Meet the Team
Friendly Faces. Expert Care.
Lead Dentist / Practice Owner
Dr. Steven F. Puffer, DMD
DABOI/ID, FAAID, MAGD
Dr. Steven F. Puffer was born in Portland, Oregon, and raised just outside of Portland in the small town of Molalla. The youngest of 11 children, he had many wonderful examples to look up to, but it was his dad, Dr. Paul J. Puffer, D.M.D, M.A.G.D., who instilled a love of dentistry — especially family practice dentistry — in him. Dr. Steven Puffer graduated from Molalla High School in 2000, and he attended Brigham Young University-Idaho. He decided to take a two-year leave from his studies to serve a Spanish-speaking mission, where his love for the great state of Texas started in the Texas San Antonio Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints from 2001-2003. Dr. Puffer graduated from BYU-Idaho in June of 2005 with a major in biology and a minor in Spanish literature. He received his dental degree from Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry in June 2011. Following graduation, Dr. Puffer was blessed to work and learn alongside his father, who taught him how to be compassionate towards patients and many other valuable interpersonal skills, until his passing.
Dr. Puffer relocated to Nacogdoches, Texas in June of 2015. He is always educating himself and his team by finding high-quality continuing education programs which help them provide the utmost and quality care for his patients.
Dr. Puffer studied implant surgery under Dr. Hilt Tatum Jr. from 2016-2017, completing the Puerto Rico American Academy of Implant Dentistry MaxiCourse program and clinical residency. Upon graduation, he and his team of fellow dentists collaborated on a case that required a year-long series of surgeries. Their work was honored by the Academy of Implant Dentistry for "Treatment of the Atrophic Maxilla: A Case Study Utilizing the NIRISAB Approach", with the case placing second among the many reviewed by the Academy of Implant Dentistry.
In 2023, Dr. Puffer earned his Masters from the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction achieved by less than 5% of dentists that requires hundreds of hours of advanced training and the successful completion of a rigorous examination. Most recently, in January 2026, he received his master's degree from the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology (ADSA), further expanding his expertise in sedation and anesthesia to ensure the highest level of patient comfort and safety.
He is a diplomat of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry. He is a member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Dental Association®, Texas Dental Association, Total Patient Service Institute, The Crown Council and Rotary International.
Dr. Puffer and his wife are blessed with five beautiful children and are devoted BYU fans with their oldest daughter joining the BYU Cheer Squad in 2024. Dr. Puffer attributes much of his success to his wonderful and highly supportive wife. They are an adventurous family and love spending time hiking, swimming, biking, road tripping, rafting and exploring new places. He is an active member of his church, where he serves the Spanish-speaking community. He loves the warmth and kindness that has been shown to him and his family from Nacogdoches and the surrounding communities and looks forward to serving them for many years to come.
Meet Our Team
Our experienced and knowledgeable team will help our dentist provide you with expert care for your smile. But beyond their expertise, they are friendly, upbeat and outgoing and will always make you feel welcome. The team members at Puffer Dental love what they do and genuinely care for our patients. They take the time to get to know everyone who visits our office.
Betty Rodriguez
Office Manager
Betty brings over 15 years of dental experience to Puffer Dental and ensures every patient receives warm, attentive service from the moment they arrive. She keeps the practice running smoothly and loves building genuine connections with patients and the community.
Makayla Jordan
Patient Care Coordinator
Makayla has been with Puffer Dental since 2015 and transitioned from dental assisting to patient care coordination, where she excels at guiding patients through personalized treatment experiences. She takes pride in making sure patient needs are met and enjoys working alongside her supportive dental family.
Leslie Kirk
Patient Care Coordinator
Leslie, a Nacogdoches native with a BBA in Human Resources, has long been dedicated to patient care and creating a welcoming, family-oriented environment. She works closely with patients to ensure they feel comfortable and well cared for throughout their visits.
Leslie Moore
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
With 26 years of experience, Leslie is a skilled and compassionate hygienist who values the long-term relationships she builds with patients. She takes pride in delivering gentle care and making every patient feel at ease during their visit.
Presley McLin
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Presley, a 2021 graduate of Tyler Junior College’s dental hygiene program, loves providing quality, comfortable hygiene care for patients of all ages. She cherishes the close, family-style atmosphere at the practice and the meaningful friendships she forms with patients.
Kallie Capps
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)
Kallie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from Tyler Junior College and is passionate about helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles. She creates a positive and supportive experience for every patient she sees.
Cheyenne Cruz
Lead Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
Cheyenne has been part of the Puffer Dental team since 2021, where she enjoys working closely with patients and expanding her dental skills. She loves seeing the joy on patients’ faces when helping improve their smiles.
Linda Camacho
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
Linda began her dental career in 2019 and joined the Puffer Dental team in 2024, where she has quickly become a valued member. She enjoys crafting handmade jewelry, fishing with her husband, and bringing her warm, friendly personality to patient care.
Karlie Kendrick
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
Karlie Kendrick, a Hudson High alum from Lufkin, Texas, is a dental assistant at Puffer Dental and an SFA student pursuing dentistry. Known for her bubbly personality and attention to detail, she creates a welcoming, positive experience for every patient.
Arely Bañuelos
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)
Arely joined Puffer Dental in 2023 and brings energy, enthusiasm, and a welcoming presence to every patient interaction. She enjoys exploring new experiences and is dedicated to serving the Nacogdoches community with care.
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Ready to Meet Our Team?
Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience the warm, personal care that makes Puffer Dental special.