Meet DR.

Lafferty

Dr. Dan Lafferty

DMD

Dr. Lafferty grew up in a small town in Utah, After high school he moved to Los Angeles CA to build movie sets. After years of working in the movie industry he decided to move his small family to Portland, Oregon. While there, he was influenced by a good friend to pursue the dental profession. He decided to go back to school to become a dentist. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Portland State University and then DMD degree from OHSU (Oregon), graduating class of 2014.  

After Dental school, he joined the US Navy serving as a Dental officer and continues to serve our country in the Navy reserves. He joined the navy reserves as a Naval officer. Recently, he made a change to the New Mexico Air National Guard to better serve those here in New Mexico. Passions he enjoys are traveling, and learning of other cultures and cuisine and he snowboards. Dr Lafferty is married to Toni and they have six children. The kids all love outdoor activities.

He is a member of the American Dental Association and New Mexico Dental Association and keeps up to date with the latest changes in dentistry through continuing education.

Dr. Lafferty’s attention to detail and outstanding clinical skills earned him the Terry Monetti Award, an award offered to one student in each graduating class. Dr. Lafferty qualified for the Health Professions Scholarship Program from the US Navy and, following dental school, served four years of active duty as a Naval dental officer and is affectionately referred to as Lieutenant Dan. While serving in Guam, the community could feel his impact as he headed outreach programs to educate youth on proper oral health and hygiene habits. 

Dr. Lafferty was awarded the Service Before Self award at the end of his tour in Guam. Dr. Lafferty continues to serve his country by giving time each month to the Navy Reserves here in New Mexico. He ensures that soldiers in the armed forces maintain dental readiness so they are prepared to deploy as needed. Other passions that Dr. Lafferty enjoys are traveling and learning about other cultures.

The two years spent in New Zealand on his proselytizing mission helped him form a deep bond with the Maori people and a respect for their culture. The time spent in Guam working with people from the Micronesian and surrounding islands also helped him develop a love and respect for them. One of the strongest impressions he gained from the islanders is that happiness does not come from owning material items, but that true happiness comes from the bonds we develop between family and friends.
Dr. Lafferty has been married to the love of his life, Toni, for 18 years. They have six children together, which keeps them busy. There is never a dull moment in the home, and adventure is always around the corner as the kids love outdoor activities. He is a member of the American Dental Association and New Mexico Dental Association and keeps up to date with the latest changes that are happening in dentistry through continuing education.

Some of my greatest satisfactions have come when seeing how transforming a smile can mean so much to people. It is more than just fixing the teeth; when people feel confident in their smile, their whole self-image changes, and they become happier people. I love seeing this transformative process take place in people, and it motivates me to continue striving to help others realize their true smiles.

No matter what your past dental experiences have been or your level of dental anxiety, we want you to know we will listen to your concerns and do everything we can to accommodate your needs and make your dental experience comfortable. 

Here at ABQ Gentle Dentistry, we want you to feel welcomed as a family member.

Everyone has a voice that needs to be heard, and everyone has a smile that needs to be seen. Let us help you.

Some of my greatest satisfactions have come when seeing how transforming a smile can mean so much to people. It is more than just fixing the teeth; when people feel confident in their smile, their whole self-image changes, and they become happier people. I love seeing this transformative process take place in people, and it motivates me to continue striving to help others realize their true smiles.

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