For patients in Cochise County weighing their options for missing teeth, the prospect of multiple referrals between specialists can be a major hurdle. One Sierra Vista dentist is eliminating that step entirely, offering a single-location experience where the same clinician handles every phase of the implant process. Dr. Kent Hales, DDS, at Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants, personally plans, places and restores dental implants for patients from Sierra Vista, Benson, Bisbee and beyond — all within one office, from the initial 3D scan to the final tooth being seated.
Dr. Kent Hales, DDS, plans, places and restores dental implants in one Sierra Vista office, with mini and short implants for patients with limited bone.
“We wanted one place where a patient in Sierra Vista, Benson or Bisbee can get straight answers about implants, insurance and emergencies before they pick up the phone,” said Dr. Hales.
Also worth a look: Student First Technologies tailors tech to states’ unique education choice programs and ImageSEO finds one in three top sites missing alt text on images as DOJ deadline nears.
A 1998 graduate of Indiana University School of Dentistry, Dr. Hales has practiced in Sierra Vista since 2003. His advanced training includes implant coursework at The Bicon Institute in Boston, where he was mentored by Dr. Victor Sendax — widely credited as the originator of the mini dental implant. Beyond his own practice, Dr. Hales has also taught sinus lift, bone grafting and dental implant techniques to approximately 800 dentists at the University of El Salvador.
Implant options for missing teeth
- Single-tooth implants to replace one missing tooth
- Implant bridges to replace several teeth in a row
- Implant-supported dentures for patients who want a denture that stays in place
- Mini and short implants for patients with limited bone
A full step-by-step guide to each of these options is available on the practice’s website at gentlecaresierravista.com. Read the dental implant guide.
Planning technology in the office
Every implant case at the practice is mapped out using 3D imaging from a Dentsply Sirona Orthophos XG, with surgical planning performed on a MegaGen R2 Studio Q. The office also relies on digital impressions for precision.
Paying for dental implants
Gentle Care accepts a wide range of dental plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Aetna, Cigna, Guardian, GEHA, UnitedHealthcare and Humana Medicare Advantage. Military families near Fort Huachuca can use the TRICARE Dental Program, administered by United Concordia. Cash payments earn patients a 5 percent discount, and monthly payment options are available through CareCredit and Cherry. Spanish is also spoken in the office.
Fast facts
- Practice: Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants (formerly Advanced Dentistry)
- Dentist: Dr. Kent Hales, DDS
- Address: 3477 Canyon De Flores, Suite A, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
- Phone: (520) 458-9460
- Hours: Monday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Friday through Sunday
- Areas served: Sierra Vista, Fort Huachuca, Huachuca City, Whetstone, Hereford, Bisbee, Tombstone, Benson, Willcox, Douglas and Pearce
- Google rating: 4.7 stars from 198 reviews (October 2026)
Patients who are missing teeth or have been told they need an implant can call (520) 458-9460 during office hours to book a visit about dental implants.
About Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants
Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants is a general, cosmetic and implant dental practice at 3477 Canyon De Flores, Suite A, in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Led by Dr. Kent Hales, DDS, the practice has served Sierra Vista and Cochise County since 2003, offering dental implants, implant-supported dentures, Invisalign, cosmetic dentistry, crowns, root canals, dentures, preventive care and emergency dental care.
Dr. Kent Hales
Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants
+1 520-458-9460
Visit us on social media:
Facebook
Why it matters: For patients in rural Cochise County, having a single dentist manage the entire implant process — from surgical planning to final restoration — can mean fewer appointments, less travel and clearer communication. Dr. Hales’ training under the originator of the mini implant also signals that even patients with significant bone loss may have viable, less invasive options available locally.
