Meet Dr. Anna Salas in Houston, TX
It is my passion to put my expertise to work, helping my patients improve their lives by giving each a healthy and beautiful smile.
I love watching the transformation that happens in a person who begins treatment feeling self-conscious of their crooked teeth and hiding their smile. I am able to see their personality begin to blossom, as their new smile develops, and watch as they start to carry themselves more upright, make eye contact more willingly, and – best of all – start to smile without ducking their head.
The best day is when I remove the braces and the person sees their new smile for the first time. They cannot stop smiling and laughing, and I’m right there celebrating with them. We have accomplished so much by working together!
~ Dr. Anna Maria Salas
Education
Dr. Anna Salas obtained her dental degree from Universidad Central de Venezuela. After moving to the United States in 2002, she completed her Master of Science in Orthodontics at the University of Texas at Houston, Dental Branch. She is board-certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
Dr. Salas has practiced oral healthcare since August 1996; she opened her private practice, West U Orthodontics in Houston, on July 10, 2006.
West U Orthodontics
As a one-location, one-doctor orthodontic practice, Dr. Salas appreciates the freedom to care for her patients with integrity. Rather than looking to the bottom line, she emphasizes what is in her patients’ best interests: improving their oral health and addressing aesthetic concerns, while designing a treatment plan that is efficient, comfortable, and effective.
Dr. Salas and her team believe in treating each person in their care as a member of their family. Everyone makes time to get to know every patient as an individual, learning about their life, family, and pastimes. This dedication to listening and learning helps to foster trusting communication and patient confidence, as they come to understand they are valued.
Throughout the treatment process, Dr. Salas and her staff strive to grow the connection with their patient. At each visit they check on how the person is feeling and what’s happening in their life, along with offering a progress update and encouragement to keep up with their home care.
By the time treatment is finished, their patient has become a friend, and their friend has a life-changing smile! Dr. Salas is honored to make these friendships – and smiles – happen.
Professional Affiliations and Continuing Education
In addition to being a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, Dr. Salas is a member of the:
- American Association of Orthodontists
- Southwestern Society of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
- Texas Dental Association
- Greater Houston Dental Society
She is also a Volunteer Clinical Associate Professor at The University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston.
Through the professional organizations, Dr. Salas has access to classes, along with meetings, lectures, seminars, and publications. Taking courses in orthodontics and other oral healthcare topics keeps her at the forefront of innovations in technology, technique, and materials. Staying up-to-date with the latest orthodontic advancements allows Dr. Salas to provide her patients with the most current treatments, for predictable, stable, and beautiful results.
Beyond the Practice
A native of Caracas, Venezuela, Dr. Salas has called Houston her home since January 1992. She and her husband, Dr. Alberto Lopez, who is a Cardiologist-Electrophysiologist at Texas Heart Institute, have one daughter; Estefania is currently attending The University of Texas in Austin. The doctors’ household also includes two Maltese dogs, Napa and Otis.
When not at the office, Dr. Salas spends as much time as she can with her husband and daughter. They love to travel and share their family time together. Dr. Salas also makes time for two of her favorite pastimes: playing tennis and pickleball.
