Buda Dental Professionals has been a trusted part of the community for 44 years, and Ashley Strickland has been part of that story since 2007. Fresh out of dental school, pregnant, and raising a one-year-old, she joined the practice and embraced the opportunity to carry on the legacy of its founder—her mentor—right on Main Street. Over the years, she’s cared for generations of patients, many of whom have become cherished friends.
Today, with her children grown and in college, Ashley has a bit more space to consider her own personal growth and wellness routines. She understands firsthand how easy it is for personal wellness to slip down the priority list. “It’s ebbed and flowed over the years,” she says. “There have been seasons where I’ve done really well, and others where I’ve had to get back on track.”
For her, it’s about a schedule and consistency, which now includes working with a personal trainer. But wellness isn’t confined to the gym. Some of her most meaningful routines are simple, like evening walks with her husband. “It gets us moving, and it also gives us time to connect and talk about our day,” she says.
As she explains, Ashley’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. About a decade ago, her health took a significant hit. Juggling leadership roles and volunteering, running a practice, raising children, and saying “yes” to nearly everything, she was trying to do too much.
“My health just crashed,” she recalls. “I was dealing with chronic fatigue and I had to make a choice.”
What followed was a wake-up call and a reset. She scaled back her work schedule, simplified her family’s lifestyle—even moving to a smaller home—and began redefining her priorities. “It was hard, but it was also a really wonderful time in my life,” she says. “I learned it’s okay to say, ‘no.’ You don’t have to do everything. Just choose the things you want to do well.”
“In your 40s, you start thinking differently about longevity,” she adds. “It’s not just about getting through the day anymore—it’s about how you want to feel and function years from now.” That perspective also informs how she approaches dental care, both personally and professionally. While oral health is often viewed as separate from overall wellness, Ashley knows it’s all connected.
“Many dental issues don’t cause symptoms early on,” she explains. “You can get by in your 20s or even your 30s, but over time, things like gum disease, tooth wear, and decay start to compound.” Preventative care, she emphasizes, is essential—not just for cosmetic reasons, but for preserving quality of life.
“Something as simple as being able to chew comfortably affects your ability to eat healthy foods,” she says. “And we see links between oral health and systemic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes.” That means it’s a great idea to keep up with regular visits to the dentist, as your mouth offers a window into your overall wellness.
And beyond the health benefits, there’s something more personal at stake: confidence. “I’ve seen patients who are so used to hiding their smile that it affects how they interact with others,” she says.
That’s where dentistry becomes truly transformative. “Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just about appearance,” she explains. “It’s about restoring function, balance, and confidence. When someone feels good about their smile, it shows up in every part of their life.”
Whether it’s replacing missing teeth with dental implants, or enhancing aesthetics with porcelain veneers, Ashley approaches each case with a thoughtful, individualized perspective. “We want your smile to look natural, healthy, and like you,” she says.
At Buda Dental Professionals, that philosophy is woven into every patient experience. By combining advanced techniques with an understanding of the oral–systemic connection, Ashley and her team help patients not only improve their smiles, but support their long-term health and wellbeing.
For Ashley, it all comes back to balance - the same lesson she’s learned in her own life. “You don’t have to do everything,” she says. “But the things you choose to invest in - such as your health, your relationships, or your confidence - do those things that matter most, and do them well!”
“You don’t have to do everything, but the things you choose to invest in - such as your health, your relationships, or your confidence - do those things that matter most, and do them well!”