Meet Dr. Grace Ordóñez
Biological & Biomimetic Dentist in Cuenca, Ecuador
30 Years of Experience | Over 15,000 Patients Treated | ACESS Certified | GringoPost Award Winner for 8 Consecutive Years
For more than three decades, Dr. Grace Ordóñez has helped patients from Ecuador, the United States, Canada, and around the world restore their oral health, function, and confidence through dentistry grounded in experience, integrity, and genuine respect for every patient.
Her career began in the field of complex restorative dentistry, performing crowns, bridges, dental implants, and full mouth rehabilitations. Over time, however, her professional philosophy evolved toward a more conservative, biological, and preservation focused approach to dental care.
Today, before asking how a procedure should be performed, Dr. Grace first asks whether it is truly necessary.
Her professional philosophy is simple:
«I do not perform unnecessary procedures. Every treatment decision is based on what the patient’s body genuinely needs.»
That philosophy guides her modern practice, which combines biological, biomimetic, and minimally invasive dentistry. Her goal is always to preserve natural teeth whenever possible, use biocompatible materials, and provide treatments designed to support long term health.
The Mouth Does Not Work in Isolation
Biological dentistry is based on a fundamental principle: oral health is an essential part of overall health.
Today, we understand that chronic gum inflammation, certain dental infections, and some materials historically used in dentistry may influence various processes throughout the body. For this reason, every evaluation goes far beyond the teeth alone.
Dr. Grace considers factors such as systemic inflammation, breathing patterns, sleep quality, nutrition, oral microbiome health, chewing function, and each patient’s previous dental history.
When mercury amalgam fillings need to be removed, she follows the internationally recognized SMART protocol developed by the IAOMT, which incorporates specific safety measures during amalgam removal. She also works with biocompatible materials and metal free ceramic restorations designed to integrate more harmoniously with the body.
Education and Continuing Professional Development
Dr. Grace holds ACESS certification and continues advanced training in biological dentistry, biomimetic dentistry, minimally invasive dentistry, and next generation biocompatible restorative materials.
Her commitment to clinical excellence includes maintaining high international standards of care while continuing to pursue educational opportunities and professional development aligned with leading global healthcare standards.
A Dental Experience Designed for International Patients
Having lived in the United States for several years, Dr. Grace is fluent in English, allowing international patients to communicate comfortably and confidently from their very first consultation.
Many patients seek her expertise when looking for a second opinion. They may have received treatment recommendations they do not fully understand, been advised to extract teeth they hope to save, or received treatment plans they feel may be more extensive than necessary.
Her goal is to provide clarity, explain every available option, and help patients make informed and confident decisions about their health.
This patient centered philosophy has earned her recognition from Ecuador’s expatriate community, which has honored her with the GringoPost Award for eight consecutive years as one of the country’s most recommended dentists.
A Complete Team Working Under One Philosophy
The clinic brings together a multidisciplinary team of specialists who share the same clinical philosophy and maintain continuous communication throughout patient care.
Patients have access to a comprehensive range of services, including dental implants, restorative dentistry, ceramic crowns and bridges, orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and treatment for conditions related to mouth breathing and airway health.
This coordinated approach creates a more efficient and convenient experience, particularly for patients traveling from abroad who prefer to address their dental needs in one location.
GraceCare: Smile for All
Dr. Grace’s commitment to health extends beyond her private practice.
More than five years ago, in partnership with the Cuenca Foundation, she founded GraceCare – Smile for All, a community outreach initiative dedicated to providing free dental care to underserved populations with limited access to oral healthcare services.
Because quality dental care should not be a privilege—it should be an opportunity available to more people.
A Philosophy Built on Trust
Dr. Grace believes that great dentistry is about more than treating teeth.
It is about listening, educating, and guiding each patient so they can make informed decisions about their health.
Because when experience, science, and compassionate care come together, the result is more than a healthy smile—it is a better quality of life.
