OUR TEAM

“Our Team takes pride in providing remarkable service. We stay up-to- date on procedures and technology, attend continuing education courses, and train on the latest technology to meet and exceed the level of treatment you should expect to receive. Our Commitment is to serve you in an efficient, caring and professional manner while ensuring that you receive the proper treatment to achieve and maintain optimal dental health for a beautiful, confident smile.”

OFFICE TEAM

Blanca

Scheduling Coordinator

Blanca started in the dental field in 2009. She was born and raised right here in Palm Springs. Blanca spends her time with family (including her three young daughters).  She enjoys visiting with all our patients!

Chris

Scheduling Coordinator

Chris joined the field of dentistry in 2016 and is Dr. Tom’s key Schedule Coordinator.  We feel very fortunate to have his expertise and friendly demeanor at our front desk area to assist our patients.

Charlotte

Hygiene Coordinator

Charlotte comes to us after many years in the dental community.  She enjoys interacting with our patients at the front desk.  Charlotte enjoys cooking, working out and working around her home. We are so happy that she is sharing her experience in our office with our patients!

Jennifer

Schedule Coordinator

Jen started in the dental field in 2014 in the business department.  We are so fortunate to have her share her expertise here in our office, after joining us.  She loves getting to know all our patients.  In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her daughter. They both have a passion to do nails on the side when they aren’t working or at school.

DENTAL HYGIENISTS

Shari

Shari graduated from Hygiene School in 2009 and comes to us with a wealth of experience and knowledge.  She chose hygiene as her career because she wanted to help patients get over their dental fears.  When she is not working she enjoys watching Disney movies, going to Disneyland and spoiling her 3 rescue pups, as well as spending time with her daughter.

Miguel

Miguel graduated from the Moreno Valley Dental Hygiene Program and loves what he does.  We feel fortunate to include him as a vital part of our team and patients appreciate his professionalism and skills, as well as his positive attitude. When he is not working, he spends time with his family and fiancée, including their son and daughter while doing outdoor activities.

Ruben

Ruben has been a valued member of our team since 2012, embarking on his career journey as a Registered Dental Assistant. In 2019, he was accepted to San Joaquin Valley College, where he earned his degree and obtained licensure in Dental Hygiene. After completing his education, he rejoined our team in 2021, now serving as a dedicated hygienist. In addition to his professional duties, he finds joy in caring for patients and spends his leisure time crafting and creating beautiful balloon displays for events.

Steve

Steve came to us in 2015. He has built a reputation as a knowledgeable hygienist with great skill and touch, an upbeat manner, practicing now since 1997! He is a father of three amazing adult children and he and his partner are parents to three furry 4-legged kids! We appreciate his ability to develop relationships with his patients.

DENTAL ASSISTANTS

Diego

Diego loves being a dental assistant and enjoys helping patients with their dental concerns.  He is a proud husband, married to his beautiful wife, Anabel. They have 3 children, Mya, Leilene and Jayden. Diego looks forward to meeting you!

Vanessa

Vanessa moved to the Desert in 2016 with her husband, Alfden, and their 1 furbaby. Vanessa is a Registered Dental Assistant since 2003. Spending time getting to know her patients allows her to understand their expectations with the hope of exceeding them during their visit. It is a great pleasure to have her on our team!

Victoria

Victoria worked in oral surgery for many years before moving to the desert in 2021 from the South Bay (Los Angeles) with her husband, daughter and her cockapoo. She primarily works “behind the scenes”, helping the assistants and doctors stay on schedule by managing sterilization and supplies.

Andro

Andro is a Registered Dental Assistant and has been dental assisting since 2011 and still loves it!  He is a father of a daughter and son.  He has lived in the desert since 1999, moving from Guam.  He is respectfully transparent with his patients to build trust, which he feels is vital.  We are so happy that he has joined our team!

Melissa

Melissa has been assisting since 2021 and continues to enjoy being a part of everyone’s dental journey.  When not in the office, she is with her partner and 2 toddlers who keep her very busy.  Her family values are very important to her.  It is a pleasure to have Melissa on our team.

 

 

 

 

Dear Valued Patients:

While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety, as well as the safety of our team that serves you.

Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice and you may have seen this during your visits to our office. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable.

Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued. We do this to make sure that our infection control procedures are current and adhere to or exceed each agencies’ recommendations.

You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect you and our team.

  • We will communicate with you via text shortly before your appointment to ask some screening questions. We will not see you if you have a fever over 100.4, persistent cough or sneezing.
  • Whenever possible, we request that you come alone to your visit to reduce the number of people in our waiting room. Feel free to call us for exceptions.
  • We do not require that you wait in your vehicle or outside prior to your appointment. If you prefer, just text or call us and let us know that you have arrived and are waiting in your vehicle or are outside.
  • Everyone entering the office is required to wear face masks at all times except during your dental treatment.
  • Our clinical team all wear required PPE for your protection as well as theirs.
  • We have hand sanitizer that we will ask you to use when you enter the office. You will also find hand disinfectants in the treatment areas and checkout areas for you to use as needed.
  • We have installed clear barriers in the business area between you and our business team.
  • You may notice that we have reduced the seating capacity in our waiting room, as well as removed all magazines.  The area is sanitized often throughout the day.
  • Each area is equipped with HEPA air purifiers that removes 99.9% of aerosol particulates.
  • Your hygienist or assistant will record your temperature using a contactless thermometer prior to being seated.
  • You will be asked to rinse with a diluted amount of peroxide prior to and after your procedure.

 We look forward to seeing you again soon and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at (760) 416-1003 or text us at 760-416-1003.

Thank you for taking the time to read about how we are taking every precaution to keep you and your team safe.  We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming you back. If you are a new patient to our practice, Welcome and thank you for choosing us for your dental needs.

Sincerely,
Drs. Shepherd, Tom and the Entire Palm Springs Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Team