Dr. Bret Ibarra is a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. After two years of residency, he obtained his Pediatric Dentistry certificate from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Dental Branch. At that time, he also earned a Master of Science in Dentistry degree. During his pediatric residency, he received extensive clinical and didactic training in treating children with special needs, cosmetic dentistry, and the use of sedations in dentistry. He also has extensive pediatric emergency and trauma training after serving as an on-call pediatric dentist for two years at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. He is certified in both Basic Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support.

Dr. Ibarra currently teaches part-time as a Faculty member in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. He also likes to give back to his community by volunteering with Special Olympics Special Smiles, Give Kids a Smile, and collaborations at the Houston Zoo.

Dr. Lizzie May is a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.Sheis a native Texan, born in Houston but raised in Sydney, Australia. Although she spent her youth abroad, Dr. May has lived in Texas since 2006 and considers it home.

She received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of Georgia in 2011. Dr. May then returned to her native city of Houston to complete her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Texas School of Dentistry in 2015. Finally, in 2017, she completed a two-year advanced training program specializing in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Texas Health in San Antonio. At this time, she also received a Masters of Science in Dental Science.

Dr. May is a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, The Greater Houston Dental Society and the Houston Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is also a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She attends continuing education courses annually, and has completed Basic Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support training.

Dr. Derek Ibarra was born in Iowa City, Iowa. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He went to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis for Dental school where he obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Upon graduating he attended a one-year General Practice Residency at the Carilion Dental Clinic in Roanoke, Virginia. After two years of residency, he obtained his Pediatric Dentistry certificate from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Dental Branch. At that time, he also earned a Master of Science in Dentistry degree.

Dr. Ibarra is a member of the American Dental Association, the Houston Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Ibarra enjoys reading, watching movies, and playing with his pet cats. He moved to Houston to be closer to his brother, and has fallen in love with the Houston food scene.

Dr. Tan grew up in Canada. She received her BS in Chemistry and Mathematics from McGill University. She attained her DDS degree from the University Of Toronto, where she was recipient of numerous awards including the national Eaton Award for Excellence, the provincial Ontario Dental Association Proficiency Award, the Gordon Cressy Student Leadership Award, and she was an O.K.U. Honor Dental Society Inductee. She then completed a General Practice Residency to learn about advanced procedures in aesthetic dentistry and surgery, followed by an Orthodontic Residency and a Masters of Clinical Investigation Degree at the University Of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Since completing her training in 2007, Dr. Tan has been practicing orthodontics in Houston. She currently maintains a private practice in Sugar Land and is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas School of Dentistry.

Dr. Tan is a member of the American Association of Orthodontistsand is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. She is also a Preferred Provider of Invisalign. Dr. Tan is also very involved with several dental, alumni and community organizations. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, baking and playing tennis.

Dr. Levely Castelo was born in Manila, Philippines. She moved to the U.S. when she was 9 years old and grew up in south Texas. She graduated from University of Texas Pan-American with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in English Literature. In her freshman year of undergrad, she was accepted in a pre-acceptance program with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Dental Branch where she earned her dental degree. She is currently an active member of American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association and Greater Houston Dental Society.

While in dental school, she fell in love with Houston and decided to make it her home. Houston is now home for her family, which includes her husband, son and her daughter/dog, Lucy. She loves to cook, bake, and work on DIY projects. She also enjoys exploring the city by trying out new restaurants, going to sporting events and festivals. Although she is a Texan at heart, she loves the Lakers, the Yankees and In-n-out.

Dr. Stephanie Aramwattananont (Dr. Aram) is a Houston native and was born and raised in Cypress. She graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Human Biology. Dentistry has been her passion since high school after five years in braces and almost every orthodontic appliance ever made. After seeing what an impact it made on her life, she knew that is what she wanted to share with others. She went on to earn her dental degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston and excelled in restorative dentistry and patient care. Focusing on prevention and educational is an ultimate goal of hers. She aims to change people's outlook on oral health by taking the time to educate patients and parents, involve them in their treatment and provide them with the highest quality care in the gentlest way possible. She currently resides in Montrose and loves traveling and, trying new restaurants. Her belief is that the best way to explore another culture is through food. She is passionate about animal rescue and has three adopted dogs Chloe, Winston and Buster.

Stephanie is a Registered Dental Assistant. She has been in the Dental field since 2010. She joined the Houston Pediatric Dental team in 2013. She enjoys working with children and making sure they are comfortable during their dental visits. She has three beautiful daughters. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family and friends.

Hello! My name is Liana. I currently live with my boyfriend Lorenzo and my 5 month old daughter Serenity. I recently Graduated from CHCP in June 2021 as a Registered Dental Assistant. I started working at Houston Pediatric Dentistry in July of 2021, and I love It! Im very grateful for my parents and my 3 older brothers for always supporting me. Some of my favorite things to do are clean and organize!

Hi, my name is Sara and I am 20 yrs old. I go by Jaqui since I was named after my mom. I was able to obtain my RDA license when I was in high school in 2019. I have been in the dental field for about a year now, and I love working with kids. During my free time I enjoy being with my family!

Edna recently joined our team in March 2021. She is very family oriented and enjoys spending time with them and her boyfriend. She also likes going on road trips, watching movies and doing photography! She is very happy to be have joined us and excited for her future here!

Rosio has been with the team since 2019 and enjoys working with kids. She is engaged to her high school sweetheart and they have 2 kids. In her free time she enjoys shopping and spending time with friends and family.

Amy joined Houston Pediatric Dentistry in 2014 as the front receptionist and has since moved to become one of our insurance specialists. She loves working in a pediatric environment and enjoys learning new things.

Amy was born and raised in Houston but now resides in League City. Amy married her high school sweetheart in 2003 and has 2 children and 1 dog. On her free time, she spends most of her days with her family and friends and traveling.

Camila was raised in Houston, Texas calling Venezuela her former home. Cami moved to Houston at the young age of 3, by the age of 11 she had braces. Her monthly visits with the orthodontist intrigued her into the subject of dentistry. By her junior year of high school Cami had been selected to her districts dental assistant program.

The following year in Spring 2021 she completed and graduated from Clear Brook High School. Cami studies biology at San Jacinto College, she plans to go to dental hygiene school after obtaining her associates to become a dental hygienist.

Yesenia joined Houston Pediatric Dentistry in 2012. She is married with 3 children. And in her spare time, she juggles herself between football and baseball with her boys and softball with her husband. Her family also enjoys our hometown baseball team go ASTROS!

Jo-Ann joined Houston Pediatric Dentistry in 1991 as our Accounts Coordinator. In addition to this, through the years she started visiting elementary schools teaching the importance of good dental hygiene. She also enjoys doing local Health Fairs. She has been married to her husband Jeff for over 25 yrs. they both have been blessed with two beautiful girls Madelyn and Marissa. (Their M&M's).

Lisa joined the Houston Pediatric Dentistry team in 2000. One of the things she loves most is the relationships that have been established with so many wonderful families and coworkers throughout the years.

She has been a Texan almost all her life. She is married and is blessed to have two sons, a daughter, a daughter in law and one perfect grandson! In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and cheering on the Houston Astros!

Shirley joined our practice in 1987. She enjoys being a part of a team that makes a difference in childrens lives. Shirley and her husband have three children, three grandchildren and a dog. Free time is spent with family and at the lake fishing and camping. She also enjoys music, movies, plays and traveling.

Donna has been a dedicated team member with Houston Pediatric Dentistry for over 27 years. She is the Insurance Coordinator and has worked in all positions in the front office. Donna was born and raised here in Houston, Texas. She is married and has a son, daughter in law and granddaughter. Donna loves to fish, golf, camp and spend time with her family.

Yesenia recently joined the HPD team. She had been a registered dental assistant since 2014 but took a break from assisting to work front desk. When shes not working she loves to go shopping and spend time with family and friends. She also loves to go on vacations with her husband. She doesnt have kids yet but loves to spend time with her nephew. She has a French bulldog named Chapo and he is very loved and spoiled.

Debbie has been with HPD since 1993. Her favorite thing about her job is helping children feel at ease for their initial visit and seeing them leave with smiles on their faces! You may recognize her from one of the local schools or Health Fairs in the community. In her free time, Debbie loves spending time with her husband and daughter (whom are avid Star Wars and Super Heroes fan) ...making Debbie a fan too. She enjoys hanging out with friends, traveling, landscaping and working on yard art.

Linda has been with the practice since 1991. She has four children and seven grandchildren. She and her husband enjoy gardening and giving their neighbors vegetables and fruit.She enjoys working with children of all ages and making their experience at our office a good one.

Christa has been a hygienist for 30 plus years. She is from Kingsville, Texas originally but has been in the Houston area since 8th grade. Christa graduated from The University Of Texas Health Science Center in Dental Hygiene. Through her career she has enjoyed working with children and teaching them the importance of dental health and easing any anxiety they may have. Christa has also served as President of the Greater Houston Dental Hygiene Association and served in several positions for The Texas Dental Hygiene Association. She was also a member of the armed forces where she served 8 years in the Army and Army Reserves.

On a personal note Christa has been married to her high school sweetheart for 27 years and has Son and daughter and 3 cats. She enjoys paper crafts, reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Gabbie graduated from Lone Star College-Kingwood holding the GHDHS Outstanding Professional Leadership award with the highest GPA in her class, as well as previously having earned an MA in psychology from UHCL. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, friends, her spouse, and their three cats. In her spare time she enjoys brain exercises such as Sudoku and journaling with both right and left hands, and relaxes by tending to her bird feeders and buying new plants.

Halley has been in the dental field, starting as a dental assistant, since 2004. Graduating top of her dental hygiene class in 2017 from Briarcliffe College in NY. Halley has called Tevxas home since 2018, when the Coast Guard brought her family here. In her free time she enjoys making memories with her 3 kids while cheering them on in their activities and sports, trying new restaurants, and exploring all the things Texas has to offer.

Tanairy came on board in 2017 as an Orthodontic assistant and has been assisting since 2015. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors with her husband and daughter. As well as shopping and spending time with her family and friends.

On June 1st, 1985, Dr. Escue opened this pediatric dental practicein what is currently The Rose Medical Plaza. In 2008, Dr. Ibarra joined the practice and they formed Houston Pediatric Dentistry. Our associate, Dr. Mayjoined the practicein 2018. Having been in the same location since 1985, we have established a tradition of excellence amongst our peers and a longstanding commitment to our patients, their families, and this community. With 30 plus years of tradition, we are proud to see the children of parents who were once patients themselves. Many of our fellow pediatric dental specialists refer patients to be treated by us. In addition, we take great pride in knowing that pediatricians and fellow dentists bring their children to us.

Pediatric Dentistry is one of the nine recognized dental specialties. Only practiceswith a pediatric dentist are able to have the words pediatric dentistry within its practice'sname. In order to be certified as a specialist in pediatric dentistry, you must have completed another two years of training beyond the four years of training required to be a licensed dentist. During these additional two years, we are trained in the growth, development, and psychology of children. Within this training, we learn about the use of medications involved in sedations and how to manage patient anxiety, treating cases involving trauma, restoring teeth for children of different ages, and how to best meet the needs of patients with special needs.

Dr. Ibarra and Dr. Mayare both board certified in pediatric dentistry. Board certification is a voluntary examination process created to validate knowledge, experience, and skills in the field of pediatric dentistry. Board certification is the highest level of certification available within the field of pediatric dentistry. In addition to being board certified, Dr. Ibarra also holds a masters in the field of science in dentistry.

The assistants at Houston Pediatric Dentistry are all Registered Dental Assistants requiring them to complete continuing education courses yearly in order to remain certified. Our assistants have also demonstrated proficiency in dentistry by receiving certifications involving the monitoring nitrous delivery, taking and processing radiographs, placing sealants, and coronal polishing.

With over 20 years combined of practice in pediatric dentistry, we have a firm belief that a child should not have to have the same cavity treated more than once. Excellent restorative techniques and principles, combined with the highest quality materials in the industry result in exceptional work. We support our treatment and materials by placing a warranty on our work.

When you walk into our practice, you will see a giant boat with a fish tank in our play area for our patients while they wait. We have two areas within our waiting room. One always has a children's program on the TV and the other has a more adult programming. While your child or children are being cared for, enjoy our coffee bar, the magazines, and our free wireless internet.

In addition to private practice, Dr. Ibarra is connected to the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry at Houston by serving as a Clinical Assistant professor one day a week. Being a professor at the dental school allows him to teach 100 dental students yearly while testing out the latest technology, and work hand-in-hand with the other dental specialties.

Houston Pediatric Dentistryis also part of The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Being a member of the National Dental PBRN allows our office to improve on our patient's oral health through our participation in studies and with the collaboration of fellow dentists within the network. The questions that we search to answer will improve patient treatments and outcomes as well as patient satisfaction, and the efficiency with which we deliver patient care.