Our South Lamar Dentists

Dr. Kindra Dietrich grew up in Wenatchee, WA, the apple capital of the world. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology at West Texas A&M University and her Doctor of Dental Medicine at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dental Medicine.

To Dr. Dietrich, dentistry is not simply drilling and filling, but the perfect blend of art, science, and patient connection. Although she loves many areas of dentistry, Dr. Dietrich enjoys getting to know her patients the most. To her, the heart of patient care is taking a personalized approach because each patient and their smile is entirely unique. Whether a patient’s concern is cosmetic, restorative, or a dental emergency, Dr. Dietrich creates a genuine connection with each patient and provides them with excellent, individualized, compassionate care.

Outside of the office, Dr. Dietrich enjoys horseback riding, growing her plant collection, and taking many adventures with her golden retriever.

Dr. Dietrich is very excited to be back in the Lone Star state and looks forward to meeting you!

Dr. Patricia Ortiz was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She attended University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Cell Biology and graduated Magna Cun Laude. She continued her education at University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus where she graduated at the top of her class and obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree.  

Dr. Ortiz furthered her education at Bronx Lebanon Hospital in New York where she completed a General Practice Residency. She then completed her post-doctoral training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at Bronx Care Health System. 

Dr. Ortiz is very passionate and dedicated to Orthodontics. She is committed to provide the highest level of care tailored to the needs of each patient. She has great satisfaction helping her patients achieve better oral health and beautiful smiles. Dr. Ortiz is current with all the latest techniques and theories in the practice of orthodontics and strongly believes in attending continuing education courses. She is a Board-Certified orthodontist. She is an active member of the Southwestern Society of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and the American Association of Orthodontists.
 

Dr. Ortiz enjoys working out, baking, traveling and spending quality time with friends and family. 

Dr. Varun Kulkarni has served as a Faculty for Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Midwestern University.

Currently a full-time private practitioner, Dr. Kulkarni combines his teaching abilities and clinical skills to deliver exceptional patient care. Additionally, Dr. Kulkarni has published over 50 articles in Immunology, Periodontology, Implant surgery, Oral Surgery, Esthetic, and Plastics surgery and has presented numerous lectures and surgical demonstrations. He has also lectured nationally and internationally on dental implants and periodontal procedures. He also serves on the Editorial Boards of many peer-reviewed journals.

Dr. Kulkarni is the recipient of the Distinguished Nobel Biocare Fellowship and Straumann Implant Fellowship. 

Dr. Patrick Mendez grew up in Austin. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology at St. Edward’s University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston. 

Dr. Mendez entered the dental field because of his desire to make a positive impact on the dental field and improve the oral health of his patients. His favorite aspect of dentistry is esthetics. 

Outside of the office, Dr. Mendez enjoys weight lifting, running around Lady Bird Lake, and exploring Austin’s food scene.