Dr. Backstrom was born and raised in Georgia and graduated magna cum laude with a BS degree in Biology from the University of Georgia in 2002. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Tufts University in Boston in 2007.
Dr. Backstrom is a community leader dedicated to providing comprehensive patient care in a friendly and relaxing environment. Artesa Dental has a growing reputation in Martinez and the surrounding area as an excellent place especially for people who are afraid of dentists. Yes, weve heard that several times, Dr. Backstrom says, with a smile.
Many of our most loyal patients were initially very reluctant to go to a dentist at all due to fear or perhaps a bad experience they may have had long ago, she says. We do our very best to make them comfortable and happy with their dental experience. Technology has certainly changed over the past few years and we always focus on making our patients comfortable and relaxed.
One of the many exclusive, patient-comfort amenities at Artesa Dental include digital, intra-oral cameras that allow the doctors to show and explain the dental procedure on a big screen right in the exam room.
We can explain to the patient exactly what needs to be done while theyre sitting comfortably in the chair. We answer any questions or concerns. Our patients really appreciate being in control of each step of the process and knowing and seeing exactly what needs to be done. Dr. Backstrom explains.
Dr. Cynthia Morford was raised in the beautiful Bay Area and traveled throughout California for her education. She attended UC Berkeley for a BA in Integrative Biology with a special interest in neuroscience and three dimensional art. She then received her dental degree at UCLA while taking advanced elective courses in Dental Occlusion. She then completed an additional 3 years of postgraduate training at UCSF and received her specialty certificate in Prosthodontics.
Dr. Morford has a passion for teaching and is a faculty instructor for the Removable Prosthodontics course at UCSF as well as to students enrolled in an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) local program. She has published her research on Lasers in Dentistry and her presentation on Erbium:YAG Lasers earned her a 1st place award from the Pacific Coast Society for Prosthodontics (PCSP) and a 1st place scholarship from the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD.)
Dr. Morford loves to get involved with community service activities. While attending UCB she was a volunteer CPR Instructor, yoga assistant for students with disabilities, and helped make sports mouth guards for participants in the Special Olympics, While at UCLA she was a director for The South Central Care weekend community clinic and a co-founder of the dental program for the Salvation Army Transitional Village.
Dr. Cynthia Morford has a sincere interest in healthy living and nutrition, focusing on organic plant based foods and yoga principles. She enjoys sewing, crocheting, gardening, and spending time with her family and their cat.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 85 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestErin Magallanes
a year ago
I always dread the dentist, but love them! I'm new to them and each experience has been so much better than expected. In and out quick, painless and never feel like they make me do anything not necessary. Thank you!
Carol McGraw
a year ago
My teen daughters just began seeing Dr Backstrom and had the best experience at their first cleaning. All of the staff is super friendly. I'm a patient as well and have had nothing but great experiences here. Their office is beautiful and they have the latest equipment and tech. I would recommend Artesa to anyone looking for a new dentist.
Roark Attebery
a year ago
I had a wonderful appointment today at Artesa Dental I was dreading going to a dentist . However after my first visit with Artesta Dental and wonderful staff. I have a different mind set They made my visit less stressful and I felt like I was part of the family. I Highly recommend to all Thank you
Sylvia Taberner-Huggins
a year ago
Love Artesa Dental, been going there for years! Even had the warm lavender neck wrap, blankie, and hot lavender washcloth after dental cleaning!! 1st class! And can I say the staff is AWESOME
Angela Smith
a year ago
Great atmosphere for someone with dental anxiety. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. I am looking forward to continuing my care here.
Heather Robinson
a year ago
Great experience and friendly comfort. I felt at ease and feel like I'm in the right hands to make my smile better.
Sarah Brussee
a year ago
Wonderfully professional and clean office. Super thorough and friendly!
Joaquin Jimenez
a year ago
Like always, I had another great dental visit with Artesa Dental! Even though I was told I needed a crown, I was glad that it was caught during my biannual cleaning. The hygienists and dentists are very kind and professional. They always fit appointments into my schedule, after my work hours. I'm so glad I found Artesa many years ago and I will continue recommend Artesa.
Umberto Leone
2 years ago
So, an update to my review from over a year ago, and if I could, I'd give Dr. Backstrom and Dr. Morford another 5 stars. They have since helped me with regular cleanings and today with an impromptu filling as I had a tooth accident over the weekend. Dr. Backstrom and Dr. Morford we're attentive, got me in to see them right away, fixed me up easily and quickly. I couldn't ask for anything better. I am thankful for them and if you were to work with them as your dentist, I think you will be thankful for them too..... I could not be more pleased with my experience at Artesa Dental. I am a new patient, starting when they opened back up in June. Since then, I have been back 4 times, as Dr. Backstrom was able to recommend a procedure to fix a tooth I injured as a little boy. No other dentist in my past has recommended this form of treatment. It is working perfectly and it is very cost appropriate. Only $200 for 4 visits so far. Regardless of the cost though, Dr. Backstrom and whole staff really are doing an amazing job in every area they can and deserve to be 5 star reviewed. If you are in the market for a dentist or even just a second opinion, I encourage you to give them a call.
Lois LaShell
2 years ago
Everyone is always so nice. They have the most up to date equipment which makes things fast and easy. Dr. Backstrom is so competent!
Karen Helfter
2 years ago
Amazing! From the front desk to the dentist exam. Very thorough cleaning, no pain. Everyone is very friendly and kind.
Nick Kritikos
2 years ago
This visit was the first part of a crown replacement. So the removal of the old, and setting a temp until the final product is ready in a couple of weeks. And the whole experience was exceptional. The entire team is skilled, friendly, and communicative. I am not a big fan of dentists and wasn't looking forward to this procedure (the crown is waaay back there), but never felt a thing. And strangely looking forward to the 2nd half of the treatment.
al prince
2 years ago
What an outstanding group of professionals! I used to be afraid of going to the Dentist. Artesa has completely changed my fear about going to the Dentist. Great people! Don't go anywhere else!
Laura Rasmussen
2 years ago
My first visit and everyone there is , not only personable but seems to be highly skilled. I'm very pleased that I discovered them on a friend's recommendation.
Michael Cole
2 years ago
I had a very nice experience everyone was very nice and welcoming. there professionalism was fantastic expertise and honesty. I felt much better about myself walking out of there than I did when I walked in. I am truly happy that I found this place and I will have my smile back shortly. Looking forward to the spring and summer time very much now. Michael Cole
Bill Freedman
2 years ago
I had a crown placed at Artesia Denistry. I was greeted by Ryan and Kelly front counter ladies. They got me checked made feel at home. Melissa and Dr Moreford gave great care and made sure I was comfortable and pain free during the procedure. I would strongly recommend this Dentist office. They also have State of the Art equipment there for all procedures.
Samantha Harrington
2 years ago
Artessa Dental is a lovely office with great staff. They were very thorough and kind. I highly recommend them!
Vichy Parker
2 years ago
There's very good and friendly service here
Carisa V
2 years ago
I love the staff at Artesa, they're super nice and professional!
Victoria Bravo
2 years ago
The team at Artesa provide excellent care for their patients. I recommend Artesa to anyone who asks and will continue to because they're really great.
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