AboutBrent C. Lay, DDS

I have been in the dental field since 2004. Patient advocacy has been a passion and a challenge that has always lined up with my overall enjoyment of people. Building personal relationships, working through treatment concerns and creating financial plans has inspired my desire to grow in all of these skills.

Becoming a part of Dr. Lay’s team has added more to furthering my education and use of these tools than any career or office that I’ve had a pleasure of being a part of. Other than loving the environment of our office, our patients are top-notch, our training is continuous and Dr. Lay’s desire for his team to succeed in their goals is always so gratifying.

Another passion of mine is my family! I cannot spend enough time with my husband Gary, and stepson Donovan. Whether traveling or playing around the house, they make my heart smile!

California born and raised. I have worked in the field of dentistry since the ’70s, with a passion for motivating and inspiring people.

Inheriting my family’s exceptional talents in working with my hands. I always loved all creative Art. And Sciences loved Dimensional thinking.

My College focus was Emphasis on Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Nutrition, and Holistic Healing. With a strong interest in Learning Differences and Abilities.

My career as a Registered Dental Hygienist has been so rewarding. I have experienced and seen a lot working with people for so many years. I feel so lucky to have worked with some of the finest professionals in the field in the bay area. I work with offices that would always be on the cutting edge, using all the very latest technology and professional support and research. I have developed unique Dental Hygiene programs in cutting-edge preventive and periodontal recovery.

I lead and implemented a team of professional into practice for over 30+years in the same place, mentoring a dental teams into success. It was wonderful staying in one place for so many years, as it allowed me to carefully monitor our outcome, successes in the same patients for so many years.

My Educational journey included:

In the 70’s I received degrees as a Certified and Registered Dental Assistant RDA, CDA which I used to work my way through college and expenses. This was a gift for me in my field by allowing me to work alongside many amazing Dental Specialists in the Bay Area. It helped me to understand and see the big picture in the choices and possibilities in dental treatment, diagnosis, and best treatment planning for dental health.

In the 80’s I Graduated as a Registered Dental Hygienist in one of the top programs in California. I was given Awards for my exceptional techniques in patient education and community service. I am still proud of my near-perfect score on State boards.

As a Dental Hygienist, my goal is to inspire others, give each person a well-turned listening ear and work towards building a wonderful relationship as a motivational coach with an individualized plan.

I love to help motivate a patient's understanding, though providing the pieces of information they may be missing. This often allows them to move towards better decisions about their dental health outcome. Often it’s the small things that no one really took the time to assist them with that is my secret to winning ticket.

I always ask myself what’s the spark that will allow this patient to move forward on positive new approach or change. I have found People will usually pick the right chose for themselves when they completely understand what they need to do to get there.

I’ve been working in the field of dentistry as a Dental Hygiene for over 30+years. I have worked closely with Microscope Evaluations and Research Institutions, Laser Therapy, Anti-bacterial control techniques, Daily Home-care technique modification as my cornerstone.

I was lucky to be born very Creative, Artistic and a great Big Picture Thinker, Visionary.

These talents are always at the forefront of most things I do.

I married the handsome Greek boy next door, over 30yrs ago, we have two wonderful amazing boys. I live in the Santa Cruz Mountains where the forest and wildlife are always present. Our family’s relaxation therapy after a long week.

I am often found helping others to navigate systems and find solutions through advocacy in learning differences. My compassion runs deep for those with learning differences, social and sensory issues in day-to-day living. I believe everyone should have the chance to show the world what they know and be able to reach their full potential and dreams. "All minds matter, all minds are unique,

"All minds are just waiting to reach and be seen for their full potential." That is the motto I live by!

My name is Rhianna, I am an assistant at Dr. Lays' office here in the Santa Cruz Mountains. I love the interaction with the patients. My main goal is to fulfill a career as a registered dental assistant. I also volunteer at a non-profit organization called Coopers Calling which helps special needs kids to ride horses and teaches them to be more self-reliant. My hobbies include; riding horses and hanging out with friends & family in my free time.

I am a Wisconsin native who moved to California when I was 19 years old. I spent my first years in San Luis Obispo working on my dental hygiene prerequisites and completing my studies in jazz bass performance at Cuesta College. I moved to Santa Cruz after a 3 year wait on Cabrillo College’s waitlist. I received my Associates degree in Dental Hygiene in 2016 and was honored to be my class’s valedictorian. I then went on to receive my Bachelors degree in Dental Hygiene from Foothill College just before the birth of my son. I live in the Santa Cruz Mountains with my husband, Chris, our son, Zephyr, and our old dog and crazy cat. I enjoy time at the beach, hiking, and cooking.

I have wanted to be a dental hygienist since I was a kid. My mom always worked in dental offices and would take me to work with her after school. Those hygienists helped form me into the healthcare provider I am today. I have a genuine desire to help my patients achieve optimal oral health while making sure their appointment is a calm and comfortable experience to look forward to. I love being able to give each and every one of my patients that sparkle back in their smile and the knowledge in order to know what to do at home to keep their smile healthy. Working with Dr. Lay is very important to me as he truly cares for each and every one of his patients. I have worked for many different types of dentists and I can safely tell my patients that they are in great hands with Dr. Lay.

Meet Jasper, our office mascot. He is a friendly Corgi mix who loves to greet everyone with a smile and a wag. He especially loves children and has a knack for telling who is a dog person that will pet him.

Jasper is a certified therapy dog and has visited schools and nursing homes. He has participated in the Tales to Tails program at Capitola Library where children with stuttering and reading difficulties gain confidence by reading aloud to a dog.

All in all, he has come a long way from being a stray in Stockton. Dr. Lay adopted Jasper when he was 18 months old through Copper’s Dream, a Bay Area based rescue organization. Jasper’s friendly people-loving temperament led to entering the therapy dog program with the South Bay based Furry Friends organization.

Jasper loves coming to work with Dr. Lay where he gets to meet new people all the time and make more friends. When not at work, his favorite activity is going anywhere he can run and play chase, especially the beach.