Doria Wood, RDH, BS - Dental Hygienist

Originally from Long Island, New York, Doria moved to New Mexico in 1998 to attend the University of New Mexico Dental Hygiene Program.  She completed her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, graduating with honors in 2003.  Doria joined Uptown Dental Associates in 2004.  As a dental hygienist, Doria is licensed to provide local anesthesia and specializes in gentle care and dental excellence for many patients.  In her free time, Doria doubles as a wife and loving mother of two.

Jennifer Gurule, CDA - Head Dental Assistant

Jennifer earned her certification as a dental assistant in 2001, and has been with our practice since 2002.  As head dental assistant, she spends most of her time at Dr Shepherd's side and supervising the other office assistants.  She has extensive knowledge about dentistry and treatment options, and is certified in digital radiography, as well as other extended-duty assistant responsibilities.  She is married and is the mother of two.

April Mitchell, CDA - Dental Assistant

April joined the practice in 2007 after moving back to Albuquerque from Flagstaff, AZ with her husband, James.  As a Certified Dental Assistant since 2003, she is well trained to provide excellent care for our patients.  As our main surgical assistant, she will likely be with you if your care requires extractions, implants or periodontal surgeries. 

Elisha Salinas, CDA - Dental Hygiene Assistant

Elisha is our newest assistant at Uptown Dental Associates, having joined the practice in 2009.  Though relatively new to our practice, she is no stranger to assisting, spending the previous eight years working as an assistant at another dental office in town.  We are pleased to have her join our staff, where she brings her bubbly personality and works primarily as an assistant in our hygiene department.  Elisha is also the mother of two.

Pam Keys - Treatment Coordinator

Pam is our dental treatment specialist.  As such, she will help you in reviewing, understanding and scheduling your dental treatment.  She will also help you in understanding your insurance benefits and is responsible for filing your insurance claims.  Pam is a friendly and professional front office expert, who spends the rest of her time raising her three daughters alongside her husband, John.

Bob Shepherd - Account Coordinator

Bob recently joined us in at Uptown Dental Associates after a 30 year career as a managerial and accounting specialist in the fields of real estate and oil distribution.  Both professional and warm, he has been dragged out of retirement and is now responsible for collections and all things financial at the practice.  He will help you should you have concerns about your account or insurance discrepancies.  He is honest and meticulous, (and he also just so happens to be Dr. Shepherd's father!).

Luanne Shepherd - Insurance Verifications

Luanne joined the practice shortly before her husband, Bob, where she now works part-time doing insurance verifications for our patients.  Though you won't see her quite as often, Luanne works behind the scenes in the front office where she is responsible for ensuring that your insurance information is up-to-date in our system and helps in estimating what portion of your dental treatment your insurance will cover.  Together with her husband of 40 years, she has raised seven children and is the proud grandmother of 24 grandchildren!