Hidden Gems: Meet Rachel Perez of Family West Dentistry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Perez.

Hi Rachel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been a registered dental hygienist since 2007, but have been in the dental field for almost 30 years. I started out by getting my certification in dental assisting/extended duties dental assisting from Warren Technical College while I was still in high school, I did my externship with a wonderful dental office up in Conifer, where I was fortunate enough to have an amazing mentor. He taught me to love not just the profession of Dentistry, but above all else, our patients, who trust us with their care and their health. Once I graduated from high school, I knew I wanted to stay in the field of Dentistry, a good friend of mine had just graduated from Dental Hygiene School, and I admired her independence and knowledge.
For those that aren’t sure, the difference between dental assistants and dental hygienists; dental hygienists are like the nurses/physicians assistants of the dental world. We are able to practice dental hygiene in Colorado independently, diagnose gum disease, screen for oral cancer, administer local anesthetic, and are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. In addition, we also have a license that is registered nationally and statewide.
So when I applied and was subsequently accepted at the top college for dental hygiene at the time in Colorado- CCD at Lowry, I was ecstatic. Our schooling required its students to complete over 3000 hours of clinical work, and completed a written and clinical board licensure examination, jurisprudence exam, and an unpaid externship. After I graduated in 2007, I began working in private practice, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, mainly developing long term relationships with my patients and increasing my dental knowledge. I worked in private practice for approximately ten( 10) years.
In 2017, the political climate drastically changed, and it was a dangerous time to be an immigrant in our country. I wanted to help in any way I could, so I went down to the Mexican Consulate and offered my services as a dental hygienist and ally. At the time, the Consulate worked closely with the Colorado Alliance of Health Equity and Practice, it just so happened that they needed a dental professional to open, stock, and run their unused dental clinic. So I recruited my Dad (and best friend) Chris, and we set to making it work. I was still working full time in private practice at the time, so we would go in on my days off, set the office up, clean it up , organize the rooms the ere being used for storage, and stocked up on supplies, while also getting everything up to code/OSHA standards. We began seeing patients shortly after, and at the time I offered my services to the patients I saw free of charge. I was able to care for persons from Ethiopia, Mexico, Guatemala, China, Vietnam, Myanmar ( formerly Burma), as well as locals from all over Colorado. Most of the patients I saw had never seen a dental professional, and it was an honor to be able to help them maneuver the healthcare system and obtain professional and comprehensive dental care. My love for Public Health flourished, and so did I.
Less than a year later, I was in a very serious car accident and had to leave, not just my full time position in private practice and my volunteer position at the clinic, but Dentistry as a whole. I was forced to take over a year off from Dentistry as I focused on my recovery. Once I was able to live independently again, I decided to dip my toes back into the ocean of dentistry that Denver has, and this time around, I decided to do it on my terms. I began working as an independent contractor, I ended up working in private and public health, I saw patients that were being treated for and recovering from all different kinds of cancer, and began specializing in oncology dental hygiene. I saw elderly and disabled patients in their homes, their care facilities, and my office, and began making myself an expert on geriatric and special needs dental hygiene. I worked in Denver, Durango, Glenwood Springs, Eagle, Alamosa, Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, Louisville, Greeley, Pueblo, Boulder, and Steamboat Springs. It was truly during this time that I finally found my passion and myself again. Public Health has always called me, and I decided to pursue it to the fullest.
When the opportunity arose in 2022, my Dad and I decided to invest in Family West Dentistry, and it became my dental hygiene office- one where we take pride in offering quality, compassionate, respectful, comprehensive care to everyone who walks through our doors. We choose to accept almost every PPO insurance that is out there- from Medicare and Medicaid, we never turn away indigent patients, we are willing to work out payment plans, and we work with great dentists who visit my office once a week to examine and perform any necessary restorative treatment on my patients.
my Dad and I understand that the world is a difficult place for women, especially women of color, so we also established a dental assisting apprenticeship program for women seeking a new profession and stability- so far we have had 4 graduates who now all work in different private and corporate dental offices throughout Colorado- every single one is self sufficient, confident, and make me so proud.
My Dad and I believe with every inch of our hearts that Dentistry, as healthcare, should be available to everyone; regardless of socioeconomic status, age, gender, race, or legal status. In addition to running our office, my Dad and I volunteer with multiple non profits treating and teaching underserved children and adults in the Denver Metro area.
In order for change to happen, people must act. That’s what we try to emanate everyday. I have since completed my Bachelors of Science with a focus in Public Health, and while I plan to largely stay in clinical dental hygiene, I long for a new adventure where I can put my skills, new and old, to use for my community. I can’t wait for what the future holds!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I was in a very serious car accident in 2017, I sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury, and was left unable to speak, live independently, or function on my own. I ended up having to leave my home and my job to move in with my Dad. It took me over a year to recuperate, and even after a year, I was not able to live independently, it was during that time that my Dad, Chris, made the choice to put his plans on hold, and take care of me in my home. We have been best friends since!!

We’ve been impressed with Family West Dentistry , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are an all inclusive, non judgmental, thoughtful private dental office that provides quality, compassionate, comprehensive care, and education to anyone who comes through our doors. We personally ensure that everyone receives our best, in a safe and comfortable environment.
Dentistry can be such a scary space, full of words that are difficult to understand, discomfort ( both mentally and physically), and fear of the unknown. At Family West Dentistry we seek to remove the negative stigma our profession carries and turn our patients dental experiences into a positive journey for them. We do this through thorough explanations, and based on each individuals comfort level, needs, and questions.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Dentistry should be a right, not a luxury. Recently our office was named Top 5 (five) dental offices in Lakewood, Colorado by Business Rate based on our Google review data, customer satisfaction, brand reputation, and service excellence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.familywestdentists.com
• Instagram: family_west_dentistry
• Facebook: Family West Dentistry

Image Credits
Christopher Perez