Dentists in Phoenix, AZ - Ahwatukee

Dr. Michael Hollingsworth is a highly experienced general dentist with nearly four decades of clinical practice and leadership in comprehensive dental care. After earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry, he completed a General Practice Residency at the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth, Kansas, further strengthening his foundation in advanced clinical techniques.

From 1985 to 2023, Dr. Hollingsworth owned and operated a successful six-chair general dental practice in St. Joseph, Missouri. Leading a team of ten staff members, he provided full-spectrum general dentistry services while fostering a collaborative, patient-centered environment. His extensive hands-on experience includes restorative dentistry, preventive care, treatment planning, and long-term patient management.

Following retirement from private practice ownership, Dr. Hollingsworth has continued serving patients in a locum tenens capacity, most recently filling in for staff dentists at New Horizon Dental Care in Salina, Kansas. His adaptability, efficiency, and commitment to continuity of care make him a valuable asset to practices seeking experienced temporary coverage.

In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Hollingsworth has contributed to dental education and professional development. He served as a Head and Neck Anatomy instructor for the Northwest Dental Hygiene Program and worked as a CRA Dental Evaluator from 2012 to 2023, assessing dental materials and procedures to support evidence-based practice.

Dr. Hollingsworth also served honorably in the U.S. Army Dental Corps Reserves from 1981 to 1995.

With decades of experience, a strong clinical foundation, and a collaborative approach to care, Dr. Hollingsworth brings reliability, professionalism, and seasoned expertise to every practice he supports.

Dr. Shannon M. Lucas, DMD is a patient-centered general dentist with over 13 years of experience delivering efficient, high-quality care across private practice, group practice, community health, and correctional settings. She is known for her strong restorative, endodontic, and surgical skills, as well as her commitment to patient satisfaction, productivity, and long-term treatment success.

Dr. Lucas provides comprehensive dental care, including exams, diagnosis, and treatment planning, restorative dentistry with CEREC technology, endodontic therapy, oral surgery (including third molar extractions), periodontics, removable and implant prosthodontics, and emergency dentistry. She takes pride in educating patients, fostering trust, and helping individuals make informed decisions that support lasting oral health.

Throughout her career, Dr. Lucas has served diverse patient populations in high-volume clinical environments, where she developed a reputation for efficiency, clinical excellence, and compassionate care. She has collaborated closely with specialists, maintained strict compliance with clinical standards, and remained dedicated to continuing education to stay current with advancements in dentistry.

Dr. Lucas earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Glendale, Arizona, where she graduated with a 3.7 GPA and received multiple scholarships, including the National Health Service Scholarship. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Arizona State University, graduating with honors.

Licensed to practice in Arizona, Dr. Lucas holds certifications in Basic Life Support, laser proficiency, and federal controlled substances. She is conversational in Spanish and values building strong relationships with patients from all backgrounds. She is currently seeking a long-term associate role in a growth-oriented practice where she can continue delivering high-quality, patient-focused care.

Dr. Patrick Shaffer, D.D.S.
Dr. Patrick Shaffer is an experienced general dentist dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. With over two decades of experience in both private practice and group dental settings, he has developed a comprehensive skill set in all areas of general dentistry, including restorative, preventive, and cosmetic treatments.

Dr. Shaffer owned and operated his own private practice in Chandler, Arizona, for nearly 20 years before expanding his experience across multiple practices in Arizona and Colorado, including Pacific Dental, Western Dental, and Signature Dental. His approach combines technical precision with a genuine commitment to patient comfort and education.

Outside the office, Dr. Shaffer values building long-term relationships with his patients and helping them achieve healthy, confident smiles through personalized care.

Bradford Kess D.D.S, M.A., M.S., Orthodontist

ABOUT ME

Dr. Kess says, “I love giving my patients great smiles! Nothing is more rewarding than taking a person who is embarrassed to smile and making it so they won’t stop smiling!” After graduating from The Ohio State University, Dr. Kess received his Dental Degree and his Orthodontics training from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. To keep abreast of cutting edge technology, he’s a member of the American Association of Orthodontics. Dr. Kess says, “I am a second generation Orthodontist and I have been interested in being an Orthodontist my whole life!” Dr. Kess says, “I just moved to Arizona from Cleveland, Ohio, and I’m looking forward to not seeing snow anymore! I enjoy golf, jogging and spending time with my kids.”

Education

B.S., Food Technology–The Ohio State University

M.A.., Education–The Ohio State University

D.D.S.–The Ohio State University College of Dentistry

M.S., Orthodontics–The Ohio State University College of Dentistry

Affiliations

Board Certified, American Association of Orthodontics

Dr. Brian Goldfarb is a skilled periodontist dedicated to helping patients restore and maintain optimal oral health through specialized care in the prevention and treatment of gum disease and the placement of dental implants. He earned his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in 2015, majoring in Medicine, Health, and Society. He went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in 2019. Driven by a passion for surgical precision and patient-focused care, he completed his post-graduate residency in Periodontics at LSU School of Dentistry in 2022.

Throughout his academic and professional journey, Dr. Goldfarb has been recognized for his excellence in the field. His accolades include the Department of Periodontics Recognition Award (2019) and First Place in the Basic Science Category at the William M. Pennel Research Competition, hosted by the Southwest Society of Periodontists (2020).

Dr. Goldfarb practices at several Gentle Dental locations across Arizona, including Crossroads, Mesa East, Ahwatukee, and Shea, where he is committed to delivering expert periodontal care with a compassionate approach.