Dr. Erik A. Watson, Dental Director

Dr. Watson joined the HMS team inOctober 2007 as our Dental Director. Dr. Watson received his Bachelors Degree in Biology and his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from Howard University in Washington, DC. Dr. Watson has completed oral surgery externships at the Washington Hospital Center and the Fazackerly Hospital in Liverpool, England He also completed a residency in Advanced General Dentistry at Howard University As a member of the Dental Organization of Conscious Sedation, Dr. Watson provides safe and effective anxiolysis in addition to his myriad dental services for our patients.

Dr. Michele McGorky, DDS

Dr. McGorky was raised in California and attended Whittier College where she graduated with honors with a BA in Biology. While attending Whittier College, Dr. McGorky was a member of Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society, maintaining a 3.7 GPA. She received the American Heart Association Research Fellowship along with the Whittier College Academic Scholarship. Dr. McGorky, also served on the chemistry student council, and was a resident hall peer counselor and staff newspaper writer at Whittier College. Dr. McGorky completed her DDS degree at the University of California, Los Angeles graduating with commendations in pediatric dentistry and removable prosthodontics. While attending dental school Dr. McGorky served as the mobile clinic chairman, student facility liaison, and senior student clinic representative.
Dr. McGorky brings years of experience as a dentist to HMS.

Dr. William Rasband, DDS

A native New Mexican, Dr. Rasband earned his DDS from the University of Missouri in Kansas City in May 2009 and joined Hidalgo Medical Services shortly thereafter in August 2009. Growing up in Farmington, NM he understands life in small communities and the specific needs of patients in rural communities. While in dental school, Dr. Rasband worked in remote locations of Missouri and Kansas, providing a variety of dental services to underserved areas. On a community level, he has volunteered for such programs as Give Kids a Smile and Students Take Action, performing free dental clinics, dental screenings, mentoring at risk children and raising money for children suffering with cancer to attend nearby camps. In addition, Dr. Rasband participated in “Team Smile” in conjunction with the Kansas City Chiefs professional football team to provide an outreach dental program to children in underserved areas. Dr. Rasband, through experience brings a true understanding of dental care in rural New Mexico communities to Hidalgo Medical Services.

Dr. Leta Langford, DDS

Dr. Langford was born and raised in Los Alamos, New Mexico. As the daughter of an orthodontist, Dr. Langford has been around dentistry her entire life. She has a great appreciation for the beautiful mountains of New Mexico as she enjoys hiking, camping, rock climbing, and skiing with her husband. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Oklahoma Christian University graduating Summa Cum Laude. She was also a member of the cross-country and track team at OC, and was awarded NAIA Scholar Athlete and was recognized as a Collegiate All-American Scholar. While at OC, she met her husband who now works as a project engineer for Freeport-McMoRan at the Tyrone Mine. She received her DDS degree from University of Missouri-Kansas City. While at UMKC Dr. Langford was an active part of the community, participating in Give Kids a Smile, providing dental education and mentoring at local elementary schools, and volunteering at free dental clinics in the area. Dr. Langford completed a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry through the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. While at UNM, Dr. Langford received training in complex aspects of dentistry and brings the broad experience she received in this training to better help her serve the patients at Hidalgo Medical Services.

Paula Jenkins, Dental Hygienist

Paula Jenkins has been employed with Hidalgo Medical Services since 1998 as a Dental Hygienist. Paula worked in Lordsburg for six years and has been at Silver City Med Square Dental Clinic since it opened in November 2004. Paula attended Western New Mexico University and received her Dental Hygiene degree from the University of New Mexico in 1979. Paula was born in Las Vegas, NM. While growing up, Paula worked in her father’s dental office after school. It was because of this experience, along with a little pushing from her mom that she became a Dental Hygienist. She enjoys working with all age groups, and lives in Cliff, NM with her husband and four children.

Richard Deaton, Dental Hygienist

RichardDeaton has joined Hidalgo Medical Services team as of August 25, 2008 and serves as the HMS Dental Hygienist at the Lordsburg Clinic. He joins Hidalgo Medical Services with 10 years experience as a dental hygienist.Richard received his Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene at Idaho State University in 1998. Before that, he served in the US Navy for six years.Richardmoved to Silver City in 2005 from Twin Falls, Idaho. He has been married to his wife Amanda for one year. Together they own Gila House Hotel and Gallery 400, located downtown Silver City. Richard is also a director on the Silver City Main Street Board.