Meet the Doctor

Dr Alvaro Aguirre

Dr Aguirre was born and raised in Orange County, CA. He graduated from UC-Irvine in 1996 and holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 2009, Dr Aguirre Graduated from SUNY- Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine and received a Doctorate of Dental Science degree.  After dental school, Dr Aguirre worked for 2.5 years as a federal employee for HHS on the Hopi Reservation in Northern Arizona. Eventually he returned to Orange County and continued to work as an associate dentist.  Later Dr Aguirre worked at Fort Irwin National Training Center in the Mojave Desert. Attracted by the cooler climate, the natural beauty of the area, and the shortage of healthcare professionals, Dr Aguirre moved to Humboldt County in 2025 and practices dentistry in Arcata, California.  He is a member of the California Dental Association and the American Dental Association.

Our Team

Carol – Registered Dental Hygienist

Carol has worked in this office as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) for over 20 years. What makes Carol an outstanding Dental Hygienist is not only her knowledge and experience but her commitment to continuing education and devotion for her profession. Carol has taken courses at the prestigious Dawson Academy in the Fundamentals and Advanced Complete Dentistry approach and at the JP Institute in Evolutionary Hygiene. Evolutionary Hygiene is a very progressive philosophy in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. This philosophy emphasizes the treatment of periodontal disease at its earliest stage in order to prevent or control periodontal infection, which today we know can be the cause of heart problems.

Carol loves to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She's an active member of her church and she is also an avid runner.

Diaja – Dental Receptionist

Hi, my name is Diaja, and I work in the front office. I bring many years of experience from various professional office settings, and I truly enjoy working with patients. Helping prioritize treatment and scheduling appointments based on each patient’s needs is something I find very rewarding.

Outside of work, you’ll often find me at the beach, hiking or listening to music – these are some of my favorite ways to unwind and recharge.

Edith

Edith joined the practice in August of 2019. Having recently graduated from the Dental Assisting program at College of the Redwoods in May of 2019, she was eager to begin her career as a dental assistant. She loves working with the patients and teaching them the importance of maintaining their dental health for a lifetime.

Outside of work, she spends her time with her 8 year old son. 

Kay – Registered Dental Hygienist

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Ryan

Hi, my name is Ryan! I joined the practice in May 2023 after graduating from the Dentist Assisting Program at Collage of the Redwoods. I was eager to jump into my career as a Dental Assistant, and I’m excited to be part of a team that’s dedicated to great patient care.

Outside of work, I like staying active and spending time outdoors - especially kayaking. I’m also a big fan of UFC and WWE. I also like keeping up with the latest events.

Yetzin – Dental Assistant

Hi, my name is Yetzin! I’m a recent graduate of the Dental Assisting Program at Collage of the Redwoods and excited to begin my journey in the dental field. I’m currently working alongside Dr. Aguirre, gaining hands-on experience in patient care and dental procedures.

I love being part of a team that helps patients feel comfortable and confident about their oral health.

Philosophy of Care

Dr. Aguirre believes great dentistry starts with listening. Every patient comes with unique needs, concerns, and goals. Dr.Aguirre takes the time to understand them before beginning treatment. His approach is rooted in three guiding principles:

  • Dentistry can be stressful for many people, so Dr. Aguirre makes it a priority to create a calm, supportive environment. He treats every patient with kindness and respect, ensuring they feel comfortable and cared for at every step.

  • Healthy smiles are built on good habits and proactive care. Dr. Aguirre emphasizes prevention, focusing on education, early detection, and personalized treatment plans that support long-term oral health and overall well-being.

  • With over 16 years of experience, Dr. Aguirre combines proven expertise with the latest dental technology and techniques. His goal is to deliver precise, lasting results that not only improve oral health but also enhance confidence and quality of life.

For Dr. Aguirre, dentistry is about more than teeth—it’s about helping people feel better, live healthier, and smile with confidence.