Meet the Team
Glendale AZ's Top Dental Team
Doctors
Dr. Richard Dawson
Education & Training
- B.Mus from University of Utah
- D.M.D. from Midwestern University
- Advanced Implant Placement & Surgery Fellowship at Implant Pathway
- Oral Conscious Sedation at Arizona Dental Association
- Straight Wire Orthodontics from American Orthodontic Society
- Invisalign Certification
- Hard and Soft Tissue Certification from Academy of Laser Dentistry
Dr. John Turke
Education & Training
- B.Mus from University of Utah
- D.M.D. from Midwestern University
- Advanced Implant Placement & Surgery Fellowship at Implant Pathway
- Invisalign Certification
- Hard and Soft Tissue Certification from Academy of Laser Dentistry
Hygienists
Ilse Barranco
Education & Training
- A.S. in Dental Hygiene from Carrington College
- Soft Tissue Certification from Carrington College
More About Ilse
As a passionate advocate for oral health and a committed dental professional, Ilse brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the field of dental hygiene. She actively pursues professional development opportunities. She attends conferences, workshops, and training sessions to stay informed about the latest advancements in dental hygiene. With over 5 years of hands-on experience, Ilse has honed her skills in providing comprehensive dental hygiene care.
Beyond the clinic, Ilse is dedicated to community outreach and oral health education. She has volunteered at local schools and community events, promoting dental hygiene awareness and emphasizing the importance of preventive care. As her patient, you can expect gentle but thorough treatments.
Outside of work, Ilse enjoys spending time with her family, loves to travel and enjoys trying new places to eat. She also finds pleasure in being outdoors, hiking, and has even become a photography enthusiast.
Marcela Encinas
Education & Training
- Fortis College '19
- Twelve years as a dental assistant
More About Marcela
Marcela brings more than 18 years of dental experience to the team. She began her career as a dental assistant before graduating from Fortis College and becoming a registered dental hygienist in 2019. Marcela truly loves being a hygienist and finds it rewarding to help patients feel comfortable, cared for, and confident in their smiles. With her warm and approachable style, she is dedicated to providing the highest level of care.
Committed to ongoing learning and growth, Marcela values patient education and takes pride in empowering individuals to maintain lifelong oral health. Her gentle yet thorough approach ensures that every patient leaves with a healthier, brighter smile.
Outside of the office, Marcela enjoys spending quality time with her daughter and family. She also loves staying active through workouts, finding balance in everyday life, and embracing each moment with positivity and gratitude.
Clinical Team
Clarissa
Dental Assistant
Hi, I’m Clarissa! I’ve been in the dental field for over 7 years and have experience working both front and back office. I love being part of a team that helps patients feel comfortable, confident, and cared for every step of the way.I’m passionate about the difference dentistry can make in someone’s life, and I take pride in creating a positive experience from the moment you walk in.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my daughter—we love being outdoors, finding new hiking trails, and checking out local coffee spots.
Angeles
Dental Assistant
My name is Angeles Kayla Palomino, and I’m a dental assistant and recent graduate of Pima Medical Institute. I completed my externship at Smile Science Dental Spa, where I was proud to be hired after completing my hours.
I’m passionate about making patients feel supported and comfortable during their dental visits and procedures, and I love being part of the process that helps restore their beautiful smiles. Outside of work, I enjoy watching movies and playing story-driven games to relax and recharge.
Berenice
Dental Assistant
My name is Berenice, and I’m a certified dental assistant with a genuine passion for helping others. My interest in dentistry began when I was a little girl during my own visits to the dentist, and that early curiosity led me to pursue a career in the field. I studied at West-MEC, where I earned certifications in Radiographic Health and Safety (RHS) and Coronal Polishing.
What I love most about dentistry is that it’s not just about teeth—it’s about people. I believe in building strong connections with patients, understanding their needs, and creating a space where they feel safe, heard, and never judged. Trust is everything in patient care, and my goal is always to provide a positive, supportive experience at every visit.
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through working out, hiking, and traveling. I also love trying new things and exploring new experiences whenever I can.
Cindiray
Dental Assistant
Front Office Team
Nikolina
Office Manager
Hi, I’m Nikolina! I’ve been working in dental administration for over five years, with experience in treatment coordinating, managing insurance claims, and keeping things running smoothly in the office. What I love most about the dental field is that every patient has their own dreams, goals, and needs — and I get to help plan the process with them and for them. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me spending time with friends and family, traveling, or trying something new!
Litzy
Treatment Coordinator
Coming Soon!
Mary
Virtual Assistant
With over 12 years of experience in the dental industry, I am proud to support our dental team as a dedicated Virtual Assistant. My background in dental office operations, patient communication, scheduling, and administrative management allows me to provide seamless support that keeps our practice running smoothly.
I am committed to ensuring that every patient receives the care and attention they deserve by helping our dental team stay organized and efficient. My goal is to make your experience with our office as smooth and stress-free as possible, from scheduling appointments to coordinating follow-ups.
Behind the scenes, I work with passion, professionalism, and dedication—always focused on helping the team deliver the highest level of patient care.