Meet the Team at Temple Dental Trails

Dr. Rich Leung

Dr. Rich is a native of California, and it has always been his desire to provide quality dental care in a comfortable and relaxing environment. He graduated from the University of California in Riverside in 1999 with a bachelor's degree in business. After practicing financial consulting for five years, Dr. Rich went on to achieve his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2009 from the prestigious New York University College of Dentistry. While in dental school, Dr. Rich’s clinical skills stood out early on as faculty recognized his passion for dentistry and commitment to ensuring patient comfort and well-being.

Since earning his DDS, Dr. Rich has carried the same dedication to excellence into his career. He has pursued advanced level training in numerous areas. Some of these are cosmetic dentistry, full-mouth reconstruction, dental implants, orthodontics, Invisalign, and sedation dentistry. Dr. Rich is an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Orthodontic Society and International Association for Orthodontics.

As the owner of Temple Dental Trails and Lakewood Dental Trails, Dr. Rich brings all his knowledge and skills to our neighborhood, always working hard to maintain a culture of high standard of care and exceptional patient service. When it comes to dentistry, patient comfort and experience are as important to Dr. Rich as the quality of care he delivers.

Dr. Rich is known for his gentle touch, compassionate nature, and skill. His passion is helping his patients overcome their dental fears. He also loves helping others feel better about their smiles, and he enjoys watching his team grow professionally.

In his personal life, Dr. Rich and his wife, Alexandra, have 3 children, Sadie, Ranlee and Liam. When not busy with the kiddos, his hobbies include basketball, weight training, martial arts, and video games. He is an avid athlete as well as a caring father. Focusing on the family is an important part of our practice philosophy and culture. Dr. Rich looks forward to getting to know you and your family!

Dr. Kayla Newton

Dr. Kayla Newton is a native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and is excited to now call Central Texas home! She graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor’s degree in biology and received her Doctor of Dental Medicine and Master of Science in Oral Biology from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in Louisville, Kentucky.

Dr. Newton is passionate about delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care and providing relief, instruction, and motivation to help her patients achieve optimal oral health. She enjoys getting to know her patients to ensure they enjoy a personable, quality experience every time they visit.

With a keen interest in expanding her knowledge, Dr. Newton enjoys the challenge of new cases and learning something new every day. She is excited to work in a field where research and technology continuously advance and provide innovative and affordable treatment methods. 

Dr. Newton is a native of Pass Christian, Mississippi. She loves spending time with her family, including her husband, Blake, and their American Cocker Spaniel, Ellie. She loves cooking and baking; her other interests include traveling, photography, interior design, and antiquing.

Dr. Erin Kern

Dr. Kern is a native of Holland, Texas and is excited to provide exceptional dental care to the Central Texas community where she was born and raised. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and received her Doctor of Dental Surgery with Distinction in Dental Education from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Dr. Kern’s passion for dentistry began at a very young age after having numerous positive experiences as a patient. As a result, she strives to positively affect her patient’s lives by improving their dental health and instilling confidence in their smiles. Her commitment to lifelong learning has translated into a strong dedication to provide the highest quality dental care using the newest technologies and techniques. Dr. Kern enjoys meeting new people and building relationships with her patients, taking into consideration that each patient is unique and requires compassionate, individualized care.

Outside of dentistry Dr. Kern enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She and her husband Chase just welcomed their first child, Thomas, to the family and are enjoying watching him grow!

Dr. David Vu

Dr. David Vu is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and the scope of services he provides ranges from simple tooth extractions to complete facial reconstruction. He is also trained in plastic surgery, which augments his skills in reconstruction with a cosmetic skillset.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons require a minimum of four years of hospital-based training after dental school. With a strong desire to make a dramatic difference in people's lives, he attended the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center for his medical training. He also completed his oral and maxillofacial residency at UTSMC in 2013 and his plastic surgery residency in 2016.

Dr. Vu plays a significant role at Temple Dental Trails, offering simple and surgical tooth extractions, impacted wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement, jaw and TMJ surgery, and injectables, including BOTOX ® and fillers.

For Dr. Vu, the most satisfying aspects of working as a surgeon are identifying a patient's needs and offering solutions that address all of their concerns. He also enjoys the instant gratification of the results he can obtain from a surgical procedure.

Dr. Vu enjoys working on cars and home improvement projects, watching movies, and playing video games in his free time.

Dr. Eshah Mansuri

Dr. Eshah Mansuri is a graduate of UTHealth School of Dentistry in Houston, Texas, where she earned her degree in May 2025. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Educational Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, which she attended from 2017 to May 2021.

Dr. Mansuri is passionate about the educational aspect of dentistry and loves teaching her patients about their oral health. She chose this profession because it allows her to make a tangible difference in people's daily lives through both routine care and extensive procedures. She is also a licensed laser and nitrous oxide provider.

In her free time, she enjoys traveling, participating in water sports, and trying out new restaurants. Dr. Mansuri is originally from Houston, Texas, and her husband, Imran, is a PGY resident at Baylor Scott & White. We are excited to welcome Dr. Mansuri to our practice on June 30, 2025!

Kayla

Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)

Kayla attended Pueblo Community College in Pueblo, Colorado, where she received her associate's degree in dental hygiene. She continued on to earn her bachelor's degree in dental hygiene from the same college in 2018. During college, Kayla participated in many public health events, which earned her the Colgate STAR award for her dedication and volunteerism related to the profession of dental hygiene.

Kayla has been a member of Temple Dental Trails since 2020 and enjoys working with an amazing team that truly cares about the profession. She loves dentistry because she finds it rewarding to help patients achieve the smile they want and educate them on how their oral health impacts their overall health. As a child, she loved going to the dentist and chose to become a dental hygienist to help create positive experiences for her patients. 

Born in Temple, Texas, Kayla grew up in Fort Hood and has lived in the area for most of her life. In her spare time, Kayla and her husband Tim are avid travelers and share a love of the outdoors. Kayla also enjoys hiking with her dogs, fishing, camping, and going to the gym.

Jalania

Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)

Jalania attended Temple College, where she received her associate’s degree in dental hygiene, then joined Temple Dental Trails in 2020. In addition to being a registered dental hygienist, Jalania received the STAR Colgate (Student Total Achievement Recognition) Award from the Temple College Dental Hygiene Program.

Jalania loves working in the field of dentistry because she finds it very rewarding to help patients gain confidence in their smiles. She likes to spend time connecting with each patient as an individual and educating them on the importance of their oral health and how it relates to their overall health.

A native of Temple, Texas, Jalania is married to her high school sweetheart, and they have two teenagers, Jackson and Elizabeth. In her free time, she enjoys watching her kids’ activities, including music and sports. On the weekends, the family enjoys traveling, camping, and spending time together.

Tori

Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH)

Tori recently joined our dental team in 2024, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to our practice. Born and raised in Temple, Texas, Tori's dental education began at Temple College, where she earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in dental hygiene. She is currently working toward attaining nitrous oxide certification.

Tori's interest in joining the dental field began with a desire to help others by promoting oral health and overall well-being. She loves meeting new people daily and finds it rewarding to change their perception of dental care to overcome their fears.

Tori’s favorite part of the job is improving the quality of life of others and rebuilding their confidence through clean, healthy smiles. She enjoys building connections with her patients and educating them on the importance of prevention and overall oral health. Tori is committed to making every visit enjoyable and an experience to look forward to. 

Outside the office, Tori has a son, Talon, and a Rottweiler named Hazel. She loves exploring the outdoors, taking long walks, and hiking. In the summer, you’ll find Tori at Belton Lake swimming and boating. She also enjoys reading, baking, and crafting.

Alexandra

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

Alexandra joined Temple Dental Trails in 2016. She loves making her patients feel comfortable during their time with us as well as seeing the dramatic changes in their smiles and confidence. She has been in the dental field since 2013, and we are happy to have her on our team.

Alex grew up in the Temple area and graduated from Rogers High School. She received her registered dental assistant license from Texas State Technical College in Waco, where she made the Dean’s list. Alex stays current with continuing education courses and enjoys learning as much as she can.

When she’s not busy helping our patients, Alex enjoys being a mother, working out and spending time with her family and friends.

Kedron

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

Kedron joined Temple Dental Trails in April 2024 and has been a dynamic part of the dental field for nearly four years. Her passion for dentistry started at a young age when she happily climbed into the dental chair and developed an appreciation for the unique environment. Kedron graduated from Texas A&M University of Kingsville in November 2020 with a Dental Assisting Certification and holds an RDA license.

What drives Kedron in her profession is the opportunity to care for patients and help them achieve their perfect smiles. She finds great joy in each patient's uniqueness, which keeps her role engaging and fulfilling. Kedron is passionate about the power of education and enjoys sharing knowledge about oral health with her patients. Seeing them gain confidence in their smiles is what makes her job truly rewarding.

Rooted in Charleston, West Virginia, Kedron has crafted a beautiful life with her husband, Austin, a retired Army Veteran and her middle school sweetheart. Together, they savor moments with their children, Hope and Nash, relishing the best of both worlds as a tight-knit family.

In her spare time, Kedron is an enthusiastic sports mom who loves being outdoors and taking hikes with her family. She also enjoys working out, grabbing coffee, and baking delicious treats.

Alexandria

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

Alexandria joined Temple Dental Trails in November 2024, bringing over 15 years of experience to the team. She began her career in dentistry after obtaining her Dental Assistant certificate in 1999 from Delcastle Technical School in Wilmington, Delaware. She also completed her nitrous oxide certification at UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry and holds an RDA license.

Alexandria is passionate about the evolving nature of dentistry and feels privileged to be part of such a dynamic industry. One aspect she cherishes about her role is connecting with patients, helping them overcome their fears to rebuild their confidence, and ensuring they feel comfortable and at ease during their visits.

Originally from Wilmington, Alexandria has made a home here with her husband, Lou, who runs a landscaping business. They have been married for ten years and share a family, including a 27-year-old daughter and four grandchildren.

In her spare time, Alexandria wears multiple hats as a freelance makeup artist and a Sunday school teacher for two to three-year-olds. She enjoys watching Netflix movies, shopping, dining out, and spending quiet moments with her husband. Her varied interests and dedication to her professional and personal life make her a valued member of the Temple Dental Trails team.

Ashley

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

Ashley began her role as a dental assistant at Temple Dental Trails in November 2024, bringing a warm and welcoming presence to the office. She earned her Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) certification and completed her education at the University of Texas San Antonio.

Ashley’s passion for dentistry is rooted in her desire to make patients feel comfortable during dental visits. She thrives on personal interactions with patients because learning about their backgrounds and cultures enriches the care she provides. Ashley finds joy in every aspect of dentistry and is committed to making the dental experience positive for everyone.

In her professional life, Ashley is dedicated to serving the community and takes pride in her ability to help patients with their dental or even personal needs if necessary. She values the educational aspect of her job and aims to ensure that patients feel valued and well-informed. The camaraderie and fun she shares with her coworkers make her workdays enjoyable, reinforcing that her role is one of the best jobs.

Originally from Magnolia, Texas, Ashley has been married to her husband, Tyler, for five years. Together, they are proud parents to their two fur babies, Paisley and Rex. Ashley loves outdoor activities, especially fishing in saltwater and freshwater environments with her husband. She cherishes spending weekends with her family and friends, whether enjoying local events, barbecuing at home, attending concerts, or traveling. 

Lindsey

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

We are thrilled to welcome Lindsey to our team as a Dental Assistant, starting February 24, 2025! With four years of experience in the dental field, Lindsey brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for patient care.

Lindsey's fascination with dentistry stems from her love of the intricate process of restoring smiles and witnessing the boost in confidence a healthy, beautiful smile can provide. "I chose this profession because I love the way patients feel when they have the smile and teeth they have wanted," she says.

Lindsey's educational background includes a high school diploma from Copperas Cove High School in 2020, located in Copperas Cove, TX. She furthered her dental education by earning her RDA (Registered Dental Assistant) certificate from Dental Genius Assisting School in Liberty Hill, TX, in August 2020. She holds a current RDA license.

"I love how everyone gets along and the patients feel welcomed," Lindsey shares, highlighting her appreciation for our team and patient-centered environment.

Originally from Copperas Cove/Fort Cavazos, Texas, Lindsey enjoys spending her free time with her family. She and her boyfriend, Angel, are proud parents of their daughter, Nyalize. Lindsey also loves exploring new and exciting restaurants.

We are excited to have Lindsey's enthusiasm and expertise as part of our dental family!

Marissa

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

We are thrilled to welcome Marissa to our dental team! Marissa brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for patient care to our practice.

Marissa has been working in the dental field since the age of 18.  She began her journey as a sterile technician while attending dental school, and in 2020, she officially started her career as a dental assistant.

Marissa's familiarity with the dental office goes back to her childhood, where her own experiences as a patient, both positive and negative, sparked a curiosity and desire to learn more about dentistry. This personal connection drives her commitment to helping patients feel comfortable and at ease during their appointments.

Marissa earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Assisting from Renton Technical College in Washington, graduating in 2020. She also holds an Associate of Arts degree from Highline Community College in Des Moines, Washington, which she completed between 2016 and 2019.

Originally from Seattle, Washington, Marissa is excited to be part of a team that shares her dedication to providing excellent patient care.

Outside of the office, Marissa has been married to her husband Preston since 2022, and they have a beloved cat named Toof. Her hobbies include baking, shopping, enjoying walks, exploring farmers markets, and spending quality time with her friends and family.

We are confident that Marissa's skills and caring nature will be a valuable asset to our practice and our patients. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome!

Megan

Integrator

Megan became a part of our team in June 2021, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the dental field since 2013. Her assistant training was completed at Austin Dental Assisting School, and she holds nitrous oxide and CPR certifications. Megan has recently transitioned to our front office team and is our office integrator.

Megan is a self-professed dental nerd fascinated by teeth and has always loved going to the dentist. She enjoys imparting her knowledge and passion for dentistry to our patients, contributing to their confidence in their smiles.

Megan finds particular joy in performing cosmetic procedures, witnessing the transformative impact on a patient's smile and their ensuing expression of newfound confidence.

Originally from Belton, Texas, Megan has been happily married to Jesse since 2011, and together, they are raising two young children. Beyond her professional life, Megan enjoys the culinary arts and cherishes moments spent with friends and family.

Angela

Patient Coordinator

A native of Belton, Texas, Angela received her training at Waco Dental Assistant School and is CPR certified. We were pleased to welcome Angela to our Temple Dental Trails family in early 2022.

Angela loves working in dentistry and experiencing the boost of happiness patients feel after they’ve completed dental work or even after a simple teeth cleaning. Their smile is what matters most, and for Angela, helping someone feel confident in their oral health and appearance is what dentistry is all about. 

Angela has a beautiful two-year-old daughter and enjoys spending free time with family or doing something creative in her craft room. 

Jasmine

Treatment Coordinator

Jasmine joined our team on June 23, 2025, bringing nine years of experience in the dental field. She has dedicated her career to dentistry because she finds joy in witnessing the incredible transformations of patients. She loves helping people achieve better oral health and newfound confidence.

Originally from Austin, Texas, Jasmine enjoys spending her free time doing yoga and writing poetry. She has also recently discovered a passion for making scented candles. She shares her home with her emotional support American bully, Dream. Jasmine is also a proud aunt to her niece and considers her younger sister to be her best friend.

Community Involvement

Temple Dental Trails is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our community by providing life-changing dental care and supporting local organizations that are important to us and our neighbors. Whether through smile makeovers, collecting donations, or stepping up during times of need, our team and patients are always ready to lend a helping hand. We are excited about these initiatives, and we hope you will enjoy observing our team engaging with the community as much as we enjoy supporting Bell County.

ANNUAL LIVE CONNECTED SCHOLARSHIP

Dr. Rich has been providing scholarships to high school seniors in Temple and nearby areas since 2016 to support their aspirations for higher education. Eligible students must submit an essay highlighting their plans to use their education to make a positive and long-lasting impact in the community they reside.

College scholarships are beneficial in many ways. They provide financial assistance to students, allowing them to concentrate on their studies, and they serve as a valuable addition to their resumes, demonstrating their achievements to prospective employers and peers. The Temple Dental Trails scholarship is designed to ease the transition for students and their parents as they embark on the next stage of their lives.

FOOD FOR FAMILIES

Temple Dental Trails is proud to support the Food for Families drive every November. Since 2015, our team and patients have collected non-perishable and monetary donations for the community of Temple, Texas. All donations are split equally among four local food pantries - Churches Touching Lives for Christ, Love of Christ Food Pantry, Taylor's Valley Baptist Church, and Temple Christian Outreach - to help the most needy individuals and families. Food for Families is Texas's largest one-day food drive, and our commitment to helping our community is significant.

We feel fortunate to be able to contribute to this local cause and look forward to filling our local pantries each Thanksgiving.

OPERATION BLUE SANTA

Every year during Christmas, the team at Temple Dental Trails and our patients come together to collect toys for the Temple Police Department's Operation Blue Santa Program. The program aims to distribute these toys to children in our community, and with the help of our team, patients, and the Temple Police Department, we can make a real difference in the lives of local kids. Let's spread the joy of the holiday season and make it extra special for those in need.

PROJECT SMILE

Project Smile aims to bring happiness to individuals in our community by giving them the smile they deserve. Every year, eligible candidates are selected from submissions for free examinations, digital X-rays, and cleaning. Dr. Rich chooses the finalists who will receive a smile they can be proud of for a lifetime. To learn about the requirements for the 2024 entries, please click here.

Temple Dental Trails is committed to improving the lives of the community by providing exceptional dental services in a comfortable and efficient environment.