Meet the Team at Piedra Dental Group
At Piedra Dental Group, our greatest strength is our dedicated and compassionate team. Our staff, led by Dr. Alejandro Piedra, brings years of experience, specialized training, and a shared passion for providing personalized dental care. You’ll always be met with professionalism, warmth, and a genuine commitment to your well-being from the front desk to the treatment chair. Meet the outstanding individuals who help make your smile shine.
Laura
Laura Bustamante Reyes – Dental Assistant
Laura brings a truly global perspective to the dental field. She has a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Havana University and a Dental Assisting certification from the Associazione Nazionale Dentisti Italiani (ANDI). Since 2018, she’s been combining her clinical skills and warm personality to create a comfortable and efficient experience for every patient.
A proud member of the ADA and ANDI, Laura enjoys staying current with the latest dental technology and care practices. Her love for multitasking, organization, and communication shines through in every interaction.
Outside of the office, Laura is passionate about languages, travel, and spending time with her family. Her diverse interests and compassionate nature make her an invaluable Piedra Dental Group team member.
Helen
Helen Frame – Registered Dental Hygienist
With over five decades of experience, Helen is a cornerstone of the Piedra Dental Group. She graduated from the School of Dental Hygiene at Pensacola Junior College in 1971 and has dedicated her life to promoting oral health and patient education.
Helen is known for her gentle approach and deep understanding of hygiene care, making her a favorite among patients of all ages. Her passion for dentistry is matched only by her love of horses.
When she’s not working, Helen can be found trail riding with her longtime equine companion, Izzy, or enjoying competitive Reining. She’s also an avid swimmer, enjoying staying active and connected with nature.
Nancy
Nancy Vargas – Registered Dental Hygienist
With 27 years of experience in dental hygiene, Nancy Vargas is a seasoned and skilled professional dedicated to helping patients achieve healthier smiles. A graduate of Miami-Dade Community College’s Hygiene Program in 1998, Nancy brings a steady, reassuring presence to every appointment.
Patients appreciate her attention to detail, calming demeanor, and ability to make oral care approachable and educational. Her passion for wellness is reflected in her approach to personalized hygiene care.
Outside of the office, Nancy is an enthusiastic traveler and a lover of the arts. Whether she’s painting, swimming, visiting museums, or attending concerts, she brings a sense of curiosity and joy to everything she does.
Krystal
Krystal – Patient Intake & Scheduling Coordinator
As the first point of contact for many patients, Krystal ensures every visit to Piedra Dental Group starts with a smile. With six years of experience and a background in dental assisting from Concorde Dental School, she brings warmth and technical understanding to her role.
Krystal excels at making patients feel comfortable, informed, and well-cared for from the moment they walk in. Her organizational skills and personable nature keep the front office running smoothly.
Krystal enjoys horror films, Marvel movies, and crime investigations in her free time. Her creative, energetic personality adds a fun and friendly vibe to the office.
Christie
Christie Harris – Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Christie brings over two decades of clinical experience to Piedra Dental Group, with a certification in Dental Assisting from Tallahassee Community College, earned in 2003. Her advanced training as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant allows her to assist in a wide range of restorative procedures with precision and care.
Christie is known for her nurturing attitude and dedication to patient comfort. She loves helping people feel confident about their oral health and always brings a calming presence to the dental chair.
Outside of work, Christie is a wife and mother of two. She is passionate about photography and travel. Her creativity and compassion are reflected in everything she does professionally and personally.
Mariana
Mariana de Matta Marchesini – Registered Dental Hygienist
Originally trained as a dentist in Brazil, Mariana brings a wealth of knowledge and clinical expertise to her role as a dental hygienist. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2018 and later became a Certified Specialist in Prosthodontics before transitioning to hygiene in the U.S.
Mariana’s international background gives her a unique perspective on patient care, allowing her to provide thorough and gentle hygiene services with a strong foundation in restorative dentistry. She aims to ensure each patient feels heard, respected, and empowered in their oral health journey.
In her downtime, Mariana enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, watching reality TV, and spending quality time with her loved ones.
Jackie
Jackie Ridgley – Office Manager
Jackie is the heart of the administrative team at Piedra Dental Group. With 23 years in the dental industry and continuing education from Nova Southeastern University, she brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of practice management.
She ensures the office operates smoothly while maintaining a warm and welcoming environment for staff and patients. Her approachable leadership style fosters strong teamwork and consistent patient satisfaction.
Jackie is a proud mother of three outside the office and enjoys family adventures, amusement parks, and playing pool. A former competitor in the Amateur World Pool Championship, Jackie brings the same focus and determination to her work every day.
