Tanque Verde Dental is a Tucson 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. Matt grew up in Central Arizona in a wonderful family, where he was number 7 of 10 kids. After serving a 2 year mission in Nebraska he graduated from Eastern Arizona College, and then received a bachelor's degree in Microbiology from the University of Arizona. He was then accepted to the University of Iowa's dental school.
Dr. Michael J. Killebrew, D.D.S. has been practicing dentistry for more than 30 years. He is a member and good standing with the American Dental Association and has treated thousands of patients in the Tucson area. Born in Douglas, Arizona and growing up in Tucson, he attended Palo Verde High School and graduated near the top of his class. He also participated in athletics at Palo Verde and still supports the University of Arizona sports programs today.
After graduating from the University of Arizona in 1972 with a Bachelor Degree in Biology, Dr. Killebrew moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to attend dental school. There, he completed an extensive internship at the Albert Einstein Hospital. He received his Doctorate in Dental Science from Temple University in 1977. After practicing in the Philadelphia area for a year, he moved back to Arizona to start his own dental practices. In 1982, Dr. Killebrew opened his first practice at Mission and Ajo, and in 1989, he started Tanque Verde Dental in East Tucson.
Over the years the businesses expanded throughout Southern Arizona, eventually growing to six successful offices. The experience Dr. Killebrew gained through the years makes him unique in his field, offering the best in quality work and cosmetic dentistry. He understands each element of patient care and pays close attention to the individual needs of each patient, that may range from dental treatment apprehension to financial concerns.
Dr. Killebrew attends seminars each year to stay updated on the latest in dental advancements and technology. He uses updated equipment and digital x-rays in his office to extend the latest advancements in quality dental care. He also has extensive knowledge in all aspects of dentistry, helping to complete treatments in-house and avoid referring outside of the office when possible. His experience includes: restorative treatment (crowns, fillings, bridges); endodontic (root canals); oral surgery (extractions, implants); prosthetics (dentures, partials); periodontic (controlling gum disease); and cosmetics (veneers, teeth whitening). He specializes in working with adults and families, harboring a reputation for being honest and personable.
Dr. Justin L. Rider obtained his Bachelor of Science degree at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale before receiving his dental degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. Prior to entering private practice, he served an advanced education in general dentistry residency at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas and was also assigned to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson for three years. In 2010, after completing an additional year of clinical and continuing education, Dr. Rider was recognized by the Air Force Specialty Code as an Advanced Clinical Dentist.
Dr. Riders postgraduate education provided him additional training in the areas of IV sedation, oral surgery, wisdom tooth extractions, dental implants, and orthodontics. This training allows him to provide his patients with more comprehensive treatment options in the comfort of their own dental office.
In his spare time, Dr. Rider is a volunteer and enjoys giving back to the community. He enjoys spending time outdoors while enjoying hiking, camping, swimming, and photography. Dr. Rider and his wife, Crystal, enjoy raising their young family in Tucson.
Audrey grew up in Tucson and loves living here. As a Dental Hygienist what she loves most is building a relationship with her patients. She believes every patient is an individual and treatment should be adjusted accordingly. The most satisfying part of her job is helping patients take control of their oral health and seeing the improvements in not only their oral health but their overall health as well. In her free time Audrey enjoys exploring many activities such as gardening, crocheting and watching true crime documentaries. She is also an animal lover and has both cats and dogs.
Jennie is a Dental Assistant and has worked in the dental field almost 32 years. She graduated from Pima Community College in 1985. Prior to her dental career she studied social welfare. She has been working as a Dental Assistant for 26 years. The thing she loves the most about her job is not only helping and caring for people but the relationship she gets to build with her patients. She is very committed to making sure her patients feel as comfortable as possible. She enjoys working with Tanque Verde Dental and helping patients receive the highest quality dental care as well as enabling them to have an enjoyable experience at the office. In her free time she enjoys reading, watching movies, swimming, volleyball, the outdoors, cooking, growing plants, and being a grandmother.
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. Tanque Verde Dental 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.
The last thing you want to do after a dental emergency develops is to drive longer than necessary to an emergency dentist because you were unable to find a qualified one near you. This guide provides useful tips to help you find an emergency dentist so that you can get the prompt treatment you need
The All-on-4 procedure can significantly improve one's oral health and appearance. However, in order to achieve both, it is necessary to go through the entire process, which is known to be involved. Once the procedure is complete, the patient should prepare to undergo a lengthy recovery process. Recovery tends to be lengthy because the dental
Few people realize how many common teeth issues can be addressed by a cosmetic dentist. Whether it is a feature of the appearance or trouble with biting and chewing, patients can find restorative and aesthetic treatments in cosmetic dentistry. This area of work focuses on improving an individuals tooth aesthetics in regards to position, shape,
When a person wants to improve the color or overall appearance of their teeth, a cosmetic dentist can provide numerous treatment options. One popular solution is enhancing the smile with dental veneers. These thin coverings are designed to fit over existing teeth to create a whiter, more symmetrical look. Patients with a variety of cosmetic
Reviews
Rating 4.4 out of 5 based on 26 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestSandra Haymon
a year ago
Over the past couple of years my husband and I have had numerous procedures, including fillings, crowns, extraction and an implant, done at Tanque Verde Dental. We've recieved the very best dental care! We highly recommend Dr. Mat Smith and Dr. Justin Rider and their assistants. Carol Blythe is an excellent hygienist. And, Ester Notten goes far beyond the call of duty to ensure all covered procedures are paid via insurance! We highly recommend the professionalism and high quality care we've received from Tanque Verde Dental!!
Donna Theriault
a year ago
I'm terrified of the dentist!! Always have been, and I don't know why. Because of that fear, it had been over 10 years since my last dental visit. Eventually, it all caught up with me and I had to get some help. Thankfully, that help came from Tanque Verde Dental. In pain, and scared to death, I found help and compassion with Dr. Smith and crew. They all eased my anxiety and helped with the insurance issues. Thank you all so much for your awesome care and support! Need a dentist? Tanque Verde Dental is the BEST!!
John Breen
a year ago
I can't say enough great and positive things about Tanque Verde Dental. Ester, and the rest of the staff is one that I have thoroughly enjoyed being assisted by. Dr. Matt Smith is the friendliest, most professional and most competent Dentist I have had the privilege of ever being treated by.
Linda Stavast
2 years ago
Edited Aug. 23, 2022: I still LOVE coming to this location for ALL my family's dental needs. The hygienist was so careful and gentle. Dr. Smith tells us honestly when we can "watch and wait" or when we need dental work urgently done. Many of my children have had some cavities filled in the last 2 months, and they all did great. No tears. Kudos to Dr. Smith for making their experience pleasant. The dental hygienist I had clean my teeth today was so quiet and pleasant. I loved not having to make forced small talk. The entire staff is pleasant and cheerful. I am super excited to be a "new" patient at Tanque Verde Dental. Dr. Matt Smith is the new dentist at this location. So far, the office staff and dental hygienist have all been great. The receptionist is also new to this location, and she was also kind and professional. My 7 year old daughter just got her teeth cleaned there, and she had a great experience. Backstory: My family moved to Tucson 20 year ago, and I used to take them to Great Grins Children's dentistry. The dentists there are fine, but I don't like how parents are not allowed back to be with their kids while their kids are getting their cavities filled. Also, it's so big, I don't feel like it's very personal there. Well, my family got a job transfer to a small mining town an hour away from Safford/Thatcher, 6 years ago. While we lived in Greenlee County, we drove an hour to Safford to Dr. Matt Smith's office. My family went to him for 5 years. When our family was transferred back to Tucson 8 months ago, I tried taking my kids back to Great Grins again. The dental hygienist there talked to me as if I was supposed to be brushing my older children's teeth, and I thought that was just weird. I just didn't like it there, at all. In desperation, I called Dr. Matt Smith's office in Safford, and found out he moved to Tucson! His new office is only 7 minutes away from my house! I am SO GLAD I get to keep taking my children to Dr. Matt Smith! My husband and I are also excited to keep going to Dr. Matt, too. I immediately got my entire family of six kids and two adults booked for appointments. Dr. Smith has no problem with parents staying with their children while cavities are being filled. I missed Dr. Smith so much, I even thought about moving back to the Gila Valley, just to be closer to his office. Finding out his new practice is now 7 minutes from my house has made me super happy!
Patrick A. Cavanaugh
2 years ago
Tanque Verde Dental is my new dentist. They are very professional, caring and efficient. I recommend this dental practice to anyone searching for a new great dentist!
Mary Perine
2 years ago
A few years ago my husband & I retired in Arizona. One of our first tasks was to locate a dental practice. We live south of Tucson and, after visiting several dental practices in the area near our house, we were unsatisfied with those we interviewed. After several weeks we began interviewing dentist offices in the Tucson area. By chance we walked into Tanque Verde Dental. We were prepared to receive the usual office experienced: a cold welcome, a staff too busy to take a few minutes for us, a staff unable to answer questions, and a staff unhappy to have us inquiring about the practice. However, immediately on entering this office we were warmly welcomed by the receptionist and were put at ease. Our presence in the office did not upset the staff and our questions were answered with explanations that were knowledgeable. Even though we were drop-in visitors inquiring about the practice the dentist came to the reception area and chatted with us. The interaction between the receptionist and the patients coming in and leaving was friendly. Both the receptionist and the dentist made us comfortable. We immediately knew this was the practice we wanted to use - even though it is amazingly far away from our home town. It has been four years since we began using this practice which is enough time for a good understanding how lucky we are to have stumbled in looking for good dental care. I highly recommend this practice if you are looking for a dental practice that has a comfortable, caring environment, shows concern for patients, and one with a high quality of care.
Shannon Barnes
2 years ago
Very upfront on what was needed and how much it would cost. Dr Mike and Genesis were great working on my issue and making sure I was comfortable.
Patrice Unruh
2 years ago
Dr. Killebrew and the office staff are very capable, trustworthy and amiable. Esther, administrative assistant, will always go the extra mile to be sure all procedures and expenses are well understood. Her sincere desire and ability to assist all with kindness is outstanding. All the staff is so positive and caring. I've had to have quite a bit of dental work done this past year and I am extremely satisfied with the quality of work and gentle manner of all. Highly recommend!
Sarah Spencer
2 years ago
This place is amazing. Friendly efficient staff. Knowledgeable dentists. They take the time to explain your options and talk about your procedures. Dr. Wilkinson is great. He makes dentist appointments bearable because he is so funny. And Esther, the receptionist, is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. I highly recommend this place. I've had to get a lot of work done, and they have been great.
Patrice Unruh
3 years ago
Dr. Killebrew and the office staff are very capable, trustworthy and amiable. Esther, administrative assistant, will always go the extra mile to be sure all procedures and expenses are well understood. Her sincere desire and ability to assist all with kindness is outstanding. All the staff is so positive and caring. I've had to have quite a bit of dental work done this past year and I am extremely satisfied with the quality of work and gentle manner of all. Highly recommend!
Shannon Barnes
3 years ago
Very upfront on what was needed and how much it would cost. Dr Mike and Genesis were great working on my issue and making sure I was comfortable.
Sarah Spencer
3 years ago
This place is amazing. Friendly efficient staff. Knowledgeable dentists. They take the time to explain your options and talk about your procedures. Dr. Wilkinson is great. He makes dentist appointments bearable because he is so funny. And Esther, the receptionist, is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. I highly recommend this place. I've had to get a lot of work done, and they have been great.
laurenchavez369
3 years ago
I am positing for a friend who had to share her experience with everyone. --In a world where we all need excellent dental care, I very strongly want to share with the world the expertise of Dr. Killibrew and equally his office staff. Most notably Ester his office manager. After years of observing them I have seen her gift of attention to detail and her compassion for the patients. In my unreasonable dental fear I have dug my fingernails into her and received back only kindness. She is a treasure to the dental world. Robyne Harrington
Tammi White Bear
3 years ago
Esther at the front desk is one of a kind. She is always on top of all information and she is very knowledgable about patients as well as office protocols. The dental assistant staff are always so friendly and Dr. K is the best I've ever been to. He is so kind and concerned for the well being of his patients and is always so patient.
Kelsey Buchanan
3 years ago
This is 100% my own experience and 100% my OPINION based on my own visit. I am a scared patient. I love the cleanings but the work that needs done, that scares me. I made a plan with the doctor to overcome my fear and anxiety about having a procedure. He agreed I could go completely under with general anesthesia. At the desk, Esther was argumentative from the get go. After I explained the plan with the doc she decided to argue with me. She said she knew better than the doctor and I as to what I need. She wasn't informative, she was insistent, repetitive, too much. I did NOT need to be under general anesthesia. I insisted I did. Next, she changed tactics, still as a way to deter me from general anesthesia by suggesting perhaps I could not afford anesthesia at the time. You didn't merely inform me of the price. You drilled it over and over about how it's $125 every 15 minutes and that would be really expensive for X hours of dental work. Ok, thanks for the price the first time. I assure you we have good insurance and what insurance won't cover we can afford to pay upfront out of pocket. The final nail in the coffin? Esther telling me I can't use my husband's health select account card. I'm a grown, married woman with full legal abilities to use this form of payment in my husbands name. Telling me I need my husband to come in and sign for me. This isn't 1950. Oh, or I may "bring in a signed letter ALLOWING me to use his card." I liked the doctor. He was great. I just don't want to deal with Esther.
Kelsey Buchanan
4 years ago
This is 100% my own experience and 100% my OPINION based on my own visit. I am a scared patient. I love the cleanings but the work that needs done, that scares me. I made a plan with the doctor to overcome my fear and anxiety about having a procedure. He agreed I could go completely under with general anesthesia. At the desk, Esther was argumentative from the get go. After I explained the plan with the doc she decided to argue with me. She said she knew better than the doctor and I as to what I need. She wasn't informative, she was insistent, repetitive, too much. I did NOT need to be under general anesthesia. I insisted I did. Next, she changed tactics, still as a way to deter me from general anesthesia by suggesting perhaps I could not afford anesthesia at the time. You didn't merely inform me of the price. You drilled it over and over about how it's $125 every 15 minutes and that would be really expensive for X hours of dental work. Ok, thanks for the price the first time. I assure you we have good insurance and what insurance won't cover we can afford to pay upfront out of pocket. The final nail in the coffin? Esther telling me I can't use my husband's health select account card. I'm a grown, married woman with full legal abilities to use this form of payment in my husbands name. Telling me I need my husband to come in and sign for me. This isn't 1950. Oh, or I may "bring in a signed letter ALLOWING me to use his card." I liked the doctor. He was great. I just don't want to deal with Esther.
Wilmadeen Minger
4 years ago
Starting with the front desk everyone is so friendly and they know what they're doing. We have been there many times and have never had any type of programs come up. Everyone is so professional and the atmosphere is so pleasant from the beginning to the end.
Tammi White Bear
4 years ago
Esther at the front desk is one of a kind. She is always on top of all information and she is very knowledgable about patients as well as office protocols. The dental assistant staff are always so friendly and Dr. K is the best I've ever been to. He is so kind and concerned for the well being of his patients and is always so patient.
greengourmet1
4 years ago
I am fairly new to Tucson and needed a routine cleaning. I am so thrilled to find Tanque Verde Dental! Typically I go twice /yr but it had been a yr & 1/2 . My hygienist was Annika and she was not only friendly, gentle & professional, she was also beyond knowledgeable, educating me with tips on teeth and gum health! Esther at the front desk was incredibly professional and courteous as a conflicting work schedule caused me to have to call and reschedule. I highly recommend Tanque Verde dental and have scheduled my 6-month cleaning already! Thank you to the entire team as I have found my new dental home in Tucson!
laurenchavez369
4 years ago
I am positing for a friend who had to share her experience with everyone. --In a world where we all need excellent dental care, I very strongly want to share with the world the expertise of Dr. Killibrew and equally his office staff. Most notably Ester his office manager. After years of observing them I have seen her gift of attention to detail and her compassion for the patients. In my unreasonable dental fear I have dug my fingernails into her and received back only kindness. She is a treasure to the dental world. Robyne Harrington
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