Meet the Swish Dental Team

After graduating from NYU and University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), Dr. Viraj Desai wanted to establish an Austin dental practice that focused as much on quality care as patient comfort. She made the move from NYC to Austin, and SWISH Dental came to be. When she’s not in the office, Dr. Desai loves to explore Austin’s outdoors and thriving music scene. She is also a practicing yogi, fashion connoisseur, & avid traveler.

After growing up in North Carolina and Virginia and attending dental school in Boston, Dr. Brendan Loehr made the move to Austin to find the perfect work/life balance. He is committed to providing the highest quality dental care inrt a patient-centered environment. He loves connecting with his patients on a personal level and helping them achieve their dental goals. Dr. Loehr has extensive experience with full mouth cosmetic procedures, as well as Invisalign and family dentistry.

When not working you can find him training around the Austin area for his next big race. He has completed the Boston Marathon and competed in The Kona Ironman Championships twice.

As a Swish Smile Artist, Dr. Audrey Lawson is committed to putting patient care and comfort first. Dr. Lawson completed her undergrad studies at LSU (Geaux Tigers!) before graduating from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and moving to Austin to join the Swish team. Dr. Lawson devotes much of her time to developing a connection with her patients and has a passion for improving their lives and smiles.

Prior to dental school, Dr. Lawson devoted much of her time to athletics so outside of work, you’ll often find her running on Lady Bird Lake!

Dr. Andrew Hatashima was born and raised in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. His interest in dentistry started by playing high school football because his coach was a dentist. Seeking a change of scenery, he moved to Pennsylvania where he achieved his Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology at The University of Pittsburgh and his Doctorate of Medicine in Dentistry at Temple University in Philadelphia. After 10 years of life and education on the East Coast, he decided to move a bit closer to home and is definitely enjoying the warmer weather. He strives to provide the highest level of dental care to patients in a comfortable and relaxed setting. To further his knowledge in dentistry, he has also taken continuing education courses in dental implants and root canal treatment.

After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU School of Dentistry, Dr. Shima Shadman practiced dentistry in Northern Virginia for several years before moving to Austin. Dr. Shadman is passionate about dentistry and cares deeply about her patients and their individual dental needs to create a lasting smile. She believes spending time with every patient and listening to their needs and expectations is a key element in providing successful dental treatment. She is committed to providing the best care possible for her patients taking numerous continuing education courses per year in endodontics, oral surgery and Invisalign orthodontics to pursue her goal in achieving a fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry.

Hailing from the bluegrass of Kentucky, Dr. Stone started off by getting his bachelors and masters in Bioengineering at the University of Louisville before getting his Doctorate in Dental Medicine degree at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. Dr. Stone followed his family down to Texas after school, and has enjoyed the warm weather and BBQ ever since. Dr. Stone loves working with the latest technology in dentistry to give his patients the best care possible, and works to make every patient feel at home in his office. The goal for Dr. Stone is to make every patient excited to come to the dentist, rather than dread it.

Outside of the office, Dr. Stone spends his time traveling around the world, including Paris, Munich, and Austria, as well as competing in cycling and CrossFit events. You can find Dr. Stone down on Lady Bird Lake in the summer paddle boarding, or at a concert at Moody Theater.

Dr. Sarah returned home to Austin after graduating from Baylor University and the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston. During her time in dental school, Dr. Sarah was the Recipient of the ADA Ninth District Dental Society Professional Collegiality Award.

She strives to provide her patients with comfortable, comprehensive dental care implementing the latest technology. She loves getting to know her patients and can’t wait to help you with your smile!

Outside of work, Dr. Sarah enjoys trying out new restaurants, working out, and spending time with her family.

Dr. Clayton Nguyen was born and raised in Austin, Texas - a true Austinite!  He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas in Austin with a degree in Biochemistry. It was during his time at UT where he developed his passion for dentistry and made it his mission to promote healthy and happy smiles. He went on to complete his Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston, where he was the Communications & Social Media chair for his school’s ASDA chapter and a Recipient of the ADA Ninth District Dental Society Professional Collegiality Award. Dr. Clayton is committed to getting to know his patients and providing the best care!

In his free time, Dr. Clayton enjoys traveling, binge watching television shows, trying new restaurants and spending time with his family and friends.

Dr. Gavin was born in Dallas but grew up in the suburbs of Kansas City. He attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for his undergraduate studies prior to earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. While in dental school, he was awarded the AAPHD Community Dentistry and Dental Public Health Award for his efforts in dental community outreach programs. Wanting to get back to his Texas roots, Dr. Gavin relocated to Texas after dental school to begin his career. He loves connecting with patients and strives to provide the best care possible in a safe and comfortable environment. When not at the office, Dr. Gavin enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring local restaurants, and relaxing on Lake Travis.

Dr. Victoria was born in Corpus Christi and raised in Spring, TX. She attended the University of the Incarnate Word where she played D1 tennis and then completed dental school at UT Health San Antonio. She speaks fluent Spanish and is part Puerto Rican, Colombian, and Lebanese. She enjoys finding new coffee shops and restaurants and is a total foodie.

Dr. Rebekah Salinas is a South Texas native from Corpus Christi, Texas. She received both a Bachelors in Science in Biology followed by a Masters in Science in Molecular Pathology at Texas Tech University. In her undergraduate years her passion for dentistry and patient care developed while volunteering at a free community dental clinic. She then received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry where she was awarded the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research and graduated with a Distinction in Research.

Dr. Bekah is committed to lifelong learning to provide the best possible patient care and remains eager to complete continuing education courses and staying up to date with the latest innovations in dentistry.  She strives to provide a positive, stress-free patient experience and tend to each patient's specific needs. Her favorite aspect of dentistry is the ability to improve patients' overall health and well-being through excellent dental care!

After dental school, Dr. Bekah moved with her fiancé and their two beloved cats (Princess Buttercup and Oreo) to Austin with the intention of calling the unique, vibrant city their forever home. In her spare time, she loves to try out new restaurants, enjoy the live music events of Austin, and spend time with family and friends.

Dr. Sara Burk is an Austin native with a passion for dentistry. After completing her undergraduate studies at Baylor University, dental school at UT Health San Antonio, and a General Practice Residency at UT Health Houston, she returned home to serve her community.

Committed to providing the best possible care for her patients. She takes the time to get to know her patients personally and is excited to help you achieve a radiant smile. Beyond dentistry, Dr. Sara enjoys doing yoga, hanging out with friends, and listening to live music.

Dr. Arti is from Wisconsin and pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin. Her journey led her to New York City, where she earned her dental degree from NYU College of Dentistry. Following this, she honed her skills through a comprehensive general practice residency at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. Driven by her passion for ensuring top-notch dental care, she strives to create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere for her patients. She enjoys traveling, fashion, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.

Dr. Marx is a graduate from the University of Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine, where she focused on pediatric dentistry and removable prosthodontics. Upon graduating cum laude, she was presented the Merit Award from distinct recognition of Removable Denture Prosthodontics in May of 2002. Dr. Marx continued her education with a one-year general practice residency at St. Clare’s Hospital in Schenectady, NY (the same hospital she was born in) to give back to the community that helped start her life. Prior to Buffalo, Dr. Marx spent three years at the State University of New York at Binghamton, Harpur School, where she graduated magna cum laude, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

While in New York, Dr. Marx was heavily involved in organized dentistry and served on several committees. She was previously the Schenectady County Representative for the Fourth District and was currently serving as the Secretary of the Fourth District in New York (and was planning on moving up the chairs) prior to moving to her beautiful new home of Spicewood, Texas. Dr. Marx maintains her membership with the American Dental Association and is looking forward to becoming involved with the Texas Dental Association and Capital Area Dental Association as well.

Dr. Marx was in private practice full-time for 16 years in upstate New York, and in that time also became happily married with 2 children (currently 16 and 17 years old) who are finishing high school at Lake Travis. The decision to relocate to Austin was made as a family.

Her values and beliefs have stayed the same throughout the years: Listen to what your patients want, listen to what your patients need, and make those things fit in the most functional, esthetic, and cost-effective treatment course of action so the plan works, including in house extractions and root canal therapy.

Dr. Ryan Byrne earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Sam Houston State University. After graduation, Dr. Byrne spent a few years living in Alaska enjoying the Northern Lights, the Iditarod, and grew to love the long winters with temps of -40°F.

Dr. Byrne completed his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry. Dr. Byrne's passion for dentistry stems from the love of working with his hands and the opportunity to help patients transform their lives by rebuilding their smiles. He strives to help his patients achieve healthy and beautiful smiles that they can be proud of.

Meet Dr. Noor Makda, your Austin dentist with a heart as big as the Lone Star State! Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, a Masters in Medical Science from the University of North Texas Health Science Center, and a diploma from The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, she's your go-to smile magician. Excitement is an understatement for Dr. Noor as she kickstarts her dental adventure in Austin, bringing sunshine and pearly whites to the capital city. Whether it's general dentistry or crafting cosmetic miracles, she's on a journey of constant growth and learning. Beyond the dental chair, you'll find Dr. Noor diving into eclectic cuisines, mastering pickleball moves, and soaking up the Texas sun. Oh, and did we mention she's a certified cat enthusiast? Nebula and Dante, her two feline buddies, hold the key to her heart—and yes, she might just have a photo album dedicated to their cuteness. Ready to smile brighter with Dr. Noor?

After finishing her undergraduate studies at LSU, Dr. Griffin adventured out to Salt Lake City Utah to receive her DMD degree from Roseman University of Health Sciences. After spending some time in Utah, Dr. Griffin and her husband headed back south to call Austin home. Dr. Griffin loves connecting with her patients and helping patients achieve their oral health goals. You can catch her cheering on the LSU Tigers on Saturdays in the fall.

Dr. Patel was born in Houston, Texas and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended the University of Georgia (UGA) for his undergraduate degree, and then completed his dental education at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Patel’s passion for dentistry comes from its blend of science and art. He loves to help patients rebuild their smiles and confidence. During his time at Tufts, Dr. Patel was trained in comprehensive care and was awarded the AGD General Dentist Award for his ability to connect with patients and provide great care. Out of the office, you’ll find him traveling, working out, exploring new restaurants, and playing basketball.

Meet Dr. Kristen Ferrante, a general and cosmetic dentist who is all about giving you a smile that lights up the room. She provides exceptional comprehensive dental care and beautiful cosmetic results, and her passion for conservative dentistry shines through in every appointment. She's not just about fixing teeth; she's dedicated to creating healthy smiles that last a lifetime.Having earned her Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology from The University of Texas at Austin and her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Dr. Ferrante possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience, including her contributions to research on treating Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma as well as her research on dental ceramics. She is also a member of the American Dental Association, Capital Area Dental Society, and is certified by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. When she's not in the office, you'll find Dr. Ferrante traveling or enjoying quality time with her family and her adorable Maltipoo, Otis. So, whether you're due for a cleaning or dreaming of a smile makeover, Dr. Kristen Ferrante is here to make your dental experience as enjoyable as possible.

Dr. Patricia Lee was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. Growing up in a household where healthcare was not a priority, she made it her mission to become a dentist to help address her parents’ oral health. While attending dental school at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Dr. Lee was able to transform her father’s smile by creating him a set of dentures that he still loves to this day! She is passionate about continuously growing with advancements in dentistry in order to provide quality care for her patients. She takes pride in taking the time to understand her patients’ needs and expectations because everyone’s dental journey is different. Dr. Lee loves to travel and try new things; she is excited to call Austin her new home.

Originally from Kentucky, Dr. Davis moved to Texas at 8 years old. At the age of 16, he discovered his love of dentistry and spent as much time as he could at his local dental office shadowing, assisting, and learning. Dr. Davis attended the University of Texas at Tyler where he was part of their conference winning Cross Country and Track and Field teams while earning a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry.
Dr. Davis obtained a Doctorate of Dental Medicine at Midwestern University-Illinois. While there, he expanded his skills as a leader by being his class’s liaison to the school’s Administration and teaching his fellow students on new dental technology. Dr. Davis continues to mentor new dentists, broadening his knowledge of dentistry, and providing quality dental care and oral health education to his patients.
In his spare time, Dr. Davis enjoys running, reading, spending time with his close friends and family, and cheering on the Houston Texans!

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Born and raised in Seattle, WA. Dr. Mayuri went to dental school in India at SDM College of Dental Sciences. She continued her education through the advanced standing program for international dentists at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, followed by a residency at the Oklahoma City VA & OU Medical Center. She has an adventurous spirit and enjoys traveling, keeping up with the latest lifestyle and fashion trends as well exploring her new city- Austin!

Dr. Anthony Mendez is a proud south Texan having lived all his life in Texas.  He graduated from Sam Houston State University majoring in Biology and Spanish Language and later adding a Master of Public Administration in Healthcare Administration from Texas State University.  Over the years, he has worked as an educator in public schools, adult education and community college.  After working for the Texas Education Agency, Dr. Mendez decided to attend dental school and graduated from Texas A & M University School of Dentistry in Dallas.  During his time there his classmates honored him by electing him as part of the class leadership while also leading other various organizations.  To this day, he is still very much involved in his alma mater and serves as President-Elect of the Alumni Association.  Dr. Mendez has over 20 years of dental experience and has acquired a great deal of additional education in cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery and removable dentistry.  He has been married 33 years to his lovely wife and has two adult children.  When not working, Dr. Mendez loves to travel, enjoys spending time with friends and family.