Meet the Team

Dr. Steven Chen  may have grown up in San Jose, CA, but don't worry, he is a native Texan, having been born in Dallas.

He attended UC Berkeley in California where he received his B.S. degree. He went on to dental school at Midwestern University in Arizona and received his DMD in 2015.

Dr. Chen enjoys being a dentist for kids of all ages, but he especially enjoys babies first visits. This allows him the opportunity to help make a trip to the dentist an enjoyable experience that will hopefully lead to a lifetime of great oral hygiene habits. It also lets him educate the parent and answer any questions mom or dad have.

Being a dentist at a practice that focuses just on kids, Dr. Chen finds it exciting to watch patients grow from toddler into teenagers.

Dr. Stephen Hlis was born and raised in Brownwood, TX, and developed a passion for healthcare early on. He pursued his undergraduate degree in Nutrition Science at the University of Texas in Austin before attending Case Western Reserve University, where he earned his DMD. Dr. Hlis is an active member of Delta Sigma Delta and the ASDA.

He chose to become a dentist because he sees it as the perfect combination of construction and healthcare, where he can apply practical skills while making a real difference, especially in the lives of children. Dr. Hlis loves working with kids because they allow him to be goofy, making every day enjoyable and rewarding.

Family is central to Dr. Hlis's life, and he enjoys spending time with his mom, dad, brother, sister, and his yellow lab, Wella. His top dental tip is to invest in an electric toothbrush for a more thorough cleaning every time you brush!

Dr. Madeline Vaji was born and raised in Cleveland, OH, and pursued her passion for science by earning her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Alabama. She then continued her education by earning her DMD from Case Western Reserve University.

She chose to become a dentist as a way to combine her creativity with her desire to help patients improve their dental health and education.

Dr. Vaji especially loves working with children, finding joy in their energy and fun personalities. She takes pride in educating them about oral hygiene, helping set them up for long-term success.

When she's not at the dental office, Dr. Vaji enjoys spending quality time with her close-knit family, which includes her younger brother, mom, and dad.

Dr. Beth Smith was born and raised in Jackson, MS, where she developed a passion for helping others from an early age. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Mississippi before pursuing her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of Tennessee.

As a dedicated member of the American Dental Association, Dr. Smith stays up to date with the latest advancements in dentistry to provide top-quality care for her patients. She has a special passion for working with children, finding joy in their energy and excitement. Her warm and compassionate approach helps young patients feel comfortable and confident in the dental chair.

Outside of the office, Dr. Smith enjoys spending time with her husband, their three children, and their two beloved Australian Shepherds, Bear and Blue. Whether she's exploring the outdoors with her family or cheering on her kids at their activities, she values the time spent making lasting memories.

Dr. Claudia Mendiola brings warmth, expertise, and genuine passion for kids dentistry to our practice. A proud graduate of UT Health San Antonio Dental School, Dr. Mendiola is excited to serve families in our community with compassionate, high-quality dental care.

Originally from Laredo, Texas, Dr. Mendiola earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Texas A&M International University. Her journey into dentistry was inspired by her desire to help underserved communities and her understanding of the vital importance of oral health care. She finds tremendous joy in working with children and helping them develop positive relationships with dental care from an early age.

Dr. Mendiola is an active member of both the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA). Her dedication to excellence in dentistry has been recognized through the S.E.A.L. Award from HDA and Teaching Honors from UTHSA, reflecting her commitment to both clinical excellence and education.

When she's not caring for her young patients, Dr. Mendiola enjoys staying active and exploring new adventures. She's an avid skier who loves hitting the slopes, and you might be surprised to learn that she went skydiving the day before taking her dental admissions test! She's also a tech enthusiast who enjoys keeping up with the latest innovations.

She believes in the power of words of affirmation and finds happiness in trying new adventures and spending quality time with her loved ones. Dr. Mendiola is thrilled to be part of our dental family and looks forward to helping your children achieve healthy, beautiful smiles while making their dental visits positive and comfortable experiences.