With a family, career, and the demands of your everyday, its not only hard to simply get to the dentistits probably on the dread list. Were here to change that perception. Your visit to Rio Rancho Dental Associates will be different. Were focused on you first, offering the kind of luxury perks youd expect during a spa day (think warm blankets and fresh baked cookies), and top it off with exceptional (yet, wildy, still affordable) care.

No one looks forward to going to the dentist, but what if your visit could look more like a break in your day than a hurdle? Thats precisely our goal. We exist to provide industry-leading dental care in an environment that feels like home and at a price you can affordfor the whole family.

Great smiles and healthy teeth matter to all of us here. Were known for going above and beyond on all levels of customer service and take pride in making sure youre comfortable and safe at all times. Plus, we promise to always explain your treatment options fully and clearly so you can make informed decisions about your health, confidently.

Our dentists and trained staff, including on-staff specialists, offer nearly any kind of dental service you need, from a routine cleaning to a root canal, in our state-of-the-art facility. We strive to stay ahead of your health needs by utilizing new technology,helping us deliver precise treatments more efficiently and with cost savings that get passed to you.

At Rio Rancho Dental Associates, we have extensive knowledge of dentistry and what your teeth need so you dont have to. Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions to browse while you wait to come in.

Its very possible. Migraines and other headaches can be symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). Thats basically a problem with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that allows you to open and close your jaws. Dr. Ryan Shepherd has completed extensive research into TMJ problems and treatment while studying at Harvard Medical, so hes very well qualified to assess and treat your condition.

If you are suffering from jaw pain caused by a TMJ disorder, we can help with a TMJ treatment! Because every case is unique, Dr. Shepherd can use several different approaches, including muscle treatment, a custom mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding, and trigger point jaw massages.

Absolutely! In fact, we have a wide variety of denture options to handle almost every need: traditional full dentures, partial dentures, implant-supported dentures, and implant-retained dentures. And, our dentures look, feel, and function just like real teeth!

Dental implants are a restorative dentistry treatment that can be used to replace one or even all of your teeth. Because they literally fuse with your jawbone, dental implants provide a strong foundation for a variety of dental restorations, including dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures.

We offer several types of cosmetic dentistry treatments to help you achieve your smile goals, including teeth whitening, dental veneers, Lumineers, Invisalign, Six Month Smiles, gum reshaping, and more! You can even combine services for a custom smile makeover!

Meet Dr. Romeo Barzegari, DDS Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, Dr. Romeo came to the United States as a refugee when he was 14 years old. It took him a few months to learn English before starting to do well in school and graduated top of his class. He then went on to play soccer at University of Utah while earning his Bachelors Degree in Business Management and a Minor in Chemistry. He gained his passion for dentistry while volunteering as an interpreter for Farsi-speaking patients at the University Hospital Dental Clinic.

He completed all his science courses in conjunction with his business degree before getting admitted to the University of Utah School of Dentistry as the fourth class to ever attend this new dental school. The small class size and the abundance of patients allowed him to receive an ample amount of experience and training in all areas of dentistry including:

Dr. Romeo enjoys serving others and has gone on multiple humanitarian trips to the Philippines where he served those in need of dental care. He takes pride in providing excellent service to his patients and is dedicated to continually expanding his knowledge in his field.

Samantha graduated from Dental Assisting school in 2015 and joined our Uptown office in 2016, where her dynamic personality fit seamlessly into our team. If you havent had a chance to get to know Samantha, youll love her when you do. Samantha started in our office as a Hygiene Assistant, then one of Dr. Shepherds personal assistants. We eventually moved her to the front office, and now shes our Office Manager! Next year, she just might become the dentist. When she isnt multi-tasking at work, shes multi-tasking at home, running in circles with her three children, Daniel Jr. and her twin daughters. Samantha and Daniel Sr. have been married since 2014. Together they love spending time outdoors and with their family.

Jolene has been working in dentistry since 2015. As both a dental assistant and a front office specialist, her skills cover the gamut of just about anything we may need in the office! She currently serves as our Treatment Coordinator, and as such, shes the one that will help you understand anything the doctor has prescribed for you and help you work out the financials. She and her fiance, Gilbert, have been together for 7 years and have a beautiful 2 year old daughter. Jolene, despite her glamorous exterior, also loves to spend her time outdoors, enjoying everything from fishing and camping to bow hunting and shooting.

Stephanie Anaya was born and raised right here in NM and joined our office in 2020. Youll primarily see her running things in the front office, but is also a Certified Dental Assistant, having spent 8 years working in the back office. She and her husband, Jeremy, married in 2011 and have a full house with four children: Hannah, Arianna, Elijah, and Sophia, as well as two English Bulldogs, Stax and Koko! In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys camping and hiking, as well as hitting the gym and running. She also enjoys baking and cooking.

Sarah Armstrong hails from the great state of Montana, but relocated to NM around the turn of the century. She graduated from Hygiene School in 2006 and has been a wonderful hygienist ever since. Her patients love her for the personal interest she takes in them and for just how quickly she can do a thorough cleaning! Sarah and her husband have two children and two awesome grandchildren. When she isnt at work or busy being YaYa (thats grandma in child-speak), Sarah loves being ACTIVE. In fact, its hard to get her to sit still. She loves all sports and fitness, and has been coaching girls basketball for over 15 years.

Annabel joined our team full-time in 2015, but she first worked with us in 2009 as a part-time hygienist. After twisting her arm, we finally convinced her to make a permanent move to become part of our family. She is an impeccable hygienist. Annabel earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Hygiene from UNM, where she just happened to be in training with two of our other hygienists, Doria and Jaime! Annabel loves people and especially enjoys caring for our wonderful patients at Uptown Dental Associates. In addition to caring for our patients, Annabel and her husband, Manny, also take care of their adorable, curley-haired grandson, Seth. When not at work, Annabel enjoys cooking, traveling and playing golf, as well as spending time with her husband, Manny, her three children, and her beautiful grandchildren!

Alleah Candelaria graduated from PIMA in 2016 and has been working as a dental assistant ever since, although her long term plan is to become a hygienist! In fact, shes already earned her Associates degree and is attending UNM, where she is waiting for acceptance into the coveted hygiene program. At work, Alleah spends her time assisting Dr. Romeo. When shes not at work, she enjoys hiking, working out and running all to support her other hobby: eating!

Ciera Bobadilla joined our office in 2020 and were so glad she did! She has been working as a dental assistant since 2016 and loves working with Dr. Romeo. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, though she hasnt gotten enough of that lately. She also enjoys spending time exploring the great outdoors and refining her skills in the kitchen.