Dentistry and orthodontics (braces) for children and adults
We are a full-service family dental and orthodontic clinic in Shiprock, New Mexico. We have friendly, professional dentists, orthodontists, hygenists, and assistants to help you and your family.
We accept New Mexico Medicaid for many procedures, as well as private insurance.
Call us today at (505) 368-5626 or (877) 649-4664.
Dentistry
We offer the following dental services for families, children, and adults:
- General Dental Care
- Exams, sealants, cleanings, whitening, fillings, crowns, bridges, full and partial dentures, extractions (pulling teeth), gum care, and root canals.
- Preventive Dental Care
- Early treatment exams, fluoride treatments, cleanings, sealants, and at-home care.
- Dental Hygiene (Cleaning)
- Cleanings, deep clean care, exams for signs of gum disease, and at-home care.
Orthodontics (Braces)
We offer the following orthodontic services for families, children, and adults:
- Early Treatment
- Kids should be seen as early as seven years of age. An early checkup can lead to easier and less-expensive treatment.
- Braces for Kids and Teens
- A beautiful smile can improve the health and self-confidence of children and teens.
- Braces for Adults
- In addition to orthodontic treatment, we can evaluate adults for gum-related problems, teeth grinding, and sleep apnea.
- TMJ (Jaw Pain)
- TMJ symptoms include neck pain, clicking of the jaw, jaw pain, and headaches. We use splint therapy and orthodontic treatment to help symptoms associated with TMJ.
- Sleep Apnea and Snoring
- Sleep apnea may impede normal childhood development and cause disruptive behavior. It can be mistakenly diagnosed as ADHD.
Free Community Health Fair!
Join us for a free health fair for the community on July 18, 2026, from 9am to 3pm at Nizhoni Smiles.
Health professionals will be on hand to provide:
- Sports physicals
- Medical, dental, and vision screenings
- Diabetes education
- Free school supplies (while supplies last)
This event is a partnership between Nizhoni Smiles, New Mexico Dental Association Foundation, Society of American Indian Dentists, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NM, UNM College of Nursing, and others. It is open to all ages and no registration is required.
For more information, see the flyer. To volunteer, visit New Mexico Dental Association Foundation.
About Us
We began treating orthodontic patients in 1977 as a program of the Indian Health Service (IHS). When the IHS later decided to stop providing orthodontic services, we incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
As a nonprofit, we are mission-driven rather than profit-driven.
Our mission is to improve the health, well-being, and self-confidence of Native children and adults through oral health education and treatment.
Ahéhee', Friends and Supporters!
We gratefully acknowledge these recent partners and benefactors:
- Anchorum Health Foundation
- Delta Dental (Smiles Across New Mexico)
- Direct Relief
- Microsoft
- New Mexico Dental Association Foundation
- New Mexico Indian Affairs Department
- Santa Fe Community Foundation
- Unity Santa Fe
Thank you! Your support makes our work possible.
Questions & Answers
Do you accept Medicaid?
We accept New Mexico Medicaid for most dental procedures. Medicaid will pay for braces in some cases, but not all. We also accept most private insurance.
How much do braces cost?
We do our best to keep prices affordable. Because we are a nonprofit organization, we believe our prices are significantly lower than other dentists or orthodontists in Shiprock, Kirtland, Farmington, or Gallup. Call us to ask about current prices.
Whom do you serve?
We serve the Diné (Navajo), the Hopi, and the Ute people, as well as the communities of Shiprock, Kirtland, Farmington, and Gallup, New Mexico.
We do not discriminate on the basis of age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, citizenship, disability, veteran status, race, color, size, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or any other classification protected by law.
Where are you located?
We are located at the intersection of US Hwy 491 North and Mesa Rd (N545), next door to DaVita Dialysis.