Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Aponte Coulbourn, DDS.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a first-generation health professional, and my story really begins with my parents. They came from Puerto Rico with me and my special needs brother in tow, carrying very little but determined to create a better life for their children. Their courage and sacrifices trailblazed a new path for our family and changed the trajectory of my life.
I’ve always felt “different,” and that perspective taught me the value of persistence and courage. Even now, I still get overwhelmed at times—because I care deeply about the people I serve. But I’ve learned to see that as a strength rather than a weakness; it keeps me grounded, empathetic, and committed.
Dentistry became the right path for me because it lets me impact people’s health and confidence in a very tangible way. Over the years, I’ve also learned that being a dentist is about wearing many hats: you’re the technician providing care, the manager running a business, and the leader balancing work with family life. That balance with work/family isn’t always easy, but it’s what makes the journey meaningful—it allows me to grow both as a professional and as a person.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In fact, I’ve faced a lot of setbacks along the way. I failed and retook the Dental Admission Test (DAT) three (!!) times, and even had to ask permission to sit for it again. Tests definitely weren’t where I shined and as a student I often felt marginalized—like I had to work twice as hard just to maintain my grades. I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and anxiety. I wasn’t the typical “book smart” kid, but I always knew I was smart in a different, more well-rounded way.
Not only that, but Dentistry is a tough profession! It’s competitive and filled with brilliant doctors. It also doesn’t coddle anyone. Every day, patients walk in and say, “No offense, but I hate being here,” before I’ve even said a word. That takes a certain resilience. What I’ve come to realize is that my biggest challenge—caring so deeply—has also become my biggest strength. I may not have had the smoothest path here, but those struggles shaped me into someone my patients can truly connect with, and that connection is what makes it all worth it.
Most of all, becoming a mother (oh, and during COVID, of all times!) really shifted my perspective. It that challenged me in ways nothing else ever has. It taught me to balance compassion with strength, and to give myself grace without lowering my standards. At the end of the day I’m reminded that life’s obstacles are what build grit. And now, at the end of an exhausting day, when I look at my little ones’ faces, I see exactly why every struggle was worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of AquaSprings Dental of San Marcos. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’ve never seen dentistry as a business to sell anyone on anything—it’s about educating. Let’s be real, there are a thousand things you’d probably rather do with your day than come to the dentist, right? That’s why my focus is on making sure patients feel understood and cared for, not pressured.
Right now, I’m in the thick of raising toddlers while running a practice, so I know what it’s like to juggle a lot and still show up each day. If that sounds like someone you’d like to meet, then come see me. We’ll listen to each other, be honest, and maybe even a little vulnerable together. That’s what AquaSprings Dental is at its core: your family’s dental home.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
What I’d love readers to know is that AquaSprings Dental is led by a team of women who understand what it means to balance a lot of roles at once. That perspective shapes the way we care for people—with empathy, resilience, and honesty. We’re proud of what we’ve built together, and even more proud that our patients feel at home with us. At the end of the day, it’s not just about teeth—it’s about connection, trust, and showing up for one another. Visit our website to find out more about what we do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aquaspringsdental.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aquaspringsdental/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AquaSpringsDental/
Image Credits
Family Photos — Lindsay Mac Photography
Office/Professional Photos — Isaac Johnson Films
