Meet Our Dental Team in San Antonio, TX

Dr. Akshay Thusu moved to San Antonio from Mumbai, India in 2003 when he was a sophomore in high school. He credits his success to the example set by his mother and father whose hard work and ethics molded him into being the best person and dentist he can be for his patients. His older brother who works in New York is also a role model who has taught Dr. Thusu how to balance his professional and personal lives while exceling at both.

Dr. Thusu earned his Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry from the University of Texas at San Antonio where he graduated magna cum laude with Highest Honors in the Honors College. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with Distinction in Dental Education from the UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry in 2015. Dr. Thusu loves learning to improve his clinical skills to provide the best for his patients by taking over 110 hours of continuing education hours.

Dr. Thusu has been practicing in our area since 2017. He is a member of the American Dental Association® and the Academy of General Dentistry where he is currently pursuing a fellowship (FAGD). In September of 2019 he graduated from the ADA’s Institute for Diversity in Leadership. He was a nominee for the 2019 Texas New Dentist of the Year Award and is one of the team dentists for the American Hockey League’s San Antonio Rampage. He is a current board member of the San Antonio Academy of General Dentistry. He is also the membership chairman of the San Antonio District Dental Society and is a former society board member. He is the co-director of the San Antonio Fellowship Exchange New Dentist Study Club and a former co-advisor for the UT Health San Antonio AGD Student Chapter. He is also the recipient of the Edmundo Cavasos Award which is presented to the most outstanding senior by the Greater San Antonio Hispanic Dental Association.

Dr. Thusu believes that dentistry is not treating teeth but treating people. Everyone is unique and deserves a unique treatment plan that will enable them to reach the oral and overall health they deserve. His goal is to exceed, not just meet patient expectations.

Away from the office, Dr. Thusu loves giving back to the community that embraced him when he moved to the city by volunteering his time providing free dental screenings for the students at Woodstone Elementary School in conjunction with the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. He also frequently volunteers and provides free dental care at Texas Mission of Mercy events around the state, Smiles for Home Clinic and Free Dental for Veterans Service at Haven for Hope in Downtown San Antonio and Dentistry from the Heart in San Antonio. He has spoken to UTSA and UT Health Dental students about pursuing careers in dentistry and mentors undergraduate and dental students to help them succeed. He also loves playing basketball and soccer and enjoys attending plays and live comedy programs. He always looks forward to cheering on the University of Texas at San Antonio football team and the San Antonio Spurs and Rampage and watching the Dallas Cowboys on TV.

Dr. Barber was born in Sweeny, Texas. He graduated cum laude from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. He served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from the University of Texas Dental School in Houston in 2003. Dr. Barber served for three years at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. Afterwards, he practiced as an associate with Dr. Eric Beutow in North Pole, Alaska, before moving back to Texas in 2007. He and his wife, Carolina, love living in central Texas and are very enthusiastic about raising their two sons, Preston and Parker, in this cherished community.

Dr. Barber’s professional memberships include the American Dental Association®, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Alumni Pankey Institute, River District Dental Society, Texas Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry and the Gruene Lions Club. Dr. Barber enjoys tennis, golf, running, hunting, fishing and skiing, but mostly playing with his sons.

Carolina has managed Sonrisa Dental’s business operations for the past 10 years. She graduated from The University of Alaska Business Administration program with a degree in management.

During her free time, she enjoys playing tennis and outdoor activities with her family.

Ashley joined the Sonrisa Dental team over five years ago. She is committed to getting to know you and your family on a personal level and helping you achieve all your dental goals. During her free time, she enjoys keeping up with her favorite teams: the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Cubs.

Betty grow up in Benito, Texas. She joined our team in early 2020, and her passion to help others is outstanding. Betty lives a healthy life. During her spare time, she enjoys working out and fishing with her family and cooking healthy, delicious meals.

Brenda graduated from the University of Texas, where she received her dental hygienist degree. Brenda prides herself in making your visit pleasant and comfortable for you and your family. During her free time, she loves spending time at the lake with her family. Come visit Brenda at Sonrisa Dental for your next hygiene appointment and show her your pretty smile.

Elise is our lead RDA at Sonrisa Dental. She has over 12 years in the dental field. She continues her education at The University of Texas San Antonio and also takes many CE courses to further develop her dental knowledge. She enjoys getting to know you and your family while ensuring you leave with a smile on your face.

I’m from Edinburg, Texas and moved to San Antonio area two years ago. I love San Antonio because of its people and the outdoors. I love the rivers, hiking and going out for brunch in the city with friends and family.

I enjoy being an RDA at Sonrisa Dental because we get to give our patients back their smile and improved their confidence. Come see us soon!