December 23, 2025

Investing in Pleasanton Families: Our Commitment to Community Dental Care

Investing in Pleasanton Families: Our Commitment to Community Dental Care

A healthy smile shapes how children see themselves. It affects their confidence in the classroom, their willingness to speak up, and how they interact with friends and family. At Pleasanton Children's Dentistry & Braces, we believe every child in Atascosa County deserves access to quality pediatric dental care—and we've built our practice around that commitment.

Our team of pediatric dentists, including Dr. Joanna Ayala, Dr. Gladys Carrasco, and Dr. Jennifer Hole, serves families throughout Pleasanton, Poteet, Jourdanton, Floresville, and the surrounding communities. Beyond clinical care, we're invested in supporting the children and families who make this region home.

Growing with Our Community

In March 2025, Pleasanton Children's Dentistry & Braces opened the doors to our new state-of-the-art facility at 217 South Reed Street. The expanded 2,713 square foot building represents our largest investment in the Pleasanton community to date—and our belief that families here deserve modern, comfortable dental care close to home.

The new facility features multiple treatment areas allowing us to see up to six patients simultaneously, a dedicated space designed specifically for family appointments, and a welcoming lobby where children feel at ease from the moment they walk in. Dr. Carrasco, who joined our team after years of working with underserved communities, expressed what this expansion means: "This is about deepening our commitment to the community. We can now serve more families efficiently and comfortably in a space built for modern pediatric dentistry."

For families in rural Atascosa County, having specialized pediatric dental care available locally eliminates long drives to San Antonio and ensures children receive treatment in a familiar, supportive environment.

A Team Rooted in Community Service

Our pediatric dentists bring not only clinical expertise but also a genuine passion for serving children where they are.

Dr. Gladys Carrasco spent seven years as a Clinical Instructor at Boston University, working directly in school-based dental programs. She provided preventive and restorative care to elementary school children in underserved areas—an experience that shaped her approach to pediatric dentistry. "Through that role, I realized how much I enjoyed working with children and making an impact in the community," Dr. Carrasco explains. That same philosophy guides her work in Pleasanton today.

Dr. Joanna Ayala, a San Antonio native, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. After completing her dental degree at Boston University, where she served as Class President and graduated Cum Laude, she pursued specialized training at Miami Children's Hospital. Her practice focuses exclusively on infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents—including those with special healthcare needs who require extra patience and adapted care approaches.

Dr. Jennifer Hole grew up in the Alamo Heights area of San Antonio and earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Baylor College of Dentistry after receiving the Bush-Jones Sprenger Scholarship for Leadership and Academic Excellence. Her background in mentorship—she served as a mentor for prospective dental students during her training—reflects her belief in supporting the next generation.

Serving Families Throughout Atascosa County

Pleasanton Children's Dentistry & Braces proudly serves children from communities across the region. Whether your family lives in downtown Pleasanton, rural Poteet, Jourdanton, or Floresville, we're here to provide consistent, compassionate care.

We understand that for many families, finding pediatric dental specialists means driving significant distances. That's why we've made accessibility a priority—offering Saturday appointments for busy families, providing services in both English and Spanish, and accepting a range of insurance and payment options to fit different budgets.

Our commitment extends to children who need additional support. Families with special needs children often struggle to find dental providers equipped to handle sensory sensitivities, communication differences, and behavioral considerations. Our team has specialized training in adapting care to meet each child where they are, ensuring every patient feels safe and comfortable.

Why Local Pediatric Dental Care Matters

Children who receive consistent dental care from an early age develop healthier habits that last a lifetime. They're less likely to experience dental anxiety, more likely to maintain good oral hygiene, and better positioned to avoid costly interventions down the road.

When that care comes from a local practice—where the team knows your family, remembers your child's name, and understands the community—it creates a foundation of trust. Children see dental visits not as something intimidating but as a normal part of growing up.

Our presence in Pleasanton also means we're here when emergencies happen. A knocked-out tooth during Little League practice or sudden pain on a Saturday morning doesn't have to mean a panicked drive to San Antonio. We offer same-day emergency appointments to ensure Atascosa County families get immediate care when they need it most.

Building Healthy Smiles for the Future

Every child who walks through our doors represents a family who trusts us with something important—their child's health and comfort. We take that responsibility seriously.

From routine cleanings and fluoride treatments to orthodontic consultations and sedation dentistry for anxious patients, Pleasanton Children's Dentistry & Braces offers comprehensive pediatric care under one roof. Our new facility allows us to serve more families while maintaining the personalized attention that sets pediatric dentistry apart from general practice.

We believe healthy smiles should be within reach for every child in Atascosa County. Through flexible payment options, insurance partnerships, and a commitment to affordable care, we work with families to ensure cost never stands between a child and the dental treatment they need.

Schedule Your Child's Visit at Pleasanton Children's Dentistry & Braces

Dr. Joanna Ayala, Dr. Gladys Carrasco, Dr. Jennifer Hole, and our entire team are honored to serve the families of Pleasanton and the surrounding communities. Whether your child needs their first dental checkup, is ready to explore braces, or requires specialized care for unique healthcare needs, we're here to help.

Contact Pleasanton Children's Dentistry & Braces at (830) 590-2024 to schedule an appointment. Visit us at our new facility at 217 South Reed Street in Pleasanton, proudly serving families throughout Poteet, Jourdanton, Floresville, and Atascosa County. Saturday appointments are available for your convenience.

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