Our Staff

Dr. Pope - I am one of the dentists here and the owner of the practice. I am a graduate of Marquette University and have been practicing dentistry since 2000. I enjoy all aspects of dentistry and have a special interest in orthodontics and implant dentistry. I love helping patients get over any fears that have kept them from getting the oral health and smile they have always wanted. I pride myself on being very accurate and efficient. I will not give you solutions that I don't think will last you at least 10 years. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my two daughters and family.

Dr. Mitchell - I am one of three dentists here. I graduated from the University of Maryland in Baltimore. I bring a wide scope of dental knowledge to the practice including implants, orthodontics, cosmetic makeovers and oral surgery. I have a passion for advanced dental solutions and a commitment to excellence in patient care. When out of the office, I enjoy spending quality time with my wife and two girls.

Dr. Gafni - While born in the U.S., I grew up in Israel until the age of 23. Growing up in Israel an environment in which one is constantly reminded of life’s vulnerability. I decided to continue my educational and professional aspirations back in the U.S. Having gained a certain sense of awareness of life’s fragility, and a related sense of preservation, at the earlier stages of my life, I felt compelled and inspired to devote my life to the practice of healing. I was determined to explore the various means available to develop my desire to practice as a healer into a professional career and a way of life. I eventually gravitated towards, the field of dentistry as a channel to fulfill these aspirations of mine.

The years I spent at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), not only afforded me with an opportunity to enliven the passion for healing that I developed in my younger years, but it has also provided me with the invaluable skills which are at the core of practicing any form of healing. As a primary health care provider at OHSU, I developed and retained a certain level of proficiency in the various applications, and disciplines that the dental field has to offer its patients. I have then continued to further my knowledge, and expertise to an Advance Education of General dentistry (AEGD). It was the next-most natural step in my professional career, as I set out to develop the highest degree of standards of care. During my time spent at the AEGD program, I improved my technical skills and experience in dental treatments in such areas as implants, Surgical Extraction, Periodontal surgeries, Implant placement, Endodontic treatment and, and IV Sedation. I strongly believe that only through advanced study, extensive training, and the proper exposure to patients, one can treat, and appreciate the value in treating patients with the outmost dignity and the excellence that they expect, and deserve to receive.

I would describe my ideal treatment as one that offers a quality clinical experience and instills a cooperative and supportive mentoring environment to its patients. I believe that my personality, my personal and professional background, along with my high ethic standards, offers my patients the highest standard of dental care with the great care and personal touch.

Dr. Myers - I grew up in rural Eastern Oregon where I was fortunate to take advantage of great skiing, hunting, fishing, and camping. Educational ventures eventually drew me to the Portland area for nearly a decade. Recently, I decided to ditch the Northwest cloud cover and migrated to Arizona with my girlfriend, Dena, who is also a dentist and a native Arizonan. I am an associate dentist with Maricopa Family Dentistry where a family atmosphere has been fostered since my first day with the MFDO team. Being a part of this practice has not only increased my abilities and scope as a practitioner, but redefined the concept of comprehensive care for patients. In an era of large group practices, it is refreshing to have such commonality amongst practitioners. Dr. Gafni and I attended Oregon Health and Sciences University during the same time period and have built our skills upon a shared foundation. Dr. Pope has created a model of excellence at MFDO that faculty are proud to uphold. As such, MFDO affords patients the benefit of several doctors evaluating cases with discerning eyes to reach solutions with a team approach. I am excited to be a part of this practice and the Maricopa community.

Now in my free time I enjoy taking full advantage of those Arizona rays!

Dana - I am the office manager. I have a huge phobia of dental treatment so I understand where patients are coming from, and I am so happy to share some of our relaxation techniques to help patients get the dental treatment they have always wanted or needed. I have been in Arizona since 2007 and am always looking for fun and beautiful places to explore.

Monica - I am the billing coordinator. If you have any questions about your statement, please don't hesitate to give me a call. I am responsible for patient accounts receivable and insurance claim submissions. I am a California Gal, both Northern and Southern. I have been in Arizona since 2007 and LOVE it! I have two terrific kids and two fur babies. I also volunteer with the Boxer Luv Rescue as a foster mom. When I am not hard at work, I enjoy watching the Coyotes and Cardinals, Geo caching, and spending time with family and friends.

Kristen - I am the hygienist. I would like to share with you the most rewarding parts of my job. They include: when someone arrives and leaves with a smile, when disease is arrested after periodontal treatment, when I am able to help a patient improve their oral condition with some adjustments to their routine at home, and my work environment because I spend so much of my week here, it is wonderful having coworkers who work hard and want to grow together as a team.

Steph - I am the lead dental assistant and have been assisting Dr Pope since 2007. I have learned a lot through dental assisting, as well as taking on a lot of responsibilities and being there for patient needs. I enjoy transforming smiles and giving fearful patients a positive experience. I hope to see you in our office and look forward to giving you a great dental experience!

Taylor - I am a dental assistant. My role in the office is to help the doctor treat patients and educate them about their oral health. I enjoy helping patients feel more comfortable so that they have a great experience at the dental office. I am a California native but I've lived in Maricopa since 2007.

Jenn - I am the dental hygiene assistant. When you come into the office, I will bring you back to our chair, ask you a few questions about how you take care of your teeth at home, then I will take any necessary x-rays of your teeth. I assist the hygienist in keeping your teeth and gums healthy! Remember, one of the most important things about keeping your smile healthy is keeping your gums healthy. I love seeing our patients leave with a smile on their face because they had a great dental visit. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Nancy - I graduated with a bachelors degree from Colorado State University. I have over 8 years of customer service experience. I began my dental career assisting in the hygiene department before becoming the patient coordinator. I am excited about working with the dentists here because they appreciate both their patients and the staff, and truly listen to peoples' needs. The Dr's and assistants have a comfortable way of making even a fearful patient like myself feel at ease.

Wendy - I am the treatment coordinator and an Arizona native. I have a background in office management. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to change my career into dentistry when I joined the Maricopa Family Dentistry & Orthodontics family in 2011, and I love it! I'm a strong believer in loving what you do, and am very fortunate to be able to say that I do. In my position, I am able to see transformations that change people's lives which is highly rewarding. I enjoy working with our wonderful team that strives for excellence, takes great pride in their work, and have a true joy for what they do. Couple that with their high level of integrity and I can't help but love going to work every morning, and leaving every evening with a sense of pride in what our team has accomplished. I look forward to helping you with your insurance questions, financial arrangements, and appointments.