Meet the Doctors

Richard Hardt, DDS

General & Cosmetic Dentist

Loma Linda University
34+ Years of Dental Experience

Dr. Richard “Rick” Hardt, DDS, believes dentistry is a part of his DNA. After graduating from Loma Linda University, he began his dental career in Lindsay, California, under the mentorship of his father, William Hardt.

Dr. Hardt’s journey took a significant turn when he moved to Porterville and started working with Dr. Frank Baughman. Upon Dr. Baughman's retirement, Dr. Hardt was inspired to open his own practice, Richard Hardt, D.D.S., where he continues to make a difference in the lives of his patients.

Dr. Hardt excels in general and cosmetic dentistry. He focuses on teaching his patients about the importance of preventive care and makes sure they receive the finest treatments available. He takes particular pride in his ability to restore smiles and craft restorations that are as beautiful —if not more so— than natural teeth.

When Dr. Hardt isn’t practicing dentistry, you can usually find him taking photos or enjoying outdoor sports such as hiking, backpacking, camping, and fishing. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, Teresa, and their many pets.

If you want to learn more about Dr. Hardt or book an appointment, please contact our office. We’ll be happy to have you!

Dr. Irene Cruz, D.D.S

General & Cosmetic Dentist

La Sierra University
Loma Linda University

Language

English
Spanish

Dr. Irene Cruz was born and raised in Oxnard, California. She became interested in dentistry at the young age of 10, influenced by her childhood dentist. She relocated to Porterville with her family in 2019. 

Dr. Cruz completed her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science at La Sierra University in Riverside, California. From there, she went on to Loma Linda University, where she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and was awarded the Excellence in Academic Achievement Award by the Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity.

Dr. Cruz loves to offer top-notch dental care. In Dr. Hardt's office, she uses the latest technology to give the best care possible.

When Dr. Cruz is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two young daughters. 

Dr. Jackson Lewis, DDS

Jackson Lewis was born and raised here in Porterville and has a special, personal connection to the Live Oak Dental family. Before the practice became Live Oak Dental in 2022, it was owned and run by Jackson’s father, Dr. Steve Lewis. Steve also grew up in Porterville and joined his father, Dr. Ed Lewis, in his dental practice in the 1980s. He practiced for over 30 years and was a beloved dentist in our small community. The driving force that led Jackson to pursue dentistry was his father’s love for the profession and to eventually work alongside him as a third generation Lewis family dentist.

Sadly, Dr. Steve Lewis passed away in late 2021 leaving the hearts of his family and patients broken. Jackson was in his second year of dental school at the time and faced the most challenging time of his life. When a longtime friend of the Lewis family, Dr. Hardt, purchased the practice, Jackson knew that Live Oak Dental would still be a place for him to call home.

Jackson earned a bachelor’s degree in health science from Walla Walla University in 2019. Instead of heading straight to dental school he chose to spend a year as a missionary teacher in Majuro, a small third-world island located in the Marshall Islands in the South Pacific, where he taught Science to middle school and high school students. He most recently graduated from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 2024 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. He is eager to join Dr. Hardt and the Live Oak Dental team and looks forward to caring for many of the same patients his dad had seen for so many years. It is an honor and privilege for him to work within the same walls his dad did during his career and to learn from his outstanding friend and dentist, Dr. Hardt.

Outside of the office, Jackson can be found enjoying the outdoors and spending time with his family. He loves to spend time exploring and hiking in our beautiful national parks and is an avid skier and golfer as well as a certified scuba diver. He is up for any adventure!