Meet Your Jacksonville Dentist Dr. Rachel Monteiro
What made you decide to become a dentist?
Growing up I wanted to be an architect, but after my first semester of architecture school I quickly realized this was not my passion. I moved back to Florida to continue my education at University of North Florida, and around that time I had my wisdom teeth removed with an excellent and compassionate oral surgeon here in Jacksonville. This positive experience planted the seed, so to speak. A few months after that I had my hygiene visit with my general dentist who I had been going to since I was a kid. My sweet hygienist Shirley encouraged me to look into dentistry for a career. Then just a few weeks after that, I met Marco, who would later become my husband and office manager. At the time he was studying biology with plans to apply to dental school, and suggested I consider that too because I loved art and science. It seemed the universe was trying to tell me that dentistry is where I belonged! During my undergrad years at UNF I was able to shadow at different practices in town and better understand the field. I shadowed general dentists and some specialists which gave me the opportunity to learn more about the different aspects of dentistry. Ultimately, I decided to pursue dentistry not only because it is a great combination of science and art, but also because caring for people and being able to help others smile brings me so much happiness.
How long have you been practicing dentistry?
I graduated from University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 2015 and got my dental license in Florida in the summer of 2015. I worked in a few practices, both private and corporate, both rural and urban. After a few years, I decided it was time to open my own practice. In December of 2018, we opened our doors here at River Oaks Dental and look forward to serving the community for years to come.
What is your favorite part about River Oaks Dental?
I love getting to know my patients. My main goal, of course, is to ensure the best care for them, and I find this is best accomplished by better understanding their background, concerns or worries, and just learning more about who they are. I see River Oaks Dental like a family, and I love when patients bring in their whole family as well!
What do you enjoy doing outside the office?
I love spending time with my family. My son Noah is three years old, and we have two West Highland Terriers named Juneau and Periwinkle. I like to spend time on our beautiful river, and love taking little trips up to Amelia Island, St Augustine, or St Simons. I also like antique shopping and love going out to eat at our amazing local restaurants here in Jacksonville.
- by admin
- on