Since 2020, Dr. Antonio Alfonso, DMD, has served as Chief Dental Officer at San Fernando Community Health Center, where he brings compassion and excellence to every aspect of care. His path to dentistry began with his sister, Dr. Catherine Alfonso, DMD, an accomplished and caring dentist who passed away from cancer in 2008. Her passion for serving others and dedication to each patient deeply inspired Dr. Alfonso to follow in her footsteps.
“She was my inspiration and motivation to pursue dentistry,” he said. “As one of my role models, her life taught me so much – but what impacted me the most was the way she gave of her talents, her passion for dentistry, and her selfless love and concern for others.” Honoring his sister’s legacy, Dr. Alfonso graduated from Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine in Pomona, Calif., and today helps create a positive and impactful experience for all who seek care.
Dr. Alfonso leads the SFCHC dental team with a focus on excellence and heart. “I challenge every provider and staff member to embrace continuous learning,” he said. “Beyond professional development, I emphasize the importance of selfless service — extending kindness, compassion and genuine concern to each patient.” He also plays a key leadership role on SFCHC’s five-member executive team, which is committed to addressing the diverse medical, dental, behavioral health and health education needs of local communities.
Dr. Alfonso and his team offer preventive and restorative dental care, periodontal treatment, root canals, dentures and emergency services. The most critical health concerns of patients include bleeding gums, replacing missing teeth and severe pain when teeth are infected or extensively decayed.
But for Dr. Alfonso, dentistry is not just about teeth. It’s about improving the lives of those who would otherwise lack access to comprehensive, compassionate and wholistic care. “Our approach to patient care is to not only diagnose and treat the decayed or missing tooth, but to get to know the entire patient and see how their different medical and dental conditions are linked. We want patients to know that we are not just concerned about their dental health, but that we mainly care about them as people.”
In his commitment to leadership and lifelong learning, Dr. Alfonso recently completed an exclusive year-long training program through the National Network for Oral Health Access called the Oral Health Leadership Institute. The program provides community health center leaders core knowledge and competencies to effectively advocate for oral health and their communities.
Dr. Alfonso credits the leadership of SFCHC CEO Audrey Simons with the clinic’s growth and success, and believes the people are what make it so special. “We are a small group of health professionals with a shared vision and mission to provide the highest quality healthcare to the underprivileged population with compassion. Although we have to work very hard because of the many people who seek our help, I am doing it with a team that feels like my second family. We love and support one another and utilize our talents and skills to succeed like a championship team.”
Dr. Alfonso leads an active and joyful life outside the clinic, and he loves cheering for his daughter Natalie at dance and cheerleading competitions. He and his wife Beth, a nurse, have been married for 26 years. A passionate road cyclist, he recently completed a 100-mile, 11,000-foot elevation ride through the Angeles National Forest.
Together, he and his family enjoy traveling the world, trying new cuisines and studying the bible. Dr. Alfonso’s gratitude and sense of purpose shine through all he does, shaped by his family’s journey from the Philippines to the U.S. during his youth and the enduring legacy of his late sister.
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Alfonso remains grounded in gratitude. “My family came to the U.S. as immigrants without money, but with hope, faith and a big dream. Through my parents’ hard work and determination, I learned what it’s like to have nothing and to work hard and fight for your opportunities. I am thankful for everything God has given and allowed me to do, and I simply try to do my best.”
