Our mission
Your Partner in Oral Health
We understand that modern dentistry can feel profit-driven, and impersonal. That is why we do things a little differently at Desert Ridge Family Dental. As soon as you step through our doors, you will be welcomed with a smile and seen on time for your appointment.
Dr. Gardea and his team treat patients exactly how they would care for members of their own families. Our main goal is to ensure each patient has a positive experience and receives the best care available in the Tucson area. Our team uses innovative dental techniques and the finest materials available to deliver comfortable, long-lasting results. We will not hesitate to send back any crown or oral appliance to the lab that does not meet our high standards.
Our office creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere, equipped with dependable dental technology to meet all our family’s needs. Stop by or give us a call to experience an unmatched level of care at Desert Ridge Family Dental.
Experience the Desert Ridge Difference
Prevention & Education
Prevention is the least invasive and predictable approach to oral health.
A disease cannot progress if it never develops. At-home care is the most effective method to prevent harmful oral conditions. Preventive dental cleanings and exams help us identify potential problem areas so you can adjust your oral hygiene routine accordingly.
Autonomy
We honor your right to make decisions about your health.
Desert Ridge Family Dental prides itself on being a judgment-free zone. Our doctors will give accurate, honest information about your oral health and provide predictable treatment options when disease is present. You may not always choose the optimal treatment option, but we will always respect your decision.
Early Diagnosis
Treating dental conditions early allows us to keep as much of the natural tooth intact as possible.
Once a dental disease is present, it will continue progressing without intervention. A tooth that only requires a small filling now may need a root canal down the road if not treated.
Meet Your Team
Our 5-Star Team
Dr. Gardea
Dr. Gardea has been in practice since 2010 and joined our practice in 2020. After completing dental school at Rutgers University, Dr. Gardea completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency through Lutheran Medical Center at El Rio Community Health Center.
After working in his hometown of Safford, AZ for a few years, he returned to Tucson. Dr. Gardea is married and has four children. He and his family love the Tucson area and all it has to offer.
While his love for golf seems to be unreciprocated, he loves the challenge of it and enjoys the outdoors. Dr. Gardea says the best part of dentistry is his patients. He has always had a deep desire to make the world a better place.
Dr. Gardea is driven to provide the best dental experience you can find. Not all aspects of dentistry are fun, but it can be an enjoyable experience. Offering that experience is his greatest aspiration.
Dr. Steinfeld
As one of the founding members of the dental practice in 1975, Joel is excited to pass the baton or, should we say, mirror and explorer to Dr. Gardea.
Joel was raised in NY, attended the University of Rochester for undergraduate studies, then completed his dental degree at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts. After dental school, Joel served as a dentist for the Indian Health Service on the Navajo Reservation. He then moved to Tucson and started the dental facility at the El Rio Neighborhood Health Center. He subsequently entered private practice in 1975 where he still enjoys his interactions with his patients.
Joel has been married to Alice and has raised two children, Jacob and Amy, who now have families of their own. Joel and Alice miss not having their children and grandchildren in Tucson now but look for any opportunity to visit them. Joel and Alice are avid exercisers, so look for them running, biking, walking around Tucson, especially in Sabino Canyon.
Joel is inspired by his patients and their personal stories. He feels like he has developed many wonderful relationships because of his dental practice and hopes to continue building these connections. Joel feels that one of the most important aspects of a successful dental practice is helping a patient feel comfortable in the office. He tries to educate patients in what is being done during the visit, what to expect, and to ask questions.
Modern Technology
Modern dentistry, old-fashioned care
Caring for our patients means doing everything we can to keep your smile healthy and bright and sometimes, modern technology helps us achieve that. One example is x-rays.
Dental x-rays are a critical piece of our diagnostic process to help us identify dental disease as early as possible. Early diagnosis is key in helping us improve your dental health while decreasing your costs.
Financial Options
Easy & affordable payment options
We accept most traditional insurance plans and are happy to answer any questions you have.
No insurance? No worries!
We offer financing options and exclusive discounts for our patients without dental insurance.