As a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, I am committed to continuing my education in many areas of pediatric dentistry. I have advanced training in the treatment of children under general anesthesia and oral conscious sedation, children with special needs, and cleft lip and palate dentistry. Additionally, through my memberships with the American Dental Association, the Society of Pediatric Sedation, and the Academy of Pediatric Dentists, I am able to confer with my peers on the latest, most effective, and most comfortable treatments and services in the field of pediatric dentistry.
I am happily married to my wife, Nnenna, a Nurse Anesthetist,we have three daughters and one son.In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking and fishing, playing lawn tennis, being active in my church, and going on dental missions to Africa and the Caribbean countries.
I believe in practicing the best, strongest, and most lasting orthodontic care for the benefit of my patients throughout their lives. I appreciate the opportunity to change the lives of the people who come to me for orthodontic care.
I bring discipline and the expectation of excellence to my orthodontic work that I learned during my time in the U.S. Army. I'm the son of a military family and I began my service after graduating from the dental school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.
My time in the Army took me all over the world and it gave me the opportunity to study orthodontics in one of the best programs in America. This gave me incredible experiences like my time as the Orthodontic Consultant to the European Dental Commander while I was stationed in Italy. The Army also led me to two teaching positions, first as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery resident at Brooke Army Medical Center, then as a Tri-Service Orthodontic resident at Lackland Air Force Base.
I maintain a philosophy of orthodontics that spares treatment unless it is the healthiest, most necessary option for patient care. I rely on research-based medicine and techniques. My work around the world has proven to be the best and most effective.
I have always lived a very active life outside my practice of orthodontics. I am especially proud of my three-and-a-half-hour marathon running time, my experience climbing all 14,400 feet of Mt. Rainier in Washington State, and the numerous times I have completed the Bike to the Beach MS charity event. For more day-to-day activities, I enjoy bicycling, golfing, and snow skiing. I am happy to live and work in my home town of San Antonio, and to spend time with my beautiful, growing family.
I have been practicing orthodontics for over 40 years. My father was an orthodontist and I naturally followed in his footsteps, wanting to make a difference in a childs life by helping to give them confidence through lasting oral health. There is nothing more rewarding to me than taking a child who is ashamed of the way his or her teeth look and creating a beautiful smile. It can change the childs entire personality. I think orthodontics is the best profession in the world as it gives those of us who practice a chance to change peoples lives. We can literally turn an introvert who is ashamed to smile because of bad teeth into an extrovert who smiles all the time!
Originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, I went to the University of Houston for undergraduate study and then to the University of Texas Dental Branch for my Doctorate of Dental Surgery after which I completed a three-year orthodontic residency.
Because the practice and science of orthodontics is ever-changing, I am constantly interested in keeping up with the latest techniques by attending applicable courses each year. Additionally I am a member of the following organizations:
Working at Windcrest Pediatric Dentistry has given me the opportunity to be with a great orthodontic team where not only are we committed to the highest level of professional service, but also to giving our patients personalized and loving care. One of the most important elements in orthodontic practice is establishing trust and rapport. I try to show my patients how exciting it is to observe the positive changes during treatment, and love their joyous responses when they see the final result.
I currently live in the community of Oakwell Farms and have been here since 1992. I am married to my wonderful wife, Reenie, who worked as a school teacher, reading specialist, and finally a counselor before she retired. We have four children, all grown up with kids of their own, which makes me a proud grandfather.
When I am not working, you can probably find me on the golf course. I am an avid golfer, although not a very good one, but I keep trying. I find golf to be a great respite from the daily grind. There is something serene about the beauty of the golf course and surrounding area.
I enjoy giving back to my community as much as possible. In the past I was a mentor at an elementary school where I received a lifetime membership in the Parent Teacher Association. I have also volunteered with the local dental society doing school dental exams.
Cynthia is one of our wonderful dental assistants, helping Dr. Awagu with all aspects of patient care. She is also our Hospital coordinator and Dr. Awagu's go to girl. She has been a Dental Assistant for five wonderful years. Cynthia loves spending time with her family and doing family activities together.
Valerie has been working for Windcrest Pediatric Dentistry for 4 years. Valerie helps coordinate visits and treatments of our patients.Valerie is a proud mother of two beautiful daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys taking her family on camping trips! She loves working at Windcrest Pediatric Dentistry because she knows that the patients always leave with a smile!