According to the CDC’s 2024 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, only 66% of U.S. adults visited a dentist in the past year. The American Dental Association reports that the top reasons adults avoid the dentist include affordability concerns, dental anxiety, and the inability to find a convenient location or appointment time. If you live in Dobson Ranch, Mesa Grande, or anywhere in the East Valley and have been putting off finding a new dentist, you are not alone — and this guide was written for you.
East Valley Dental Professionals (EVDP) at 2058 S Dobson Road has been welcoming new patients to the Dobson Ranch community for over 40 years. Here is exactly what your first cleaning and checkup looks like, why EVDP is different from a corporate dental chain, and what real patients say about walking through the door for the first time.
Why Finding the Right Dentist in Mesa Matters More Than You Think
Mesa is Arizona’s third-largest city, with a projected 2025 population of 520,328 according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. With that size comes a staggering number of dental offices — and not all of them provide the same level of personalized care.
The American Dental Association’s research shows that 84% of adults who made a preventive dental visit in 2024 cited their dental insurance coverage and the ability to schedule future checkups at the end of their exam as top motivators. Meanwhile, 21% of adults reported avoiding dental care entirely due to anxiety, according to a 2025 Becker’s Dental Review analysis of ADA data.
These numbers reveal a simple truth: where you go for your first visit shapes whether you keep going. A rushed, impersonal experience at a corporate chain can reinforce every reason you have been avoiding the dentist. A warm, unhurried visit with a team that learns your name and listens to your concerns can change the trajectory of your oral health for years to come.
That difference is what East Valley Dental Professionals was built on.
What to Expect at Your First Visit to EVDP
According to evdp.net, East Valley Dental Professionals offers truly comprehensive dental care that ranges from routine cleanings and exams to fillings, endodontic treatment, cosmetic dentistry, and much more. Here is what new patients in Dobson Ranch and surrounding neighborhoods can expect at their first cleaning and checkup.
Step 1: A Warm, Unhurried Welcome
From the moment you walk through the door at 2058 S Dobson Road, Suite 12, the EVDP experience is designed to feel different. As stated on evdp.net, the practice maintains “a friendly, relaxed, and low-pressure environment” where patients “feel at home.” The team takes time to listen, clearly explain options, and answer any questions.
Unlike corporate dental offices where you might wait 30 minutes past your scheduled time, EVDP’s website specifically states: “Your time is valuable and we work swiftly to ensure no wait time.”
Step 2: A Thorough Professional Cleaning
EVDP’s skilled hygienists perform a comprehensive cleaning to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth. According to evdp.net’s dental cleaning page, regular cleanings form “the foundation for good oral health, catching problems early and saving you money in the long run.”
The practice notes on their dental cleanings page that a simple cavity addressed during a regular visit can avoid a root canal and crown later — turning a small problem into a big one if left unchecked. For Mesa residents, where the dry Arizona climate can contribute to faster calculus buildup (as noted in EVDP’s implant care blog), regular professional cleanings are especially important.
Step 3: Comprehensive Exam with Dr. Nathan Smith
Dr. Nathan Smith conducts a detailed examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth. According to his bio on evdp.net, Dr. Smith graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine — one of the country’s top dental programs with a 5% acceptance rate. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Society, Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.
What sets Dr. Smith’s exam apart, according to his profile on evdp.net: “Before recommending dental solutions, he listens to your past oral pain and experiences. Our dental professional believes in providing the right solution for every patient and takes his time to advise effective teeth options at affordable prices.”
Step 4: Digital X-Rays and Diagnostics
EVDP uses advanced dental technology for precise diagnostics and effective treatments, as noted on evdp.net’s Mesa dentist page. Digital X-rays provide Dr. Smith with a complete picture of your oral health, including issues that may not be visible during a visual exam — such as decay between teeth, bone loss, or developing problems beneath the gumline.
Step 5: A Personalized Treatment Plan — Not a Sales Pitch
This is where EVDP fundamentally differs from corporate dental chains. As stated on evdp.net: “Forget cookie-cutter dentistry. At East Valley Dental Professionals, we believe your smile deserves a customized approach. That’s why we offer personalized dentistry, tailoring treatment plans to your specific needs and goals.”
Dr. Smith’s philosophy, as quoted on evdp.net, centers on recommending “options that stop underlying oral issues” to save patients thousands of dollars in preventive care rather than waiting for problems to become emergencies.
Six Reasons Dobson Ranch Families Choose EVDP Over Corporate Dental Chains
According to EVDP’s published blog on why local families choose their practice (evdp.net/dental-blog/reasons-dobson-ranch-families-choose-east-valley-dental-professionals/), here are the documented reasons new patients become lifelong patients:
1. Over 40 Years of Community Roots
East Valley Dental Professionals was founded by Dr. Brinkman in 1984 in the Dobson Ranch area of Mesa. According to evdp.net/about-us, when Dr. Brinkman passed away in April 2016, his daughter Jennifer kept the family’s involvement in the practice alive. Dr. Nathan Smith now leads clinical operations, continuing a tradition of personalized care that has served multiple generations of Dobson Ranch families.
As stated in EVDP’s Dobson Ranch blog: “Unlike corporate dental offices where you’re just another patient number, East Valley Dental Professionals has deep roots in the Dobson Ranch community.”
2. One Dentist Who Does It All
Most dental offices refer you to an outside specialist for procedures like implants, surgical extractions, or root canals — adding cost, travel time, and the stress of starting over with a new provider. Dr. Smith is trained in both general and surgical procedures, performing implants, crowns, bridges, root canals, and extractions in-house.
As noted on evdp.net: “You don’t have to worry about expensive specialist referrals when he does a magnificent job at a lower price.”
3. A Team That Has Been There for Decades
Continuity of care is one of EVDP’s most distinctive strengths. According to evdp.net, some staff members have been with the practice for over 25 years. Lead hygienist Myra graduated with Highest Distinction and scored in the 98th percentile on her National Boards, as documented on the EVDP team page. Hygienist Katie has been with the practice since moving to Arizona in 2016 and “loves meeting new patients and keeping up with our regulars.”
When you return for your six-month cleaning, you see the same faces — not a revolving door of unfamiliar providers.
4. Early Morning Hours That Work for Busy Schedules
EVDP is open Monday through Thursday from 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM, according to their Yelp business listing and evdp.net. Those early morning slots mean you can get your cleaning done before work, school drop-off, or the day heats up — a real advantage for working professionals and families across the East Valley.
5. Insurance Flexibility and Affordable Options
According to evdp.net, the practice “accepts many types of dental insurance plans and also works extensively with those paying out-of-pocket.” Their staff is described as “accustomed to developing treatment plans that will remain within your budget.”
For patients without insurance, EVDP offers a membership plan (detailed at evdp.net/membership) that provides a 30% discount on most services. The plan includes cleanings, exams, and routine X-rays at no extra cost, with no deductibles, annual maximums, or pre-approvals. Benefits start immediately on the day you join.
This is particularly relevant given the ADA’s finding that affordability is the number one reason adults avoid the dentist. EVDP’s membership plan directly addresses that barrier.
6. Serving Every Generation Under One Roof
EVDP provides care for every age group, from pediatric dentistry for children to specialized senior dental care for the East Valley’s growing 60-and-older population. According to evdp.net, Arizona is now home to more than one million people over the age of 60, with roughly 44% of seniors requiring regular professional dental treatment.
Whether you are a young professional in Dobson Ranch condos, a family near Dobson Ranch Golf Course, or a retiree enjoying Mesa’s sunshine, EVDP handles your care in one convenient location.
What Real Patients Say About Their EVDP Experience
Patient reviews published on evdp.net and third-party platforms provide the most honest picture of what your first visit will be like:
- Neal W. (15-year patient): “I’ve been a patient for fifteen years and I couldn’t imagine going elsewhere. Everyone is professional, kind and the best of the best! I’ve had most every oral procedure and each has been flawless.”
- Catherine K.: “They are always friendly, attentive, have quick service and respond quickly to questions.”
- Chelsea P.: “EVDP is amazing, the patient care is top notch and they do beautiful work! I felt so taken care of as a patient and strongly recommend their services.”
- Denise S.: “Everyone was helpful and kind. I appreciate the introductions of who people were. My stay was pleasant and I’m hopeful my tooth problem is resolved.”
- Annette H.: “At 53 have never had a kinder Dr. in my mouth.”
These reviews consistently highlight three themes that matter most to new patients: genuine kindness from the entire team, no-pressure communication about treatment options, and clinical excellence that keeps patients coming back for decades.
The Real Cost of Skipping Your Dental Checkup
EVDP’s dental cleaning page (evdp.net/dental-procedure/dental-cleanings) makes a compelling case that new patients should understand: “A simple cavity can be addressed during your regular visit. But if you miss your visit and wait until the cavity becomes painful before going to the dentist, the cavity could grow potentially requiring a root canal and crown.”
Here is what the numbers look like, based on EVDP’s published blog content on senior dental care and standard Mesa-area pricing:
- Routine cleaning: Typically $75–$200 nationally (ADA, 2023)
- Single filling: A fraction of the cost of what comes next if you wait
- Root canal and crown: $1,000–$2,000+ per tooth in Mesa (per EVDP’s senior dental blog)
- Single dental implant: $3,000–$5,000 per tooth in Mesa (per EVDP’s senior dental blog)
The ADA reports that 40% of adults only visit a dentist when they already have a problem (CDC, 2022). By that point, the problem — and the price tag — has usually grown significantly. A first visit cleaning and checkup at EVDP is the most cost-effective step you can take for your oral health today.
Who EVDP Serves: Not Just Dobson Ranch
While EVDP’s home is in the Dobson Ranch area of Mesa, the practice welcomes new patients from across the East Valley. According to evdp.net/service-areas, the office is conveniently located for residents of:
- Mesa: Dobson Ranch, Mesa Grande, Red Mountain Ranch, and surrounding neighborhoods
- Tempe: ASU students, young professionals, and families just minutes from EVDP
- Chandler: Family-friendly neighborhoods with easy access via Dobson Road
- Gilbert: Arizona’s fastest-growing city, with patients who appreciate EVDP’s small-practice atmosphere
- Snowbirds: Winter visitors from Minnesota, Illinois, Washington, and Canada who trust EVDP for ongoing and emergency dental care during their stay
How to Schedule Your First Cleaning and Checkup
Getting started with East Valley Dental Professionals is straightforward:
Call (480) 838-3033 to schedule your first appointment. Mention that you are a new patient, and the team will walk you through insurance verification, payment options, and what to expect.
Visit evdp.net to learn more about the practice, meet the team, and explore your options. The site includes information on accepted insurance plans, the membership plan for uninsured patients, and the full range of services offered.
Arrive at 2058 S Dobson Road, Suite 12, Mesa, AZ 85202. The office is in the Dobson Ranch area, easily accessible from the US-60, Loop 101, and Dobson Road. With hours starting at 6:30 AM, you can be in and out before your workday begins.
Bring your dental insurance card (if applicable), a list of any medications you take, and any specific questions or concerns you want Dr. Smith to address. If you do not have insurance, ask about the EVDP membership plan — benefits start immediately.
Conclusion
The CDC reports that one in three American adults skipped the dentist last year. The ADA confirms that anxiety, cost, and convenience are the top barriers. East Valley Dental Professionals was built to remove every one of those obstacles — with a 40-year track record of proving it works.
From the moment you walk into their Dobson Ranch office, you will understand why patients like Neal W. have stayed for 15 years and why families bring their children and grandchildren to the same practice. Dr. Nathan Smith and his team do not rush you, do not pressure you, and do not treat you like a number. They listen, they explain, and they build a plan around your needs and your budget.
Your next step is simple: Call East Valley Dental Professionals at (480) 838-3033 or visit evdp.net to book your first cleaning and checkup. Your smile — and your wallet — will thank you for not waiting any longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is East Valley Dental Professionals accepting new patients?
Yes. EVDP actively welcomes new patients from Dobson Ranch, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, and surrounding East Valley communities. Call (480) 838-3033 to schedule your first cleaning and checkup.
2. What does a first dental visit at EVDP include?
A first visit typically includes a professional cleaning by a skilled hygienist, a comprehensive exam with Dr. Nathan Smith, digital X-rays, and a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.
3. Does EVDP accept dental insurance?
EVDP accepts most major dental insurance plans, including many Medicare Advantage plans, and participates in most major PPO networks. They also offer a membership plan with a 30% discount for patients without insurance. Call to verify your specific plan.
4. What are EVDP’s hours and location?
The office is at 2058 S Dobson Road, Suite 12, Mesa, AZ 85202 (Dobson Ranch area). Hours are Monday through Thursday, 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Early morning appointments are available for working professionals.
5. What if I have dental anxiety?
EVDP’s website states that they maintain “a friendly, relaxed, and low-pressure environment” and understand that some patients delay dental visits due to anxiety. Patient Annette H. noted at age 53 she had “never had a kinder Dr.” Dr. Smith is a member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, indicating specialized training in patient comfort.
Disclaimer: This article references publicly available information from East Valley Dental Professionals (evdp.net), the American Dental Association (ada.org), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov), Becker’s Dental Review, and U.S. Census Bureau population estimates, dated 2022–2025. All metrics, quotes, and patient reviews are from documented, publicly available sources. Results described are specific to East Valley Dental Professionals and may vary based on individual treatment needs, insurance coverage, and plan terms. EVDP’s membership plan details, insurance acceptance, and pricing are subject to change. For current information, contact East Valley Dental Professionals at (480) 838-3033 or visit evdp.net. This article is not intended as medical advice.