If you’re looking for gentle dental treatment options that promises maximum patient comfort, come to University Family Dental. Discover a pampering dental experience where you’ll feel relaxed and truly cared for. Feel free to visit us in Las Cruces, NM where you will be greeted by our cheerful and friendly team.
Brenda Rauch, Office Manager
Brenda is one of the welcoming and friendly faces at the front desk and now serves the role of office manager. Our patients and staff enjoy her positive personality and her radiant smile. Joining our family in 2021 she brings with her over ten years of experience in dentistry. From being a team leader to consistently coordinating patient care. Her passion is creating delightful experiences for patients and ensuring that patients are satisfied through service excellence in every step of their visit.
In her spare time, she enjoys working out, hiking, spending time with family and friends as well as her French Bulldogs.
Emily Placencio, Appointment Coordinator
Born in Silver City and raised in Lordsburg, Emily is a devoted mother of four daughters. She is currently majoring in Cyber Engineering at the University of Arizona, balancing her academic journey with a love for the outdoors, dancing, and spending quality time with family and friends. Her life reflects a deep commitment to both personal growth and meaningful relationships, guided by resilience, curiosity, and joy.
Maxine Mendoza, RDH, Dental Hygienist
A wonderful addition to our team, please meet Maxine, bilingual dental hygienist, originally from the Las Cruces/El Paso area. A graduate of the Dona Ana Community College (DACC) Hygiene Program, Maxine has a passion for healthcare and is dedicated to providing quality care to patients. Currently working part-time as a dental hygienist, she is focused on furthering their education in the healthcare field, with plans to continue advancing her expertise and knowledge. With a deep connection to her community, she is committed to promoting better oral health and overall well-being.
Halene Parra, RDH
Born and raised in Las Cruces, Halene Parra is a Registered Dental Hygienist who is passionate about serving the community she has always called home. She graduated from the Dental Hygiene program at Dona Ana Community College and earned her bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene from the University of New Mexico. As a recent addition to our team, Halene is excited to provide compassionate, comfortable care to every patient she meets. She loves helping patients leave with a clean, healthy smile that builds confidence and makes them feel comfortable during their visits. Outside of the office, Halene coaches a middle school volleyball team, where she enjoys mentoring young athletes and giving back to her community. In her free time, she also enjoys playing pickleball and staying active.
Arianna Sanchez, CDA, Dental Assistant
Arianna joined our team in October of 2020. Born and raised in Las Cruces, she’s a Las Cruces High School Graduate. Arianna began her dental assisting career in El Paso Tx by attending a Dental Assistant program finishing her DANB certification in New Mexico. Her own dental anxiety was what drove Arianna to work in this field to do her best at making every patient’s visits more comfortable and pleasant.
During her free time, she enjoys photography, as well as working with her parents helping them with their restaurant and food truck. When not busy working, she spends her time with family and caring for her fur babies.
Angelica Montelongo, Dental assistant
Joining our office in October of 2022 Angelica has worked in the world of dentistry for 3 years. In 2020 she graduated from DACC to pursue her career in dentistry.
She finds passion in helping others with their oral health and also loves helping transform patient smile. Angelica enjoys working in an atmosphere that strives to be on the cutting edge of dental technology while delivering the highest level of treatment.
Angelica has become a wonderful addition to our team bringing charisma and an enthusiastic personality.
In her spare time, she enjoys going to the movies and taking road trips to small towns in the area with her husband and fur babies.
Kimberly Flores, Dental assistant
Joining our office in July of 2024 Kimberly comes with years of dental assisting experience. Kim was born in California, raised in Mequite NM, and graduated from Gasden High School. She started her dental assisting career in pediatrics and quickly learned that she loved helping others in oral health education. With Kim’s bright and bubbly personality, she has become a wonderful asset to our office.
During her spare time, she likes to take small weekend getaways, enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her family.
