Ivelis Hernández-Ramírez, DMD
Dr. Ivelis Hernández-Ramírez (affectionately known as “Dr. H”), one of our founding dentists, was a native of Caguas, Puerto Rico whose warmth, grace, and genuine kindness immediately put others at ease. Her approachable demeanor, paired with a natural sense of humor and compassion, allowed her to form meaningful connections with patients and colleagues alike. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, she was able to serve a diverse patient population with clarity, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.
Dr. Hernández earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine in 2002. She went on to complete a General Practice Residency at Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica, New York in 2004, followed by a second General Practice Residency at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester, New York, where she served as Chief Resident. These formative years solidified her clinical excellence and inspired her to pursue advanced specialization. In 2008, she completed her Prosthodontics Residency at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia, further refining her expertise in complex restorative and prosthetic dentistry.
Following her training, Dr. Hernández married Dr. Lasanta and began her professional career in private practice in Chicago, Illinois. She later relocated to North Carolina, where she served patients at Greene County Community Health Care before joining East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine in 2012 as an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Division of Prosthodontics. Throughout her career, she remained deeply committed to clinical excellence, education, and patient-centered care.
Beyond dentistry, Dr. Hernández lived a full and vibrant life. She had a deep love for baking, cooking, animals, nature, travel, gardening, and literature. Her passion for the culinary arts led her to pursue formal training in Baking and Pastry Arts at Wake Technical Community College, where she earned multiple awards. She found great joy in sharing her creations with family and friends, expressing her love through thoughtful gestures and hospitality. She was deeply rooted in her faith, guided by strong Christian values which shaped every aspect of her life.
Dr. Hernández’s life was marked by extraordinary perseverance. Born with a congenital heart defect, she faced significant medical challenges from an early age, enduring numerous open-heart surgeries and ongoing treatments throughout her life. Despite these obstacles, she pursued and reached all her goals with unwavering determination. She worked harder than her peers, often overcoming physical limitations that went unseen by most. Her resilience was quiet yet profound; never seeking recognition or pity, yet embodying strength, discipline, and courage in everything she did. Her journey was not defined by her condition, but by her refusal to be limited by it.
Unfortunately in 2024, following her 33rd heart surgery, Dr. Hernández passed away. While her loss is deeply felt, her life stands as a powerful testimony of perseverance, faith and purpose. She was a devoted wife, daughter, sister, dentist, mentor, friend, fearless in spirit, wise in judgment, beautiful and deeply loved by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Lasanta, and their beloved long-haired dachshunds, Chanel and Prada. Her absence is profoundly felt by her family, friends, colleagues, staff, and patients whose lives she touched and enriched so meaningfully.
As the founding dentist of our practice, Dr. Hernández established a legacy rooted in compassion, excellence, and genuine, heartfelt care. We honor her each day by striving to treat every patient with the same kindness, integrity, and love that defined her life and work.
Rev 06/2026
