About Our Orthodontist | Orthodontist in Sparks & Reno, NV

Meet Dr. Anika Rodgers

Dr. Anika Rodgers graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. She then studied dentistry at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry (formerly Baylor College of Dentistry) in Dallas, Texas, where she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree along with a PhD in biomedical sciences. She received multiple academic awards and was inducted into the dental honor society. Upon completion of her dental and research training, Dr. Rodgers earned a certificate in orthodontics from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston where she was elected as chief resident.

Quality Care Comes From Training and Experience

Immediately after residency, Dr. Rodgers gained board certification in orthodontics and is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

Dr. Rodgers then completed a craniofacial fellowship at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. As a member of the cleft and craniofacial team, Dr. Rodgers treated patients born with a variety of facial abnormalities, including cleft lip and palate, hemifacial microsomia, Crouzon Syndrome, Pierre Robin and a variety of other abnormalities.

Professional Memberships

Dr. Rodgers strives to meet and exceed the standards of her profession. To accomplish this, she is an active member of these professional organizations:

Besides leading her own practice, Dr. Rodgers participated as a faculty member at the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston teaching orthodontic residents. As a lifelong learner, she enjoys staying at the forefront of orthodontics and taking continuing education courses while being an active member of the dental and orthodontic community.

Outside the Office

Dr. Rodgers was born in Brighton, England, and lived there until she was 16 years old. Dr. Rodgers and her husband, Tyler, are blessed with two boys, Noah and Liam, and two Siberian Husky fur-babies, Rocket and Remi. Dr. Rodgers is very excited to be serving the Reno and Sparks communities.

When she is not creating beautiful smiles, Dr. Rodgers enjoys spending time with her family exploring the outdoors, hiking, camping and traveling. She and her husband are also car enthusiasts and enjoy auto racing and car events.

Dr. Komal Patel DMD, MS

Dr. Komal Patel graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelors of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology. She then went on to study dentistry at Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her Doctorate in Dental Medicine (DMD). She graduated top 3 in her class and then went on to study orthodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She graduated with her certificate in orthodontics, a masters of science, and a certificate in lingual orthodontics. During her final year she was elected chief resident of her class.

After residency Dr. Patel passed her rigorous board exams and achieved board certification in orthodontics and is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.

Dr. Patel is an active member in her community is currently a member of the current organizations

As a lifelong learner, Dr. Patel stays at the forefront of orthodontics by taking continuing education courses and attending annual meetings with orthodontists from all over the world.

Outside the Office:

Dr. Patel was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She met her wonderful husband at the University of Illinois. Together they both pursued careers in healthcare, where her husband is currently a physician for Renown. In her offtime, Dr. Patel enjoys hiking with her adorable dog Wrigley, skiing, and playing tennis.

Meet The Team

Lizeth C.
Administrative Orthodontic Specialist

Lizeth was raised in Reno, Nevada! She has been in dentistry for 3 years and has been working at Elevated Orthodontics as an Orthodontic Administrative Specialist since 2022. She is a mom to three puppies and loves spending time with her family. Liz worked for Mac Cosmetics for 7 years prior to entering the dental field and she is a freelance makeup artist on the weekends!! She is the first smiling face you’ll see when you walk in the door!

Elsie H.
Orthodontic Assistant

Elsie earned her Dental Assistant Certification at Milan Institute and has been a veteran in the field for over 9+ years!

She loves to work as a team that takes excellent care of each and every patient. Outside the office, she likes soaking up every moment she can with her family, especially her son, Seybian. She also enjoys working out at the gym, traveling and hanging out with friends.

Joanna A.
Lead Orthodontic Assistant

Joanna is originally from Dayton, Nevada, and moved to Reno two years ago. She received a certification in dental assisting and is currently attending Truckee Meadows Community College to obtain her Associates of Applied Sciences in dental assisting.

Out of the office, Joanna enjoys spending time with her family and working out at the gym. When you come to the office, ask her about her very cute Cane Corso named Togo!

Makayla S.
Orthodontic Assistant

Makayla was born and raised in Reno, Nv. She has 5 years of dental experience with certification from the National School of Dental Assisting. She enjoys caring for patients and building relationships.

Makayla has 3 boys ages 6, 4, 2 and 1 baby girl who was born in 2023! Makayla enjoys adventures of all types, and hiking with her dogs Leo and Scooby. On her free time away from work she is spending time with her children. She loves dancing and singing so when you come to the office be ready to have fun and leave with some giggles!

Mckena A.
Orthodontic Assistant

McKena received her certificate in Dental Assisting from "The National School of Dental Assisting" in Carson City. She has worked within the dental field since May of 2021. She plans to go to the Dental Hygiene Program and receive her Bachelor's Degree at Truckee Meadows Community College. McKena has a very bubbly personality, loves to socialize, and loves helping others. She is outgoing and very positive. She enjoys iced coffees from Starbucks or Dutch Bros.

She adores her time spent at home with her boyfriend and her adorable black, gray, and white cat, Mittens. Her hobbies include cooking and baking at home, doing her makeup, playing video games, binge watching tv shows or movies, and watching YouTube or TikTok"

Jennifer L.
Operations Manager & Treatment Coordinator

Jen has almost 9 years of experience in the field of dentistry and orthodontics and prior to that she was in the budget and human resources field. She loves making lasting relationships with our team members and patients. She takes pride in her ability to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience at Elevated Orthodontics. Her smile, sense of humor and warm spirit will make you feel right at home.

Fun Fact: Jen was born and raised in Alaska! She has also lived in Italy and northern Virginia before moving to the Reno-Sparks area. She enjoys spending time with her family, friends and, most of all, her son, Jack, and Mastiff-Staffordshire Terrier mix, Banner.

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

At Elevated Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on making a real difference in our patients’ lives when it comes to their confidence, comfort and overall oral health. To see how we can make a difference in your life too, call today or click below to schedule your first appointment with our orthodontist!

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About Our Orthodontist in Sparks & Reno, NV