Dr. Lafferty grew up in Salem, Utah, and learned from an early age that he had a passion for working with his hands. After high school he took up work in the construction field with family and friends doing such work as building movie sets in California, installing custom screens and doing intricate specialty work with tile and stone. While living in Portland, Oregon, he was influenced by a good friend to pursue the dental profession. With the support of his wife and young growing family, Dr. Lafferty decided to go back to school to become a dentist.
Dr. Lafferty went on to earn a Bachelors of General Science degree from Portland State University and then a Doctorate of Medical Dentistry degree from Oregon Health and Science University in 2014. Dr. Laffertys attention to detail and outstanding clinical skills earned him the Terry Monetti award, an award offered to one student in each graduating class.
Dr. Lafferty qualified for the Health Professions Scholarship Program from the US Navy, and following dental school served four years active duty as a Naval dental officer, and is affectionately referred to as Lieutenant Dan. His impact while serving in Guam could be felt by the community as he headed outreach programs to educate youth on proper oral health and proper hygiene habits. Dr. Lafferty was awarded the Service Before Self award at the end of his tour in Guam.
Dr. Lafferty continues to serve his country by giving time each month to the Navy Reserves here in New Mexico. He ensures that soldiers in the armed forces maintain dental readiness so they are prepared to deploy as needed.
Other passions that Dr. Lafferty enjoys are traveling and learning of other cultures. The two years spent in New Zealand on his proselytizing mission helped him form a deep bond with the Maori people and a respect for their culture. The time spent in Guam working with people from the Micronesian and surrounding islands also helped him develop a love and respect for them. One of the strongest impressions he gained from the islanders is that happiness does not come by owning material items, but that true happiness comes from the bonds we develop between family and friends.
Dr. Lafferty has been married to the love of his life,Toni for 18 years. They have six children together that keep them busy. There is never a dull moment in the home and adventure is always around the corner as the kids all love outdoor activities.
Here at ABQ Gentle Dentistry we want you to feel welcomed as if you are a member of the family. No matter what your past dental experiences have been or your level of dental anxiety we want you to know we will listen to your concerns and do everything we can to accommodate your needs and to make your dental experience comfortable. Everyone has a voice that needs to be heard, and everyone has a smile that needs to be seen. Let us help you.
Some of my greatest satisfactions have come when seeing how transforming a smile can mean so much to people. It is more than just fixing the teeth, when people feel confident in their smile their whole self image changes and they become happier people. I love seeing this transformative process take place in people and it motivates me to continue striving to help others realize their true smile.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 438 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMegan Sandvik
a year ago
I am so thankful that I found ABQ gentle dentistry and I think you will be too! Dr. Lafferty is the best, I cannot recommend him enough, he takes his time and is very gentle! I have had multiple fillings at this office and a cleaning, I haven't had any discomfort with any of the fillings. The hygienists are also top notch!
Mateo Vigil
a year ago
Dr. Lafferty is extremely knowledgeable and makes going to the dentist a breeze. Highly recommend!
Lynne Bagby
a year ago
Love this place and the feeling that we matter as patients. Everyone is friendly!
Saul Hernandez
a year ago
Very welcoming dental office staff and as the name says gentle way of cleaning teeth and doing exam.
Jose Mendoza
a year ago
This practice has to be one of the best if not the best Dentistry in ABQ. Everyone was very professional and helpful. After having my wisdom tooth surgery the crew were very caring and checked on me on the weekends as well! I am very thankful for this practice and I highly recommend it!
Bryn Putnam
a year ago
ABQ Gentle Dentistry always makes their best efforts to find the best appointment time for my dental needs; the staff is respectful, friendly and interested in my wellbeing on the phone and in person. I appreciate the efficient, gentle and excellent care by the hygienist, Nate. I have confidence in my dental visits through Dr. Lafferty's kind and caring manner and his professional practice techniques. Recently Dr. Lafferty added me to his busy schedule on an exceptionally late day for him and the staff to accommodate my urgent needs for a complex crown. The crown was prepared and completed in the same morning. When I needed a quick adjustment to my bite the next day they made room for me, and resolved my issue. I was able to make my scheduled travel out-of-town the next day. I'm still out of town by the way, and my teeth and I have been comfortable enjoying many cuisines. Thank you Gentle Dentistry! I've often had anxiety during dental care so, I employ mindful calming practices. Dr. Lafferty listens to me and supports my needs. He provides pain management through the gentle anesthetic injections, and topical anesthesia that I prefer. Dr. Lafferty takes the intermittent breaks I ask for, which helps me manage anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures. I always go home from my appointments with satisfaction and a smile.
Milena Ramirez
a year ago
I went in for a tooth extraction. Doctor Stephanie Zarrasola and her team was very professional and kind, I am very happy with their service. Thank you Doctor, the pain is gone.
Erica Stickler
a year ago
Staff is very welcoming and friendly. I always feel comfortable coming here.
Darlene Sammons
a year ago
The best, everyone so friendly and very perfessional,
Lorina VanDrisse
a year ago
I went in after having a horrible dentist experience somewhere else. It was such a bad experience I hadn't gone back to the dentist in a whilllle. The minute you walk in the door you are treated with compassion and empathy they want to know if you have had a bad experience at another Dentistry. It is all about comfort here! They make you feel like it's home. I had to have a tooth extracted and Dr. Lafferty and his dental staff were amazing. I felt absolutely no pain at all. No sting from the injections and no rushed work. They took their time they were thorough. This is my only Dentistry of choice and I can confidentially say I am no longer scared to go to the dentist. I am actually excited!!!
Roberta Orbach
a year ago
Caressa, the assistant, was very informative as to what was going to happen each step. She made sure we had a connection and was compassionate. The Doctor was gentle and slow with the injections. I felt comfortable at all times. He made sure I was deadened! The extraction was painless and a relief. When the Doctor's wife popped in to see how I was doing, I felt at home. I am a "be back" for sure! Thank you for caring.
Zan nie
a year ago
There is a reason this dental office has a 5 star rating; it's because from the MOMENT you arrive, you are treated like the most important and significant person in the world. From my first call to check out, the front office staff were respectful, professional, courteous, and just happy to be at work. Fast forward to the exam and we are still on cloud nine from all the comfort they have offered. The tech was so kind and attentive. She took the time to hear out my issues and get in depth scans and photos. Dr. Lafferty introduced himself while his wife took my 10 month old for a walk around the office. It was like walking into your families home and them welcoming you warmly. He then conducted the most thorough exam and treatment plan I've ever had. He didn't rush, he didn't dismiss my concerns, he made me feel heard, calm, and informed. I can't say enough great things about this spectacular office and their staff. I'm so happy to have been referred.
Roberta Gabaldon
a year ago
Love the extra care that is given for cleanings and dental work. The staff is so friendly and efficient. I highly recommend this office.
nikkitynyx
a year ago
I have the best Dentist! Dr. Lafferty Has gone the extra mile every visit. He stays late, takes his time to do the best job possible and communicates so I'm informed the whole way. Not to mention being perfectly gentle throughout any procedure. I would absolutely recommend him!
chelsea nez
a year ago
My experience is always so calming and everyone is extremely welcoming. They are nice the moment you walk in the suite and always have a positive attitude. Clarissa and Dr. Lafferty are awesome, really everyone there is. I am a pretty new patient with a few appointments in and I feel like I've been here for years. My questions are always addressed and Dr. Lafferty makes me feel so much better about my smile. I'm glad I chose to come to ABQ gentle dentistry!!
Elisa Saavedra
a year ago
Everyone at Dr. Lafferty's office was very welcoming. Dr. Lafferty did a great job with my crowns.
Rebeka Moncayo
a year ago
I am impressed! Hard to do with a dentist.
Rebecca Allen
a year ago
Great staff! Doctor Dan is amazing! Thanks to ABQ Gentle I have an awesome smile!!!
mike acosta
a year ago
Everything went muy bueno for me there.
Barbara Thomas
a year ago
ABQ Gentle Dentistry provides exceptional care. I saw Dr Zarrasola for a same day crown. She is caring, explains each step of the process & makes sure you are pain free. Everyone is friendly & welcoming. I feel fortunate to have found this dental practice.
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