Balancing practice and purpose
Dr. Esteban Garza didn’t plan on dentistry—until a mission trip revealed how impactful skilled care could be. Today, he co-runs Champions Dental, a thriving practice in Houston with his wife, Amanda Garza, DDS, while also traveling the world to provide dental care in remote areas.
But this isn't just a feel-good story. It's a case study in how purpose-driven leadership, strategic flexibility, and real-world adaptability can shape a more resilient practice. Here’s how Esteban Garza, DDS makes it work.
—Interview by Carrie Pallardy, edited by Bianca Prieto
What led you to see dental mission work as a long-term part of your career, and how did that first trip shape your professional path?
It was after college that I went on my first mission trip. It was in Europe.
Shortly after, I went to Chiapas, Mexico. I think that's what really motivated me to do dentistry because I didn't have a skill. I just had an education, whereas everybody [there] had their own special skill, like a mechanic, a farmer, a teacher. I was missing something.
I saw a medical and dental mission trip where I was at, and I saw a long line for the dentist. I majored in biology. I always had teeth problems. That's what fueled me to go back to the States and study to become a dentist. Ever since, mission trips have been a great part of my life because I have that skill now, and I want to use it.
Can you share an example of a trip that stands out in your mind as particularly impactful for you and for the people you cared for?
The most impactful one was about four months ago, and it was on the Amazon River in Brazil. We flew from Houston to Panama City to Manaus, Brazil. We slept on a boat on its way to a remote area in Brazil in the rainforest. It was the most impactful because of the remote location. People cannot get there by car. You have to go by boat.
One of the first few patients had a large dental abscess. If we didn't come, he'd probably be on some antibiotics, but he needed that tooth out. He would have had to get on a boat and go to the nearest city, which could be hours away.
It was hot, and we lived on a boat. I would wake up with cramps; I wasn't getting enough salt. So, I mean, not my favorite physically, but it was my favorite all-time dental mission trip.
How challenging do you find practicing on these trips compared to everyday practice at home?
We went back in time. Patients would have to spit in a bowl or trash can, and you didn't have suction, so the assistant really couldn't help you. And when you're dealing with moisture control, it can be very difficult with the type of biomaterials you use for fillings. You had to really be creative.
How do you and your wife make space for mission work while running a practice and raising a family? What’s helped make that possible?
It's been a big part of my life. I’ve been to Mexico many times. I’ve been to Guatemala for dental mission trips. I've been to Ecuador for a dental mission trip.
My wife is a dentist. That's really great because if I go on a trip, she can cover the office. She wants to go the next time. Then, I'll stay and she'll go.
We have three little ones: 12, 10 and eight. We wanted her to have time for the family and also for her to utilize her skill that she invested a lot of money in. She worked part-time. It got to a point a couple of years ago where she was able to come on board full-time. She’s an owner of the practice. It's really great to have that type of person with you. Whenever someone's gone or a kid is sick or we have to go out of town for continuing education, one of us will help the other.
This conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity.
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Dental Bite is curated and written by Carrie Pallardy and edited by Lesley McKenzie.
