived in New Mexico since 2010 and loves the cultures and traditions of what New Mexico has to offer. She completed the dental hygiene program in Farmington. You will find that she is compassionate, able to put her patients at ease and ensure a positive dental experience. Shannon loves her career as a dental hygienist and considers all of her patients as family. In her spare time, she loves being with her family and spending time with her animals.

High Desert Dental introduces you to our lead assistant, Rahmera. She has been with the practice since 2014 and graduated and certified from Carrington College in New Mexico. Her favorite thing about working at High Desert Dental would be the way that our team is more than just a team but rather a family. When not at work, she loves spending time with her son, being outdoors and doing aesthetic/theatrical cosmetics.

Born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Ciera is currently going to University of New Mexico to study dental hygiene. Her favorite thing about being a dental assistant is seeing the various ways we can transform a smile. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and fitness.

Mia has worked in the dental field since 2014, when she graduated from the Pima Medical Institute and received her certification as a dental assistant. She feels fortunate to be part of the High Desert Dental team and enjoys the great family atmosphere. She loves seeing the smiles we create every day and how every patient is part of the family. Mia spends her spare time with her sons, family and animals. Karaoke is her jam!

Born and raised in Albuquerque, NM. Loves to spend time with her fur babies, adventuring outdoors, playing volleyball, snowboarding, and working out at the gym. She is excited to continue her education here soon!