Kathy grew up in central Massachusetts, the third child of a florist and an artist. Of all her siblings, she was the one most likely to be upstairs reading a book while the rest of the family watched TV. All of her siblings inherited some of mothers artistic ability and pursued careers that were related in some way to art. Kathy was the brainiest kid in her family and combined art with science and became a dentist.
When our children were all in school, I got a part time job working in a dental office doing light office work. Occasionally the dentist would have me help him with a patient when his dental assistant was busy. I loved those times. I asked him if he would train me in dental assisting, and he agreed. One evening when my husband David and I were sitting at the dinner table chatting about the days events, I mentioned casually that if I could have any job, I would work as a dentist. At that moment I had a silent but strong impression that this was something I should pursue. I hadnt been in school for over 20 years, so I returned to Houston Community College to brush up, and eventually was accepted into the Honors College at the University of Houston in Houston, Texas. I graduated from Creighton School of Dentistry in 2001, the same year two of our sons graduated from college, and our youngest son graduated from high school. I spent several years with a group dental practice, Dundee Family Dental, before opening DeFord Family Dental in Papillion. I really enjoy my work.
Just like some people say its comforting, or therapeutic to sew, knit or work on another type of project, Kathy finds comfort in fixing teeth. She especially likes working to improve the look of someones smile.
Kathys husband David has worked in management information systems in the past and now has his own consulting business David DeFord Creative Consulting. He also is a certified contract trainer for Fred Pryor Seminars.
Brandy, our dental hygienist, is a native of Omaha and a graduate of Westside High School. She attended Iowa Western's dental hygiene program, and before joining DeFord Family Dental, practiced with a mobile dental group that visited nursing homes.
Roxanna, our office manager, is a native of Omaha and a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs. She graduated from Metropolitan Community College's Dental Assisting program with honors, and has been with DeFord Family Dental ever since that time. She received office manager training through Patterson Dental.
Laura, our dental assistant, was born and raised in Omaha. She attended Burke High School where she was on the Drill Team. After graduation and working in customer service for a number of years, Laura attended Metropolitan Community College, and graduated at the top of her class with an Associate's Degree in General Health Studies, and a certificate in Dental Assisting.
Marnie, a dental hygienist, is a native of Cozad, Nebraska. She grew up in McCook, NE and attended the Dental Hygiene Program at UNMC in Lincoln, and practiced in Lexington, Nebraska for many years. She is the mother of twins, a boy and a girl.
Allie, a dental hygienist is an Omaha native who graduated from Marion High School. She attended UNL, and then the Dental Hygiene Program at UNMC in Lincoln, In addition to working at DeFord Family Dental, Allie also practices with her childhood dentist in Omaha. She has a dog named Quinn.
Max, our office dog, is a rescue dog, adopted from Muddy Paws Pet Rescue in Omaha. He is a Pomeranian Poodle mix, with soft fur and minimal to no shedding. Shortly after Dr. DeFord and her husband adopted Max, they sent him for basic obedience training at Follow Me K-9 Training in Bellevue, with Johanna Mayer. Max has the perfect temperament for an office dog. He loves babies, kids and grownups, and will sit on your lap during your dental procedure if you would like. We keep him very clean. Our patients love Max.
Dr. DeFord is the dentist and the business owner. She can give individualized treatment unconstrained by any corporate policies that might limit the availability of the best materials, equipment and dental laboratories.
and will work with your insurance company to get you the benefits to which you are entitled. Our office manager, Roxanna, knows insurance and can usually immediately answer your questions about your individual benefits.
and thorough when she cleans your teeth. She will help you maintain the health of your teeth and gums with individualized advice about which teeth cleaning products and methods would work well for you.
Reviews
Rating 4.7 out of 5 based on 138 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJessica Eckles
a year ago
Very professional. Took my oral care seriously and answered all my questions. The office is clean and well maintained.
Jennifer Adams
a year ago
We really enjoyed all the interactions we had at this office. From the front desk to the dental hygienist and the dentist himself. Everybody was very personable, kind, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend going here for dental care.
Kim Fauver
a year ago
They were able to get me in as a new patient the same day for emergency dental work. Everyone was professional, friendly and welcoming. They made sure I was comfortable and checked often to see if I needed anything.
Staci Pettit
a year ago
Nice job today. My teeth look awesome!
TheO'LoneFamily
a year ago
My whole family loves going to Deford Dentistry here. The hygienists are very gentle and considerate. It was my four year old's first visit and he is already excited for his next visit. The ladies at the front desk are really, really nice and try to be accommodating as well. I had to cancel last minute due to a car accident and they were so understanding and even managed to get us in sooner than we expected for our make-up appts. I also feel like the dentist really takes the time to listen, which is so rare these days. I would definitely recommend them!
E K
2 years ago
Very friendly and professional service.
Gene Zeleny
2 years ago
I came in for a tooth extraction and have anxiety when it comes to the dentist. As soon as I walked through the door the entire team made me feel comfortable and at ease. Thank you Dr. Dawson for explaining everything clearly and making the visit a good one.
John Essay
2 years ago
Brandi, my hygienist, was friendly, professional and had a great technique. She was painless, which I did not expect being a year-and-a-half since my last cleaning. I look forward to seeing her again in six months.
Brad Boardman
2 years ago
I am 50 years old and this was the best experience I ever had in a dentist office. Thank you so much!
April Sweet
2 years ago
They did a fabulous job! Prompt, efficient, friendly, professional, & informative!
Nyah Klink
2 years ago
Very happy with the team here.
Anita Eichmann
2 years ago
Great dentist and a dental asst
camryn ceradsky
2 years ago
Very nice staff & a calm environment :)
Michael Heard
2 years ago
The entire staff was very friendly and professional. There was very little wait time. I walked in and completed my annual insurance and health forms. A few minutes later I was escorted to the dental station for my appointment. My entire appointment took about 30 minutes and my next appointment is already booked.
Cheryl McMullan
2 years ago
Dr DeFord is excellent as with all members of her staff. I wholeheartedly recommend her.
Magnus Elite Group
2 years ago
This dental clinic violates the NO SURPRISE ACT BILL, this clinic is a scam, do sneeky charges !!! they don't tell you the price of what they will do before hand because for them that's normal ethical way of doing business , ASK them before hand how much they will charge, be carful with this clinic , They don't care telling you the price because for them you are not paying they just charge the insurance company and THATS OK !! I have put in a complaint through the attorney general and the department of health so that this clinic be investigated for their unethical way of doing business and putting in charges through the insurance company without consent.
Christine Flott
2 years ago
1st time visit and they all made me feel right at home. Already looking forward to seeing them again!
Michelle Elizabeth
2 years ago
I came into Dr.DeFord's office not knowing what to expect. I've had my fair share of bad dental experiences. Immediately, upon arriving, I was greeted with a very kind receptionist. Once it was my turn, Marnie not only made me feel at ease, expertly cleaned my teeth, gave me very good insight into some dental questions, but actually made me forget I was even at the dental office. Yes, I actually enjoyed my cleaning. Dr. Mullins was very kind and extremely knowledgeable. She took her time to answer any question and listened to everything I had to say. I actually look forward to my next visit. Some things that stood out - They did my x-rays in my actual room. I didn't have to walk and roam. They had a tv to watch, which was pleasing to have in the background. If you're terrified of dentists, had a bad dental experience, or just want to go somewhere that you feel respected - go here. I can't recommend them enough.
blake young
2 years ago
$2000 later, I have 2 nice new crowns, a root canal, and numbness in my lip and jaw that will not go away. At the time of this review it has been 10 days since the procedure. She kindly referred me to an oral surgeon and potentially a neurologist (which will likely cost several more hundred dollars - paid by me). Be careful when selecting a dentist. Unfortunately words like rare and unusual don't pay dental bills or bring feeling back to my jaw. **Update** 2 years later and still experiencing numbness. After consulting with an oral surgeon, he attributed the numbness to "poor needle placement".
Dean Cooper
2 years ago
Dr. Deford is excellent. She is gentle and kind. She is very knowledgeable. The techs are also excellent. Dr. Deford is an excellent dentist for any age patient. Deford Family Dental has expanded. With another Dr. and more Techs they can now easily add your family into their schedule.
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