About the Practice
Texas Dentistry and Braces
COMMITTED TO YOUR DENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Texas Dentistry and Braces is your trusted provider of comprehensive dental care. We work out of three convenient locations: Mesquite, Kaufman, and Terrell. Our dedicated team members are skilled in general, cosmetic, restorative, and children’s dentistry, as well as orthodontics. We serve patients of all ages, from children to adults, and are here to help you and your family maintain healthy smiles. Contact us to make an appointment today.
Meet the Dentists
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Dr. Hodges always wanted a career in health care, as his father was in medicine and his grandfather was a dentist.
Dr. Hodges specializes in pediatric dentistry. He says he is passionate about it because it offers a unique opportunity to provide dental education that will last a lifetime. He also enjoys developing long-lasting relationships with his patients and their families.
Outside of work, Dr. Hodges and his wife, Katie (also a pediatric dentist), love spending time with their Siberian husky, Shadow. Dr. Hodges also loves being outdoors, playing golf, and hunting. An avid sports fan since childhood, he is always up to date on the latest sports news. Exciting times are ahead for Dr. Hodges and his wife as they await the birth of their first child in the spring.
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor of Arts in history (with honors), University of Mississippi
- Master of Medical Science, Mississippi College
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
- Certificate of Pediatric Dentistry, Texas A&M College of Dentistry in association with Children’s Medical Center
ORGANIZATIONS:
- American Dental Association
- Texas Dental Association
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Santillan grew up in Garland, Texas. Her interest in science led her to a chemistry degree at Texas Tech University, where she graduated summa cum laude. Dr. Santillan then pursued her dental degree.
A career in dentistry appealed to Dr. Santillan because it helps people preserve their smiles. Some difficult dental experiences she had as a child inspired her to specialize in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Santillan decided to join the profession to change people’s attitudes toward dentistry and to create positive dental experiences for children.
When not working, Dr. Santillan enjoys trying new restaurants, working out, and spending time with her family. She also likes to cook and travel when she can.
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor of Science in chemistry (with honors), Texas Tech University
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, Texas A&M College of Dentistry
- Certificate of Pediatric Dentistry, Texas A&M College of Dentistry in association with Children’s Medical Center and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital
ORGANIZATIONS:
- American Dental Association
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
A Texas native, Dr. DeLeon joined the dental profession in 2019 after graduating from Texas A&M College of Dentistry. She knew she wanted a career in health care from an early age and always enjoyed going to the dentist as a child. Dr. DeLeon is a general dentist and provides exceptional care to patients of all ages. General dentistry appealed to her because it involves performing a variety of treatments rather than focusing on one specialty. Prior to dental school, Dr. DeLeon worked at Hospira as an environmental quality technician, and she interned with the Salvation Army homeless shelter in Austin, Texas.
Outside of the dental office, Dr. DeLeon has many hobbies, including yoga, pickleball, tennis, hiking/walking, and meditation. She also enjoys reading books and watching TV in her spare time.
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor of Science in biology, Southwestern University
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, Texas A&M College of Dentistry
- Certificate of Pediatric Dentistry, Texas A&M College of Dentistry in association with Children’s Medical Center and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital
ORGANIZATIONS:
- American Dental Association
- Academy of General Dentistry
Dr. Tran was born in Vietnam and raised in San Diego, but she’s spent most of her adult life in Boston and Texas. Dr. Tran is bilingual and speaks English and Vietnamese. She fell in love with dentistry when she worked as a dental assistant during her second year of undergraduate studies. Dr. Tran’s favorite part of dentistry is learning about each patient’s unique life story and helping them reach their dental goals. She also believes dentistry is a special blend of art and science.
Dr. Tran married one of her dental school classmates, and today they share two daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, photography, reading, and drawing, as well as keeping her plants alive at home.
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor of Science in biochemistry, University of California, San Diego
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
- Certificate of Pediatric Dentistry, Texas A&M College of Dentistry in association with Children’s Medical Center and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital
ORGANIZATIONS:
- American Dental Association
- The American Orthodontic Society
Dr. Harrington is a distinguished pediatric dentist, holding board certification as well as credentials in three area hospitals. He practices at Texas Dentistry and Braces and oversees three clinic locations. Dr. Harrington actively contributes to the medical community and serves on the credentialing committee for Children’s Health Hospital.
Dr. Harrington has held various roles throughout his career, demonstrating his versatility and dedication to pediatric dentistry. As the CEO and founder of Oral Health Industries, he has pioneered innovative approaches to dental care. He has also served as a pediatric dental surgeon and consultant at The Dental Ranch, a groundbreaking “virtual office” providing acute pediatric dental care.
Dedicated to professional development, Dr. Harrington has completed extensive training and education. This includes sedation certifications (levels 1, 2, and 3). He was also recognized as one of the best dentists in Dallas by D Magazine and Child Magazine.
Dr. Harrington is married to Amy, his high school sweetheart, and they share three sons, ages 21, 19, and 17. He is a lifelong learner and believes that curiosity is our greatest gift. He also considers himself a “Trekkie” and is a big fan of Captain Kirk.
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor of Arts in history and psychology, University of Texas
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, Texas A&M Health Science Center
- Doctor of Philosophy in biomedical sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center
ORGANIZATIONS:
- American Dental Association
- Texas Dental Association
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Texas Oral Health Coalition (past chairman, current board member)
- Dallas County Dental Society
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Maguire was born and raised in Northern Ireland. She was interested in dentistry from an early age. Her passion for working with kids inspired her to specialize in pediatric dentistry. She completed her pediatric dental residency and master’s at Texas A&M College of Dentistry, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, and Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. Dr. Maguire particularly enjoys working with children with special health care needs.
At work, she is most known for her Irish accent. When not working, Dr. Maguire loves baking, music, and all things outdoors. She especially enjoys working out, cycling, hiking, and traveling.
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Queen’s University Belfast
- Master of Science in oral biology, Texas A&M College of Dentistry, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, and Children’s Medical Center of Dallas
ORGANIZATIONS:
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Royal College of Surgeons Glasgow
Dr. Walker is an accomplished orthodontist with over 25 years of experience in transforming smiles and correcting various dentofacial abnormalities through orthodontic treatment. His expertise includes Invisalign, clear aligners, and Tweed mechanics, making him a sought-after practitioner in the field.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Walker is happily married to Kim and is the proud parent of two adult children. His family’s health care background influenced his journey into dentistry as both his father and uncle were health care providers. Dr. Walker found his calling in dentistry, which allowed him to blend creativity, science, and technology to improve patients’ oral health and well-being.
Dr. Walker enjoys a variety of hobbies, including reading, sports, and exercise, as well as family festivities such as playing games and barbecuing. His unwavering commitment to creating beautiful, healthy smiles through orthodontic treatment is his driving force in providing exceptional care to his patients.
In the dental office, he is known for his dedication to ensuring patients receive recommended checkups, maintain good oral hygiene, and achieve their treatment goals in a professional, fun, and enjoyable environment.
EDUCATION:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry
- Orthodontic residency, University of Michigan College of Dentistry
ORGANIZATIONS:
- American Association of Orthodontists
Our philosophy of care is to PracticeWithLove™. We are dedicated to:
TAILORING PATIENT CARE
We understand every patient is different. That’s why we tailor treatment to align with your unique needs and goals.
EMPOWERING AND ENGAGING OUR PATIENTS
We believe in equipping you to make informed decisions about your own dental care and well-being.
REFLECTING ON OUR RESULTS
We continually measure our performance, evaluate our process, and reflect on our results to ensure we provide the best possible service.
Are you looking for a trusted dentist in Mesquite, Kaufman, or Terrell, Texas?
Our team is excited to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth and gums so you can smile confidently. Contact us today to book your next dental appointment.