Sunshine Smiles is a Tucson based family dentist practice that treats patients of all ages. We are committed to delivering the highest quality dental care and do so using advanced dental equipment. We are a cosmetic dental office that offers services like checkups, teeth cleaning, veneers and more.
We also perform emergency dentist services that include bonding, root canals, crowns, and bridges. As a local dentist, we create lifelong relationships with our patients and their families and work to ensure that they receive treatments in a comfortable and relaxed environment. Dr. Patel and our team invite you to schedule an appointment by calling 520-441-4188 and experience why our patients think Sunshine Smiles is the best dentist in Tucson.
Dentist/Owner
Dr. Patel earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree from Oregon Health and Science University, School of Dentistry in June 2012. His journey in dentistry began with a strong academic foundation, having completed dual Bachelor’s degrees from The University of Arizona (Bear Down!) in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Religious Studies. This interdisciplinary education has provided him with a unique perspective and a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of dental science.
Following dental school, Dr. Patel completed a one-year residency program in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at the Pascua Yaqui Dental Center. This residency allowed him to gain invaluable hands-on experience and refine his skills by working alongside some of the best dentists and specialists in Tucson. For the last 12 years, Dr. Patel has been serving as the Dental Director at MHC Healthcare, caring for the patient communities of Marana and NW Tucson. Here, he has provided a wide range of general dentistry services, including orthodontics, implant services, endodontics and oral surgery – all of which have been instrumental in advancing patient care within the community. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Patel has been an adjunct faculty member at Pima Community College since 2012, where he taught courses in local anesthetics, clinical hygiene, and pharmacology. His commitment to education and mentoring future dental professionals earned him a Fellowship Award in the Academy of General Dentistry in 2021.
Dr. Patel, his wife Jane, and their two kids Parker and Penelope consider the Old Pueblo their forever home and are widely engaged in community events and philanthropic activities. His family enjoys great local food (and coffee!), along with outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and of course golfing! Please join us in welcoming Dr. Patel to our office!
Dr. Christina Kraft is an integrative dentist who specializes in oral-systemic health. Her work focuses on identifying how imbalances in the mouth - such as microbial dysbiosis and chronic inflammation - can contribute to broader health concerns. Through in-depth consultations and salivary diagnostic testing, she helps patients uncover root causes and develop personalized strategies that support whole-body healing.
Dr. Kraft earned her dental degree from Temple University and completed a two-year fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the Andrew Weill Center for Integrative Medicine. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and a registered yoga teacher.
With over 20 years of experience in dentistry and a strong foundation in evidence-informed integrative care, Dr. Kraft brings a collaborative, patient-centered approach to oral-systemic wellness. Beyond patient care, she is committed to bridging the gap between medicine and dentistry by instructing medical residents at the University of Arizona on the importance of integrative dentistry in whole-body healthcare. Dr. Kraft has called Tucson home since 2009 and values being part of the local community.
Outside of her clinical work, Dr. Kraft shares her passion for mindfulness and balance as a yoga and meditation instructor and adventure guide. She enjoys hiking, gardening, and cooking from her homegrown produce, creating ceramics, and spending time with her husband, Eric, and their many pets.
Rose started her dental career as a dental assistant in her home town of San Manuel, AZ for Dr. Thomas Hendrickson Jr. She was trained to cover both the front and the back making her knowledgeable and experienced in the dental profession. After working 14 years with Dr. Hendrickson, Rose returned to school to study for her Dental Hygiene License. In 2012, Rose received her license from Pima Community College and has been practicing since at our office.
Rose strives for clinical excellence which shows in the quality of her work and providing calm and comfortable visits for her patients. Rose enjoys building relationships with her patients and educating them on the importance of their overall oral health. Ongoing education is very important to Rose and she is always working to be at the forefront of dentistry’s proven best practices and procedures. Her prior assisting experience makes her an excellent clinical partner with Dr. Patel and the Sunshine Smiles Dental team.
In her spare time, Rose enjoys spending time with her husband David and two sons, Anthony and Nicholas. Outside of the office you will find Rose in bleachers cheering on her son who plays sports at the high school level and the Arizona Wildcats football and baseball teams.
Born and raised here in Tucson! She has been in the dental field for over 11 years, with experience in all dental specialties and general dentistry. Her love for problem solving and passion for helping others will show that she will go above and beyond to assist patients in making the best decisions for their dental needs. She is always available to help answer any questions regarding treatment, financial planning, or the complexities of dental insurance.
Outside of the office you can find her with her two kids at the park for either baseball or football, or on the golf course. She is always happy to help. Consider her your personal concierge at Sunshine Smiles. She looks forward to meeting you!
Alicia is our amazing dental assistant! She is a Tucson native and graduated from Pima Community College Dental Assisting Program in 2013. Alicia has been in dentistry for over 11 years, serving a variety of roles in academics and private practice. Her favorite part of dentistry is being a comfort for her patients and providing them the highest quality of care. Her dedication to dentistry is above and beyond, allowing her to connect with all our patients on their level.
Her goal is to make her patients feel welcome and at ease while in our dental office. In her free time, she loves spending time with her two amazing and wonderful sons, having outdoor adventures in the beautiful Arizona landscapes. They particularly love camping and riding their jet skis on warm summer days.
Jordyn’s passion for dentistry began at a young age after her very first pediatric dental visit. From that moment, she knew she wanted to be part of the dental field and help others feel comfortable and confident in their smiles. Jordyn enjoys building genuine relationships with her patients and loves improving their overall health.
Originally from the Chicagoland area, Jordyn moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona, where she studied Physiology and Medical Microbiology. She later continued her education at Pima Community College, where she pursued Dental Hygiene.
In her free time, Jordyn enjoys reading books and cuddling with her three dogs. To cool off in theIn the summer, she loves boating on the lake with family and friends.
Meet Lela, one of our amazing dental assistants here at Sunshine Smiles.
Lela has been in the dental field for 1 year and already brings so much joy, laughter, and positivity to our office. She loves working with kids and is always happy to jump in and help wherever she can.
Lela is from Tucson and has lived here her whole life. She graduated from Sahuarita High School. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hanging out with friends and family, and spending time with her sweet cat.
We’re so lucky to have her as part of our Sunshine Smiles Family!
