A native of Arizona, Dr. Smith completed his elementary studies in the Tempe Elementary School District. He graduated from Marcos de Niza High School and was a member of multiple state champion wrestling teams and earned All-City honors in both wrestling and football. Dr. Smith continued his education at Arizona State University where he graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry. While at ASU, he was a member of Golden Key National Honor Society, Phi Lambda Upsilon Honorary Chemical Society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Dr. Smith received his DDS from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center where he graduated cum laude and was honored with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry Award. After dental school, he furthered his studies at the Baltimore VA Hospital completing a general practice residency. While at the VA hospital, Dr. Smith was able to both serve the veterans of this country and receive advanced training in implant dentistry, full mouth reconstruction, and complex endodontic and oral surgery techniques.
When he is not in the dental office, Dr. Smith enjoys traveling with his lovely wife Lynda. He can also be found posting high scores at local golf courses or in the kitchen whipping up culinary delights for anyone daring enough to taste his food.
Considering herself a Phoenix native, Dr. Smith graduated from high school in Gilbert. She received a full scholarship to attend Arizona State where she completed an Honors Thesis titled 'Women in Vietnamese Folktales,' received a bachelors degree in Chemistry, and graduated from Barrett, The Honors College.
Dr. Smith's pursuit of excellence in dentistry began when she graduated from University of Maryland - Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in Baltimore, Maryland. After graduating dental school, she continued her education in an Advanced Education in General Residency program at A.T. Still University - Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health in Mesa, Arizona where she learned the latest techniques in dentistry including cosmetic dentistry, implants, and lasers. She is a general dentist who focuses on family and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Smiths philosophy goes beyond taking care of an individuals dental needs and she considers each patient part of her extended family. She understands first impressions are important, and that a healthy, attractive smile can boost confidence and enhance ones personal and professional life.
Dr. Smith is passionate about helping people in need and has served missions in the Dominican Republic to provide dental care for the underserved. She desires one day to travel to Vietnam with her husband so they can both serve those in need of dental care.
Dr. Margaret Tran was born and raised in Orange County, California but considers herself an Arizona native. Her family relocated to Arizona more than a decade ago. She attended school right in town at Millennium High School and then went on to pursue her studies at Arizona State University where she graduated summa cum laude.
Dr. Tran pursued her dental degreein Glendale, AZ where she attended Midwestern University. During her time in dental school, she took special interest in volunteering at school events such as Give Kids A Smile and Super Sealant Saturday during all four years of her time there. She was then selected to provide dental care to the people of Tonga where she spent one week doing root canals, fillings, and extractions.
She stays up to date with dentistry by taking continuing education courses in cosmetic dentistry, endodontics, and oral surgery which include her training with Hiossen Implants. One of her favorite CE courses focuses on CAD-CAM dentistry because it is technology used at Estrella Mountain Dentistry that allows her to provide same-day crowns to her patients. Dr. Tran also participates in dental study group meetings with her dental peers and mentors.
When she is not at the office, one would find her at HomeGoods or Michaels. She enjoys home decorating and DIY projects. Her latest DIY project includes building the frame for her 1,000 piece puzzle she put together in one day. On her laid back nights, she enjoys binge watching Netflix shows, especially murder mysteries. She also finds joy in hosting dinner parties for her family/friends, reading dental research articles and business investment books, or dining out at her favorite restaurants. As one could see, she loves food. She enjoys eating and cooking Vietnamese food the most and one day aspires to have her own food truck business.
At the core of our dental practice is a friendly team of professionals that are dedicated to your utmost comfort and optimal oral health. We view each patient as a unique individual, and tailor each treatment to your specific needs. As part of our commitment to providing close, personalized attention to every patient, we want to encourage patient communication. Please know that we are here to provide outstanding patient care, and that we value the trust you have placed in us.
Cherie` has been in dentistry since 1999, and here at Estrella Mountain Dentistry since 2018. She enjoys what she does because she believes there is nothing more gratifying than being able to help others. Although in dentistry, her educational background and bachelors degree is in marketing.
Cherie` is a native of Hawaii, born and raised but later grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and then Las Vegas for 13 years before relocating to Arizona in 2012 to be with her spouse. Together they have three beautiful children, boy/girl twins and a baby girl! They are the loves of her life and keep her very busy! Her greatest joy is being a Mother. Her interests includespontaneity, creatingmemories traveling with family and friends, and staying active.
Cari was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and moved to Arizona in 2008. She received her Associate of Science in Dental Hygiene and Bachelor of Science in Applied Science from Youngstown State University in 2007. Cari was attracted to dentistry for the opportunity to truly help people and create beautiful, healthy smiles.
Here at Estrella Mountain Dentistry, she has the opportunity to accomplish both of those and work with a team that is committed to advancing their skills and knowledge with dentistry and technology. Cari is an avid golfer and when not caring for her patients, you can find her on the course with her husband Andy. Additionally, she loves to travel and go hiking.
Suzanne is originally from outside of Pittsburgh, PA. (Go Steelers!) She received her dental hygiene degree in Binghamton, NY where she practiced for 2 years, saving to buy a car with air conditioning so she could move to AZ. Arizona has now been her home for over 30 years.
Outside of the office, Suzanne enjoys travel, spending time with family and friends, going to the movies and discovering new restaurants. Reading a good book is a luxury enjoyed while on vacation! A trip to Disneyland is a must at least once a year!
Rachel was born and raised in Minnesota where she lived until 2009, her family then relocated to thePacific North West and she later moved to Arizona in 2016. Rachel has worked in various industries but she has been in dentistry since 2014 after completing the Dental Assisting program at PIMA Medical Institute. She worked as a dental assistant until 2017, where she then made the transition to being a Treatment Coordinator.
Diana has been in the dental field since 2013. She attended Altrain Dental Academy for dental assistants and completed an externship at a pedodontist office. She then transitioned into adult dentistry because of the variety of procedures it offers. Diana enjoys working side by side with the wonderful Doctors at Estrella Mountain Dentistry and helping patients achieve their dental goals. She loves learning from our great providers and is currently working on her prerequisites for dental school in hopes of achieving her goals of becoming a dentist herself.
In her free time she stays busy with her two boys, Carlos and Christian. She enjoys going to movies with her husband, listening to music and having dance parties with her kids, and going on bike rides as a family.
Nancy, an Arizona native, attended Altrain Dental Academy and has been in the dental field since 2012. She enjoys working alongside all the providers as Estrella Mountain Dentistry and strives to make patients feel comfortable and at ease.