Riverside Dental Center & Beauty Spa is a Rio Rancho based family dentist practice that treats patients of all ages. We are committed to delivering the highest quality dental care and do so using advanced dental equipment. We are a cosmetic dentist that offers services like checkups, teeth cleaning, crowns, veneers and more.
Dr. Barbara Lewis-Heywood who likes to be called Dr. Barbara was born in Jamaica but moved to the USA 31 years ago. She studied at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus then transferred to Rutgers University where she completed a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. She was on the Deans List, a member of the schools Honor Society, and graduated Magna cum Laude. She then obtained a full academic scholarship to Rutgers Dental School where she obtained her DMD degree.
In her spare time Dr. Barbara Loves to garden, read, study her Bible, and talk with her friends. She has a passion for helping women and teenagers to find their best selves by getting to realize their value as children of the most high God. Her dream is to one day own a center where she not only improves peoples smiles but helps them to find their best self through dentistry, facial aesthetics, and emotional healing.
A family dentist serves patients of most ages, addressing their different oral health needs as they grow older. Patients can keep seeing the same family dentist or the same group of family dentists for decades. Family dentist practices function as primary care dentists and treat family members such as parents, children, and grandparents.
Family dentists work with both children and adults to care for these patients as they grow and change. These dentists emphasize patient involvement by providing accessible, continuous, patient-centered, and comprehensive care. The hallmarks of many family dentistry practices include services that benefit patients at all stages of life, such as:
Family dentists make a point of getting to know their patients. They encourage regular checkups and catch emerging issues such as cavities. They provide continuity of care even if patients do not see the same professional on each visit. Information such as medical histories, diagnoses, and treatment plans are less likely to fall through any cracks. Centralized paperwork and familiarity with medical history also help dentists pinpoint and treat various oral health issues.
A family dentist can practice alone, but some partner with other dentists. Whatever the case, a family dentist treats various needs. Patients often turn to their family dental practice for checkups, cleanings, cavity prevention and treatment, tooth decay deterrence, and gum disease prevention. Some practices may even provide orthodontic services, cosmetic dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and other types of specialized dentistry. When necessary, family dentists refer patients to specialized dentists for other types of treatment.
A patient's first visit to a family dentist will consist of a thorough physical examination to assess their needs and current dental health. This will involve a dental exam and updated X-rays. X-rays are particularly essential as they can diagnose and evaluate any potential issues that an exam cannot detect. Riverside Dental Center & Beauty Spa will also perform a thorough dental cleaning as part of the first visit. Then, once completed, our team will discuss any X-ray results and devise a customized treatment plan to meet each patient's unique needs.
A. Family dentists treat most ages, caring for both children and senior citizens. If the practice includes a pediatric dentist, it might accept infant patients. Otherwise, a family dentist tends to see children once they are in kindergarten.
A. Most likely, yes. However, if the cavity is severe enough, family dentists may need to refer patients elsewhere for more specialized care. Regular checkups with your family dentist can help prevent cavities.
A. In general, each patient should visit once or twice a year. Dentists prefer to see children every six months. Meanwhile, adults with teeth in excellent condition might visit only once a year. People who are pregnant, undergoing chemotherapy, or dealing with serious health issues may need to visit their dentist more frequently than twice a year. We can help determine your unique risk profile.
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Wondering whether a family dentist can see adults? Some dentists only treat certain ages, which means they only treat children or they only treat adults. Family dentists are dental professionals who can treat patients of a wide range of ages.Looking for a new family dentist in Rio Rancho? When someone is in need of a
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums does more than ensure a strong and beautiful smile. Proper routine dental care also helps lower the risks of developing many serious diseases, including certain cancers, heart problems, and diabetes. However, patients who struggle with dental anxiety may fail to stick with a regular cleaning and checkup schedule. As a
Patients typically do not feel much discomfort during root canal therapy, but there is likely to be discomfort during the recovery process. It is helpful to become familiar with the likely symptoms following root canal therapy and plan in advance on how to make a full recovery in the shortest amount of time possible.There are
Reviews
Rating 3.9 out of 5 based on 53 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestAustyn Michael
2 years ago
Loved getting my dental work from her, she was wonderful took care of all my fillngs and what not for years. Not sure what happened recently though, I had a teeth cleaning scheduled for mid July and she never returned my call to confirm the appointment, I made multiple attempts to reach out to her, left messages, and no return call. Finally gave up and went to see her in person, and found the office completely empty and dark.
Mindy Montoya
2 years ago
I have been trying to get in and make an appointment and there is never an answer. Phones go straight to voicemail
Susie Edwards
2 years ago
I made an appointment with confirmation and the doctor didn't show up. I drove over 2 hours one way to make my appointment. I had a Groupon deal. I do not recommend. Also, I called, left messages, emailed, and did not hear back from the provider for well over two months AFTER the no-show. I found another business open in the building that says this happens often with this provider. Update: the provider reached out approximately 6 months later and attempted to reschedule.
Monica Dawson
2 years ago
I think this may have been her most difficult case but she showed patients and tenacity
brenda picado
2 years ago
Amazing service and the dentist is so personable, great experience! I highly recommend this place!
Christine Martinez
2 years ago
Dr. Heywood is a wonderful dentist!! She's so friendly and makes me feel very comfortable! She is also very thorough and efficient!!!
Fairy Fauna
2 years ago
I bought a groupon for me and another family member. It was very difficult to get a hold of the office. None of the posted numbers worked. They did call me back and scheduled an appointment. I asked for an email confirmation of the appointment, she said she would text it to me. I never received the text. I showed up to my appointment when it was time. The office is suppose to be open at 8am. My appointment was 9am. I arrived at 8:45 to do my bew client paperwork. Office was empty. Look deserted. Clock on the wall had wrong time and was not working. Dead Plants visible. Doctor arrived 9:10am. Mask mandate has been lifted. She didnt have a mask, but wanted me to put mine on. I did. She was not friendly or welcoming at all. I felt uncomfortable. She said she was going text me paper work. Very confusing system and it didnt work. I asked for paper work because her system wasnt working properly. She stared at me annoyed. And so I asked to cancel the appointment and explained I felt extremely uncomfortable. I did not feel safe or welcome. I truly feel if I had let her work on me, she would have hurt me. I couldnt get out of there fast enough. Going to the dentist is a very stressful situation for me to begin with. I had anxiety and was using breath work and meditation to try to not fee like I was going to faint. The best decision I made was leaving! Waste of money. Because groupon is so difficult to get a hold of (no customer service, only online help) I had to call my bank and file a claim for a refund. Really regret this. I am nee to the state and was looking for a newdentist. I calmly asked if I could cancel the appoint, that I did not feel safe. She said yes. I asked, if I could contact groupon for a refund, she said yes. I believe she knew this was a shady situation and totally inappropriate behavior and experience.
Tammy Hong
2 years ago
Love my dentist, she's such a professional in all she does and always so pleasant to be around... I've been seeing Dr. Barbara Lewis Heywood for over six years and always feel comfortable with her work and compassion
Fairy Fauna
3 years ago
I bought a groupon for me and another family member. It was very difficult to get a hold of the office. None of the posted numbers worked. They did call me back and scheduled an appointment. I asked for an email confirmation of the appointment, she said she would text it to me. I never received the text. I showed up to my appointment when it was time. The office is suppose to be open at 8am. My appointment was 9am. I arrived at 8:45 to do my bew client paperwork. Office was empty. Look deserted. Clock on the wall had wrong time and was not working. Dead Plants visible. Doctor arrived 9:10am. Mask mandate has been lifted. She didnt have a mask, but wanted me to put mine on. I did. She was not friendly or welcoming at all. I felt uncomfortable. She said she was going text me paper work. Very confusing system and it didnt work. I asked for paper work because her system wasnt working properly. She stared at me annoyed. And so I asked to cancel the appointment and explained I felt extremely uncomfortable. I did not feel safe or welcome. I truly feel if I had let her work on me, she would have hurt me. I couldnt get out of there fast enough. Going to the dentist is a very stressful situation for me to begin with. I had anxiety and was using breath work and meditation to try to not fee like I was going to faint. The best decision I made was leaving! Waste of money. Because groupon is so difficult to get a hold of (no customer service, only online help) I had to call my bank and file a claim for a refund. Really regret this. I am nee to the state and was looking for a newdentist. I calmly asked if I could cancel the appoint, that I did not feel safe. She said yes. I asked, if I could contact groupon for a refund, she said yes. I believe she knew this was a shady situation and totally inappropriate behavior and experience.
Shon Cobbs
3 years ago
Could not have been more pleased. Dr. Lewis-Howard's COVID precautions were perfect (which is something I care about greatly). Her care and attention were beyond any dental care I've had back in Denver. I'm so happy to have found her practice. Highly recommended.
Antonette Salazar
3 years ago
I had two IPL facial treatments to remove sunspots, and the results were AMAZING! I had never had anything done to my face before and was rather skeptical. Dr. Heywood was extremely professional, and I highly recommend her.
Tammy Hong
3 years ago
Love my dentist, she's such a professional in all she does and always so pleasant to be around... I've been seeing Dr. Barbara Lewis Heywood for over six years and always feel comfortable with her work and compassion
Liz
3 years ago
Unfortunately I didn't receive the results or experience I should've had after a recent IPL at Riverside. I shared with Dr. Barbara (her preferred name) that I receive IPLs every few months and always have great results to help treat my melasma and other hyperpigmentation, but I didn't feel like she heard me and chose to use a light level that was far lower than the level I needed for effect. I didn't have any of the darkening of hyperpigmentation I always get after an IPL treatment. This is disappointing and why I shared my concerns of wanting a stronger light treatment and not wanting to waste my time or money. I wish she would've heard and respected me better.
Eliott Davis
3 years ago
Best teeth cleaning I've ever had!
Brandon Silva
3 years ago
Dr. Lewis is very knowledgeable, she took the time to take care of me and did a great job. She is a great person.
Melissa Benavidez
3 years ago
Dr. Haywood is kind, knowledgeable and patient-oriented. If you're looking for a dentist she is a great choice!
Dominic Jaramillo
3 years ago
I've been going to Riverside Dental for several years now but will never again. I had an appointment not too long ago and got the normal confirmation email but when I showed up to the appointment the office was closed! The confirmation email still have the old address and I was never informed that they had moved! I called and spoke to the doctor and got the new location and when I got there the staff at acted like it was my fault and they were inconvenienced. Once I got into the chair they told me that their system was down they couldn't look at my records. They had no idea if I needed x-rays to check my gum pockets or anything. It basically just seemed like they wanted my money so I left without doing the check up. Then a few weeks later I get a follow-up call from the dentist and she states I missed my appointment and need to reschedule! I will never ever go back to Riverside Dental! UPDATE: I see Riverside Dental has responded. Yes it is the same establishment. I was a client here for years and had my teeth looked at by Dr. Heywood many times. Lol if it's true that you dont have a record of me being a client then even more reason for people to avoid this place. If they are actually lying just to save face. Wow!
Ashley Ackerman
3 years ago
With all of the anxiety and fear I have had with my teeth, I don't think I could have found another person better to rid me of it like Barbara has. I'm extremely excited to see what she is able to do for me.
Kevin Van Stone
3 years ago
I came in for a tooth whitening session with Dr. Heywood. She was very nice and keeps her office extremely sanitary and is very meticulous about using PPE to keep herself and her patients safe. I'm very happy with the results of my teeth whitening at her office. I'm not embarrassed to show my smile anymore :)
Liz
3 years ago
Unfortunately I didn't receive the results or experience I should've had after a recent IPL at Riverside. I shared with Dr. Barbara (her preferred name) that I receive IPLs every few months and always have great results to help treat my melasma and other hyperpigmentation, but I didn't feel like she heard me and chose to use a light level that was far lower than the level I needed for effect. I didn't have any of the darkening of hyperpigmentation I always get after an IPL treatment. This is disappointing and why I shared my concerns of wanting a stronger light treatment and not wanting to waste my time or money. I wish she would've heard and respected me better.
Load more