Dr. Blaess grew up in Houston since the age of eight, graduating from Sharpstown High School. Upon graduation, she attended the University of Texas in Austin, receiving her dental degree in 1997 from the University of Texas Health Science Center. After spending a year as an associate dentist she established her first practice De Zavala Dental, in November of 1999. After hiring Dr. Zebrowski in 2002 they partnered to open Northwoods Dental Spa, the first dental spa in San Antonio.

Continuing education plays an essential part in Dr. Blaess' office. With constant improvements in equipment, materials, and techniques, she believes it is vitally important to commit time to keep learning. Dr. Blaess and her staff attend many hours of continuing education courses every year, far beyond the necessary amount required to maintain licensure. They include lectures, hands-on courses, and practice management programs. Staff members also learn from each other and from their patients on a daily basis.

Dr. Blaess supports organized dentistry and the way organizations promote the health of our citizens. She is a member of the San Antonio District Dental Society, Texas Dental Society, American Dental Society, and Academy of General Dentistry.

On a personal note Dr. Blaess is a mom of a great five year old boy, Michael, who wants to grow up and join our team in about 20 years.

Dr. Zebrowski was born and raised in Kharkov, Ukraine, and started his dental education at the Kharkov State University, School of Dentistry. Upon relocating to United States, he enrolled in University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio where he earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery, graduating with high honors. Dr. Zebrowski received extensive training in crown and bridge, root canal therapy, extractions and implant restoration.

Dr. Zebrowski has been practicing with Dr. Blaess since 2003. He is strongly committed to ongoing professional education. He has achieved certification for Invisalign ( “invisible” braces ) and has also been trained in the use of soft tissue lasers. He is continually updating his education on different aspects of general and cosmetic dentistry.

During his free time, Dr. Zebrowski enjoys sports, traveling and spending time with his family and friends. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, San Antonio District Dental Society, and Texas Dental Association.

Dr. Reyes Retana was born and raised in Laredo, TX, where she graduated from St. Augustine High School in 1998.  Dr. Reyes Retana then proceeded to St. Mary's University here in San Antonio and achieved her Bachelors of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry in 2002.  She then attended the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and graduated with her D.D.S. in 2006. uing education and is always striving to improve her techniques in general dentistry.  As a practitioner, she is proud to be a member of the dental office that shares her commitment to quality dental care for each patient.

Being fluent in both english and Spanish is something Dr. Reyes Retana considers important when serving this wonderful community of San Antonio.  On her spare time Dr. Reyes Retana enjoys going to the Spurs games, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Norma loves what she does for a living. She says she cannot see herself doing anything else other than hygeine. She has been in the dental field since 1980 and treats each patient with integrity, ethics and professionalism.

Duties: Dental hygiene, patient education, bringing patients back to healthy periodontal condition, assuring patients have a positive experience.

Favorite thing about working for De Zavala Dental:  The unity of two great doctors with a team that works well together.  Individually pursing a goal of providing oral health to all of our patients with the latest technologies in the dental field.

Favorite thing about your job: Giving the patient the opportunity to become more involved in their treatment and giving them a better understanding of the importance of visiting our dental office.

Personal information:  Born in Tampico, Mexico.  Norma has a loving husband Sergio and is a mother of a caring 17 year old daughter, Karen.  Norma enjoys having a good time with her friends and family.  She also likes to watch movies, and does some painting in her spare time.

Becky Munoz

Office Manager

The most organized person you have ever met makes sure that your experience here runs smooth.

Duties: Helping patients with all their questions.

Favorite thing about working for De Zavala Dental: "Being part of a staff that believes in quality dentistry. Working with dentists who have great respect for their patients and work hard for every patient to ensure that everyone who walks in our office door feels comfortable."

Favorite thing about your job: "Seeing the patients' end result of a beautiful and healthy smile."

Personal information: Born and raised in Kingsville, Tx.   Becky's favorite place is in the company of her family. She loves cooking, and is happy to exchange favorite recipes. In her spare time works on her family tree. We call her our little lady bug due to her vast collection.

Appointment Coordinator

Accommadating patients to the fullest in scheduling their treatment and making their appointments.

Duties:  Scheduling appointments, finances, treatment planning.

Favorite thing:  "The doctors and our staff, we have a great team,and we all work very well together."

Favorite thing about your job:  Our patients, building  rapport with one another, which helps in building a great practice.

Personal Information:  Born and raised in El Paso, Tx. She stays true to her hometown.  Michelle, has a Bachelors in Microbiology, and loves spending time with her family and friends. Michelle, has been with our practice for 4 years.

Dental Assistant:

The youngest of the team, and one who is filled with lots of passion towards the dental field.  The passion continues to grow on a daily basis.

Duties:  Chairside assisting, infection control, making sure clinical area is running smoothly.  Lab manager, making sure all lab cases are in for your appointment.  Helping patients feel relaxed and comfortable.

Favorite thing about working at De Zavala Dental:

" Definately the staff."  Everyone is very welcoming and have taught me so much about dentistry.

Favorite thing about my job:  " Everyday I learn something new."  It has truly been a great learning experience.  

Personal Information: Originally from Brownsville, Tx.  Julia, came to San Antonio to pursue a career in the dental field.  She would like to follow in the footsteps of Dr. Blaess & Dr. Zebrowski in becoming a great dentist.