Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Welcome to Carpenter Pediatric Dentistry! Choosing a pediatric dentist and setting your child on the path to a lifetime of excellent oral health is one of the most important decisions you make as a parent, and our team and I are excited to share my passion for children’s dental care with you and your child. As a mother myself, I understand the importance of trust between you, your child, and your caregiver. With that in mind, know that my goal as a pediatric dentist is to build and sustain the health of your child. I treat my patients as I would my own children, and I look forward to building a trusting, positive relationship with you and your family.
I grew up in Kansas and knew during my own experience with braces and visiting our family’s pediatric dentist that I would pursue dentistry as a career. I received Bachelor of Arts degrees in Biology and English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and stayed on at Carolina for my post-graduate education at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry. I received my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with Honors in 2001 and continued to build on my education through the experience of a one-year General Practice Residency (GPR) at the University of Colorado Health Science Center, Sands House Clinic, in Denver.
During my GPR, I received training and significant experience in intravenous conscious sedation, dental trauma, and hospital dentistry. After earning my GPR certificate, I went on to complete a two-year pediatric dental residency at the Children’s Hospital of Colorado in Denver. During this residency, I continued to gain in-depth experience in oral conscious sedation, trauma and treatment of special needs children.
Since completing my residencies, I’ve worked exclusively (and happily!) as a pediatric dentist, earned my Certification from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, gained and maintained certifications in Basic Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Life Support, regularly attend courses and seminars and stay actively engaged with colleagues and peers in an ongoing pursuit of education and the cutting edge of pediatric dental health. I also married a fellow Carolina alumnus, Chris, and 3 wonderful very energetic boys Jacob , Charlie and Henry. Chris and I enjoy cooking, running long distance relay races, dancing, attending Broadway shows, going on family adventures, and most importantly – Carolina basketball. GO HEELS!
I’m joined by my wonderful staff in our commitment to making your child’s visit special, fun, and safe! We pride ourselves in building positive and enduring relationships with our patients and their families and promoting a lifetime of good oral health with our team. We can’t wait to share our experience and excitement for your child’s healthy smile!
Associate Pediatric Dentist
I am a Colorado native and my passion of pediatric dentistry began at a young age. Shadowing my own awesome pediatric dentists inspired me to follow in their footsteps. I attended the University of Colorado at Boulder where I studied Psychology. Thereafter, I received a Bachelor of Science and completed dental school at The University of Colorado, School of Dental Medicine. While completing my pediatric dentistry residency at Children’s Hospital, I earned the nickname “Spanish speaking Elsa” and was also appointed as Chief resident. I enjoy teaching future pediatric dentists serving as adjunct faculty at Children’s Hospital dental residency program.
When not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter and son. We also have two adorable golden-doodles named Molly and Stella.
I believe that my profession has the unique ability to positively shape your child’s future outlook on oral health so they become non-fearful as adults. I use humor and empathy to engage with your child to create the best experience possible with our team.
Treatment Coordinator
Wendy is a part of our team working and welcomes our patients with a warm smile. A Colorado native, she raised her family in Arvada before moving to SE Aurora 8 years ago. She has two sons, one of which is in the Pediatric Dental Residency program at Denver Health. When not working on our team, Wendy enjoys spending time with her family, especially her 2 grandsons and her dog, Elliot. She also enjoys reading, hiking, shopping and decorating.
Dental Assistant
Jeannie is a Colorado native. She has over twenty plus years of experience in the dental field and is a vital part of our team. Jeannie enjoys doing all types of crafts from oil painting, scape booking to working with polymer clay but her true passion is spending time with her husband and 2 kids.
Office Manager
Samantha is a Colorado Native but was raised back and fourth between Colorado and New Jersey. While starting her dental career in general dentistry, she is now very passionate about pediatric dentistry. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters and three dogs. She enjoys shopping and doing hair with her cosmetology license she received long before she started her career in dental.
Dental Assistant
Andricia has been on our team as a dental assistant for 2 years and counting. She enjoys getting to know each and every patient as well as educating them about their dental hygiene. Andricia aspires to be an EDDA and further her knowledge and education. When she’s not working she and her husband love to be outside in nature and play games together with their 3 children.
Dental Assistant
Yesenia Gomez was born and raised in San Francisco, California. Her husband and her family moved to Colorado 18 years ago. Yesenia been a dental assistant for over 10 years, she attended Concord Career College and is currently furthering her education to be an EDDA. Yesenia has 3 beautiful kids, and when she isn’t working she loves to spend time with her family and explore the outdoors.
Dental Assistant
Gabriela has been in the dental field for 13 years. She moved to Colorado 4.5 years ago from New Mexico. Gaby aspires to be an EDDA, and is currently working to make that happen. She has four beautiful daughters. When Gaby isn’t working, she likes to bake with her girls and go four wheeling with her husband.
Patient Coordinator
Annette was born in North Carolina and raised in California. She has always enjoyed learning as much as she could. She has been working in the dental field for a year and a half, and has learned so many new things just working in the front. In her free time she likes spending time with her family and watching movies at home.
Dental Assistant
Yesi has been a dental assistant since 2017. She went back to school for her Expanded Duty Dental Assistant certificate in 2019 and now, back in school to become a dental hygienist. Yesi’s favorite things to do outside of work is spending time with her family, having brunch with her friends and shopping.