Manuel Castillo, DDS
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

OUR DOCTOR IS A BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST!

The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry is a specialty organization that administers a very thorough set of exams to qualified specialists. This is the highest accreditation level they can achieve.

Manuel Castillo, DDS — PEDIATRIC DENTIST

You’ll remember Dr. Mani because of his calm personality and his eagerness to make kids smile, be it with a silly joke or even a magic trick —something he learned from his father.

Dr. Manuel Castillo is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist. He is a 1991 graduate from Marquette University School of Dentistry. In addition to his extensive hands-on experience as a general doctor of dentistry, Dr. Castillo also thrived in academics. He worked as a full time assistant professor at Marquette University School of Dentistry, and held faculty appointments at Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago and at the University of Colorado, School of Dental Medicine.

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After 12 years in private practice and academics, Dr. Castillo was commissioned as dental officer in the U.S. Army in 2000. Major Castillo’s first assignment was in beautiful Monterrey, California, where he met his wife Claudia. At that time he was selected for pediatric specialty training and earned his Pediatric Dentistry Certificate from Baylor University School of Dentistry at Dallas in 2005. In September of 2006 Dr. Castillo became a Diplomate with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and in May 2007 he became a Fellow with the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Lieutenant Colonel Castillo finished his military career with a three-year assignment in Germany as Chief of Pediatric Dentistry in 2008. After proudly serving in the U.S. Army for eight years, Dr. Manuel Castillo decided to establish his roots in Texas where he has served his patients in two private Children’s Dental practices. After almost 24 years of both general and pediatric dental experience, in 2015, Dr. Castillo decided it was time to venture in a solo practice where he could create a close and caring relationship with his young patients and their parents.

Dr. Castillo has his hands full with his three handsome boys, Mikhail, his oldest has already made him a grandfather while making a successful career in sales, Marcos goes to Coppin State University in Baltimore, where he also plays baseball, and Mattías, his youngest sweet boy. Marina is his young ballerina, and Claudia is his beautiful wife and office manager.

Dr. Castillo’s extensive experience and skills continue to earn his patients’ trust. Children and parents love his fun personality and gentle touch.

GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM

Claudia Decet-Castillo

OFFICE MANAGER

Claudia Decet-Castillo is Dr. Castillo’s wife, and as a mother, she loves children. She wants to make sure that our young patients have the best possible dental experience. She has worked as an educator, a translator and conference interpreter, also as a corporate trainer and office coordinator. She is fluent in English, Spanish and Italian. Outside the office, Mrs. Castillo enjoys, gardening, doing art projects with her children and even reviving old furniture by painting it with fun-bright colors.

Yamilka Encarnación

TREATMENT COORDINATOR

You will enjoy Yami’s friendly personality, especially when it comes to explaining your treatment plan in the easiest terms. She offers over 15 years of dental insurance experience. She loves being able to help patients completely understand their treatment plans. She also enjoys the opportunity to educate them on how proper oral health and maintenance can help prevent future health issues. Yami is a proud mother of six beautiful children. In her free time, she really likes being outdoors, working out, cooking and watching her children participate in many activities. She will be happy to help you find answers to any questions or concerns you might have about your insurance and/or treatment plan.

Lourdes Colon

LEAD RDA

The first thing you’ll notice about Lulu is her big, easy smile. She’s married and has two children. Originally from Puerto Rico, she has been in San Antonio since 2015. She earned her Business Administration degree in Puerto Rico, after which she worked in the dental field starting in the front office, then as a dental assistant and finally as office manager —all adding up over 20 years of experience. Once she arrived in San Antonio, she went back to school and became a Registered Dental Assistant. She loves working in the dental field, and especially with children. For her, children are pure joy, love, and fun. In her free time, she enjoys music, dancing, cooking and doing crafts. Working at Happy suits her well as she expresses her love for the little ones, helps them to trust the dentist, and will do everything possible to make your child’s visit a happy one.

Angelica Avina

RDA and ACCOUNTS RECOVERY COORDINATOR

Angelica is originally from Mexico. She moved to Laredo, Texas with her family in 2002 when she was just a teenager. After graduating from college, she moved to San Antonio to continue her studies. In 2016, she graduated from the University of Incarnate Word as a Dental Assistant. She loves working with children and watching them smile. In her free time, Angelica enjoys spending time with her family. She is both very knowledgeable when it comes to insurance coverage details and highly skilled as a clinician. You will enjoy her calm and professional demeanor.

Sirena Segura

INSURANCE VERIFICATION COORDINATOR

Sirena is originally from California and moved to Kerrville, Texas in 2008. Right after high school she moved to San Antonio to attend college, eventually graduating from dental assisting school in 2016. She loves working with children and helping maintain bright, beautiful smiles. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, knitting, and trying exotic foods.

Darlene Martinez

RDA

Darlene is a friendly, caring mother of two. In 2016 she graduated early from high school and planned to attend college to give her daughter a good life. She attended Concorde Career College and graduated as a Registered Dental Assistant in 2019. She loves working with kids, and helping parents and their children understand the benefits of having great oral hygiene. She has been very shy throughout the years, but has greatly overcome her fear. That’s why she makes a special effort in having parents and children feel at ease when entering the dental office. She always tries her very best and expects to meet parents expectations to give their children the best dental experience!

Malia Segura

RDA and Billing Coordinator

Malia is originally from California and moved to Kerrville, Texas in 2008. After high school, she came to San Antonio to work and attend college. She had been in the math club in high school, but looked forward to a career where she could help people. She graduated from dental assisting school in 2019. Today her math skills and understanding of the dental field help her analyze patients’ accounts and answer any billing questions with ease. She has two cats, Rooney and Lucy, who she loves very much. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and sitting outside on her back porch.

Denise Ojeda

Accounts Recovery Coordinator

You will appreciate Denise’s friendly and patient vibe, especially when it comes to answering your questions in a clear and professional manner. Denise has her degree in Accounting and speaks Spanish. She has three years of previous experience working for some of the top names in banking and finance. Her excellent customer service focus, coupled with strong problem-solving and organizational skills allow her to effectively answer your insurance and billing related questions. Denise has three kids who she spends all her time with, whether it is jogging the trails or taking them to a movie, they are her favorite people!

WE HAVE CONVENIENT EXTENDED HOURS

We understand that parents, at times, are unable to take care of their children’s dental needs during regular business hours. That’s why we are happy to offer services on Saturday morning and have an extended day on Wednesday until 7pm.