A Privately Owned Dental Practice Serving San Antonio, TX
Terrell Hills Dental is a privately owned dental practice in San Antonio TX that welcomes new patients and accepts most major insurance plans. From your first visit, you will experience care that is honest, unhurried, and led by your doctor. We believe trust is earned through transparency, not salesmanship, and that every treatment plan should be explained in plain language.
Meet the Doctors Behind Terrell Hills Dental
Two master-level clinicians, one practice, one team that genuinely knows your name.
Dr. Emad Abdallah, D.M.D
Specializing in high-end cosmetic smile design, advanced implant therapies, and state-of-the-art restorative procedures with meticulous artistic detail.
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Dr. D'Avanzo, D.M.D
Bringing advanced clinical expertise in full-mouth reconstructions, high-end cosmetic makeovers, and premium patient-first dental care.
View ProfileMeet the Full Terrell Hills Dental Team
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Valerie
Practice ManagerRead bio Hide bio — Valerie
Valerie brings more than 30 years of dental experience, including over two decades in practice management. She enjoys helping patients navigate every step of their dental journey—from understanding treatment recommendations to coordinating insurance and financing—so they can make informed decisions with confidence.
Valerie believes every patient deserves to feel welcomed, respected, and cared for from the moment they walk through our doors. She works closely with Dr. Emad Abdallah and the team to create an exceptional patient experience built on communication, compassion, and attention to detail.
Outside the office, Valerie enjoys photography, nature, reading, yoga, any beach, her family and rescue kitty, Fynn.
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Ashley
Dental HygienistRead bio Hide bio — Ashley
Ashley began her career in dentistry more than 15 years ago and is committed to helping patients achieve and maintain healthy, confident smiles. She believes in building lasting relationships through gentle care, clear communication, and taking the time to help patients feel comfortable throughout every visit.
Ashley enjoys getting to know her patients and believes regular preventive care is the foundation of lifelong oral & overall health. Her calm, friendly approach helps patients of all ages feel at ease while receiving personalized care- her patients routinely say she's one of the most gentle hygienists they've seen!
Outside the office, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband, two teenage children, and their dogs. She also appreciates the quiet pace of country living and the close-knit community she calls home.
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Enrico “Rico”
Lead Dental AssistantRead bio Hide bio — Enrico “Rico”
Rico began his dental career in 2015 and serves as Lead Dental Assistant at Terrell Hills Dental. Working alongside Dr. Abdallah, he assists with advanced surgical procedures while helping ensure each appointment is well-prepared and runs efficiently.
In addition to supporting patient care, Rico mentors dental assistants and works closely with dental equipment and supply representatives to help keep our practice equipped with trusted technology and materials. Rico is committed to continued professional growth and is always advancing his dental expertise.
Outside the office, Rico enjoys staying active at the gym, trying new restaurants, and attending electronic dance music concerts.
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Heidy
Dental AssistantRead bio Hide bio — Heidy
Heidy began her career in dentistry in 2016 and has been dedicated to helping patients feel comfortable throughout their dental visits ever since.
From preparing treatment rooms and assisting during procedures to reviewing post-treatment instructions, she helps ensure appointments run smoothly from beginning to end.
Committed to maintaining the highest standards of sterilization, safety, and organization, Heidy helps create an efficient clinical environment where patients can feel confident in the care they receive.
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Cristalise
Front DeskRead bio Hide bio — Cristalise
Cristalise is often the first friendly face patients see when they arrive at Terrell Hills Dental. She is dedicated to helping each patient feel welcomed, informed, and cared for from the moment they call or walk through our doors.
In addition to her role at the dental office, Cristalise proudly serves in the Army Reserves, expertly balancing her civilian and military commitments with dedication. Currently, Cristalise is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), driven by a desire to enhance her skills and contribute further to the healthcare field.
Born and raised in San Antonio, she remains committed to her community and personal growth, with a goal to make a positive impact wherever life leads her. Family holds a special place in Cristalise’s heart, particularly her two younger siblings with whom she loves spending time. Outside of her professional and military duties, she enjoys pursuing her passion for wrestling and relaxing with her beloved cat, Nala.
Meet the Doctors Behind Terrell Hills Dental
Dr. Emad Abdallah, D.M.D. — Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Abdallah brings extensive training in implant dentistry, including an Implant Mastery program with more than 100 continuing education credits. He joined Terrell Hills Dental in 2022 after five years of practice in Detroit and earned his D.M.D. from Boston University. Patients describe his approach as thorough and transparent, taking time to explain every detail without pressure. Meet Dr. Emad Abdallah to learn more about his background.
Dr. D’Avanzo, D.M.D. — Board Certified Orthodontist
Dr. D’Avanzo earned a D.M.D. from Fairleigh Dickinson School of Dental Medicine and an M.S. in Oral Biology with an orthodontic specialty from Temple University. Board certification and faculty experience at Temple University School of Dentistry reflect a commitment to precision in every case. Whether you are considering Invisalign or traditional braces, Dr. D’Avanzo provides expert guidance. Read more about Dr. D’Avanzo.
Our Philosophy — Honest, Unhurried, Expert Care
We treat every patient as an individual, not a procedure. Appointments are designed so that you never feel rushed or pressured. Our team listens first, explains second, and only then recommends treatment. This approach is why patients consistently tell us they feel informed and respected. It is the reason many who have avoided the dentist for years finally feel safe enough to move forward.
What Sets This San Antonio Dental Office Apart
A Dental Warranty Backed by Clinical Confidence
A formal Dental Warranty covers select treatments, reflecting the confidence our doctors have in the quality of their work. For patients considering a significant investment in their smile, this guarantee provides peace of mind that results are built to last.
In-House Technology Built for Precision and Comfort
Our in-house dental lab enables same-day restorations, while 3D CT scanning, surgical guide printing, and iTero digital impressions allow us to plan and execute care with exceptional accuracy. Less time in the chair, fewer visits, and outcomes crafted on-site.
Bilingual Care for San Antonio Families
We offer care in both English and Spanish, making it easier for every member of your family to feel understood and comfortable. Our team communicates clearly in the language you prefer, from the first phone call through the final treatment.
Serving Terrell Hills, Alamo Heights, and the Greater San Antonio Area
Conveniently located at 2311 Harry Wurzbach Rd, our practice draws patients from across San Antonio. Whether you live in Terrell Hills, Alamo Heights, or beyond, we welcome you to experience the difference a privately owned, doctor-led practice makes. Explore our services to learn more about what we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Terrell Hills Dental accepting new patients?
Yes, we are always accepting new patients. We invite you to contact us or call the office to schedule your first appointment.
What insurance plans does the practice accept?
We accept most major dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, UnitedHealthcare, and many others. Visit our Insurance & Financing page for a full list of accepted plans.
Do you offer care in Spanish?
Yes, our team provides care in both English and Spanish. We are proud to serve San Antonio’s bilingual community.
What makes this a privately owned practice, and why does that matter?
A privately owned practice means your treatment decisions are made by your doctor, not a corporate board. We have the freedom to invest in advanced technology, spend more time with each patient, and prioritize outcomes over volume. It is a difference you can feel from the first visit.
Insurance &
Financing
We gladly accept all PPO plans and are in-network with many of the following: Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, MetLife, and UnitedHealthcare. Flexible financing options are available through a variety of trusted lending partners such as CareCredit, Alphaeon, Cherry, Sunbit, and United Credit.
View accepted plans
Serving San Antonio
& Terrell Hills
Easy to reach from Alamo Heights, Fort Sam Houston, Windcrest, Converse, and Live Oak. We would love to meet you.






