*Photo of Nicole on a hike with her dog*

At Calleros Dental, we believe great dental care starts with great people. We're excited to introduce one of the newest members of our team, Nicole Taylor, whose positive attitude, compassionate approach, and passion for helping others have already made her a wonderful addition to our practice.

We sat down with Nicole to learn a little more about her, what inspired her to pursue dentistry, and what she hopes every patient experiences during their visit.

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hi! My name is Nicole Taylor, and I'm 22 years old. I recently moved to the South Bay from Oakhurst, a small mountain town just outside Yosemite National Park. When I'm not at the office, I love spending time at the beach, trying new restaurants, being with friends and family, and planning my next adventure. I enjoy staying active and am always excited to try something new.

I'm so happy to be part of the Calleros Dental team and look forward to learning, growing, and getting to know all of our wonderful patients.

What inspired you to pursue a career in dentistry?

I've always known I wanted to work in healthcare. My mom has worked in the medical field as both a medical assistant and now a phlebotomist, so I was inspired from a young age by the care she provided to others.

I didn't originally plan on dentistry, but once I found it, everything clicked. It turned out to be exactly where I was meant to be.

What do you enjoy most about working in dentistry?

I love that every day brings an opportunity to learn something new. Working alongside such a supportive team while helping patients have a positive experience makes this career incredibly rewarding.

What brought you to Calleros Dental?

My dental assisting instructor at the Southern California Regional Occupational Center, Dr. Fernandez, recommended Calleros Dental. From everything I heard, it sounded like the perfect place to begin my career, and I'm so grateful that recommendation led me here.

What has your experience been like joining the team?

Everyone has been so welcoming, kind, and supportive. From my very first day, I truly felt like part of the family. It's been such an encouraging environment to begin my career.

What do you love most about helping patients?

It's knowing that even the smallest things can make a difference. Whether it's helping someone feel more comfortable, answering a question, or simply making them smile, those moments are incredibly rewarding.

How do you help patients who feel nervous about visiting the dentist?

I always start by listening. Every patient is different, and taking the time to understand their concerns helps build trust. I try to create a calm, welcoming environment and offer reassurance throughout their visit. Sometimes having someone who is patient, understanding, and encouraging can make all the difference.

What do you hope every patient experiences at Calleros Dental?

I hope every patient receives exceptional care and leaves feeling like they're part of the Calleros Dental family. I want each visit to be one they feel genuinely good about and one that makes coming back a little easier.

What's one piece of oral health advice everyone should know?

Your toothbrush can't do it all. Floss is truly your best friend! Brushing and flossing together are one of the simplest ways to keep your smile healthy between visits.

What's on your bucket list?

Seeing the Northern Lights in person has always been one of my biggest dreams. It's definitely at the top of my travel list.

What surprised you most about joining Calleros Dental?

I was amazed by how much everyone genuinely cares. It's not just about providing excellent care for patients. Everyone here truly supports one another, and that creates such a positive environment for both the team and the people we care for.

Is there anything you'd like patients to know about you?

I'm passionate about continuing to learn and providing the best experience I can for every patient. Whether you have questions, need reassurance, or simply appreciate a friendly face during your visit, I'm always happy to help. I look forward to meeting you!