About Us

The Team Behind Your Smile

At Montano Elevated Orthodontics, “live life smiling” is much more than a slogan. It’s a promise Bakersfield Orthodontist Don Montano makes to our patients. We take this promise seriously because we believe your smile has the ability to change your life. We think about smiles 24/7/365 and believe that our experience makes your experience the best it can be.

Bakersfield Orthodontist Don Montano has consistently been voted Bakersfield’s best orthodontist. We are passionate about helping you achieve your very best smile so you can enjoy a big boost in confidence and health.

Schedule an initial consultation today and find out why we are known for creating Bakersfield’s most beautiful smiles. We don’t charge for your initial consultation because we want to make it easy for you to get the information you need. We can’t wait to meet you!

Meet Dr. Montano

Dr. Montano earned an academic scholarship to the University of California, Riverside, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology. After dental school at the University of California, San Francisco, he graduated with a Bachelor in Dentistry and Doctor of Dental Surgery and was honored as a University of California Regent Scholar. To become an orthodontic specialist, Dr. Montano earned his Master of Science in Dentistry at the University of Washington in Seattle.

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Meet Dr. Montano

Meet Dr. Jay Wright

Dr. Jay Wright is a second-generation orthodontist, following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. John Wright. “Dr. Jay” began working in his father’s office during high school. He has been passionate about helping his patients create beautiful and healthy smiles that they can enjoy for a lifetime.

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In the past few years he has integrated Dental Sleep Medicine into his practice in order to assist patients who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) to sleep better and lead healthier, happier and stronger lives.

Dr. Wright has been involved in teaching and mentoring dentists for more than 20 years. He believes in offering the best and most current treatment to his patients.

Dr. Wright has been married to his best friend, Dr. Ingrid Wright (yes, they were dental school classmates!) for 37 years. They have two grown children and enjoy traveling, tennis and time together.

Dr. Montano has been in the exclusive practice of orthodontics since 1987. In 1988 he left Los Angeles and bought his current orthodontic practice in Bakersfield. While he has seen many changes over the years, he has remained dedicated to providing a uniquely caring environment and customized state-of-the-art treatment for every patient.

In an effort to keep up with the ever-changing world of technology and great advances in orthodontic care, Dr. Montano regularly attends numerous training and educational seminars so he can provide the very latest treatment options. He is also an active member of several organizations, including:

  • American Dental Association
  • American Association of Orthodontists
  • Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists
  • California Association of Orthodontists
  • California Dental Association
  • Kern County Dental Society
  • Omicron Kappa Upsilon (National Dental Honor Society)
  • Rotary International Bakersfield West
  • Founder of the Kern County regional chapter of Smile for a Lifetime Foundation
  • Board member of the National Smile for a Lifetime Foundation

He was personally invited to join ORMCO-Insiders, a product design group for a national supply/fabrication company. Additionally, he is a board member of the Schulman Study Group, a prestigious North American Orthodontic study group. In 2012, he was chosen out of thousands of orthodontists nationwide to receive Invisalign’s “Every Day Hero Award” for his contributions to charity and education.

He has been married to Melinda Montano since 1990, and they have enjoyed traveling all over the world with their daughters, Hali and Chloe. In his spare time Dr. Montano takes pleasure in raising and riding horses, gardening, and tending to his large koi pond.

Montano Elevated Orthodontics® is committed to providing the best orthodontic care for our patients. We are keenly aware that the reward of our work is the difference a beautiful smile makes in their lives. We hear over and over again, how lives are changed, confidence regained, oral health restored, and self-respect strengthened. It is indeed our privilege to do the work we do.

We are thankful to be a part of a profession that impacts, in so many positive ways, the health and well-being of so many people, from young children to mature adults.

Meet The Team

Your Family Away From Family

When you step inside our office, you become part of our family! Each member of our team truly cares for each and every patient, just as we care for each other. We work together to create a relaxed, pleasant, and caring atmosphere so our patients feel right at home.

We’re also committed to ongoing education and regularly participate in advanced training to stay up to date on the latest orthodontic techniques. We love what we do and think of all our patients members of the family.

  • Luisa

    Luisa Munoz worked in the dental field for five years before joining the Montano team: 3 years as a Receptionist and 2 years as a Dental Assistant. She started as a Clinical Technician in the summer of 2018 and is loving every minute of it! Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Chloe.

    “I believe there’s always a reason to smile; the doctors help each of our patients find their own reason!”

  • Angel

    Angel Stocker is mom to five kids! When she’s not coaching her daughter’s cheer team or supporting her sons at football games, she likes to cook, sing, and spend time with her husband. She has been in the dental field since 2008 and started working in orthodontics in 2015. She joined the Montano team in 2018 as a Lab Technician.

    “I love being apart of the team that creates ‘Bakersfield’s Most Beautiful Smiles’!”

  • Kori

    Kori Pyne has worked in the dental field for 15 years. She joined our team in 2016 and serves as our Sterilization Technician and resident “photo booth expert”. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her four kids. She says, “they can definitely be a handful, but I’m just glad I don’t have as many kids as Angel!” ?

    “I just like to smile; smiling’s my favorite!”

  • Jennifer

    Jennifer Sutton has worked in the orthodontic field since 1996; she actually started working for Dr. Montano in 2001! She left Kern County for Dallas, Texas in 2008 but moved back to Bakersfield after a few years. Since 2015, she has been our Radiology Technician, taking X-Rays and photos for all the patients in our office. Some of her hobbies outside the office include sewing, crafting, being with her two kids, and going to the beach!

    “One of the best parts of my job is getting to know such great people and having interesting conversations with them.”

  • Victoria

    Victoria Hipsher not only graduated with a 4.0 GPA, but she was also awarded “Best in Program” at San Joaquin Valley College! She started working in the dental field in 2010 and joined our team in 2013 as a Clinical Technician. She works on patients in the Treatment Bay and also helps with our office social media and marketing projects. She likes to watch movies, play video games, and takes frequent trips to Disneyland.

    “I love working with, and learning from, this extraordinary team of people who are so passionate about their patients!”

  • Liz

    Liz Rodriguez has worked at Montano Elevated Orthodontics since 2013. She is our resident bi-lingual Scheduling Coordinator; in addition to scheduling patient appointments, she coordinates insurance benefits and facilitates our out-of-office communications—all in English and Spanish! She loves spending time with her family—especially her grandson, Liam. When she’s not at work, you can find her at the movies, out to dinner, or shopping for shoes!

    “Of all the things we wear, our smile is the most important.”

  • Isabel

    Isabel Mendez joined the Montano team in 2012. She works as a Clinical Technician and is one of our fastest Invisalign scanners! She enjoys spending time with her husband, Sergio, and two sons, Ethan and Vincent. She is always up for trying new things but can frequently be found at “Bootcamp”, hiking, crafting, or playing around with makeup.

    “I believe that a smile is one of the most powerful—and most underrated—gifts that we, as humans, possess.”

  • Melinda

    Melinda Lopez started her career in the dental field when she joined the Montano team in 2003. She works as a Clinical Technician and serves as the Surgery Coordinator for all of our patients who need surgery. In her free time, she enjoys being with her daughter, Makayla; visiting family; and playing with her three dogs: Sinatra, Blue, and Lady.

    “It’s amazing to see how much hard work the Doctors put into each smile; I love seeing all the incredible transformations!”

  • Narce

    Narce Elizondo has worked in the dental field since 1998. She started working for Dr. Montano in 2010. She is a great asset to our office as she not only works as a Treatment Coordinator, but also Clinical Coordinator and Manager! Outside the office, Narce enjoys spending time with her husband, Lucio; her three children—and their many activities; and her family and friends.

    “I love not only seeing the changes in our patients’ smiles, but in their self-esteem!”

  • Krystal

    Krystal Clutts is one of our Treatment Coordinators; she has been with the Montano team since 1996. Her caring and understanding nature helps our patients to feel right at home! Krystal loves spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys traveling and shopping!

    “I like seeing the results—the beautiful, new smiles at the end of a patient’s treatment are so rewarding.”

  • Natalie

    Natalie DeMario has been with Montano Elevated Orthodontics since 1991. She serves as both Laboratory Manager and Marketing Coordinator; you never know what you’ll find her working on around the office! Her experience, knowledge, and dedication to all aspects of the practice does not go unnoticed! In her spare time, Natalie enjoys being with her husband, Tony, and riding her five horses.

    “I enjoy working for doctors who utilize the latest technology in the industry.”

  • Suzanne

    Suzanne Hylton is not only a Treatment Coordinator at our office, but also an Administrator Manager. She has worked in the orthodontic field since 1982 and she joined the Montano team in 1988. Her finesse when meeting patient’s needs is a definite asset to our practice!

    “I believe the practice of orthodontics allows people to make encouraging changes in their appearance and self-esteem; I like knowing that I am a part of such a positive experience!”

  • Rhonda

    Rhonda Hylton is the head of our financial department. As Financial Coordinator, she is in charge of all insurance billing and patient accounts. Rhonda has been in the dental field since 1974 and has been with Montano Elevated Orthodontics since 1985. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughters, shopping, and taking care of her “kids”—baby goats!

    “I enjoy providing a level of service that exceeds our patients’ expectations.”

Office Tour

Where the Magic Happens

We are always welcoming our visitors warmly, whether you’re here to get some questions answered or just to visit, so stop on by and say hello!