Tyrone Rodriguez, DDS
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Tyrone F. Rodriguez, DDS, FACD, FAAPD is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist that is joining our Team at Helotes Pediatric Dentistry. We are excited that he is bringing his diverse background in Academic Research, Private Practice, Organized Dentistry, and Dental Public Health. He has served in national and international roles in helping educate and care for children. He is the former Program Director at Yale for Pediatric Dentistry. He has attended Brown University, Rice University, University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston and is a graduate of the Pediatric Dentistry Program from here at San Antonio’s Health Science Center in 2006. He served as National President for the Hispanic Dental Association and has spoken in the White House for the Affordable Care Act advocating for Oral Health. He has also served as a spokesperson for the American Dental Association and corporate product advisor for the dental industry. He has three grown children and enjoys volunteering, Bible reading, world travel, gourmet cooking, music appreciation, salsa dancing, and Saturday morning cartoons.
Poonam Shah, DDS
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Poonam Shah received her Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the Children's Hospital of Michigan. She also graduated from the University of the Pacific Dental School in San Francisco, CA, and received her Bachelor's degree from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. She is a Board Certified Specialist with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Shah was motivated to go into pediatric dentistry due to her own dental experiences as a child. Although Dr. Shah did not grow up in Texas, both her parents are UT Austin graduates (Go Longhorns!) and lived in Texas for 10+ years. Dr. Shah was drawn to Helotes Pediatric Dentistry's commitment to their patients and oral health. Dr. Shah's goal is to create a positive dental experience at Helotes Pediatric Dentistry so children can grow into healthy adults without feelings of fear or worry when visiting a dentist. With patience, communication, and by truly caring, she hopes to make each visit an easy one.
During her spare time, Dr. Shah enjoys cooking vegetarian meals, tennis, exploring Texas, traveling, and hiking. Her favorite animals include dogs and llamas!!
Kara Whittington, DDS
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Kara Whittington was born and raised in nearby Castroville, Texas. She received a bachelor of science degree in psychology at Texas A&M University, class of 2008. Gig ‘Em Aggies! She then moved back to San Antonio and completed her DDS at UTHSCSA. She practiced in San Antonio for the next 6 years where her passion for treating children grew until she decided to return to school to specialize in pediatrics, completing her residency at UT Health San Antonio-Laredo.
Dr. Kara resides in the San Antonio area with her husband who is a firefighter for the city of Austin and their daughter, Reed.
She looks forward to meeting your children and their families to provide child-friendly dental care in a positive and welcoming environment.
