Why Choose Our Houston Dentists?
Partners in Care
Our dentists pride themselves on being your partner throughout your dental journey. They start by listening to you. Then they make sure to answer any questions and address any concerns before treatment, use gentle techniques, and follow up after dental visits to make sure patients are well.
A Variety of Focuses
From shadowing talented specialists for hands-on experience to passionately pursuing continuing education, our dentists have developed a unique combination of skills, training, and talents. We offer a full range of high-quality dental treatments. No need to chase referrals all over Houston–you can get almost all the care you need right here.
Exceptional Experience
Our dentists have nearly 100 years of combined experience in dental practice. They’ve served in the Navy, the Army, and as associates in dental practices, but mostly they’ve been right here, building a reputation by delivering outstanding care. Any of our patients will tell you–our dentists really know what they’re doing.
Dr. Jack Stephens, Houston Dentist
D.D.S., University of Texas Dental School in Houston (1984)
Dr. Stephens graduated in the top 10% of his dental class, and he has never stopped learning. In the decades since entering private practice, he has earned thousands of hours of continuing education credits, focusing on technologies that improve the quality of care he can deliver. He has studied dental implantology, Invisalign, CEREC, and laser dentistry.
In his leisure time, Dr. Stephens enjoys spending time with his wife of over 35 years, Robin, and their children, Zach and Brooke. Dr. Stephens’ hobbies include fly fishing, water skiing, snow skiing, sailing, bird hunting, racing, biking, scuba diving, and flying.
Memberships and Affiliations
Dr. Robert Gatewood, Houston Dentist
D.D.S, University of Texas Dental School in Houston (1996)
Dr. Gatewood served in the Navy for three years, where he studied alongside other dentists and doctors. He completed a yearlong hospital-based general dentistry practice residency. After leaving the Navy, he entered private practice, serving the Houston area for more than 25 years.
During this time, he has engaged in extensive continuing education, learning to master dental implantology, Invisalign, and CEREC technology.
He enjoys spending time with his wife, Donna, and their children, Grant and Alex. He is also an active member of the community and participates in charitable work with his church. His hobbies include skiing, wake surfing, scuba diving, sports, and traveling.
Memberships and Affiliations
Dr. Christopher Pagano, Houston Dentist
D.D.S. West Virginia School of Dentistry (1998)
Dr. Pagano graduated second in his class, and has continued to dedicate himself to adding more dental skills. He has studied CEREC, dental implantology, dental sleep medicine, and the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ/TMD).
In his free time, Dr. Pagano likes to spend time with his family and friends. His hobbies include sports (especially college football . . . Let’s go, Mountaineers!), traveling, and attending concerts and movies.
Memberships and Affiliations
- American Dental Association
- Texas Dental Association
- Greater Houston Dental Society
- National Dental Honor Society
- North Houston Dental Study Group
- 2019-2020, President
- 2015, Speaker of the Year Award
- Clinical Assistant Professor, West Virginia University School of Dentistry
- Recognized for proficiency by the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology
- Recognized for proficiency in TMJ function by the American Equilibration Society
- West Virginia Health Conference Governor’s Award for Professional Volunteer Work
- American Dental Association
- Texas Dental Association
- Greater Houston Dental Society
- National Dental Honor Society
- North Houston Dental Study Group
- 2019-2020, President
- 2015, Speaker of the Year Award
- Clinical Assistant Professor, West Virginia University School of Dentistry
- Recognized for proficiency by the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology
- Recognized for proficiency in TMJ function by the American Equilibration Society
- West Virginia Health Conference Governor’s Award for Professional Volunteer Work
Dr. Neimar Sartori, D.D.S., M.Sc., Ph.D.
Dr. Neimar Sartori’s journey from São José de Cedro, Brazil, to becoming a globally recognized dental professional is truly inspiring. Until age 9, Dr. Sartori lived in the Amazon without formal education. Now, he conducts groundbreaking research on dental restorations and materials, making his patients’ smile dreams come true. He is educated at the Federal University of Santa Catarina and holds a Ph.D. in adhesive and esthetic dentistry. His dedication led him to roles at the University of Southern California and advanced training in Prosthodontics at the University of Florida.
With expertise spanning adhesive dentistry, veneers, and implant restorations, Dr. Sartori is particularly passionate about esthetic dentistry and full-mouth rehabilitations. A pioneer in digital dentistry, he’s adept in CAD/CAM design and 3D printing. Beyond clinical work, he’s contributed to scientific articles and made significant strides in dental bonding research.
Now joining the esteemed team at Stephens & Gatewood Dentistry in Houston, Dr. Sartori and his wife, Lais Dalmagro Peruchi, also a dentist, look forward to serving the community and enhancing smiles.
Dr. Wendell Dela Cruz, DDS, FAGD
Dr. Wendell Dela Cruz is a valuable asset to the team as an associate and general dentist at Consultants in Dental Aesthetics and was hand-picked by Dr. Landry. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Biology and a certificate in Business Foundations and obtained his dental degree from the prestigious UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry.
Dr. Dela Cruz achieved a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, an important honor demonstrating a never-ending pursuit of continuing dental education. Not only is this distinction bestowed upon only 6% of general dentists in the U.S., but Dr. Dela Cruz also earned this title in the shortest amount of time possible, becoming one of the youngest recipients of this recognition. In line with his commitment to providing the best and most comprehensive care to our patients, he has additional training in cosmetics, implant surgery, and Invisalign, and is one of only a handful of dentists in Houston capable of performing the less invasive, more comfortable PST (Pinhole surgical technique) for grafting.
Within the community, Dr. Dela Cruz has served as co-chair of the Dental Health Committee of the Greater Houston Dental Society, organizing charity dental events like the city-wide “Give Kids a Smile” day for lower-income children and “Veteran Smile Day.” He helped organize and run a New Dentist Study Club for the Houston Academy of General Dentistry, facilitating continuing education opportunities for young dentists.
Having grown up in Cy-Fair, Dr. Dela Cruz has strong ties within the neighborhood and effortlessly relates to the patients of Stephens & Gatewood. Dr. Dela Cruz has also lived in Saudi Arabia, The Philippines, Canada, and Mexico, and continues to travel and explore the world. He enjoys staying physically active; working out; playing with his dog, Neo and Pogi; exploring Houston’s burgeoning craft brewery scene; and tinkering with DIY projects around the house. Dr. Dela Cruz loves trying new foods around Houston and will not hesitate to try a recommendation for the next delicious burger joint.
Dr. Dela Cruz is meticulous, energetic, nonjudgmental, and compassionate – the type of dentist we cherish at Stephens & Gatewood in Houston. His patience and sincerity will make your experience at Stephens & Gatewood welcoming and complete.
