Our Founders

 
 

Owners of one of the most well known Dental Offices in Reno, Sierra Smiles and now founders of the ATS Northern Nevada Dental Assisting School in Reno, NV; John Bocchi DDS and Jen Bocchi RDH are no strangers to the dental industry. The pair have recognized a need for a Complete Health Shift in the community, and look to lend their expertise to a new era of Dental Assistants who are empowered in using the latest greatest technology dentistry has to offer.

The two have traveled the country to learn the latest dental technologies, including the CEREC machine that using 3D printing technology, has the capacity to complete porcelain crowns and veneers in a single visit. They have taken the extensive knowledge they’ve gathered, and have assembled a team of some of the most seasoned and respected dental professionals in Northern Nevada to mentor you!

Meet Your Mentors

A man in a black polo shirt standing outdoors in front of a tree with green leaves.
A woman with long, wavy hair and glasses stands by a tree in a park, smiling at the camera.
Kayla Babbitt

John Bocchi, DDS

Dr. Bocchi is passionate about dentistry and the effect it can have on your whole-body health. This is where complete health dentistry comes to life! He believes in optimizing growth and development for kids and adults to improve breathing, prevent chronic health issues, and make the smiles of his patients’ dreams. Because he believes that you always need to continue learning in order to provide the best care for patients, he has traveled the country to learn the latest dental technologies, including the CEREC machine that completes porcelain crowns and veneers in a single visit.

Elysia Adamy-Allen

I grew up in Washington State and Reno and attended dental school here in Reno. I’m married and have several fur babies including a pet turkey! I love spending time with my family and being outdoors as well as reading and watching scary movies.
I’ve been a dental assistant for about 5 years now and I love it! I initially started out in pediatric dentistry and then joined Sierra Smiles 3 years ago. I wanted to widen my horizons and learn all I could in the dental field and Sierra Smiles has helped me to do that. I’ve grown so much as an assistant and am still learning more everyday. One of the things I really love about being an assistant is being part of a supportive team and helping others. Making a patient feel comfortable and confident while they’re in our office is very important to me. Also supporting my team and teaching others what I’ve learned over the last few years is something I really enjoy. If helping others and being a part of a caring team that enjoys improving people’s health is important to you then dental assisting is something you should pursue. 

Kayla Babbitt, DA

I began my journey in the dental field 13 years ago when I decided to follow my newly found passion for teeth and complete dental assisting school. As excited as I was, I never would have guessed where this wonderful journey has taken me. Since graduating in 2009, I have been with Sierra Smiles. This practice has given me the tools to succeed both personally and professionally and I have grown into a leadership role. Sierra Smiles also continues to grow and change with added state-of-the-art technology which is one of the things that makes this career path such a fun and fulfilling choice. Being a dental assistant is truly my passion. There is never a “boring” day. As a dental assistant, it’s our job to make sure the practice runs smoothly; dental assistants are the ultimate team players of the practice and we are always there to help others whether it’s the doctor, a hygienist, a fellow assistant or one of our patients.Growing up, I never saw myself in the dental field, but I am so glad I chose this career. If you are undecided about your career choice I urge you to give dental assisting a shot. I’m happy I did! 

Clinical
Making Memories
Two dental professionals practicing on a dental mannequin in a dental office.
Spring Session
Dental professionals wearing masks perform a procedure on a patient in a dental office, surrounded by observing colleagues.
A group of people, likely students, working at a table with various dental tools and supplies, including boxes of gloves and dental equipment at the Northern Nevada Dental Assisting School.
A group of nine women standing outdoors in a line, all wearing black uniforms. They are posing with hands on their hips, and there are trees and shrubs in the background under a clear blue sky.
Instructors
CPR
Instructors 2
Clinical Setting
Group of nine people in scrubs and casual clothing standing in front of a large bush with purple flowers.
Spring Session
Two dental professionals practicing on a dental mannequin in a dentist's office, both wearing masks and gloves, with dental equipment and an instructional poster in the background.
Dental students practicing on dental molds with instruments, sitting at a table with books and dental equipment.
Group of nine women posing outdoors, each holding a certificate and a flower. They are dressed in various styles and appear to be celebrating an achievement. The setting includes a pavilion with stone accents and greenery in the background.