Glendale, Arizona · Est. 2023
Meet Our Smile Science Dental Team in Glendale, AZ
An independent, doctor-owned practice built around long-term patient relationships, not patient volume. You will see the same doctors at every visit. They will know your history, explain your options honestly, and make decisions based on what your case actually needs.
Our Philosophy
Same Doctors, Same Standards,
Every Single Visit
Smile Science is doctor-owned and independently operated. No corporate management. No outside investors directing what we recommend or how we schedule. The doctors who own this practice are the same doctors who see you at every appointment.
In a DSO or corporate dental chain, there is often a different provider at each visit, treatment recommendations influenced by production goals, and a management layer between the clinical team and the patient. Here, the people making your treatment decisions are Dr. Dawson and Dr. Turke -- and they answer to the patient, not to investors.
The team is small by design. Fewer doctors means longer relationships, more consistent care, and treatment decisions that build on your history instead of starting from scratch every time.
Dr. Richard Dawson, DMD
Founder -- Implant & Oral Rehabilitation
Implant Surgery & Rehabilitation
Dr. Richard Dawson -- Founder
Dr. Dawson founded Smile Science in Glendale with a specific vision: to bring surgical-level implant dentistry, sedation, and comprehensive care together under one roof in an environment where patients actually want to come back. An Arizona native and Midwestern University graduate, he built the practice from the ground up rather than joining a corporate dental chain -- and that decision shapes every aspect of how Smile Science operates.
His clinical focus is the surgical and rehabilitative side of dentistry: dental implants (single tooth through full-arch All-on-X), bone grafting, sinus lifts, complex extractions including wisdom teeth, and full-arch reconstruction. He holds ICOI Fellowship -- a credential earned through documented clinical cases and examination -- and is OCS certified in Arizona for oral conscious sedation. He also provides Invisalign and handles emergencies throughout the week.
Patients describe him as unhurried, honest, and technically skilled. He takes time to explain what he finds, presents options fairly, and does not recommend treatment that is not genuinely necessary. When complex cases arise, he works directly with Dr. Christopher Barrett, whose mentorship relationship with Dr. Dawson gives the practice access to full-arch expertise that typically requires traveling to a major academic or specialty center.
Clinical Focus
- +Dental implants & All-on-X
- +Bone grafting & sinus lifts
- +Complex extractions
- +Oral conscious sedation
- +Invisalign clear aligners
- +Emergency dentistry
Restorative & Digital Dentistry
Dr. John Turke -- Restorative
Dr. Turke leads the restorative and cosmetic side of Smile Science with a digital-first approach that changes what patients can expect from their appointments. Using the 3Shape Trios 5 intraoral scanner, Exocad design software, and in-office CAD/CAM milling, he designs and fabricates permanent crowns, bridges, and veneers in-house -- often in a single appointment, without the two-to-three-week lab turnaround that most practices require.
His Digital Smile Design workflow allows patients to see a 3D preview of their expected result before any irreversible treatment begins. For smile makeover cases, this matters -- patients can give real input on proportions, shade, and shape before a single tooth is touched. Dr. Turke coordinates full-smile plans with Dr. Dawson for any cases that involve implants, extractions, or surgical components.
In addition to restorative and cosmetic work, Dr. Turke is a certified Invisalign provider managing ClinCheck treatment planning for teen and adult cases. He is also trained in facial aesthetic injectables, including Botox and dermal fillers, and handles general and emergency dentistry.
Clinical Focus
- +Same-day CAD/CAM crowns
- +Porcelain veneers
- +Digital Smile Design
- +Invisalign clear aligners
- +Full-arch prosthetic design
- +Botox & dermal fillers
Dr. John Turke, DMD
Cosmetic & Digital Restorative Dentist
Complex Implant Cases & Revision Surgery
Dr. Christopher Barrett -- Implant Depth
Dr. Christopher Barrett is a nationally active full-arch implantologist with over 4,000 cases placed -- a level of clinical volume that is genuinely rare. He serves as clinical faculty at Implant Pathway, teaching the Full Arch Fixed Protocols course to dentists and specialists across the country. He is also a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for SIN Implants and travels nationally performing complex revision surgeries and mentoring clinicians.
Dr. Barrett is Dr. Dawson's mentor. His availability at Smile Science is reserved for cases that require his specific depth of experience: failed implant revisions, remote anchorage scenarios where traditional placement is not viable, zygomatic implants for patients with severe bone deficiency, and complex full-arch cases where a second highly experienced surgeon changes the risk profile.
Scheduling with Dr. Barrett starts with a consultation with Dr. Dawson. Dr. Dawson determines whether Dr. Barrett's involvement is genuinely appropriate for the case. Not every implant case requires it -- but when it does, access to this level of expertise without leaving Glendale is a significant advantage for patients who need it.
Cases at Smile Science
- +Full-arch All-on-X (complex)
- +Remote anchorage cases
- +Zygomatic implants
- +Revision of failed implants
- +Advanced bone grafting
- +Co-surgical complex cases
On-Site IV Sedation
Our Board-Certified
Dental Anesthesiologist
Most dental practices that offer sedation use dentist-administered oral sedation or nitrous oxide -- effective for mild anxiety, but not a true anesthetic. Smile Science is one of a small number of dental practices that has a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on-site for IV sedation and monitored anesthesia care.
Our dental anesthesiologist is board-certified by the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology (ADBA) -- the governing credentialing body for dental anesthesiologists in the United States. Board certification requires completion of a dedicated anesthesiology residency, a written and oral examination, and ongoing maintenance of certification through continuing education.
Having this specialist in the room changes what is possible for patients who have severe dental anxiety, medical complexity, or procedures that require deep sedation. The dentist can focus entirely on the clinical work while the anesthesiologist focuses entirely on the patient's airway, vital signs, and anesthetic depth. That is the standard of care at hospital surgical centers. Smile Science brings it into a dental office setting.
For most dental practices, IV sedation means referring patients to a hospital or ambulatory surgery center -- adding cost, travel, and coordination. At Smile Science, the full sedation team comes to you.
Our Dental Anesthesiologist
IV Sedation & Anesthesia
Clinical Hygiene Team
Our Registered Dental Hygienists
Your hygienists are your first line of preventive care -- and often the person you see most frequently. Ours bring real experience, genuine warmth, and a low-pressure approach to every appointment.
Behind Every Appointment
Our Clinical and Administrative Team
Behind every smooth appointment is an experienced clinical and front-desk team. Our assistants, hygienists, and administrative staff are selected for both technical skill and how they treat people.
Many team members have been here since the practice opened. Familiar faces at every visit build the kind of trust that makes dental care easier over time.
What Makes the Difference
Why Working with This Team
is Different
Ownership and Accountability
Dr. Dawson and Dr. Turke own this practice and practice here full time. When the person making your treatment recommendation is the same person who built and owns the practice, accountability is direct. There is no corporate layer absorbing or deflecting that relationship.
Complementary Expertise
Dr. Dawson's surgical depth and Dr. Turke's restorative precision are genuinely complementary. Complex full-smile cases that cross surgical and cosmetic domains are coordinated in-house, not handed between separate offices with separate records and different expectations.
Access to Specialist-Level Care
Dr. Barrett's availability for complex implant cases -- and a board-certified dental anesthesiologist for IV sedation -- gives this practice a clinical depth that patients would normally only find at a major academic medical or specialty surgical center. That access exists here, in a Glendale dental office.
Honest Treatment Planning
Because the practice is not accountable to investor production targets, treatment recommendations reflect what the case actually requires. Patients who have seen multiple dentists often note that Smile Science is the first office where they felt they were told the truth about what they needed -- and what they did not.
Technology That Reduces Appointments
In-house CAD/CAM milling, digital scanning, and CBCT 3D imaging mean fewer visits, faster results, and less seat time for patients. These tools exist in service of the patient's experience, not as equipment to justify a higher fee.
Environment Built for Comfort
The Dental Spa name is not a marketing phrase. The physical space, the patient flow, the lighting, the sedation options, and the unhurried scheduling all exist to lower the barrier to care. Patients who feel comfortable come back. Patients who come back get better outcomes over time.
4.9 (437 reviews)
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Smile Science Dental Spa, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of care and service provided by the entire team. Dr. Dawson and Dr. Turke are both incredibly skilled and made me feel completely at ease throughout my procedures. Their professionalism, combined with their gentle approach, made me feel comfortable and well-informed every step of the way. I was especially impressed that I was able to get a same-day crown(apparently their first ever!), which exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t believe how quick and seamless the process was. It really saved me time and made the experience even more convenient. Cindiray and Angeles, the dental assistants, were equally wonderful. They were not only friendly and attentive but also thorough in explaining everything and made sure I was relaxed during each phase of my visit. Lastly, a big thank you to Litzy at the front desk, who greeted me with a smile and helped with scheduling and any questions I had. She made the entire check-in process a breeze. From start to finish, my experience at Smile Science Dental Spa was exceptional. I'll be returning for sure. I highly, highly, highly recommend them for anyone looking for high-quality dental care.
View Full Review on GoogleDusty
Honestly I’ve never been so happy to go to the dentist. I came in (late due to Lyft) and was still taken care of and treated with care. Even without insurance (kicking in within the next month) prices for an extraction on my infected tooth were more than reasonable. I was able to get more than expected done in the same visit. Dr. Dawson and his team made me feel so comfortable and taken care of. Won’t go anywhere else.
View Full Review on GoogleCherish B
I recently started as a patient after leaving our long-time family Dentist and couldn’t be happier! Marcela is AMAZING and a FANTASTIC hygienist!!!! 😃 Dr Dawson is great too! Every time I visit, they make me feel like family.
View Full Review on GoogleTJ Winzeler
Myself and my family had previously gone to Dr. Turk at another dental office that he worked at. He had relocated and we did not know where he had gone to until this week. Today I got in with Dr. Turk and he took the time to look at my x-rays carefully . I was having pain from a tooth and some other issues. The previous Dentist I went to that I saw just a few days earlier, he did not find any issues with my tooth which I had pain in. Dr. Turk identified infection and referred me to an endodontist. He is very gentle as a wonderful disposition and my self and my family are thrilled to be able to get back with him. The office is lovely, relaxing music, heat and massage chair.I have always been very nervous and some anxiety going to dentist as I have had bad reactions with the anesthesia. I am confident that Dr. Kirk will help me get through my next appointment just fine. “The staff are very kind and attentive. I am looking forward as I have quite a bit of work to be done, and I know I’m in good hands with Dr. Turk and his staff. Five stars!⭐️ Sherry
View Full Review on GoogleSherry Redmond
I recently moved to Arizona and had an issue with a tooth repair from 15 years back. Not knowing anyone here in my new home, I searched dentists close to me. I chose Smile Science much like pinning the tail on the donkey and my selection couldn't have been better! What a terrific staff! Dr. Turke was concerned the tooth would need to be extracted, but said he wanted to take a shot at saving it..and that's just what he did! After setting a temporary crown, I was on my way with an appointment to install the permanent crown in the following two weeks. That evening I received a call I've never received from a dentist. Dr. Turke had taken the time to follow up with me to make sure I wasn't in any discomfort..I was completely caught off guard by this kind of attention to detail and caring for my well being. The permanent crown is now in place, it fits and feels fantastic, the job and treatment are first class! Thank you, Dr. Turke and staff for taking in this stray and giving me a home dentist! I'd like to say that I'm just good at selecting blindly, but the truth is I am very lucky..and I'll take lucky over being good any day of the week! Thank you, again and Happiest of New Year's in 2026, Science Smile!!
View Full Review on GoogleEddy
Frequently Asked Questions
Smile Science has two primary treating dentists: Dr. Richard Dawson (founder, implant surgery, sedation, general dentistry) and Dr. John Turke (restorative, digital dentistry, cosmetic). For complex implant cases, Dr. Christopher Barrett is available by appointment -- he is Dr. Dawson's mentor and a nationally active full-arch implantologist. For IV sedation, a board-certified dental anesthesiologist is available on-site. Together, these four providers cover a remarkably broad range of dental and sedation services.
Generally yes. We schedule patients with the doctor best suited to their primary needs and work to keep that relationship consistent over time. For comprehensive cases involving both surgical and restorative components, you may see both Dr. Dawson and Dr. Turke at different appointments, but care is coordinated between them so you are not starting from scratch at each visit.
No. Smile Science is 100% owned by Dr. Dawson and Dr. Turke, two practicing dentists. There are no outside investors, no private equity, and no management company directing clinical decisions. Both owners practice here full time. In a DSO or corporate chain, treatment recommendations can be shaped by production quotas and investor returns rather than clinical judgment. At Smile Science, the people making your treatment decisions are the same people whose names are on the practice.
Yes. Most dental insurance plans are accepted. For patients without insurance, Smile Science offers an in-house dental membership plan that covers preventive care and provides discounts on treatment. Call (480) 530-3663 to verify your specific coverage or ask about the membership plan.
Most dental practices that offer sedation administer oral sedation or nitrous oxide -- which manage anxiety but are not true IV anesthetics. IV sedation at a hospital-equivalent level requires a separate anesthesia provider dedicated to monitoring the patient's airway, vital signs, and anesthetic depth throughout the procedure. Our board-certified dental anesthesiologist fills that role, which means Dr. Dawson can concentrate entirely on the procedure while anesthesia management is handled by a dedicated specialist. This standard of care is what patients experience at hospital surgical centers. Smile Science makes it available in a dental office setting.
Yes. Smile Science is actively accepting new patients of all ages. New patient appointments can be scheduled online or by calling (480) 530-3663. If you have an urgent need, same-day emergency appointments are available during regular office hours. The office is located at 20118 N 67th Ave Ste 308, Glendale, AZ 85308.
Yes. When scheduling, you can request either Dr. Dawson or Dr. Turke. If you have a complex implant case that may involve Dr. Barrett, that determination will be made at your initial consultation with Dr. Dawson. Requests for sedation-assisted appointments should be noted when scheduling so the anesthesiologist can be coordinated.
Ready to Meet the Team?
Schedule a new patient visit at our Glendale office and experience the Smile Science difference firsthand. New patients of all ages welcome.