Q: What’s your favorite book or author? I rediscovered my love of reading during dental school! My favorite book is The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker, but I also love any book by Kristin Hannah or Pat Conroy. 

Q: What’s your favorite season, and why? Summer! Being from the desert, I like being outside when it is hot!

Q: What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day? Reality TV is my go-to way to unwind after a long day. From The Bachelor to Dancing with the Stars and The Traitors, I’m a fan of them all!

Q: If you weren’t a dentist, what other career could you see yourself in? If I weren’t a dentist, I’d probably be a florist. I enjoy hands-on work and expressing creativity, which is actually very similar to what I love about dentistry.

• Clemson University
• Medical University of South Carolina

Dr. Valdez is originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and took a leap of faith by moving across the country to attend Clemson University, where she earned her degree in Biology. During her time at Clemson, she also minored in Food Science and had the opportunity to study abroad on the Gold Coast of Australia, an experience that further expanded her love of traveling to new places.

Following graduation, Dr. Valdez began her dental education at the Medical University of South Carolina. While there, she discovered a passion for caring for patients of all ages. She stayed actively involved on campus by serving as a teaching assistant for a complete dentures class, participating in the pediatrics club, and working with Project SANDs—an initiative dedicated to improving access to dental care for patients with special needs across South Carolina.

When it came time to choose where to practice after graduation, Dr. Valdez knew she wanted to be in the Upstate of South Carolina, an area she has grown to love since her college years.

Dedicated to lifelong learning and patient-centered care, Dr. Valdez is passionate about patient education and helping individuals build healthy, confident smiles. Outside of the office, she enjoys trivia nights, taking classes at Orangetheory Fitness, cheering on Clemson athletics, and exploring new restaurants with her boyfriend, Max.