Meet Our Team
Meet our exceptional team at Prospect Hills Dental, led by our dentist, Dr. Michelle Torres. Our friendly, caring and highly experienced professionals connect with patients, making them smile. We are reliable, always available to answer questions and considerate of your needs. Our hygienists are thorough, emphasizing the why and your overall health. We take a gentle, kind and professional approach to ensure your comfort and well-being and invite you to call 408-446-2200 to join us for quality dental care in San Jose, California.
Michelle Torres, DDS
Dr. Michelle Torres’s journey into the field of dentistry started at the young age of nine when she realized that she wanted to become a dentist. She conducted her undergraduate studies at San Jose State University while working as a dental assistant, and later obtained her dental degree from the University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry in 1993. She participates in continuing education annually to keep her knowledge and skills at the forefront of dentistry.
Dr. Torres is a proud member of the American Dental Association® (ADA), the California Dental Association (CDA) and the Santa Clara Dental Society. She has received advanced training in Biomimetic Dentistry, emphasizing her pursuit of the most current and effective dental techniques.
Since formally opening her dental office in 1998, Dr. Torres has been serving the community diligently. Her goal as a dentist remains unwavering – to provide each patient with quality care tailored to their individual needs. She takes joy in sharing the latest research with her patients, with the aim of improving their oral and overall health. Dr. Torres maintains a profound commitment to understanding the mouth-to-body connection, allowing her to focus on total family care and collaborate with the best specialists in the area. She feels honored to serve her community and provide personalized care that spans across generations of patients. One of her greatest joys is building enduring friendships with them and witnessing young patients grow into adults with radiant smiles. Dr. Torres’s approach to dentistry involves offering treatment options, including conservative tooth-preserving treatments, which reflect her dedication to preserving and enhancing oral health.
Dr. Torres met her husband in dental school. Together, they share a love for continuing education, often taking the same courses to stay updated on the latest dental advancements. In her leisure time, she enjoys cooking and sharing recipes, exploring the beauty of the Eastern Sierras through hiking, visiting art galleries and taking scenic drives with her husband along Highway 1.
Rita
Front Office Administrator & Registered Dental Assistant
Rita joined our team in February 2022, bringing with her over 30 years of experience in the dental field. She loves being able to help make optimum oral health accessible. Her professionalism and promptness to aid patients with their insurance and scheduling appointments is highly appreciated.
Rita has two adult daughters. She is an avid Disneyland goer, and loves traveling and spending time with her family and friends. Rita also enjoys playing Scrabble and Cribbage.
Hang
Registered Dental Assistant
Hang has the gift of making patients feel at ease and comfortable. Her favorite part of dentistry is creating strong relationships with the patients. She is highly skilled and enjoys keeping up with the new technology and techniques. Her goal is to help everyone achieve a healthy smile!
Hang is married and has a big extended family with many lovely nieces and nephews. She likes to listen to music, cook and garden.
Mariza
Registered Dental Hygienist
Mariza joined our practice on November 3, 2019. She began her journey in dental hygiene by attending Diablo Valley College and successfully graduated in 2017, earning an associate degree in dental hygiene. Mariza has a genuine passion for her profession and a commitment to continuous learning, frequently participating in continuing education courses to enhance her skills and knowledge. Mariza’s primary focus is on building strong patient relationships, working diligently to improve their oral and overall health. She takes pride in collaborating with Dr. Torres and the rest of the team, who share her enthusiasm for patient education and exceptional care. Building a connection with patients and witnessing their comfort and increased awareness of oral health is a source of immense satisfaction for her. She finds great joy in guiding them to make positive changes through education and excellent care.
Beyond her career, Mariza is a loving mother to three wonderful sons, all of whom are thriving in their educational and career pursuits. She also shares her life with her supportive and caring husband, Javier. Mariza has recently discovered a passion for golf, which she enjoys sharing with her partner. She is also an enthusiast of wine tasting, cooking, baking, non-fiction reading, gardening, casual biking and hiking. Her dedication to the community extends to volunteering with dental organizations that provide free care to those in need.
Casper
Office Dog
Casper became the team mascot of the practice in early 2021. Despite being about 15 years old, he has a lot of energy and enthusiasm! He is a rescue Poodle-Bichon mix and the ideal doggie who will keep you company during your dental treatment and calm you down if you get nervous. Casper enjoys receiving massages from patients, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces, and dressing up. If you would like to see Casper at your next visit, please request him in advance!