Avanti Dental Care Staff- Longmont, Colorado

Our Dentists

Dr. Juan Sauza

My wife and I opened Avanti Dental Care in Longmont, Colorado in 2001.  I am originally from Mexico City where I started my career in dentistry in 1979.  I received a diploma from the Institute of Dental Prosthetics as a dental laboratory technician.  I owned and operated a dental lab for two years while attending dental school in Mexico City, but eventually sold the lab to concentrate on my studies.  I received my first Doctorate in Dental Surgery (DDS) from the Latino American University in Mexico City in 1985.  Following graduation I completed a 1000-hour fellowship in the Mexican Social Services.  My doctorate was recognized by the Universidad Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM). While pursuing my licensure in the United States I worked as a dental assistant.  I practiced dentistry in Mexico and St.Thomas in the US. Virgin Islands prior to moving to the United States. 

In 1997 I began dental school in the United States.  In 2001, I received my American DDS degree from the University of Colorado Dental School.  I have served as a tutor to dental assisting students in the front range area, as well as advisor to the dental assisting program for St. Vrain Valley School District.  I am the past President of the Broomfield-Boulder County Dental Society.  I remain current through continuing education and I’m actively involved in several study clubs including the Seattle Study Club of the Rockies and the Colorado Prosthodontics Dental Society.  I am currently working towards a fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry.

At Avanti Dental Care in Longmont we offer a full range of general dentistry services for all ages, including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, as well as endodontics, dentures, partials, oral surgery, and final restorations for implants.  We also have the ability to use IV sedation for patients with greater fears.  My great staff and I are a family oriented practice that believes each patient deserves quality dentistry in a comfortable setting.  Although our facility is state of the art, we offer a casual atmosphere to alleviate fears associated with dental treatment.   

I enjoy spending time in Colorado participating in community events here in Longmont, Boulder and the surrounding front range.  I enjoy attending Rockies games, coaching little league baseball, and traveling with my wife Ellen and our son Vincent.

Dr. Jill Biles

My name is Jill Biles and I grew up in Northwest Iowa.  I relocated to Longmont, Colorado after completing my dental education at the University of Minnesota.  Prior to entering dental school I earned my undergraduate degree in Nutrition Science, also at the University of Minnesota (GO TWINS!)  I enjoy educating my patients on the importance of their oral health.  I am inspired every day by my patients and I love what I do.

I joined the Avanti Dental team in Longmont in July 2006.  I keep current with the latest in dentistry through regular continuing education courses.  I am a member of the American Dental Association, Colorado Dental Association, Seattle Study Club and the Academy of General Dentistry.

In my spare time I enjoy the many activities that Colorado has to offer.  Particularly running, hiking, gardening and spending time with my husband Brad, our son Billy and our two dogs Dezzy and Ella.

Our Hygienists

Lori Haug

My name is Lori and I’ve been a member of the Avanti family here in Longmont since 2002.  I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Colorado’s dental hygiene program that same year. I am a member of the American Dental Hygiene Association.  As a hygienist I enjoy alleviating patient fears through education and a gentle touch.  My favorite part of my job is getting to know my  patients on a personal level, watching their families grow and change over the years.  Prior to my career in dentistry, I was a flight attendant for 14 years. 

In my spare time I enjoy seeing the world through the eyes of my beautiful 6 year old daughter Maya who was adopted from China in 2006.  We enjoy spending time at local playgrounds, swimming, fishing, hiking, bike riding, attending theater productions, and doing any type of craft that involves glue, scissors and mess.  My personal interests include cooking, gardening, traveling, and a new love of Rockies baseball.

Michelle Sheets

My name is Michelle and I have been with Avanti Dental Care in Longmont since 2010.  I have enjoyed 18 years in the field of dentistry, earning my degree in dental hygiene from Laramie Community College in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1993. I take continuing education courses to ensure I offer my patients the most recent resources available in dental care.  I commute to Longmont from Greeley, Colorado because I love my fellow staff members and patients here in Longmont. I strive to empower my patients to better oral care.   

I have been married to my husband Kip since 2004.  In my spare time I enjoy playing tennis, gardening, cooking and spending time with my family, friends, and dog.  

Our Assistants

Cecilia Diaz

Hi, my name is Cecilia and I’ve been with Avanti Dental Care in Longmont, Colorado since 2005.  I have been working as an expanded duties dental assistant (EDDA) for eleven years.  I received my EDDA training at Front Range Community College and the University of Colorado in Denver.  It gives me great satisfaction to work in dentistry and to help others with their dental health.  I’m currently taking prerequisite courses needed to enter the dental hygiene program. 

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter and son.  

Becky Burwell

My name is Becky and I was born and raised on the west coast of Florida.  My family and I relocated to Colorado in 2003.  I received my dental assisting certification and associates degree from Front Range Community College in 2005.  I have worked for Avanti Dental Care in Longmont since 2006. I love being a part of such a fun and friendly team.  I really enjoy getting to know our patients and helping them feel comfortable when they are with us. 

In my spare time I enjoy jogging, hiking, and camping with my husband and two teenage daughters.

Marlen Gutierrez

Hi, my name is Marlen and I have worked for Avanti Dental Care since 2006.  I was born in Guanajuanto, Mexico and moved to the Longmont, Colorado at the age of twelve.  The first year in the United States was difficult not knowing the language especially since I’m an only child.  My parents have been my role models and have taught me that my dreams can come true with hard work.   I’m fortunate to have wonderful friends who are the brothers and sisters that I never had, and who are there for me in good times and bad. 

I love my job and enjoy meeting new people.  I enjoy helping my patients achieve the smile they want.  My greatest satisfaction is to see our patients’ happiness from the work we do. 

I’m currently taking prerequisite courses to enter into the dental hygiene field.  In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.  I’m actively involved in my church. 

Our Front Office

Whitney Tinius

My name is Whitney and I have been the office manager at Avanti Dental Care in Longmont since 2005.  I enjoy being the first communication that our patients have with our office.  I strive to provide our patients with the best information regarding their needs and obligations to their health and that of their families.  I previously worked in the law field, but find dentistry more satisfying. 

I grew up in Longmont, but now live in Broomfield and have been married to my high school sweetheart Paul since 1990.   We have two children Kyle and Courtney.  As a family we love to watch baseball, camp and trail ride on our ATV’s.  We feel fortunate to live in our magnificent state of Colorado and find we are often in awe of the places we have been.