QUESTIONS FOR THE DENTIST:
DEZBAA DAMON-MALLETTE
Q: You are a dentist; your husband is a lawyer. Professional degrees can create lots of options, what was it about Gallup that made you move here? A: Gallup is closer to my family and my culture. We also have come across families who have lived here for 20-40 years and they like it; that tells us that Gallup is a great community to raise a family. Q: Gallup is surrounded by history of ancient civilizations, is the Indian Jewelry Capital of the World, and in my opinion has the best red and green chile dishes in New Mexico. What are you looking forward to discovering here? A: We look forward to exploring what Gallup and the surrounding area has to offer in the way of outdoor activities. We have heard of great places to camp and fish. Louie also is interested in seeing and possibly restoring old trucks and classic cars and watching com-
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munity theater productions. Louie is curious about how well a garden will do here and has been researching fruit trees and bees. Q: Now that you have been working and getting to know your new city, what are some experiences you didn’t expect? A: The local restaurants have great, authentic food. I also figured that people of the community would be nice and respectful of a newcomer, but I am surprised by the warmth and sincerity as people shake my hand and say, “Welcome, we are happy you are here.”
matized from earlier dental encounters. Dr. Rainaldi and I are General Dentists providing exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, bridges, implants, extractions, partials, dentures, bleaching kits, etc. Some cases are complex and we will refer those out to specialists. I hope to continue to work on my knowledge and skills to reduce the number of cases we may need to refer. Of course, the patient’s best interest is always the priority. Q: Your husband is hoping to do what type of law here? Would this also be his first job after obtaining his law degree?
Q: What will you specialize in at Dr. Rainaldi’s office? Do you hope to develop some services that the office doesn’t currently offer?
A: Louie just graduated from UNM Law School and will be obtaining his first job soon as a lawyer. He is interested in different areas of civil law.
A: I do not really have a specialty, but I do enjoy being of service to all age groups. I try to be gentle, especially when working with children and people who have been trau-
You can meet Dr. Dezbaa Damon-Mallette at Rainaldi Dental, 501 Nizhoni Drive 505-863-9363.
