Meet our Hygienists
Jim Terry
Jim has been a hygienist at Sonrisas since 2016. He is dedicated to provide the most current and best treatment possible for our patients, by staying up to date on the latest information, trends and protocols, going above and beyond the state recommended continuing education. He holds a Bachelors of Science in Dental Hygiene from Idaho State University and is a member of the Canadian Dental Hygienist Association. He has a deep care for our community and shows that by volunteering with the CDA, Habitat for Humanity, and participating in Sonrisas’ in-school dental screening program. When he’s not in the clinic, Jim finds himself drawn to the mountains and enjoys hiking along our beautiful coastline.
“I really appreciate the opportunity to help those in need and have enjoyed seeing the results of “happy” patients that can proudly show off their ‘sonrisas.’”
Brenda Barrientos
Brenda joined the Sonrisas team in 2017 and brings years of experience and formal training to our team. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from University of Pacific and a Masters from UCSF in Dental Hygiene, with a focus on Education and Public Health. As an avid learner, she holds membership with professional groups such as California Dental Hygienist Association, Dental Hygiene Society of San Francisco, and American Dental Education Association. Her main priority is to help motivate patients for oral health improvement through education and to help people in the community feel at ease around dental professionals. She is a regular volunteer for dental health fairs, events, and trainings. Having moved to San Mateo at a young age from El Salvador, Brenda cares deeply about community health in San Mateo County, and is motivated to help improve the quality of life of others. Her favorite things include Christmas, wine-tasting with her husband, and anything potatoes!
“Private practice is my routine but being part of the Sonrisas team pushes me to branch out into different roles that the hygienist profession allows. I love that my work involves a hybrid of study and data collection in the community. [I’m able to do] field work at dental screenings and health fairs, as well as in-clinic care. I love the feeling of leaving at the end of the day and having the satisfaction of making a difference.”
Connie Cheng
Sonrisas welcomed Connie to the team in 2019. She juggles multiple roles at Sonrisas including being our Community Outreach Coordinator and Registered Dental Hygienist. She actively helps plan and participates in community outreach efforts such as dental screenings, oral health presentations, and health fairs. You’ll also find her occasionally providing preventive oral health care in the clinic. She holds a Masters of Science in Dental Hygiene from UCSF and is a member of California Dental Hygienists’ Association and American Dental Hygienists Association. A San Francisco native, Connie enjoys running and hiking with her dog, and spending time with her mom learning how to cook my favorite childhood dishes, gardening, and craft projects.
“I was inspired to join Sonrisas because the organization treats everyone like family. I’m so proud to be part of an organization like Sonrisas Dental Health.”
Elizabeth Lowe
Liz joined Sonrisas in 2017 after Dr. Bonnie Jue recruited her. Liz has been a Dental Hygienist for 38 years, and is a committed member of our Saturday team. She works in two private practices in San Francisco as well as at Sonrisas. When people first meet Liz, she seems quiet, yet friendly, approachable, and well-rounded. Her Sonrisas patients praise her for providing a high-quality dental cleaning.