Meet The Staff

Our team consists of a highly trained staff who are dedicated to making your visit to our office as comfortable as possible. From the knowledgeable administrative staff, to our caring and compassionate clinical team of surgical assistants, we are constantly striving to provide you with an exceptional surgical experience.  All staff are informed administrative personnel, well-versed in emergency management and are all certified with Basic Life Support (CPR) through the American Heart Association.

Administrative Staff

Our administrative assistants are friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful to meet the needs of all of our patients. From scheduling a convenient appointment time to maximizing your insurance benefits, our administrative staff will be there to answer any questions prior to your surgery. 

 

David – Office Manager

I began working at Cottonwood Oral Surgery in 2013 when Dr. Jeffries opened the practice. I strive to ensure that all aspects of the office run smoothly and that our patients leave with a wonderful surgical experience. Prior to my current position, I worked for various corporations in the accounting field. I have my MBA and CPA. Since my career change, I have found interacting with patients to be the most rewarding experiences of my life.

I was born and raised in Connecticut, but moved to New Mexico in 2012. I have four wonderful children and in my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family as well as being outdoors. I also enjoy watching Seinfeld reruns.  Original Seinfeld episodes weren’t around for you Gen Z’ers to enjoy.  Oh well, guess you missed that one.

 

Jason- Scheduling Coordinator

I began working at Cottonwood Oral Surgery in August 2020 and I am bilingual.  I enjoy greeting a variety of patients.  I find pleasure in calming nervous patients no matter the age. 

I have lived in Albuquerque for most of my life.  I enjoy spending time with friends and traveling to different states.  You may catch me on the slopes as I love to snowboard.  When in the office, you may find me bringing blankets to our patients to make them more comfortable and ensuring that you have a wonderful surgical experience.

Surgical Assistants

Our surgical assistants are CPR certified, experienced, trained, and certified in assisting with intravenous (IV) sedation and outpatient general anesthesia in our comfortable, state-of-the-art office setting. They are certified through the New Mexico State Dental Board with a dental assisting and radiology license. Our surgical staff travels nationally to attend continuing education courses to further their knowledge and always look to improve our standard of care for our patients. They have a special interest in providing a comfortable and safe surgical experience for each and every patient; our patients are continuously monitored during and after surgery.

Iradys – Surgical Assistant

I started working at Cottonwood Oral Surgery in 2021 and boy, do I have a story.  I am Cuban and my first language is Spanish.  I graduated with a degree in Dentistry in Cuba in 2013.  I worked as a dentist for 2 years in Cuba and then moved to Venezuela to work in areas of extreme poverty.  Due to the political-economic situation in my country, I decided to emigrate and start from scratch.  I lived in Columbia for 6 months and then arrived in the United States in 2017.  Since then, I feel like I have been born again.  I have learned how to perform jobs that I never imagined myself doing, I have learned a new language and I have even learned to drive (which was a challenge). 

I love to dance (of course), spend time with people that I love and most of all, I love my profession.  I have completed my DAANCE (Dental Anesthesia Assistants National Certification Exam) Certification, which will help me provide safer care to our patients.  I find it extremely rewarding helping achieve better smiles and oral health.  I am so grateful for the  opportunity that Dr. Jeffries has given me.  This will place me one step closer to achieving my dreams.

 

Vanessa- Surgical Assistant

I began working at Cottonwood Oral Surgery immediately after completing my externship in Dental Assisting.  I have a special love for helping my patients feel welcomed and comfortable.  I enjoy working with Dr. Jeffries and our team while we strive to provide outstanding care and service to everyone who come to see us.

I was born and raised in New Mexico.  In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and finding wonderfully unhealthy office snacks for my coworkers to eat with me.

 

Precious- Surgical Assistant

Precious has been working in the oral surgery field since 2015.  She prides herself on providing the highest quality care.  Helping people is the reason she’s passionate about dentistry.  She enjoys helping patients create a beautiful smile.  She has completed the DAANCE Certification, which is the highest dental anesthesia assistant certification in the country and is also intravenous certified.  She enjoys working with the rest of the team and being a part of a positive environment.  

Outside of work, Precious loves hiking with her dogs. She also enjoys spending time with  her loved ones and enjoys traveling.

 

Tricia- Surgical Assistant

I was born and raised in both Albuquerque and Mora, New Mexico.  It did not take me long to know that I wanted to work in dentistry.  I have been working as a dental assistant since 2020 in the heat of the Covid pandemic (what a time to be working in someone’s mouth).  I love seeing people smile and making patients feel comfortable.  I enjoy working with the staff here at Cottonwood Oral Surgery and I am grateful for all that I have learned while working here.  

In my free time, I love to spend time with my family, travel, and watch scary movies.

 
 

Erica- Surgical Assistant

I am from Gallup, New Mexico and am here in Albuquerque studying at UNM to become a dental hygienist.  My initial major was mechanical engineering, although after becoming introduced to the field of dentistry, I fell in love and I have no intentions of turning back.  Working at Cottonwood Oral Surgery has given me the ability to interact with patients during a very vulnerable state and ensure them that they are in a warm, safe, and caring environment.

When I am not working, I am usually studying.  My goal is to become the best and brightest in my field.