Dr. Tanya Sue Maestas graduated from The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston in 2018.
During her dental school career, she served as the national American Student Dental Association President and became involved in organized dentistry.
After graduating, she completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 2019. Upon completion of her residency, she returned to the El Paso Borderland community where she serves as a Dental Director at La Clinica de Familia in Chaparral, New Mexico.
She also serves as a faculty member at the Woody L Hunt School of Dental Medicine in El Paso, Texas.
She remains involved in organized dentistry and holds various leadership roles in organizations including the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Texas Academy of General Dentistry, Hispanic Dental Association, and others.
She currently serves on the ADA Council on Communications and previously completed the ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership Program.
She was recognized as an ADA 10 under 10 winner, Incisal Edge 40 under 40, and previously nominated as one of Texas New Dentists of the Year.
She currently hosts New Dentists on the Block where she helps showcase the New Dentist story and build connections with new dentists around her and Dental Fuel a podcast dedicated to sharing and learning from industry leaders’ mistakes.
She has a commitment to providing dental care to the Borderland community and hopes to encourage the next generation of dentists to give back to the community.
Dental Fuel Episode 7: Team Mistake with Dr. Emma Guzman-Vizcarrondo
Growing your team can be challenging as a new dentist. On Dental Fuel Episode 7, Dr. Emma…
Dental Fuel Episode 6: Financial Mistake with Dr. Emma Guzman-Vizcarrondo
On Dental Fuel episode 6, Dr. Emma Guzman speaks FACTS, sharing a financial mistake she has made…
Dental Fuel Episode 5: Clinical Mistake with Dr. Emma Guzman-Vizcarrondo
On Dental Fuel episode 5, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Emma Guzman-Vizcarrondo! Dr. Emma Guzman is…
Dental Fuel Episode 4: Expert Advice with Dr. Tony Mennito
In Dental Fuel episode 4, Dr. Mennito continues to master his craft in the realm of dentistry,…
Dental Fuel Episode 3: Team Mistake with Dr. Tony Mennito
In Dental Fuel episode 3, Dr. Mennito shares about learning from the mistakes that a previous practice…
Dental Fuel Episode 2: Financial Mistake with Dr. Tony Mennito
In Dental Fuel episode 2, Dr. Mennito talks about how financial mistakes can be big and how…
Dental Fuel Episode 1: Clinical Mistake with Dr. Tony Mennito
On our first episode of Dental Fuel, we have Dr. Tony Mennito. Dr. Anthony Mennito (Tony) is…
The Transition to a Dental Faculty Position
By: Tanya Sue Maestas Hi, I’m Tanya Sue Maestas. I’ve recently taken up a faculty position at…
Sealants in Pediatric Dentistry: High‑Yield Guide for Dental Students
Sealants are one of the simplest yet most powerful tools you’ll use to prevent caries in kids. When placed correctly at the right time, they can protect a tooth for years. This guide breaks down when and how to place sealants with confidence—and why timing matters. When Should You Place a Sealant? Ideal Teeth: Key…
The Dreaded Transfer Request (Part 1)
By: Dr. Eric Recker It’s a normal Tuesday, or as normal as they get in our world. You got some dentistry done, maybe a couple of crown preps, some restorative, a load of hygiene checks, a new patient exam or two. You are almost to lunch and feeling reasonably good about yourself. Day is half…
The Reason I Write Treatment Letters to Each Patient
By: Laura Harkin, DMDThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Harkin granted igniteDDS permission to share with our readers. Trust is the cornerstone of dental care. It’s something I learned early on, sitting at my dad’s favorite lunch spot when he shared a profound observation: “Laura, isn’t it amazing? Our patients trust us so much….
The Four Areas of Wealth Accumulation for Dentists
By: Dr. James Pitts Most people think of retirement planning or wealth accumulation as a “nest egg.” It is a common misconception that wealth is built in one pile. The reality of Dentists is more complicated. Typically, Dentists build their wealth in four different buckets. 1. Qualified Retirement Plan Savings The first bucket is qualified…
Dentistry and Spike Lee: “Do the Right Thing”
By: Mitchell Rubinstein D.M.D. I recently found myself channel surfing late at night, and I got sucked into a remote-drop favorite from the late ‘80s, Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing. The movie is both comedic and tragic, as the title alludes to a bit of advice offered to the protagonist early in the film:…
Navigating Tooth Decay Conversations with Geriatric Patients
By: Lee Ann Brady, DMDThis topic originally appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Brady granted igniteDDS permission to share with our readers. Have you ever noticed a confused look on the face of a geriatric patient when you tell them they have tooth decay? Many people falsely assume that only small children develop cavities. When I let older…
What Many Dentists Do Not Know About Insurance Credentialing as a First Time Owner
By: Angela Holland I’d imagine starting a dental practice is a thrilling experience, whether you’re acquiring an existing practice, opening a startup, or starting as an associate at an established location. One of the most critical aspects of growing and sustaining your practice, especially in the early stages, is revenue management and if you’re accepting…
Clinical Based Case As A D4 Student
By: Michael Eid As you continue in your clinical journey, you quickly find yourself becoming proficient at the physical aspects of dentistry. What can be tricky is finding a proper treatment plan, individualized per patient based on their definition of success. Being able to find a solution to their chief complaint to cater towards finances,…
Supercharge Your Dental Practice with AI & Automation: Top Tools for Efficiency & Growth
By: Dawn Patrick, Dental Practice Coach + Director of Operations IgniteDDS In today’s evolving dental landscape, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are no longer just buzzwords, they’re essential tools for building smarter, more profitable practices. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or managing multiple locations, these technologies help improve diagnostic accuracy, streamline daily operations, and create…
Removing Dental Cement Inside A Zirconia And Lithium Disilicate Crown
By: Lee Ann Brady, DMDThis Topic Originally Appeared on PankeyGram.Org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers Sometimes a crown comes off and if it’s not damaged and the tooth structure is healthy still without any caries lesion, we can recement the same dental crown to the patient without needing to…