Joshua Sanchez, DMD

My name is Dr. Joshua Sanchez. I earned my dental degree from Western University College of Dental Medicine and completed my residency in Upstate New York before returning to my hometown. Hollister has been home since I was five, and Santa Cruz holds a special place in my heart—it’s where I spent countless joyful moments at the beach with my family as a child.

After moving back, I had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Gilbert Grio at his practice in Watsonville. During that time, my partner JoAnn Whippy and I welcomed our baby girl into the world. Her arrival inspired me to start building a future that she could be proud of.

As it happened, Dr. Grio owned a practice that had been closed since 2014. The space still held the legacy and character left behind by Dr. Lane Handerson, who had cared for patients there for over 30 years before retiring and passing it on to Dr. Grio. JoAnn and I saw an opportunity in that little office—though it was outdated and in need of attention, we poured our hearts into transforming it into something special.

What began as a DIY project turned into the realization of a dream. With the help and support of our family, we created a practice rooted in love, community, and care. This journey has reminded us that family truly is the foundation of everything, and we wouldn’t be here today without them.