Our modern dcor offices are equipped with the latest dental technology. Designed with children in mind, our movie room, iPads (west only) and in-chair HDTVs will keep them busy and comfortable before and during treatment. Our spacious hygiene area is light, comfortable and open, and our treatment rooms provide privacy when needed for more involved procedures. Our offices are designed to entertain young ones yet not exclude the comfort of teens.

The services we offer include complete childrens dentistry, orthodontics and oral surgery making us the most comprehensive provider of childrens dental services in New Mexico! We believe in providing quality care to every patient, and we design our treatment plans based on individual needs not fee schedules. We accept most insurances, including Medicaid, and we file all claims with your insurance company on your behalf and even offer flexible payment plans and CareCredit.

We specialize in dentistry for children ages 9 months to 18 years old. Staffed with pediatric specialists and general dentists for children, we can offer basic care like exams and cleanings all the way to specialized procedures and even hospital dentistry. We are one of a few practices offering multiple types of sedation dentistry for added comfort when prescribed or necessary. Our focus is exclusively on kids, which is how we create such a positive dental experience for them.

Combining our experienced in-house oral and maxillofacial surgeon with our state-of-the-art dental equipment ensures our oral surgery offering is top notch. We can offer multiple forms of sedation for your procedure, from nitrous oxide to complete IV sedation. We offer the following types of oral surgery procedures at our office: wisdom teeth extraction, orthodontic exposures and implant placement procedures. We provide these services to children, teens and adults all within the comfort of our office.

Smiles for Kids Dentistry, Orthodontics & Oral Sugery has pediatric dental specialists on staff overseeing our dental operations. Pediatric dentists are childrens dentists who elect to take an extra two years of schooling to specialize in pediatric dentistry. Our childrens dentists work with children aged nine months to 18 years, and with special needs patients up to 26 years. No matter how minor or serious your childs needs are, we have the knowledge and technology upon which you can rely.

Spencer J. Tasker, DMD is our Co-founder and the Chairman and Chief Technical Officer for Smiles for Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics. A board certified New Mexico licensed pediatric dentist, Dr. Tasker received his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University and attended Case Western Universitys School of Dental Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed his pediatric specialty training in 2006 at Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital, also in Cleveland, Ohio. Additionally, he has practiced in the Oral Emergency Care Unit at the University of New Mexico and has served in nonprofit oral health and volunteering initiatives abroad in the Dominican Republic and the Island of Samoa. In his free time, Dr. Tasker enjoys spending time with his wife Sarah and daughters Sydney and Ella, as well as golfing, watching sporting events of all kinds, and has completed over 25 full marathons.

Christian Peck, DDS was born in Massachusetts and raised in Coalville, Utah. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Weber State University. He earned his D.D.S. degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. He was then fortunate to stay in Richmond to complete an additional 2 year pediatric dental residency at VCU and the Childrens Hospital of Richmond and receive a Masters degree in Science of Dentistry. Dr. Peck has volunteered several hours with the Mission of Mercy project providing free dental care in rural areas of Virginia. Dr. Peck enjoys spending time with his wife Amanda and three kids: Kayla, Mylee, Crue, and their dog Nacho. He is an avid snowboarder, speaks Spanish, enjoys building furniture, and playing many different sports.

Dr. Vaughn Call, DMD, was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. He attended ASU for his undergraduate studies in Biology. He earned his dental education in Glendale, AZ, at Midwestern University. After dental school, he completed a pediatric dentistry residency with NYU Lutheran in Tucson, AZ. Dr. Call is thrilled to have an established dental career that allowed him to remain in the Southwest. He speaks Spanish fluently, and loves working with children. In his spare time, Vaughn loves being outdoors, gardening, building furniture, and enjoying time with his wife and seven kids.

Jung Lee, DMD grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona where she went on to study biochemistry at Arizona State University. She then went to dental school at Nova Southeastern University in Florida where she graduated with honors. After dental school and with a few years of practicing as a general dentist, she moved to New York City to complete her pediatric dental specialty training at an extensive program at Bronx Lebanon Hospital. She was nationally recognized by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry for achieving the top 3% on the national board and is a recipient of the Richard C. Pugh award for her academic achievements. She is a board certified pediatric dentist who truly loves helping children and families. Not just in providing treatment, but in educating patients and their families on the importance of oral hygiene to establish happy and healthy smiles. She is actively involved in the community with volunteering and collaborating with other health care professionals. During her spare time, she enjoys the beautiful outdoors of New Mexico, cooking, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

John Jeppsen DMD, MSD, spent his undergraduate years studying the plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer's Disease, allowing him tograduate cum laude with a bachelor's degree in biology. He then embarked on his dental professional education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. After becoming a dentist, he completed a general practice residency at Ohio State University. He decided to pursue orthodontics as a specialty and graduated at the top of his class from Jacksonville University where he earned a master's degree in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Dr. Jeppsens interests include astronomy, snowboarding, and competitive eating. He enjoys training his maltipoo named Beau and is always looking for new restaurants with extra spicy food. In order to better communicate with more patients, Dr.Jeppsen learned to speak Spanish fluently.

Roxanna Khajavi, DMD (Dr. Roxy) is a Board Certified Pediatric Specialist who grew up in Southern California. She attended UCLA for her undergraduate degree and earned a Bachelors of Science in Biology. She studied Dentistry at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts earning her DMD. Following dental school, she moved to Brooklyn, NY for her post-graduate training, completing a General Practice Residency at Maimonides Medical Center. She went on to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry at Maimonides and served as Chief Resident in her last year. She spent a few years working in private practice in New York City before moving to Albuquerque. Dr. Roxy is devoted to staying up to date on the latest literature and technology in pediatric dentistry. She believes communication is one of the most important aspects of her practice and always takes the time to discuss treatment with each family. She loves working with her young patients and is looking forward to bringing happy and healthy smiles to the community. In her spare time she loves to spend time with her husband, bake, do yoga, and garden.

Leilani Tanaka, DDS was born and raised in northern California. She completed her undergraduate degree in Molecular & Cellular Biology at University of California at Berkeley, in 2001, which is where she also met her husband Ray. She received her DDS degree from the University of California at San Francisco in 2007. Following dental school Dr. Tanaka did a one-year General Practice Residency at the West Los Angeles VA Hospital, treating veterans, and gaining advanced training in all areas of dentistry especially prosthodontics, oral surgery, and the treatment of medically complex patients. Since then Dr. Tanaka has worked for both non-profit organizations and private practice, and discovered along the way that her favorite part of dentistry is treating pediatric patients. Following career opportunities for her husband, she moved to Albuquerque in 2014, where she loves the beautiful sunsets, food, and friendly people. With three young children and a dog, she stays busy and enjoys crafts and games with the family, anything sci-fi, cooking, and travel.

Lily Cha, DDS (Dr. Lily) was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She completed her undergraduate degree at Pacific Union College and received her D.D.S. degree from Loma Linda University in California. Dr. Lily enjoys working with kids of all ages and has been providing dental care for the state of New Mexico since 2011. When not at work, she enjoys travelling, hiking, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Armando J. Chavez, DDS was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After attending The University of New Mexico for undergrad, Armando received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. Upon returning to Albuquerque, Armando completed a one-year residency where he received a certificate for Advanced Education in General Dentistry. Armando enjoys spending time with his family, playing soccer, and snowboarding.

Jennifer Lapsker, DDS, was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. She graduated with a degree in Integrative Biology in 2005 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Following in her fathers footsteps, she decided to pursue dentistry and earned her D.D.S. degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry. It is here that she met her husband, Jonathan. Dr. Lapsker worked with her father before making the move to Albuquerque, and has been providing care to the great state of New Mexico since 2010. In her spare time, Dr. Lapsker likes to learn about different cultures, cook, do crafts, and spend time with her son and her Toy Poodle, Abbey.

Christina Chung, DDS (Dr. Tina) was born and raised in Vancouver, Washington. She graduated from Pacific Union College in Angwin, California with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in 2004. Dr. Tina received her D.D.S from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry graduating in 2008. She has served several voluntary mission trips abroad to Mexico, Sri Lanka and the Dominican Republic, which has instilled the importance of giving back to the community. She enjoys spending time with her husband Jon and her two dogs and cat. Dr. Tina has truly fallen in love with the state of New Mexico and enjoys the outdoors. On her free time, she enjoys hiking the La Luz trail, snowboarding in New Mexico and Colorado, camping, playing tennis, bowling and cooking.

R. Ganon Rowan, DMD grew up in Merced, California and earned an undergraduate degree in Spanish. He earned his Doctor of Medical Dentistry from Case Western Universitys School of Dental Medicine. He is certified to perform oral conscious sedation. Dr. Rowan is a board member of the G3 Foundation, a humanitarian organization that provides year round humanitarian dental and health services to areas in the Dominican Republic. He has also traveled to Samoa to provide humanitarian dental services. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Jennie and their 5 children, playing golf and traveling.

Cameron Hatch, DDS is a native of Albuquerque where he attended West Mesa High School. After spending two years abroad in Argentina doing volunteer service, Dr. Hatch received his B.A. in Spanish from Brigham Young University. He earned his DDS degree from the University of Colorados School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Hatch speaks English, Spanish and is currently learning sign language. He loves spending time with his wife Melanie and their four children. He also enjoys fishing, golfing and most other sports.

Cori Dominguez, DMD grew up in Albuquerque and the East Mountains. After graduating from East Mountain High School, she attended UNM where she earned a degree in Chemistry. Go Lobos! She earned her Doctor of Medical Dentistry from Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Glendale, AZ. Dr. Dominguez (Dr. D) is happy to be back in her home state continuing to serve the community where she grew up. She is a member of the American Dental Association, New Mexico Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. D enjoys giving back to the community and has volunteered for Give Kids a Smile and Super Sealant Saturday for the last five years providing free dental care to children in the community. In 2003, Dr. D was awarded a Bernalillo County Citizen of the Year Award for creating the curriculum for a childrens summer science camp held at a community center in Sandia Park. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband Max, hiking, fishing, going to the movies, cheering on the Lobos and Isotopes, and eating breakfast burritos.

Aaron Khaira, DMD, CAGS Orthodontist grew up in Texas and graduated with his B.A. in Biology from Austin College. Next he attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine where he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine. Dr. Khaira practiced as a general dentist for 8 years prior to completing his orthodontic residency at Jacksonville University. Dr. Khaira is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and loves providing his patients with beautiful smiles! Outside of the office, Dr. Khaira enjoys spending time with his wife Heather and their two dogs, Emmy and Dallas. He likes playing ice hockey, soccer, and variety of outdoor activities.

Douglas Reid DMD, MD was born and raised in Bellingham, WA. He attended Brigham Young University and received a Bachelors Degree in Neuroscience. Dr Reid completed both Dental School and a General Practice Residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Subsequently, Dr. Reid attended the University of Nebraska College of Medicine where he earned his Medical Degree and completed a 5 year surgical residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. During his time in Nebraska Dr. Reid underwent extensive training in Anesthesia in addition to the rigorous surgical residency. Dr. Reid has spent the past 6 years in private practice based in Santa Fe, prior to joining the Smiles for Kids team this past Spring.

Starla Holguin RDH, BS was born in Tennessee, but moved to New Mexico when she was eight. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of New Mexico. She is a member of the Sigma Phi Alpha Honor Society and was awarded the Irene Navarre Scholarship and the Outstanding Achievement Award In Dental Hygiene from UNM. Starla took her first opportunity as a dental hygienist working with the underserved in Lordsburg, NM for two years. She then moved back to Albuquerque to work in an adult private practice for the next 4 years. It was after that she started to work in pediatrics and realized her true passion of working with children! She has worked in pediatrics for 12 years and loves it! She has also spent time volunteering at the New Mexico Mission of Mercy. Starla has 2 children and enjoys hiking with her dogs, biking, reading and art work with her daughter.

For most people, achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is the reason for receiving orthodontic care. If you're self-conscious about your smile, correcting your concerns with braces will greatly improve the way you look and feel.

When your treatment is complete, you will have the smile you've always dreamed of and the confidence to show it off! We also want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire orthodontic experience, and our practice is dedicated to making sure that you receive the quality care you deserve.

Orthodontic appliances are made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to the proper position.

Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can now choose clear or metal brackets, and in some cases, you can even choose the color of your appliance. Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster with more comfort. Today, any age is a great age to wear braces!

Treatment time varies and can last between one and three years depending on several factors, including age, treatment method, and the severity of your case. A big factor in a successful treatment is you! The more involved and diligent you are, the more efficient your treatment will be. For children, receiving interceptive or early treatment can also help provide a quicker treatment time.