Q&A: Dr. Stephanie Gutierrez

Smile: There’s a new face in town.

Meet Dr. Stephanie Gutierrez, who recently joined the team at The Palisades Dentists as an associate dentist and brings with her several years of experience in addition to a decade in the Air Force.

Post: Tell us a bit about your background—what led you to where you are today?

Gutierrez: After high school, I moved to Hawaii with my sister. My first job was being a dental assistant. I fell in love with the dental field and stayed in that position for three years. I would bug my dentist to show me and teach me new things every week.

I took a slight detour into the Air Force for 10 years but I still felt a longing to be in the field so I decided to return as a dentist. It’s a lot different after all those years but it’s a field that keeps me excited to return.

Post: What is the name of your business and what service do you provide?

Gutierrez: I currently work as an associate dentist at The Palisades Dentists. As a general dentist, I provide routine exams, fillings, crowns and prosthetics appliances. I also offer cosmetic solutions such as veneers and injectables (neuromodulators and hyaluronic acid fillers). I love being able to provide these services in one setting for my patients.

Post: How long have you been in this field?

Gutierrez: I’ve been in this field for five years. It’s always changing each year and will continue to expand my knowledge in the field. This is something I vow to never change throughout my career.

I’m immensely grateful to be in an office where education is valued and we continue to curtail our services to best fit the needs of our patients.

Post: Why, in your words, should Palisadians be interested in this product or service?

Gutierrez: Quite honestly, before I began to work in this office in an official capacity, I was impressed with the staff. The first time I entered the office, I immediately noticed how kind and genuine everyone was regardless if I was a patient or another dentist visiting. Everyone, from the assistants to the hygienists and reception, radiates positivity and warmth.

Truly, when our patients walk into their appointments, they feel like family. The genuine regard for our patients translates into our services. We want to provide comfort, convenience and excellence to each person in our office. This is the environment we strive for every day.

Post: What is your philosophy when it comes to serving clients?

Gutierrez: I want my patients to understand my treatment plan for them. I like to take my time educating my patients on why some treatments are needed and all the available options for them. We go over the pros and cons to make sure we are both making the right choice for a long-lasting solution.

Growing up, I never knew what certain treatments meant and just took the word of the provider that they would know what’s best for me. I want my patients to have an understanding of their treatment plan and leave confident that they are making the best choice for their health.

Post: What do you love about the Palisades?

Gutierrez: The small-town feel. I grew up in a town where everyone knew one another and never considered it could happen anywhere near LA County. Sometimes Dr. Cerisa and I like to walk around the town center and always manage to run into someone we know. It’s small but such a pleasant experience.

Post: Is there anything else you’d like the community to know about you?

Gutierrez: I live in Orange County with my husband, Ashton, and our dog, Murphy. I am very much a dog person and you will make my day if you show me pictures of your pet during your appointment.

Some of my hobbies include interior decorating, collecting plants and puzzles—all of which I had plenty of time to cultivate during the 2020 pandemic. In the future, I would like to return to traveling to some exotic places and eating food in restaurants.

Post: Where can people reach you or find out more information?

Gutierrez: You can reach us at 310-459-2303 or email at smile@thepalidentists.com. Follow us on Instagram @ThePaliDentists.