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Meet Our Dental Staff

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Dr. Louis Bush - Dentist
TLC Dental Center Best Dentistry Albuquerque Dentist Louis Bush

Dr. Bush grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico and graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in Biology.  He attended the University of Colorado Health Science Center where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2004.  Dr. Bush returned to Albuquerque to complete his Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency at the University of New Mexico.  He was one of the first dentists to ever complete this program at the University of New Mexico.  The training he received there allows him not only to address general dental and restorative needs but to treat more complex cases as well.  Dr. Bush continually expands his knowledge by attending numerous lecture and education courses annually allowing the creation of customized, comfortable, and state of the art treatment plans for his patients.

Carla Gutierrez - Registered Dental Hygienest

In dentistry, I love meeting new people and helping patients understand the importance of oral health and how to maintain it. Working at TLC Dental is especially rewarding because the team is close-knit and collaborates so well. Dr. Bush’s caring approach to patient care sets the tone for everything we do. Having worked at other offices, I can confidently say nothing compares to TLC Dental Center and the values we uphold in treating our patients. I have 25 years of experience in the dental field, with 18 of those years as a hygienist. I began my career as a dental assistant, and that hands-on experience inspired me to pursue a degree in dental hygiene at the University of New Mexico. I treat my patients the way I would want to be treated—with care, empathy, and respect. These values guide everything I do, and I take great pride in providing them with the best possible dental care. In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time with my grandson. I also love to travel and have recently visited Alaska, the Dominican Republic, and Hawaii. Additionally, I enjoy making cakes and creating custom chocolate designs for family and friends. 

TLC Dental Center in Albuquerque best dental assistant and office staff
Dr. Louis Bush - Dentist

Dr. Louis Bush, dentist with TLC Dental Center in Albuquerque.

Claudia Canalas - Registered Dental Hygienist
TLC Dental Center in Albuquerque best dental assistant and office staff

What I love about dental hygiene is helping patients manage their overall health by preventing and detecting dental issues early. Working in a small practice gives me the opportunity to establish excellent relationships with patients as I get to see them consistently and assist them with their oral health. Before taking my professional endeavors to the next level, I studied dentistry for about five years in Honduras. Then in April 2023 I received my Registered Dental Hygienist license. In June 2024 I completed my Laser certification and this is part of my plans to offer our patients an enhanced experience.

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I value the chance to engage with my patients during our appointments, not just to help them feel more at ease but also to get to know them better.

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I am adventurous and am looking forward to traveling to the island of Roatan in Honduras. I have also been to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles. However, my heart belongs to my home country Honduras, and I love going back at least twice a year to visit family and explore the country.

Amy Pecherski - Registered Dental Hygienest

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always enjoyed visiting the dentist.  These positive experiences and curiosity,  inspired me to pursue a career in dental care.

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While I was in  high school, I decided I wanted to be a dental hygienist.  In 1999 I began my journey in the dental field.  I went to PIMA medical Institute, where I trained as a dental assistant.  After the completion of my program,  I was hired on as an orthodontist assistant in Santa Fe where I worked with Dr. Stephen Kellam   for approximately 10 years.

 

As my interest in the Dental field grew my career path eventually led me to earning a  Dental Hygiene degree from New Mexico State University in 2011.  

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After graduation, I worked in Alamogordo and  Truth or Consequences.  In 2018, I joined Dr. Bush at TLC Dental Center and have loved being part of the supportive, easygoing atmosphere.  

 

Dr. Bush is always on the cutting edge of dental technology and creates an inspiring environment for our team. We take pride in making our patients feel comfortable and treating them like family, just as we would our own loved ones.

 

I always make it a point to ask patients about any concerns or specific issues they might have so I can ensure they feel as comfortable as possible during their visit. Throughout the cleaning, I frequently check in with them to make sure they’re receiving the best care I can provide. To help keep them relaxed and entertained, we have TVs in every room, offering a pleasant distraction while they’re getting their cleaning done.

 

I love spending time outdoors, whether it's hiking, working out, or staying active.  I train at  Smart Girl Self Defense where we practice MMA techniques together. I also cherish time with my husband and kids, making family moments a top priority.

TLC Dental Center in Albuquerque best dental assistant and office staff
Dr. Louis Bush - Dentist

Dr. Louis Bush, dentist with TLC Dental Center in Albuquerque.

TLC Dental Center in Albuquerque best dental staff
Devonna Flores - Dental Assistant
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I’ve been a dental assistant since 2013.  I gained valuable experience working as a temp all around New Mexico, and found my home office at TLC Dental Center. I appreciate that my colleagues are kind and easy to work with. My mom paved a path in dental assisting for my sister and I. She previously worked with Dr. Bush, so I knew I’d be in good hands. I love being part of this family-oriented practice, serving our diverse clientele. I make it a priority to ease clients' concerns by thoroughly explaining the process and answering questions. In my spare time, I enjoy spending it with my family and animals, and try to limit my screen time with cooking, crafting and gardening.

Marisha “Risha” Lavalais - Front Desk

I joined TLC Dental to gain experience in the medical field, and it's been an invaluable introduction to the industry, so far! I enjoy building personal connections with clients and the community, and working alongside my supportive colleagues has been a great learning experience. I graduated from Sandia High School a few years ago and am eager to begin my professional career. I am the welcoming face you see when you enter the office and strive to make a conscious effort to connect with clients, ensuring they feel seen and valued. I take the time to ask about their lives and show genuine interest in getting to know them better. In my spare time, I’m an avid reader, especially of rom coms and drama novels. I love spending time with my nine dogs and family, and I enjoy bowling on the weekends.

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