About Mendez & Torres Family Dentistry
Our Story
As one of the leading local businesses in the Lake Norman area, we attribute our reputation to the lasting customer relationships we’ve developed throughout the years. We believe that all of our customers deserve the highest level of service, and we are committed to providing just that.
Explore the rest of our site to learn more about what we have to offer, and get in touch with any questions.
Mendez & Torres Family Dentistry is here for you.
Meet Our Team
Dedicated to Quality
Get to know the team behind Mendez & Torres Family Dentistry. Since taking over of the practice in 2024, we’ve built a reputation based on providing exceptional customer service for everyone. Behind every successful venture, there’s a talented group of special people who are highly committed to that success. Read all about the team, and feel free to get in touch with additional questions.
Dr. Rafael Mendez DMD.
Dentist
Meet Dr. Mendez!
Dr. Rafael Mendez graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, in 1998 with a degree in Natural Sciences.
He then attended the University of Puerto Rico, School of Dental Medicine, where he graduated in 2002 and won the Raymond Baralt Award for his professionalism, leadership, civism, and love for the dental profession.
Dr. Mendez is a member of the International Association for Orthodontics. From 2008-2009, Dr. Mendez was the Vice President of the Lions Club in his hometown of Manati, Puerto Rico.
Before joining Friendly Dental in 2023, Dr. Mendez had a practice in Puerto Rico from 2002 to 2009, he practiced at the Kinston Community Health Center and The Bernstein Clinic in Greenville, NC. from 2010 to 2013. He practiced at The Dental Care Center, Greenville, NC from 2013 to 2014 and was Co-Owner of Earp Dentistry in Greenville, NC from 2014 to 2022.
In his spare time Dr. Mendez enjoys spending time with his wife, Wanda, his two children, Cesar and Gaby and his grandchildren Aileen, Mia and Sebastian. As a family they enjoy traveling, visiting the beach and the weekends at the lake. Photography is one of Dr. Mendez’s passions, and he enjoys taking pictures of their travels to make the memories last a lifetime.
Dr. Rafael Torres, DMD.
Dentist
Meet Dr. Torres!
Dr. Rafael Torres obtained a bachelor’s degree in Biology in 1999. He then graduated with honors from the University of Puerto Rico Dental School in 2004. After graduating from dental school, Dr. Torres worked as a lieutenant and Chief Dental Officer for the U.S. Public Health Service in Three Rivers, Texas. During this time he also graduated from the Federal Law Enforcement training center in Georgia.
Later, he practiced in Washington, D.C. where he enjoyed treating personnel from foreign embassies, the Spanish Catholic Center and the Hispanic community in general.
After moving to North Carolina, he practiced for several years at the Bernstein Community Health Center and at a private practice in New Bern. Dr. Torres is also a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). In 2014, he obtained his fellowship status with the ICOI.
Dr. Torres enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters, and participating in water sports and scuba diving.
Rachyle Lauck
Hygienist
Meet Rachyle!
She has been practicing dental hygiene for 2 years. She enjoys spending time outdoors and trying new foods. If she is not at a new restaurant or exploring a new trail you will find her spending quality time her dog. Rachyle made the transition to her new home in Charlotte, NC from Las Vegas, NV.
Leslie Castaneda
Frontdesk Secretary
Meet Leslie!
She has been working for Mendez & Torres Family Dentistry since day one. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. In her free time she enjoys playing piano, tennis, or trying new restaurants.
Wanda Pena
Orthodontics Assistant
Meet Wanda!
She has been working since 1996 as an Orthodontics Assistant. She worked with several Orthodontics during her career and at the ECU School of Dentistry in Greenville, NC. In her spare time Wanda enjoys spending time with her husband, Rafa, her two children, Cesar and Gaby and her grandchildren Aileen, Mia and Sebastian. As a family they enjoy traveling, visiting the beach and the weekends at the lake.