About Us
We Welcome You to Our Practice
Valerie Drake, DDS, FAGD, FICOI
Dr. Valerie Drake earned her doctorate of dental surgery at Baylor College of Dentistry, where she still serves on the board of the alumni association. Prior to that, she received a bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. A self-described local Valley girl, she was Valedictorian of her San Benito High School class and ranked nationally in tennis.
Dedicated to her craft, Dr. Drake has completed more than 1000 hours of continuing education courses. She earned her fellowship with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) and has earned a fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry as well.
As one of seven dentists in Texas to have earned a Mastership in the Implant Prosthodontic Section of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), Dr. Valerie Drake has undergone extensive training in implant dentistry. Requirements for Mastership include attaining Fellowship in the ICOI, 40 completed implant cases that have matured longer than one year, 100 continuing implant education hours in the preceding five years, a letter of recommendation from an ICOI Master, Diplomate, or a member of the Advanced Credentials Committee, as well as maintenance requirements to sustain the credential. Dr. Drake believes that her patients deserve the best, so she continually strives for excellence, as is evidenced with her ICOI Mastership.
When she's not working, Dr. Drake enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors with her children. She and her husband, Brad Ernst, have two sons, David and William.
Lisa Marie Gortari – Dentist Anesthesiologist
Lisa Gortari received her anesthesiologist certificate from the Loma Linda University where she completed a 2 year residency. She also received her doctorate of dental surgery from Loma Linda University. Prior to that, she completed a BS in health ecology with a minor in chemistry from the University of Nevada in Reno. She has been awarded the Nevada Silver Scholar Award, from the University of Nevada as well as a Gold Award from the National Dental Boards Part 1 and 2. She is a member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists, and the International Anesthesia Research Society.
Lisa enjoys the relaxed and positive environment of Drake Family Dentistry and likes to learn from the other dentists. She provides a wide range of services and the best possible care for the patients. She loves helping patients achieve their oral health goals. Lisa enjoys working with anxious patients, so she can alleviate the worries and provide a pleasurable dental experience.
Lisa loves animals and has a dog named Lily. She enjoys traveling, hiking, biking, and reading in her down time. She also tries to find as much time as possible to visit her family in northern Nevada.