Our Staff

Our team is dedicated to providing our patients with outstanding care. Our clinical staff is CPR certified and maintains an environment safe for our patients and ourselves.

Our Clinical Team believes that education is fundamental to achieve optimal dental health. We are committed to educating ourselves on the latest treatment techniques, dental materials, and equipment. Our continual education process allows us to provide our patients with the highest level of care that modern dentistry has to offer. We are also committed to educating our patients about their own dental health. Through this educational process our patients become better equipped to prevent dental disease and maintain a healthy smile.

Our Front Desk Business Team provides our patients with service that keeps everyone smiling. They are well-versed in the processing of insurance, HIPPA, and the use of computers for record keeping and e-claims. They help our patients navigate the handling of their dental insurance to assist in the maintenance of their healthy smiles.
 

Dr. Thomas M. Taylor DMD

Dr. Taylor graduated from Tufts University School of Dentistry in 1998. After graduating he returned to Del Rio and began practicing with his father. He has dedicated his career to multi-disciplinary dental care. He is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), American Orthodontic Society (AOS), and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI).

Dr. Taylor is continually participating in advanced training and continuing education courses focusing on various disciplines of dentistry, including restorative dentistry, implant treatments, bone grafting, and orthodontic therapy.

Dr. Taylor lives with his wife Dayna, son Joe, and daughter Emma. He enjoys golf, travel, and spending time with his family.
 

Prasad Sanku, DDS  (picture soon)

Dr. Taylor is proud to have Prasad Sanku, D.D.S. as a member of the team at Amistad Dentistry. Dr. Sanku was Valedictorian of his class at Rajiv Gandhi university of Health Sciences in India. Upon arrival to the states he graduated with a Masters of Public Health-Education from Western Kentucky University, and continued his studies at the New York University College of Dentistry where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree, with extended training in esthetic dentistry. At NYU, Dr. Sanku received the Lauri Fleisher Award, given to dentists for exceptional courtesy and compassion for their patients. Active in the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry, he is an avid learner of state of the art technology and techniques to improve the patient’s experience and the quality of care provided to his patients. Community involvement is also a top priority for Dr. Sanku, as he values the community of which he quickly became an integral part.
Camping, hiking, and exploring the southwest have intrigued Dr. Sanku, and endeared him to our region of the country. He enjoys the weather, the rich heritage and camaraderie of the people of Del Rio, and is looking forward to raising his family here with ours!

Dental Staff

Julissa Thompson RDH

Julissa is a Registered Dental Hygienist. She was born in Panama City, Panama and lived there until she married her husband who was in the United States Air Force. They moved to Del Rio in September of 1999 and were assigned to Laughlin AFB. Julissa began working for Amistad Dentistry in April 2000 for both, Dr. Tommy Taylor and
Dr. L. G. Taylor, as a Dental Assistant. She liked dentistry so much that she went to school and became a Dental Hygienist. Julissa is pursuing a degree in Biology in the hopes of one day becoming a Dentist. She enjoys helping patients maintain a healthy smile. Her philosophy as a Dental Professional is to treat each of her patients with kindness, respect, and to make their visit a great and gentle experience. Julissa enjoys traveling, photography and spending time with her husband, Robert and Dog, Hawkeye.

Rebecca Gonzalez, RDH

Rebecca Gonzalez was born and raised in Del Rio. She attended Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, TX where she received an Associate’s degree in Dental Hygiene. Rebecca obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Texas A&M Kingsville. She has been a Dental Hygienist for four years and enjoys helping patients develop and maintain good oral health. Rebecca believes in treating her patients with professionalism and gentle loving care. She looks forward to establishing a friendship with each and everyone. In Rebecca’s pass time she enjoys spending time with her husband and two wonderful children.

Bonnie Schmitt RDA

Bonnie has been a Registered Dental Assistant and Clinical Coordinator for 22 years. She joined Amistad Dentistry in 2002 and enjoys being part of an exceptional dental team. Bonnie finds helping and educating patients with their dental needs very rewarding. She is blessed with a wonderful family. Bonnie and her husband, Greg, have three children, Chris, Melissa, and Gregory. She also has two granddaughters, Chloe and Samantha.

Kathy Saddler RDA

Kathy is a Registered Dental Assistant and has been in the dental field over thirty years. She feels blessed to be a part of the Amistad Dentistry family, which she has been a part of for the last five years.

Genevieve (G.G.) Gonzalez

G.G. was raised in Del Rio and graduated from Del Rio High School. She then obtained her Registered Dental Assisting Certification from San Antonio Medical and Dental Assistant School. G.G. has been employed at Amistad Dentistry for five years. Her tasks include assisting the dentist during a variety of treatment procedures. She enjoys communicating with patients and making them feel comfortable before, during and after dental treatment. Aside from being a Dental Assistant, G.G. enjoys being a mother of two great children and being married to a wonderful man.

Debbie Boyd

Debbie is married and has three daughters. Debbie moved to Del Rio in 2007. She is involved in church work at Central Church of Christ.
Debbie has been a part of the Amistad Dental team since 2007. She loves meeting new people and helping to make their dental visit a pleasant one.
 

Office Staff

Cindy Lewis

Cindy is married to Wes and they have three beautiful daughters. Katie is a student at Texas A&M University, Courtney attends Comstock ISD, and Kristen is attending The Little Schoolhouse. In Cindy’s pass time she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and shopping. Cindy is Office Manager for Amistad Dentistry. She is the newest member of the team. Cindy oversees the day to day operations of the dental practice. Her primary focus is to see that every visit is a pleasant visit.

Patty Palafox

Patty is the Schedule Coordinator for Amistad Dentistry. She was born in Del Rio and graduated from Del Rio High School. Patty is married to Albert and enjoys spending time with him and their three lovely children, Samantha, Alexis, and Albert Jr. Patient’s first encounter with the dental staff takes place at the reception area. Her everyday goal is to make this moment a pleasant one. Patty strongly believes in the power of a smile and a positive attitude.

Jessica Solis

Jessica Solis is our office assistant.  Jessica was born in Del Rio and graduated from Del Rio High School in 2007.  She is currently a full-time student at Sul Ross Rio Grande College in Del Rio, TX--her dream is to be a successful elementary teacher.  Jessica came in as a patient when a child and used to dislike coming to the dentist, but after her dental experience in Amistad Dentistry, her view of dental work changed.  Jessica began working at Amistad Dentistry in 2006 as a part-time employee, and efficiently performs various tasks around the office, she has developed many skills that are critical to help us function as a business as well.  Jessica’s brother, Tito, works for the US Postal Service and her sister Lori works for SFDR-CISD.  Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her two nieces and three nephews and likes learning technical things.