Dr. Karina Acuña Malo was born in Monterrey, Mexico, and lived there for 30 years. She earned a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) degree at the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), where she and Dr. Tostado met in 2009. She then pursued a three-year residency at UANL and earned a master’s degree in restorative dentistry. Afterward, Dr. Acuña Malo practiced dentistry for five years at a private practice owned by one of her mentors. She and Dr. Tostado married in 2014 and moved to San Antonio for Dr. Tostado to pursue his goal of becoming a prosthodontist. She remarks, “We have worked together ever since and have been able to create a great dental team that benefits our patients.”
After moving to San Antonio, Dr. Acuña Malo earned her second DDS degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center. She also completed the two-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program, which emphasizes complex dental surgery procedures, including dental implant placement and third molar extractions, aesthetic crown lengthening, and digital dentistry.
Dr. Acuña Malo’s Treatment Philosophy
Dr. Acuña Malo develops facial-driven dental treatment plans and uses minimally invasive techniques to preserve tooth structure. She says, “Dentistry is my passion, but my greater passion is helping people change their lives through their smiles.”
What She Finds Satisfying About Dentistry
“I can improve the quality of a patient’s life by educating them about prevention and treatment. Every day brings something different and challenging and a new opportunity to do what I love and go the extra mile for my patients.”
Dr. Acuña Malo adds, “The art of a complete smile makeover, doing minimally invasive dentistry, or even placing a simple filling can be satisfying and rewarding. I love surgery, dental implants, additive dentistry, aesthetics and functionality, and complex cases that challenge me to improve patients’ lives.”
Education
- Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Professional Memberships and Achievements
- Texas Dental Association
- American Dental Association
- Institution for Integrative Nutrition – Health Coach
Her Interests
In her leisure time, Dr. Acuña Malo enjoys yoga, Pilates, traveling, reading, road trips, and watching Formula 1 racing. She completed a two-year health coach program, which helps her create healthy cooking and baking recipes for a better lifestyle.