The Doctors
Dr. Luz Molina
Dr. Luz Molina has been a resident of Reno for over 20 years. She completed her two-year Pediatric Dental Residency at Columbus Children’s Hospital with a Master of Science Degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Prior to her pediatric training, she spent two years of additional training in a hospital-based program at the Ohio State University system. Dr. Molina was awarded the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Graduate Research Award and Pierre Fauchard Academy Recognition for Excellence in Dentistry. She is a licensed Pediatric Specialist in the state of Nevada, and also provides hospital dentistry. She is also a Board Candidate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Memberships
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Nevada Dental Association
- Northern Nevada Dental Association
- American Dental Association
Dr. Molina is married to Dr. Wilkerson and together they have four children: Carter, Thomas, Hamilton, and Lourdes. She and her husband started Dentistry for Kids in 1998 to share their joy of caring for all Reno’s kids as one of their own. She is originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico and she is fluent in Spanish. When she is not at the office or helping her son Carter with his fundraiser campaign for NuggsForCarter.com, she is actively involved with her kids’ school events and volunteering. She enjoys traveling, scrapbooking and dancing.
Dr. J Wilkerson
Dr. J Wilkerson graduated from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1993 and taught dental students as a member of the Dental Faculty from 1993-1997. At the college, he also served as the Children’s Hospital Evening and Weekend Director. He is a general dentist who has limited his practice to children and teens.
Memberships
- American Dental Association
- Nevada Dental Association
- Northern Nevada Concerned Dental Committee
Dr. Wilkerson enjoys biking, fishing (one of his email accounts starts with fishingjw), and reading in his off time. In 2015, he did his first Ironman and ran the R2R2R (through the Grand Canyon and back, 48 miles.). He is married to Dr. Molina and together they have four children: Carter (of NuggsforCarter fame, number one re-tweeted person of all time), Thomas, Hamilton, and Lourdes. He and his wife, Dr. Molina, started Dentistry for Kids in 1998 to share their joy of caring for all Reno’s kids as their own. When he is not at the office or helping his son Carter in his fundraiser campaign for NuggsForCarter.com, he is reading, riding bikes, hiking or training for his next race.
Dr. Emily Whipple
Dr. Emily Whipple is a third generation Nevadan. She loves having the opportunity to improve oral health care for kids and provide a positive experience. She grew up in Boulder City and attended college at the University of Nevada, Reno. After only three years at UNR, she was accepted into dental school at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and graduated in 2008. Dr. Whipple practiced in Northern Nevada for five years and realized her love of pediatrics, which prompted her to return to UNLV to complete a two-year residency in Pediatric Dentistry. During residency, she also completed training with Nevada LEND to become a better provider for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities
Memberships
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Northern Nevada Dental Association
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Nevada State Advisory Committee for Oral Health
Dr. Whipple became a new mom in 2016, to her son Fredrick (Freddie). She loves spending time with her family, traveling, and keeping up with popular kid topics so that she can better relate to her patients. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, swimming and playing with her two dogs.
The Staff
Katherine
Practice Manager
How long with DFK: Since 2015. Hobbies: Shopping and spending time with grandson, Wes. Favorite thing about DFK: Working with children. Our doctors and staff are the best. I love being part of the DFK family. How long have you lived in Reno: Born and raised in LA. Moved to Reno in 1980 & love it here with the mountains, lakes, and blue skies.
Johana Mejia
Lead Dental Assistant
How long with DFK: Since 2005. Hobbies: Dance, spending time with my kids and traveling, creating fun memories with my kids. Favorite thing about DFK: Fun place to work & be silly with our little patients. Family: Daughter & Son. How long have you lived in Reno: My whole life.
Sara Marasson
Dental Assistant
How long with DFK: Since 2016. Hobbies: I love to spend time with my family & being outside. I also love going to baseball games & playing with my dog Oreo! Favorite thing about DFK: All the people and families I get to meet everyday and the fun that we have in our office. Family: I live in Reno with my parents and older siblings, I am the youngest of three. I have one niece and 2 nephews that I love to spend time with. How long have you lived in Reno: I was born and raised here in Nevada. Favorites: My favorite baseball team is the Los Angeles Angels and I love cows.
Benjo
Dental Assistant/Sterilization
Born and raised in the Philippines, Ben is the oldest of 3 siblings. At 13, he made a life-changing decision by moving to the U.S. in hopes of a better life. After graduating from Reno’s Dental Assisting program, he was hired by Dentistry For Kids in 2012. He loves working for DFK because of the family-like atmosphere and the quality of care they provide to the kids and team members. Hitting the slopes, a good read, and playing video games with his younger brothers are just a few things he enjoys!
Stacy
Scheduling Coordinator
How long with DFK: Since 2015. Hobbies: Spending time with family, reading, shopping, being outdoors, playing with my three dogs, traveling, and experiencing new things & meeting new people. Favorite thing about DFK? Hearing what the kids have to say during the appointments. They say the best things & the “thank you’s” are genuine. Family: Married. We have 3 grown children. We also have 3 wonderful and energetic grandchildren. We spend a lot of the time doing activities with family. How long have you lived in Reno? We recently moved to Reno in May from Boise, ID. We are excited to see all that Reno has to offer. Anything else? I love tropical beaches & Palm trees. Chocolate too!
Ann
Dental Assistant
How long with DFK: Since 2010. Hobbies: Cooking new foods, running, and trying to get back in shape. Favorite thing about DFK: Our patients, and my DFK family. Family: Daniel (son) How long have you lived in Reno: 18 years Additional: I love to dance at 6am to get my day started and I’m an amazing car singer.
Sarah Gaze
Greeter
How long with DFK: Since 2017. Hobbies: Swimming, reading, catching up on my favorite shows, eating delicious food (mostly dessert), getting to spend time with my freinds, family, and my boyfriend Mr. Ricky! Favorite thing about DFK: Getting to see how happy the kids are to be here. Our patients have so much fun, so much to where they don’t want to leave, and cant wait to come back and see us! They always put a smile on my face. Family I spent my whole life in Washington State. My family is in Washington and also Alaska. I moved to Reno with my boyfriend after graduating from a technical school, where I studied Medical Office Administration and Coding. We decided to relocate to start a new adventure. How long have you lived in Reno: 4 months. I love that it does not rain as much as it does back home, and the sunsets are gorgeous. Favorite Animal Squirrels.
Kristina
Dental Assistant
Kristina was born in Las Vegas and moved to Reno 15 years ago. She started working at DFK in 2010. She has stayed here because she feels like the quality of care is very high and she just loves working with kids. She is married and and has 3 children. Her hobbies include driving kids all over town for their hobbies and vacationing wherever there is an ocean!
Ann Rosales
Dental Assistant
How long with DFK: 7 Years. Hobbies: Running, cooking, finding new hobbies. What is your favorite thing about DFK: Patients and DFK family. Family: Son Danniel & cat K.J. How long have you lived in Reno: 20 years.
Ariadne Gonzalez
Dental Assistant
How long with DFK: Since 2014.