Meet Our Doctors Safari Children's Dentistry & Braces

Background: Dr. Victoria Ramirez was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. She attended Texas A&M International University, where she played volleyball and served as the president of the Pre-Dental Society. She earned her dental degree from The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston.

Specialization: Dr. Ramirez has a passion for treating children and providing the best care for her patients. She completed her pediatric dentistry specialty training at NYU Langone Health in Nashville, TN, where she was the chief resident and received extensive training in pediatric sedation dentistry.

Philosophy: Due to her upbringing and close ties to the community, Dr. Ramirez believes in creating a family-friendly, educational environment where parents play an active role in their child’s dental health.

Interests: Outside the office, Dr. Ramirez loves to travel, cook international foods, stay active, and cheer for the San Antonio Spurs.

Background: Dr. Hind Aldawood, originally from Saudi Arabia, graduated from Batterjee Medical College with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree in 2017, achieving Second Honors in 2018.

Specialization: Committed to pursuing advanced training, Dr. Aldawood relocated to the United States and completed a rigorous orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedics residency program at Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics in Florida, graduating in 2022. Dr. Aldawood is an active member of American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), the world’s oldest and largest dental specialty organization, as well as the Southern Association of Orthodontists (SAO) and American Dental Association (ADA).

Philosophy: With four years of experience, she find the most rewarding aspect of patient care to be fostering trust and rapport. She achieves this by actively listening to patients’ needs and concerns, and addressing them with a compassionate and gentle approach. Her primary focus is on delivering patient-centered care, ensuring a positive overall experience while creating beautiful, healthy smiles.

Interests: In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, playing video games, cooking and horseback riding.

Background: Dr. Gladys Carrasco was born and raised in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico. She completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Universidad Autonoma de Sinaloa and later joined Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine as a Clinical Instructor.

Specialization: Dr. Carrasco realized her passion for working with children during her time providing preventative and restorative dental services to children in elementary schools. She completed her Pediatric Dentistry Residency at Boston University GSDM.

Philosophy: Dr. Carrasco adapts to each patient’s comfort level, providing a safe, nurturing, comfortable, and friendly environment for children to learn about dental care.

Interests: Outside of work, Dr. Carrasco enjoys exploring San Antonio with her family, experiencing the local culture, and trying new cuisines.

Background: Dr. Joanna Ayala was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. She earned her Associate of Science degree from Blinn College in Brenham, TX, and her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She went to dental school at Boston University and completed a specialty program in pediatric dentistry at the Children's Hospital of Miami.

Specialization: Dr. Ayala’s training includes many aspects of pediatric dentistry, including sedation and hospital dentistry. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Philosophy: Dr. Ayala is dedicated to providing excellent service in all aspects of pediatric dentistry in a caring, professional, and personal manner. Her practice is limited to infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents.

Interests: Dr. Ayala enjoys spending time with family and engaging in community activities.