He graduated from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas in 1978 with a BA in Biology. Upon graduation, he was a Pharmaceutical Rep for Mission Pharmacal and then Purdue Fredricks. He was then accepted into the dental program at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, where he graduated in 1984.
Dr. Simmons briefly associated with Dr. Wade Phelps in Kenedy, Texas, and Dr. Paul Drexel in San Antonio. He was able to open his own dental office in South East San Antonio in April of 1985. Dr. Simmons came out to La Vernia to practice in the Dental Depot from 1999 to 2004. He was able to buy out a retiring Dr. Robert Korth in October 2006, and has since split his time between San Antonio and La Vernia. As of January 1, 2013, Dr. Simmons is closing theSan Antonio location andwill be in La Vernia full time.
Dr. Simmons is a past president of the San Antonio District Dental Society, and is also a member of the Texas Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry. He has over 500 hours of post dental school continuing education.
Dr. Simmons has been elected by his peers to be included in the Top Dentists in San Antonio in the Scene in SA Monthly Magazine several years running, and has also appeared as a top dentist in Texas Monthly Magazine. Dr. Simmons recognizes that the accolades are nice, but if the patient does not believe he is one of the best dentists, then the awards mean nothing. The patient is everything.
Our commitment to our patients is to provide the best in Dentistry, Technology, and Team. While our environment is fun, friendly, and personable, were committed to the pursuance of our own continuing education. We care about helping you keep your smile healthy and look forward to relationships that last as long as your smile!
Have you ever cared for something; that belongs to someone else, as if was your own? That is exactly how Christine cares for Dr. Mark Simmons 's dental practice, La Vernia Dental. She has spent decades in the dental field and brings vast knowledge that keeps our practice thriving in relationships, quality patient care, and a growth mindset with the team. The best thing about Christine is that she begins each day with one question in mind, 'What can we do today that will give our patients the most comfortable experience possible?' If you haven 't met Christine yet, say hello to her at your next visit!
Debbie is one of those rare gems to a team.... she has been with Dr. Simmons's since 1985! When you meet Debbie, you can't miss her great smile, positive attitude, and gentleness during dental treatment. As the lead dental assistant, she has a wealth of knowledge about all dental procedures and about state-of-the-art technology that she teaches to our clinical team. She received her training at the San Antonio College of Medical and Dental Assisting School. She is married to Patrick and they have 3 children. As Dr. Simmons right hand, she is a tremendous asset to our team!
One of the things you should know about Kayla is her commitment to excellence, creativity, and detail. This makes her an exceptional dental assistant and makes sense that she loves to craft. She brings a joyful spirit to our team that you'll notice as soon as you meet her. She has enjoyed being a dental assistant since 2015 and loves spending time with her family.
If you're in search of a dental hygienist with a gentle touch, you'll want to meet Katy. She graduated fromConcorde Career College, San Antonio in 2019.As a dental hygienist, she is passionate about helping you understand how you can keep your teeth for a lifetime. Her nature is encouraging and supportive, and her previous experience as a dental assistant gives her a unique understanding of preventative measures for your oral health. She has two of the cutest kids, Clara and Charlotte, a dog Daisy and lives in La Vernia with her husband Brier.
Have you ever met someone who wants to continually excel in their craft? This would define our dental hygienist Becky. Since graduating with honors from Coastal Bend College in 2012, she has been awarded the Hu Friedy Golden Scaler Award and is a member of numerous study clubs. She is a published author for RDH Magazine and there is no stopping her desire to expand her knowledge as a dental hygienist. She married her high school sweetheart, has 3 beautiful children and 1 incredibly fabulous granddaughter. She loves spending time with family and traveling.
Lisa began her career as a dental hygienist in 1992 and finds her passion to be periodontal disease. She previously held a position in educational seminars for healthcare workers in nursing home facilities focusing on oral health issues. She finds the role of dental hygienist fulfilling, as she shares her knowledge of how to keep your teeth for a lifetime.
Reviews
Rating 4.5 out of 5 based on 28 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestCary Allard
2 years ago
I've been going here since moving to La Vernia. Only had cleanings, so can't comment on the quality of his dental work. They are constantly changing your appointments for their convenience. This last one they changed three times. When I was unable to make one and wanted to reschedule, they said it was a $50 fee. So I guess they owe me $150 for my inconvenience. Quality of the cleanings I've had done have been good, no complaints other than a random rotating assortment of technicians, and them wanting to change every appointment I've ever had. Building is run down and parking is nonexistent. They are building a new facility so that will be nice.
Steve BELLEVILLE
3 years ago
Don't gouge patients. I'm from California visiting friends when my bridge came off. I contacted this dentist to find out what it would cost me to re-glue my bridge " no respond". I set an appointment and after filling out personal information and credit card information, I'm sitting in the chair I ask how much, they tell me " $400. + just to re-glue my bridge . No way, that is gouging.
James Brantley
3 years ago
I was totally impressed with Dr. SIMMONS and his team. The equipment that was used was totally unexpected by me. Crowns were made while I waited. They facilitated my hectic schedule and their patient care was excellent. Cudos guys
Steve BELLEVILLE
3 years ago
Don't gouge patients. I'm from California visiting friends when my bridge came off. I contacted this dentist to find out what it would cost me to re-glue my bridge " no respond". I set an appointment and after filling out personal information and credit card information, I'm sitting in the chair I ask how much, they tell me " $400. + just to re-glue my bridge . No way, that is gouging.
Jamie PK
4 years ago
Excellent customer service and bedside manner by every one. Christine is always willing to explain benefits in detail and help us make sure that we have appropriate copies of invoices and statements. She is always willing to help us find the best possible answers if we have to get treatment somewhere other than with Dr. Simmons. Debbie, Grace and Camry couldn't be any better. Each one of them are always so patient and kind as well as educational and honest. Dr. Simmons has the best bedside manner with the perfect conversations while in difficult situations. Our children actually like going to the dentist and have no fear.
Army Vet
4 years ago
Okay, well to get a friend to post a review within hours of calling you out is convenient. That review applauding Christine and bedside manners was solicited. I can show you first hand that Christine is incompetent when it comes to billing, and is rude as well. Christine's job is to bill the insurance. She codes it, and the insurances responds with what they will pay for services rendered. When they respond they advise what the insurance will pay for services, and Christine should review the insurance plan to bill the customer the copay amount. What Christine does is bill the patient the difference between what insurance covers and the actual price. She ignores the copay. Even after giving her a copy of Humana Copay manual, and having Humana on the line explaining you can't charge more than the copay to the patient as an in-network provider, she still tries to bill you the exact amount that the insurance is paying the Dr's office. That is double dipping and fraudulent. My chief complaint was that she was billing and overcharging us. Who gets that money? Where does it go. Hanging up on a patient and their insurance is not great customer service. I am determined to show and explain in detail the practices this office does with billing and the over charges they did in my case. If you have gone to this office, planning on going to this office, or were a past customer, please contact me directly. I will assist you in reading the bill and review if copays and charges were applied correctly. What Christine fails to tell you, is that she denied to book my wife's appointment because she was too lazy to code the preauthorization correctly, even after the insurance told her that she coded it incorrectly and needed to resubmit with the proper code. I spoke with Dr Simmons yesterday. It's obvious he is not going to correct the issue. If you want the truth, contact me directly. If you still have that copay manual, I gave you that you were too lazy to go get on your own... read the last few pages which covers insurance fraud and HIPAA violations. After receiving an honest review, one would think you would have addressed the problem, not poke the bear.
Brenda
4 years ago
Great office. Excellent service. Christine is great, she is very knowledgeable about insurance and takes her time to explain what your policy will cover for the treatment you need. Scheduling is very easy. I highly recommend this office.
Jennifer Mueller
4 years ago
Excellent staff! Excellent service!
James Brantley
4 years ago
I was totally impressed with Dr. SIMMONS and his team. The equipment that was used was totally unexpected by me. Crowns were made while I waited. They facilitated my hectic schedule and their patient care was excellent. Cudos guys
Thomas Wood
4 years ago
Dr Simmons is a great Dentist! He cares but he also is practical. He knows when to go and drill and also is watchful to save some time and money. Recommend!!!!
Kevin Leonard
4 years ago
Dr. Simmons tries hard to make your visit as painless as possible.
Stephanie Kerns
4 years ago
As a rule of thumb, for me anyway, I go into a dentist office scared of the pain that's to come. Dr. Simmons made the experience as easy and painless as possible. Thank you!!!
Estella Hill
4 years ago
Have been doing to Dr. Simmons for 15 years or so. Always have a good experience.
Army Vet
4 years ago
Okay, well to get a friend to post a review within hours of calling you out is convenient. That review applauding Christine and bedside manners was solicited. I can show you first hand that Christine is incompetent when it comes to billing, and is rude as well. Christine's job is to bill the insurance. She codes it, and the insurances responds with what they will pay for services rendered. When they respond they advise what the insurance will pay for services, and Christine should review the insurance plan to bill the customer the copay amount. What Christine does is bill the patient the difference between what insurance covers and the actual price. She ignores the copay. Even after giving her a copy of Humana Copay manual, and having Humana on the line explaining you can't charge more than the copay to the patient as an in-network provider, she still tries to bill you the exact amount that the insurance is paying the Dr's office. That is double dipping and fraudulent. My chief complaint was that she was billing and overcharging us. Who gets that money? Where does it go. Hanging up on a patient and their insurance is not great customer service. I am determined to show and explain in detail the practices this office does with billing and the over charges they did in my case. If you have gone to this office, planning on going to this office, or were a past customer, please contact me directly. I will assist you in reading the bill and review if copays and charges were applied correctly. What Christine fails to tell you, is that she denied to book my wife's appointment because she was too lazy to code the preauthorization correctly, even after the insurance told her that she coded it incorrectly and needed to resubmit with the proper code. I spoke with Dr Simmons yesterday. It's obvious he is not going to correct the issue. If you want the truth, contact me directly. If you still have that copay manual, I gave you that you were too lazy to go get on your own... read the last few pages which covers insurance fraud and HIPAA violations. After receiving an honest review, one would think you would have addressed the problem, not poke the bear.
Kalif Gates
4 years ago
I am very pleased with the level of care I received from dr. Simmons and his staff. I would recommend him to anyone.
Jamie PK
4 years ago
Excellent customer service and bedside manner by every one. Christine is always willing to explain benefits in detail and help us make sure that we have appropriate copies of invoices and statements. She is always willing to help us find the best possible answers if we have to get treatment somewhere other than with Dr. Simmons. Debbie, Grace and Camry couldn't be any better. Each one of them are always so patient and kind as well as educational and honest. Dr. Simmons has the best bedside manner with the perfect conversations while in difficult situations. Our children actually like going to the dentist and have no fear.
Brenda
4 years ago
Great office. Excellent service. Christine is great, she is very knowledgeable about insurance and takes her time to explain what your policy will cover for the treatment you need. Scheduling is very easy. I highly recommend this office.
Jennifer Mueller
4 years ago
Excellent staff! Excellent service!
R F Shanzer
5 years ago
Visit went well. My hygienist was excellent. Friendly, fast and no pain.
Thomas Wood
5 years ago
Dr Simmons is a great Dentist! He cares but he also is practical. He knows when to go and drill and also is watchful to save some time and money. Recommend!!!!
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