Meet Our Team

Your Ahwatukee, AZ, Dental Care Team

dr heath snell

Dr. Heath Snell, DDS,

3rd Molar Extractions and Sedation Specialist

Dr. Heath Snell completed his undergraduate studies graduating Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University. He then went on to pursue his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Colorado School of Dentistry. While in dental school, Dr. Snell received several honors and awards and was nominated into the prestigious Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honors society.

Following dental school, Dr. Snell completed a one-year course of study in Advanced Education in General Dentistry where he gained the needed training to perform such complex dental procedures as placement of dental implants and extraction of wisdom teeth. Because of this extra training, he is also certified to perform oral and IV sedation.

When he is not working, Dr. Snell enjoys spending time with his wife, Chelsea, and their four children. He also enjoys athletics and photography, and is very active in his church and community. 


gus khalifa

Dr. Gus Khalifa, DDS ,MS

Dr. Gus Khalifa, originally from New Jersey, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in History from LaSalle University, followed by a Master’s in Immunology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he researched viral causes of multiple sclerosis. He then earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Columbia University, where he served as Student Body President and received a leadership award for his service.

After completing a one-year hospital residency in General Practice at Albert Einstein Medical Center, Dr. Khalifa pursued advanced specialty training in Endodontics at New York University. His expertise focuses exclusively on root canal and endodontic surgical procedures.

In 2005, Dr. Khalifa moved to Phoenix to co-found Canyon Ridge Endodontics, where he continues to serve patients across the Valley. Recognized as one of Phoenix Magazine’s “Top Dentists” every year since 2007, he is also listed on TopDentist.com and honored by the Consumer Research Council of America as one of the nation’s top endodontists.

Outside the office, Dr. Khalifa enjoys Phoenix’s outdoor lifestyle, traveling, spending time with family and friends, good food and wine, and football.


Samera F. Dental Hygienist

Samera

Dental Hygienist

Samera has been in dentistry for 30 years. Initially, she was a dental assistant and later became a dental hygienist. After graduating as a dental hygienist in 2002, Samera has been pursuing a secondary degree in dental hygiene. As a dental hygienist of 20 years, Samera desires to create relationships with her patients and make their dental visits a comfortable experience. Samera strives to educate her patients about their oral health and how it’s linked to systematic conditions of the body.

Samera grew up in California yet has happily lived in Arizona since 2006. While away from the office, Samera relishes her time with her son and daughter. She also likes cooking, weight lifting, and enjoying the great outdoors. Samera appreciates the balance of work and spending time with loved ones.


Andra I. Dental Hygienist

Andra

Dental Hygienist

Andra is one of those rare Arizona natives; born in Tucson and raised in Tempe. She attended and graduated from Rio Salado Dental Hygiene School in 2018. Our patients love Andra’s thorough but gentle approach and calm demeanor. Outside of work, Andra enjoys spending time with her daughter doing any sort of outdoor activities including hiking, camping, and horseback riding.


Andrea M. Bhatnagar

AndrEa

Expanded Function Dental Assistant

A proud Arizona native, Andrea was born and raised in Mesa and has dedicated nearly 12 years to the dental field. Her career began in pediatric dentistry, where her passion for creating positive patient experiences first took root. After over a decade in pediatrics, Andrea transitioned to general dentistry, expanding her skill set and deepening her love for the profession.

Starting at the front office, she quickly realized her true calling was clinical care. Andrea graduated from the American Institute of Dental Assisting and went on to earn her Expanded Function Dental Assistant certification. Her commitment to excellence led her to return to her alma mater as an instructor, where she now shares her knowledge and mentors future dental professionals.

Outside of the office, Andrea enjoys a full and active life with her husband, two boys, and their two lively dogs. She cherishes family time spent camping, exploring the outdoors, and nurturing her passion for cooking and baking — especially when it involves discovering new foods to enjoy.


Sharon Front Desk OM

Sharon

Insurance and Patient Care Coordinator

Originally from upstate New York, Sharon moved to Arizona in 2002 with her family.  She started her journey in the dental field by working in an oral surgeon’s office, but after 10 years decided to make the switch to a general dentistry office. Sharon truly enjoys working with the wonderful patients of Dentique and helping them achieve their dental goals. She spends her time out of the office with her husband and four children. Her favorite things to do are travel with her family and read.


Amy Derscheid

Amy

Office Manager/Administrator

Amy has been a part of the Dentique team for more than 15 years now. With over 12 years of dental experience as a front office administrator and Insurance Coordinator she brings an understanding of patient benefits along with being cross-trained as a dental assistant. She loves dentistry and helping to educate people on what their specific insurance benefits are and how to best utilize them. Amy is originally from Vermont and has two adult sons. She has a love of all things outdoors and loves hiking, fishing and Kayaking . Amy and her husband can be found most weekends doing home renovations, gardening, or heading up north out of the heat to explore all that AZ has to discover.

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