Meet the Team

Smiles on the Bay

Dr. Thompson in front of office

“When I took over Smiles on the Bay, my vision was to create the kind of dental office I would want to go to myself — modern, welcoming, honest, and genuinely patient-focused.

I wanted to build more than just a dental practice. I wanted to create an environment where people feel comfortable, cared for, and confident in the treatment they receive. Too often, dentistry can feel rushed, impersonal, or intimidating. My goal with Smiles on the Bay has always been to change that experience by combining advanced technology, high-quality dentistry, and a warm, relationship-driven approach to care.

Being in Corpus Christi also inspired the identity of the practice. I love the coastal lifestyle, the sense of community here, and the relaxed atmosphere of being near the water. I wanted Smiles on the Bay to reflect that feeling — a place that feels modern and elevated while still being approachable and comfortable for every patient who walks through the door.

Most importantly, I wanted to build a practice centered around people — our patients, our team, and the relationships we create every day. Seeing patients gain confidence in their smile and actually enjoy coming to the dentist is what makes all of it worthwhile.”

Our Doctors

Jake_Thompson_DDS_Owner

Jake Thompson

DDS, Owner

Sarah_Vanderah_DMD

Sarah Vanderah

DMD

Ryan_Fell_DMD

Ryan Fell

DMD

The Team

Haven_Thompson_OfficeManager_Owner

Haven Thompson

Office Manager, Owner

Oriah_Lopez_Patientcarecoordinator

Oriah Lopez

Patient Care Coordinator

Jackie_Alvarado_Treatment_Coordinator

Jackie Alvarado

Treatment Coordinator

Valerie_Garcia_RDA

Valerie Garcia

RDA

Renee_Ovalle-Patterson_RDA

Renee Ovalle-Patterson

RDA

Paige_Scott_RDH

Paige Scott

RDH

Justina_Lazo_RDH

Justina Lazo

RDH

Hannah_Eubanks_RDH

Hanna Eubanks

RDH

Cidia_Perez_RDH

Cidia Perez

RDH

Brenda_Ortega_RDA

Brenda Ortega

RDA

Office Cats

Chester_OfficeCat

Chester

Office Cat

Bluffy_OfficeCat

Bluffy

Office Cat

Great Dentistry, a Great Team, and a Great Smile Are Waiting for You!

Schedule your consultation today.

Jake Thompson, DDS

University of Texas school of dentistry at Houston

Dr. Thompson enjoys the diversity of dentistry and enjoys working in all areas of dentistry to help our patients including cosmetic dentistry and full mouth rehab, implants and oral surgery, clear aligners and pediatric dentistry. My philosophy is simple – treat every patient the way I would want my own family treated. I believe great dentistry is about much more than fixing teeth. It’s about building trust, helping people feel comfortable, and creating healthy, confident smiles that improve quality of life. I believe in honest conversations, conservative treatment when appropriate, and educating patients so they can make informed decisions without pressure. I’m passionate about combining advanced technology and continuing education with a personalized approach to care. My goal is to create dentistry that looks natural, functions beautifully, and feels comfortable from start to finish. At the end of the day, I want patients to feel like they’ve found a dental home where they are genuinely cared for.

I want the patients to experience a coastal family oriented family dental office that anyone can feel welcome at and uses the latest technology to excel in providing the best dental care that patients can trust and feel like family. An avid fisherman focused on pursuing and wadefishing for Trophy class Speckled Trout with only artificial lures and is a big believer in catch and release fishing and protecting our local bay systems to preserve and improve for us, our wildlife and for our future generations. Dr is blessed with a beautiful family, wife Haven and daughter Sage and dog Polly. Jake & Haven met while he was in dental school and headed to the coast to live in Corpus Christi. They love to spend time raising Sage and spending time at the beach, walking along the seawall, going for boat cruises, paddle board and kayak trips and hanging out in the pool.

Dr. Sarah Vanderah

Dr. Sarah Vanderah earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before completing her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree at the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine. Following dental school, she proudly served in the United States Navy, where she gained extensive clinical experience while caring for service members. After completing her military service, Dr. Sarah transitioned into private practice, where she has enjoyed providing comprehensive family dentistry to patients of all ages. She takes special joy in helping both children and adults feel comfortable and confident about their oral health, emphasizing a gentle and educational approach to dental care. Dr. Sarah is passionate about building trusting relationships with her patients and delivering personalized, compassionate care.

In her free time, Dr. Sarah enjoys exploring Corpus Christi with her husband and their dog. They enjoy golfing and spending time at the beach. Dr. Sarah is thankful to be a part of the exceptional team at Smiles on the Bay, where friendly, high-quality, and patient-centered care is always the focus!

Dr. Ryan Fell

Dr. Ryan Fell is originally from Chicago and brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to patient care. With a strong clinical focus on oral surgery, implant dentistry, and restorative care, he is passionate about helping patients regain comfort, function, and confidence in their smiles.

Dr. Fell is known for his straightforward communication style and patient-centered approach to treatment planning. He believes every patient deserves to fully understand their dental health and feel comfortable throughout their care experience. Whether performing extractions, replacing missing teeth with implants, or restoring damaged smiles, his goal is to provide high-quality, long-lasting results that improve both oral health and quality of life.

Outside of the office, Dr. Fell enjoys spending time outdoors, listening to rock music, and relaxing with his two German Shepherds.

Haven Thompson, Office Manager

Haven serves as the Office Manager at Smiles on the Bay, where she combines her background in communications, marketing, and patient relations to help create a welcoming experience for every patient who walks through the door. Born and raised in Arkansas, Haven graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a focus in Advertising and Public Relations, along with a minor in Business. After college, she moved to Houston, Texas, where she spent six years working in organ donation before transitioning into restaurant marketing. Over the next seven years, she helped restaurants across Texas grow through strategic marketing, technology, and community engagement. Haven met Dr. Thompson while he was still in dental school, and his love for Corpus Christi quickly became hers as well. The couple relocated to Corpus Christi in 2020 and welcomed their daughter in 2023. Today, Haven enjoys working alongside their incredible team, building meaningful relationships with patients, and helping grow the practice while creating a positive, family-centered culture at Smiles on the Bay. Outside of the office, she loves spending time with her family, reading, going to the beach, and enjoying time on the water.

Oriah Lopez, Front Desk

Oriah Lopez is a Registered Dental Assistant with over five years of experience, specializing in orthodontic care—and she’s often the friendly face helping you at the front desk, too. With her mix of clinical know-how and front office experience, Oriah helps keep everything running smoothly while making patients feel comfortable and right at home. She loves being part of a supportive, hardworking team that’s all about great care and positive vibes. When she’s not at the office, Oriah is all about family life. She and her husband of 10 years are raising their fun-loving, energetic five-year-old son. In her free time, you’ll usually find her with a good book, spending quality time with her family, or behind the camera working on her photography side business.

Jackie Alvarado

Jackie brings more than 20 years of experience in the dental field and is passionate about helping patients feel informed, comfortable, and confident throughout their dental care journey. With extensive knowledge of dental procedures and patient communication, Jackie takes pride in guiding patients through their treatment plans and helping them fully understand their options. Her goal is to create a supportive, trust-based environment where every patient feels empowered to make decisions that benefit their oral health and overall well-being. At Smiles on the Bay, she values working alongside a compassionate team that shares her commitment to providing exceptional care and personalized patient experiences. Combining clinical knowledge with warmth and clear communication, she strives to make every visit positive and stress-free. Outside of the office, she has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for over 25 years and is a proud mother of three sons and one grandson. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.

Valerie Garcia

Valerie Garcia is a Registered Dental Assistant with six years of experience across multiple specialties in dentistry. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong clinical foundation and a passion for providing high-quality, compassionate patient care. Valerie is especially passionate about oral surgery and enjoys seeing the life-changing impact full mouth treatment can have on patients—restoring not only their oral health, but also their confidence and quality of life. She takes pride in creating a calm, welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable, supported, and at ease throughout their visit. Helping patients overcome dental anxiety and ensuring they have a positive experience is one of the most rewarding parts of her role. At Smiles on the Bay, Valerie values the strong sense of teamwork and family shared among the staff. Working alongside such a supportive and positive team makes each day meaningful and fulfilling. Outside of the office, Valerie enjoys spending quality time with her son and family. She also loves cooking and spending time outdoors whenever she can.

Renee Ovalle-Patterson, RDA

Renee Ovalle-Patterson is a dedicated Registered Dental Assistant with more than 20 years of experience in the dental field. With a strong background in both clinical care and front office operations, she is known for being a reliable, hardworking team member who helps keep the office running smoothly while providing exceptional patient care. For Renee, dentistry is more than a profession—it is truly her passion. She enjoys building meaningful connections with patients, helping ease dental anxiety, and making every patient feel comfortable, valued, and cared for from the moment they walk through the door. She takes pride in supporting both patients and providers while helping create an efficient, positive experience throughout the office. Renee loves being part of the team at Smiles on the Bay and admires the level of compassion and attention Dr. Jake Thompson gives to every patient. She values working alongside a team that shares the same commitment to excellence, personalized care, and creating positive patient experiences. Outside of the office, Renee is a proud wife and mother to two boys and two bonus children who keep her life full of love, laughter, and activity. She also enjoys staying active as a Zumba instructor, where she shares her energy and passion with her community. In her free time, she loves dancing, watching sports, and cheering on her favorite teams—the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Astros. Whether in the dental office or on the dance floor, Renee brings positivity, compassion, and strong dedication to everything she does.

Paige Scott, RDH

Paige has proudly served as a Dental Hygienist in the Coastal Bend for over 12 years. She is passionate about helping patients achieve healthier smiles while creating a comfortable and positive dental experience. At Smiles on the Bay, Paige enjoys working alongside an exceptional team and utilizing advanced technology to provide the highest quality of care. She especially loves offering laser dentistry for gum treatments, whitening, and pain management, helping patients experience more comfortable and effective treatment options. As a proud local, Paige loves everything Corpus Christi has to offer. Outside of the office, you can usually find her spending time outdoors with her husband and two children—whether that’s at the beach, out on the boat, or enjoying weekend adventures with her family.

Justina Lazo, RDH

Justina Lazo is a dedicated Registered Dental Hygienist who graduated from Del Mar College in 2016. Prior to becoming a hygienist, she worked as a Dental Assistant from 2013 to 2015, giving her a well-rounded background in patient care and dentistry. As a proud wife and mother of two daughters, Justina balances family life while remaining deeply committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to her patients. She currently resides in San Diego, Texas, and is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable, informed, and confident in their oral health. Guided by her philosophy to “never stop learning,” Justina continually stays up to date with modern dental hygiene practices and advancements in dental technology. At Smiles on the Bay, she enjoys using advanced technology to educate patients and support them in achieving healthy, confident smiles.

Hanna Eubanks, RDH

Hanna graduated from Del Mar College in 2018 and has proudly served as a dental hygienist for the past eight years. Guided by her faith and genuine compassion for others, Hanna is passionate about helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles while making every dental visit as comfortable and positive as possible. She believes exceptional oral health is an important part of overall wellness and loves encouraging patients to take pride in both their smiles and their health. Outside of the office, Hanna enjoys spending time with her husband, cheering on her two stepsons at their baseball games, reading, and loving on her fur babies.

Cidia Perez

Cidia Perez is a Registered Dental Hygienist who earned her Associate’s degree from Del Mar College in 2001. Born and raised in Corpus Christi, she is passionate about serving the community she proudly calls home. Cidia is dedicated to educating patients on the importance of achieving and maintaining healthy oral hygiene. She enjoys utilizing the latest dental technology to help provide patients with comfortable, high-quality care and believes patient education plays a key role in long-term oral health. She looks forward to building relationships with both new and existing patients and takes pride in creating a positive, comfortable experience during every visit. Cidia especially values the strong camaraderie shared among the team at Smiles on the Bay and feels grateful to be part of such a welcoming and patient-focused practice. Outside of the office, Cidia enjoys spending time with her two stepchildren and granddaughter, as well as traveling, reading, and watching movies.

Brenda Ortega, RDA

Brenda is a highly experienced Registered Dental Assistant who has been dedicated to providing exceptional patient care since graduating from Del Mar College in 2000. Recognized on the Dean’s List for her academic excellence, she brings over 24 years of experience in the dental field along with extensive clinical knowledge, strong organizational skills, and a compassionate approach to patient care. Throughout her career, Brenda has built a reputation for professionalism, reliability, and creating positive relationships with patients while supporting her dental team. She is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable and cared for during every visit. Outside of the office, Brenda is a proud mother of two daughters and has been happily married for 24 years. In her free time, she enjoys the winter season, relaxing with a good cup of coffee, and expressing her creativity through crafts.