Dr. Philip Lips, DDS

Dr. Lips graduated from Saint Mary's College, Moraga,
In 1958 with a Bachelor of Science. He earned his
Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Southern
California in 1962 and opened his first practice of
General Dentistry in Salinas. A member of the
American Dental Association since his student years at University of Southern California, he taught in the dental hygiene program at Cabrillo College.

Since childhood Dr. Lips has loved trains and has become both a history buff, regarding railroads, and a master builder of model trains. He enjoys spending time with his family, especially his two young grandsons "Nick" and "Christopher" with whom he shares his interest in trains. He has also appeared locally as a character actor with the Western Stage. He is fond of music and enjoys being a choral singer. A lover of birds he has a bath and feeders visible from his dental operatory.

Cynthia J. Tiechner , DDS

Dr. Tiechner received her DDS degree from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 1970. While in school she was a member of Tau Kappa Omega Dental Honor Society. Dr. Tiechner taught in the prosthodontics department at her alma mater from 1972-1977. Dr. Tiechner joined Dr. Philip Lips' practice in 1971. She is a member of the American Dental Society, The Academy of General Dentistry and the American Association of Women Dentists

Dr. John Nardone , DDS

Dr. Nardone was born and raised in Salinas and graduated from Salinas High School in the class of 1955; then attended San Francisco State College. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1966 from University of the Pacific and opened a private practice on the Monterey Peninsula from 1966 to 1983. He and his wife Lorraine enjoy good food, fine wine and snow skiing. They have three children and two grand children.

Dr. Guy Welty, DDS

Dr. Welty grew up in Santa Cruz. He attended high school in Hanford, CA and graduated in 1960 from the University of Pennsylvania Dental School. He served two years as an army dental officer at Fort Ord. He is married to Annette and has two children; a daughter and a son who have given them five beautiful granddaughters. He plays the tuba and loves to fish when there is time.

Dr. Gilbert Grio, DDS

George Lips , Practice Administrator

Hi! My name is George. I am the eldest son of Dr. Lips. I have been with TLC Dentistry since 1997. Being the Office Manager is a challenge at times, but the majority of the time is very enjoyable. Our staff is wonderful and I enjoy interacting with the patients. Some remember me in a "cradle" at my father's first office. Mom would bring me to work with her. "How embarassing is that?"

Lanie Aguilar Gaetos, Financial Coordinator

Veronica Reyes , Registered Dental Assistant

Elizabeth Garcia , Registered Dental Assistant

Martina Hernandez , Clinical Coordinator; RDA

Deanna Ruegg , Registered Dental Hygienist

Hi! My name is Deanna and I am one of the hygienists here at TLC Dentistry. I have found the most comfortable and caring office on the central coast, thus making my passion for dental hygiene and patient care a pleasure. I was born and raised here in Monterey County. I am married to Coby; who is a wonderful husband and father to our children Hunter and Lacy. Working part time here at TLC Dentistry really allows my professional and personal life to balance.

Christina Cavell , Registered Dental Hygienist

Laurie Nadura , Registered Dental Hygienist

Karen M. Lips, Registered Dental Hygienist

Karen is the " Hygienist Emeritus " of TLC Dentistry. Married to Dr. Lips shortly after they both graduated from Univesity of Southern California, she practiced dental hygiene for 30 years before her retirement in 1996. Karen is now a supervising consultant for TLC Dentistry.

She enjoys spending time with her family and working as a Parish Liturgist and Music Coordinator at San Carlos Cathedral, Monterey.