About Us

Dr. Ryan M. Ross, DDS

Dr. Ross graduated from Dental School at NYU in 2001. He returned to his hometown of San Luis Obispo and began his career as an associate. In 2007 he opened his solo practice on Marsh Steet, then moved to our current location in the fall of 2014.

Helping to relieve pain is one of the most rewarding parts of the job for Dr. Ross and he always tries his best to make all aspects of any procedure as comfortable as possible. His goal is to make people proud to smile.
Ryan has been married since 2000, has a daughter attending college at the University of Arizona, and 2 sons at SLO high school. The family pets include 2 Boxers (Mable and Rosie), a mini -Dachshund (Nellie) and a cat (Stella). When at home, he enjoys all aspects of cooking, but his favorite modality is BBQ and prefers preparation on the Big Green Egg.

Listening to music is one of the ways Ryan chooses to unwind. He enjoys both live music and listening to it at home, including a decent vinyl collection. A self- proclaimed sports-a-holic; he can also be found cheering at the TV or in person at most types of sporting events. He is a surfer, mountain biker, and joys time on the slopes whenever he can get to the snow.

Amanda | Administrative Assistant

Amanda has been an administrative assistant and scheduling coordinator with the practice since 2013. She is the first face you see upon entering the office, and greatly enjoys getting to know each patient on an individual basis. “They become extended family”. Amanda has never lived outside of California and is a graduate of Cal Poly. She currently lives in Shell Beach with her boyfriend and their two cats. She loves the beach and taking advantage of the many activities the Central Coast offers…the awesome hiking trails and beautiful wineries are two of her favorites.

Christi | Insurance Coordinator

Christi has been in dentistry for over 30 years and has spent the last two with Dr. Ross’s office. She has been in the dental field for most of her life and still LOVES IT!! She enjoys working with the patients, but most of all Christi enjoys the relationships she creates with her coworkers. Christi grew up in Kentucky and goes back to visit as often as possible so she can see all her family and friends “back home.” She also loves spending time with her twin daughters and her furry “baby-boy”. In her spare time, Christi enjoys traveling, going to the beach, concerts, and sporting events.

Blake | Office Facilitator

Blake and her twin sister grew up locally in San Luis Obispo. She has been working in the dental field for the past 5 months and joined our team in April. Blake “loves” working at Dr. Ross’s office for a variety of reasons. “I have wonderful coworkers that have been very patient and supportive. They are willing to teach me everything.” Blake is also thrilled to be learning new things and finds dentistry fascinating. She is even considering becoming a Registered Dental Hygienist. Blake has many interests and hobbies. Hiking and taking pictures in nature and/or of favorite trees. Gardening and collecting plants. Feeding the crows or dressing her cat in sweaters. Relaxing and hanging out with friends in one of the local coffee shops. Blake also enjoys all sorts of painting including body art.

Denise | Registered Dental Assistant

Denise had gained specialized experience with an endodontics office. She joined our practice in 2001 and enjoys volunteering with Dr. Ross for the Give Kids a Smile program. Denise was born and raised in Paso Robles where she often helped with the family ranch. Currently, Denise enjoys the Central Coast with her husband Tony and their youngest son. She has two older children and celebrated the birth of her grandson in 2014. When not in the office, Denise enjoys wine tasting, concerts in the park, the beach, and spending time with family and friends.

Shayla | Dental Assistant

Shayla grew up in Los Osos, graduated from Morro Bay High School, and attended San Diego State University where she was a Hall of Fame pole vaulter. After graduating with a degree in Sociology, Shayla returned to the Central Coast and has worked in the dental field for over 14 years. In 2015 she joined the team at Dr. Ross’s office, where she enjoys helping patients feel comfortable on their dental journey. Learning, growing, and working in a supportive team atmosphere are some of the highlights of her day at work.
Shayla returned to her Los Osos roots, and lives with her husband, son and two dogs. Shayla is a certified fitness instructor and enjoys working out with her “rowdy” girls. Shayla travels when she can but knows how to relax and embrace “down-time” spent with family and friends hanging out at the beach.

Lisa V. | Registered Dental Hygienist

Lisa V. began her journey into dentistry as a Dental Assistant. After a brief time at UC Santa Cruz, her path led her to graduation from Cabrillo Dental Hygiene School in 1987. In 1997 she and her husband, Dave, handpicked San Luis Obispo as the perfect place to raise their two young boys.
What Lisa enjoys most about her work:
OUR PATIENTS – She gets so much satisfaction coaching patients to improve their oral health. Especially, she enjoys the conversations with each patient that can run the gamut from fits of laughter to empathizing over life’s harder moments.
OUR TEAM – Every day is a fun challenge with our amazing team who truly acts as a unit to fit all the puzzle pieces together and make the day run smoothly.
Lisa V enjoys hanging out with her now full grow sons, swimming in cold mountain lakes, and hiking. She enjoys reading about everything and loves to travel to new adventures.

Lisa M. | Registered Dental Hygienist

Lisa M. has been an RDH since 1987 and has worked with Dr. Ross since January 2009. Even after 36 years, Lisa still enjoys the time connecting and educating patients on an individual basis. She derives fulfillment from the relationships she has created with her patients and co-workers through the years.
Lisa feels very fortunate to call Shell Beach home. She has been a Firefighter wife since 2017 and she and her husband enjoy spending time with their Boxer pup Gidget, either at home or at any of the local “hangouts”.
After growing up on the East Coast, Lisa enjoys the California sunshine and spends any free time she can find outside. Long walks or strenuous hikes, sitting on the beach, people watching or reading a good book on her front patio can all be categorized as her favorite “down time” activities.

Chelsea | Registered Dental Hygienist

Chelsea is originally from southeast Michigan. For her undergrad studies, she achieved her Bachelor of Science degree in 2011 at Oakland University where she enjoyed being a member of their cheerleading team. Following graduation, she moved around the US with her husband before they made the decision to call California home. Chelsea completed the dental hygiene program at Concord Career College in San Diego and loves being a hygienist. Seeing improvement and continuation of good hygiene practices in her patients is what makes her job so enjoyable.

In 2022 the family moved to San Luis Obispo. She has three young boys and loves being a mom. Chelsea enjoys swimming and taking her children on adventures big and small.

Sheila | Registered Dental Hygienist

Sheila graduated from the Cabrillo College dental hygiene program in 1993. The most rewarding part of her 31-year career has been, and continues to be, the personal connections she is able to make with her patients. She strives to provide thorough and gentle care, and loves educating her patients about their dental health.

Sheila and her husband, Stacey (who retired from a 34-year career as a dentist), moved to Avila Beach in 2023. When they married in 2013, they created a blended family consisting of five beautiful children ranging in age from 20 to 27. Sheila and Stacey feel blessed to be “living the Dream” by the ocean. They enjoy biking and hiking with their 4-year-old Maltipoo, Lacey, and they are looking forward to their family and friends visiting them in their new home.