AboutGDC Smiles
GDC Smiles is a Gainesville based family dentist practice that treats patients of all ages. We are committed to delivering the highest quality dental care and do so using advanced dental equipment. We are a cosmetic dentist that offers services like checkups, teeth cleaning, crowns, veneers and more.
We also perform emergency dentist services that include bonding, root canals, crowns, and bridges. As a local dentist, we create lifelong relationships with our patients and their families and work to ensure that they receive treatments in a comfortable and relaxed environment. Dr. Lia Gallo-Urrego and our staff invite you to schedule an appointment by calling 770-504-5725 and experience why our patients think GDC Smiles is the best dentist in Gainesville.
Dr. Lia P. Gallo-Urrego, DDS
Dr. Lia Gallo-Urrego loves what she does every day; helping people smile. For over 30 years of transforming people’s smiles, she says it’s really her life that has been most affected and her heart that has been touched. The transformation she sees in her patients is not only physical, but emotional as well, as they walk taller, smile wider, and live life a little bit happier. Dr. Gallo-Urrego prides herself in the community she has established with her patients. They trust her, and this makes all the difference in an ideal doctor-patient scenario.
Dr. Gallo-Urrego enjoys spending time with her husband Harvin, and her daughters, Camila and Valentina. She enjoys traveling and loves to dance.
Education
Dr. Gallo-Urrego earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 1993 from University of Antioquia, Colombia, one of the most prestigious universities in South America. She graduated as Salutatorian of her class. She later earned her second DDS degree from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine in 2008.
Extensive Advanced Training in the All Areas of Dentistry with Emphasis in:
Dr. Gallo completed an extensive Implant Externship Program with Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine and Dental XP to keep up to date with the latest trends in the dental field.
Memberships
Giving Back
With a true love for the work she does and the people she encounters, Dr. Gallo-Urrego has volunteered much of her time giving back. As a member of Free Chapel she heard about her church’s program for men and women recuperating from drug addiction, No Longer Bound and New Beginnings, and decided these men and women deserve another chance at a better life. She began giving total reconstruction of their mouths, free of charge.
"Getting to be a part of something so monumental and such a beautiful change in someone’s life towards a better future is what makes me proud to be a doctor and thankful for the work I get to do every day."
Dr. Gallo-Urrego has also volunteered for the Good News Clinic, where she treated patients for free, that could otherwise not afford treatment themselves.
Sr. Associate Dentist
Dr. Juan C. Cruz, DDS
Dr. Juan Carlos Cruz-Alzate is our Sr. Associate Dentist and has been a great part of the GDC Smiles family for over 5 years. He was born and raised in Colombia, South America where he first fell in love with the field of dentistry. There is something about seeing the joy in a patient’s eyes after giving them a smile they can be proud of, that fills Dr. Cruz with pride and genuine fulfillment in his work and career. He enjoys the challenge of transforming the many smiles that come through our office. You can easily find Dr. Cruz chatting with his patients about life, cracking jokes, and being intentional with his time answering their questions and easing away their concerns.
In his free time, Dr. Cruz enjoys exploring new and fun adventures in Georgia with his wife and son. He loves the outdoors, and if he’s not in the office you can find him traveling, reading, biking and hiking in the North Georgia Mountains.
Education
Dr. Cruz graduated from the Universidad Autonoma de Manizales with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1995. In 2017 Dr. Cruz graduated from the University Of Colorado Anschutz School Of Dental Medicine International Student Program. He was awarded the American College of Dentists Award by virtue of Ethics, Scholarship, Patient Care and Professional Behavior. Dr. Cruz also graduated at the top of his class as valedictorian for the International Student Program Class of 2017.
Memberships
Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honors Fraternity
Giving Back
Outside of the office Dr. Cruz has a passion for serving his community with his talents and profession. Dr. Cruz has volunteered his time providing free dental treatment for children, Latin Americans, and poverty-stricken families through various organizations such as SOS Clinic, Clinica Latina, and Dentistry from the Heart. He has also given his time and expertise through teaching opportunities with the Medical College of Georgia as an adjunct instructor.
Associate Dentist
Dr. Yiching Jeannie Wu, DDS
Dr. Yiching Jeannie Wu brings over 9 years of experience to GDC Smiles as an Associate Dentist. She obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine in 2014, following her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of North Florida in 2009.
As a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Wu is committed to staying abreast of the latest advancements in the field, ensuring the highest standard of care for her patients.
Dr. Wu's passion for dentistry extends beyond clinical expertise. She finds joy in the meticulous nature of dental work, relishing the opportunity to use her hands to craft beautiful smiles. Moreover, Dr. Wu values the deep connections she forms with her patients, understanding the importance of trust and communication in providing personalized care.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Wu leads a vibrant life filled with diverse interests. From learning new languages to crafting plush animals and origami, she embraces creativity in all its forms. Dr. Wu also loves playing the pipa and ukulele. When not in the dental office, you might find her engaging in weight-lifting, hiking, or enjoying quality time with her family over board games. Dr. Wu's adventurous spirit also fuels her love for travel, whenever the opportunity arises.
With her unique blend of expertise, warmth, and creativity, Dr. Wu is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care and building lasting relationships with her patients at GDC Smiles.
Olivia Corbin
Hygienist (RDH) / Office Manager
Olivia is a Registered Dental Hygienist and has been on the team for nine years now. And she has served as our Office/Operations Manager for over 7 years thanks to her love and devotion to GDC Smiles’ Mission.
In 2014, Olivia graduated from Athens Technical College with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science. She is dedicated to always furthering her education and makes sure to attend multiple continuing education (CE) courses each year. She loves to give back her time to the community and volunteers her talents and efforts at Good News Clinic, a clinic that offers free dental services to the Gainesville community.
Olivia spends her free time spending time with her nieces, training her two Great Dane puppies (Maverick & Goose), and playing with her pet pig, Penny.
Ana
HR & Marketing Manager
Ana, the HR & Marketing Manager at GDC Smiles, loves interacting with all of our patients on social media and even more when she gets to meet them face to face. She is constantly striving to maintain a high standard of customer service throughout our team by leading the team through extensive customer service and employee recruitment & training.
After graduating from Kennesaw State University with a BBA in Marketing, Ana earned her Masters of Science in Merchandising and International Trade from the University of Georgia. She is a true team player, taking the GDC Smiles’ Mission to heart, and constantly making sure the team always puts its best foot forward.
Ana loves to travel, meet new people of different cultures, and volunteer for various organizations in her community. She loves to spend her free time with her small shih tzu / poodle mix, Nova.
Ammie Bell
Hygienist (RDH)
Ammie is a compassionate Registered Dental Hygienist with a heart for building patient relationships and educating them on achieving optimal oral health. Graduating from Athens Technical College in 2018, she holds two prestigious awards, the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership and the Work Ethics Award: Life Sciences & Public Service Division in 2016, showcasing her commitment to excellence and professionalism.
At GDC Smiles, Ammie finds joy in providing high-quality care and treating everyone like family. When not creating healthy smiles, she cherishes time with her adorable 4-year-old son and Golden Doodle. When they aren’t keeping her busy, she also loves crafting, painting, and reading. With Ammie, you'll experience a caring professional who values your well-being and dental journey.