Dr. Castro is a graduate of the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. He grew up in San Pablo, attended Juan Crespi Junior High School and De Anza High School before going to the University of California, Davis for his undergraduate degrees in English (BA) and Biological Sciences (BS). He has been very active in the community, participating in service projects through San Pablo Rotary to bring food to the homeless, books to underserved children, and help to patients at the RotaCare Clinic in San Pablo (a free medical clinic for people who live below the poverty line and have no access to any other form of medical insurance). Early in his career, Dr. Castro provided a year of free dental services at the Berkeley Free Clinic. He also regularly gives dental hygiene presentations for TK - 2nd grade at the local elementary schools.
In addition, Dr. Castro is the current Vice President of the Contra Costa College Foundation and offers an academic scholarship to high performing students (Castro - van Dyk Scholarship). In 2024, he organized a barbecue fundraiser that raised $17,000 in wrap-around emergency funds for Contra Costa College students. Dr. Castro has also served as President of the Contra Costa Dental Society, the local component of the American Dental Association, and cares strongly about access to quality care and promoting the image of the profession in the community. He's also been a guest on KQED Forum, having spoken on his other passion besides dentistry: barbecue.
Dr. Castro lives in Pinole with his wife, Lindsey, a Kaiser nurse, and three kids, Aggie, Frankie, and Ernie. He enjoys videogames, guitar, bowling, and barbecue competitions, having placed or won 1st Place several times at various events. He writes and draws for the webcomic, Buttersafe, and a variety of other art projects such as the comic adaptation of Katamari Damacy and illustrations for his favorite radio station, KQED. He cares deeply about his patients and his staff and hopes for a good outcome with every interaction.
Dr. van Dyk is a graduate of the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco. He participated in a general dentistry residency at Madigan Army Medical Center at Ft. Lewis, Washington, before opening a practice in San Pablo in 1976. He has taught continuously at the University since returning to the Bay Area and is a noted lecturer traveling around the US sharing information related to the successful practice of dentistry.
He participates in many community organizations including the Contra Costa College Foundation, the San Pablo Rotary, the San Pablo Chamber of Commerce, and Brookside Foundation.
He lives in Pt. Richmond with his wife, Margi, and enjoys travel and regular exercise, often together, including climbing to the top of Mt. Whitney and Mt. Kilimanjaro, and walking across England.
Originally born in Southern California, Dr. Jill Alderfer grew up on the North Carolina coast. She received her bachelor's degree from North Carolina State University and immediately moved to Mongolia for two years as a member of the Peace Corps. Following this, Dr. Alderfer volunteered at an orphanage in Uganda before coming back to the United States and pursuing her dental dreams in California.
Dr. Alderfer earned her doctorate from the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry in 2017. While in dental school, Dr. Alderfer excelled in many areas and received the George Hughes Award for excellence in Prosthodontics. She completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at UCSF where she treated patients with complex medical and dental needs.
In her free time, she enjoys exploring the many vegetarian restaurants around the bay and hiking with her dogs and husband. She is also an active member of the Pinole Rotary Club.
Wendy joined our office in 2002 while at the Middle College High School as an administrative assistant. While continuing to work for us she earned an Associate Degree from Contra Costa College and went on to Western Career College for her dental hygiene degree and license. We’ve enjoyed watching her progress in her career and at the same time meet the needs of the practice and our patients. Outside of the office, Wendy enjoys spending time with her husband Luis, two girls Isabella and Julianna, as well as her new dog Neno. By the way, she is a huge Giants fan!
Gina graduated from the Diablo Valley College Dental Hygiene Program in 2012 after earning a bachelor’s degree at Sacramento State. She started with our office after graduation and immediately demonstrated the compassion and excellence which we strive to achieve. She lives in Vallejo with her husband, Taylor. Her other career is as a singer and actor in local productions.
Starr has been a dedicated part of the practice since 2015 and has loved every moment of caring for patients along the way. As a Registered Dental Assistant, she brings both skill and compassion to her work, making patients feel comfortable and well cared for during their visits. Over the years, Starr has built numerous lasting connections, and many patients look forward to seeing her specifically when they come in. Her warm personality and genuine caring nature have made her an office favorite. Outside of the office, Starr enjoys spending time in nature, relaxing with a good glass of wine, and soaking up the sunshine during her favorite season - summer.
Serena is an El Sobrante native who has been a valued member of the practice since 2018. As a Registered Dental Assistant, her strong technical skills and attention to detail help ensure patients feel comfortable and well cared for during their visit. Known for her friendly personality and dedication, Serena is an important part of the team and takes pride in supporting both patients and colleagues. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her three beloved dogs, going out with friends, and finding balance between her career and personal life.
Eli has over 20 years of experience in the dental field and is proud to be a member of Dr. Castro's office since 2022. She truly enjoys being a part of a supportive and dedicated work family. Outside of the office, she loves spending time outdoors, especially hiking and going on trips with her family.
Teo has been in the dental field since 2008. Since joining Dr Castro's office in 2023, she has had the pleasure of being a part of a great team, who truly work together to provide the best quailty dental care. She is commited to sharing what she has learned in her many years of experience to help guide our patients with empathy and clear communication throughout their scheduling and treatment process. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family and friends. She especially enjoys her family's annual camping trips where they enjoy swimming and building memories that will last forever.
Iliana is a San Pablo native who began her journey in dentistry as a high school intern in 2018. She has been a valued member of the practice since 2021 and is currently pursuing her education to become a dental hygienist. Outside of work, Iliana enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exploring local Bay Area spots, and connecting with her community. She is passionate about patient care and serving others with warmth and professionalism. Iliana takes pride in her roots, her work ethic, and her journey from intern to dedicated team member, and she looks forward to continuing to make a difference in the smiles of her community.
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Isabel completed her Bachelor's in Dental Hygiene at West Coast University in Orange County. Passionate about heathcare and her local community, she has actively engaged in volunteer and outreach programs with the goal of impacting people's lives positively. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and her dog as well as trying new coffe and boba places.
Lily planted roots with her family in Richmond when moving to the US in the late 80's. She has been in the dental field since 1994 starting as a receptionist in a dental office, then dental assistant, and now a dental hygienist. She received her dental hygiene education from Santa Rosa Junior College and graduated in 2007. Lily is very caring and finds it gratifying helping patients keep a healthy mouth which in turn contributes to a healthier body. Outside of the office she is an artist and loves dogs. She enjoys gardening and decorating. Her perfect day would be sitting in a graden and enjoying the beauty that nature provides.