My name is Ivan, and I’m originally from Cuba, where I completed my dental studies and earned my DDS degree. This accomplishment brought great pride to my family, as we have a long history of providing dental care. After practicing dentistry in Cuba for a few years, I decided to expand my personal and professional growth by moving to the United States. Here, I worked as a dental laboratory technician, gaining valuable skills and insights that dental school hadn’t taught me. When I felt ready, I applied to dental school and was accepted at the University of Puerto Rico, where I received additional training that allowed me to practice dentistry in the U.S. I am deeply passionate about helping others, and my commitment to ongoing learning, professionalism, and patient care drives me to be the best dentist I can be. I believe my attention to detail, manual dexterity, interpersonal skills, and genuine curiosity enable me to provide high-quality care while understanding and addressing my patients’ unique needs. Outside of dentistry, I enjoy a variety of hobbies that reflect my Cuban heritage—swimming and fishing (of course, being from an island), dancing, cooking traditional Cuban dishes, and making authentic Cuban coffee.