The events of the last year caused many of us to reexamine our priorities and consider our life/work balance. That was the case for dental hygienist Linda Lara, who realized that while she loved her career, she treasured time with her children.   Rather than return to a single-dentist practice, she found 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics’ flexible schedule a good fit. She joined the Stone Oak office at the corner of Stone Oak Parkway and Evans Road a year ago.  Linda enjoys how 7to7 Dental incorporates dental assistants to complete preliminary activities with the patients so hygienists maximize the time they spend performing a cleaning or treatment. 

Patient education is Linda’s favorite part of her work. She considers it vital to ensure patients understand the connection between oral health and the rest of the body. 

“Over accumulation of bacteria in the mouth relates to other problems in the body — heart disease, diabetes,” she said. “I love to inspire patients to create a healthy lifestyle for themselves.” 

Linda, who has 18 years of dental hygiene experience under her belt, followed her sister Yvonne to attain hygiene certification from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, not far from where they grew up in the Rio Grande Valley. Linda moved to San Antonio in 2003, attracted by the opportunities for growth. After her son graduated from Reagan in 2019, the family moved to Timberwood Park. Her 13-year-old daughter will be a freshman at the new Pieper High School, while her 9-year-old will attend elementary school right across the street.  

The Laras enjoy camping together, a tradition from her family’s annual trips to Garner State Park. They love to make s’mores, but, true to her training, she makes sure everyone brushes their teeth after the sugary treat. 

Linda is gratified that 7to7 Dental gives back to the community. Just last month, they collected supplies and backpacks for Title 1 schools near the offices. 7to7 Dental has donated well over $12,000 worth of supplies in the six years of efforts.

“This is just one of the many ways 7to7 Dental gives back to the community,” said Travis DeZuba, Director of Marketing.  

7to7 Dental is a local business grown in 13 years from the practice of one dentist and six staff, which now employs 240 San Antonio community members. Co-Owners Dr. Tiffany Winburn and Justin Coke live in Stone Oak with their families and are part of the community.