Meet Dr. Shannon Grady - Your Yuma Dentist

Because You Deserve Kindness And Respect At Every Visit


Dr. Shannon Grady brings a unique perspective to dentistry. With 18 years of experience as a dental hygienist before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, she understands patient comfort and anxiety from both sides of the chair.

This background gives Dr. Grady an unmatched ability to provide gentle, patient-centered care that puts even the most anxious patients at ease.

Today, Dr. Grady leads Arizona Avenue Dentistry with a commitment to welcoming every patient exactly where they are. Whether you haven't visited a dentist in years, have complex medical needs or simply want a more beautiful smile, Dr. Grady and her team provide expert care without judgment.

 

Education & Credentials

Dr. Grady's educational journey reflects her deep commitment to the dental profession:

  • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) - University of Southern California School of Dentistry
  • Advanced CEREC Training - Same-day crown technology certification
  • Special Needs Dentistry - Specialized training in treating patients with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other developmental or physical disabilities
  • Continuing Education - Regular training in the latest dental techniques, materials and patient care approaches

Dr. Grady is an active member of professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Arizona Dental Association, keeping her skills current with the latest advances in dental care.

A Unique Professional Journey

What makes Dr. Grady different from most dentists? She spent 18 years as a dental hygienist before pursuing her dental degree. This extensive experience on "the other side" gives her insights that few dentists possess:

  • Patient Comfort Expertise - Years of direct patient interaction taught Dr. Grady exactly what makes patients anxious and how to address those concerns
  • Gentle Touch - Her hygienist background means she understands the importance of a light, careful touch during procedures
  • Communication Skills - She learned to explain dental procedures in ways patients can understand, not dental jargon
  • Preventive Focus - Her hygienist roots keep prevention at the heart of every treatment plan

This unique career path has shaped Dr. Grady into a dentist who truly understands the patient experience from start to finish.

 

Philosophy & Approach To Care

Dr. Grady's approach to dentistry is simple: treat every patient with kindness, respect and understanding. She knows that many people avoid the dentist due to fear, past negative experiences or feelings of embarrassment about their oral health. That's why Arizona Avenue Dentistry operates with a core philosophy that welcomes patients without judgment.

Here's what you can expect when you're under Dr. Grady's care:

 

You'll Be Heard

Dr. Grady takes time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and make sure you understand every aspect of your care.

No Judgment Ever

Whether you haven't been to a dentist in 10 years or you're dealing with dental challenges, Dr. Grady welcomes you with compassion and a focus on moving forward.

Gentle Treatment

Her 18 years as a hygienist taught Dr. Grady exactly how to provide comfortable care, even for anxious patients.

Your Partner In Health

Dr. Grady sees herself as your partner, working with you to achieve your oral health goals at a pace that works for you.

 

Areas Of Special Expertise

Dr. Grady has developed specialized expertise in several areas that set Arizona Avenue Dentistry apart:

 

CEREC Same-Day Crowns

Dr. Grady is certified in CEREC technology, which allows her to design, mill and place permanent dental crowns in a single appointment. This means:

  • No temporary crown to wear for weeks
  • No messy impressions
  • No second appointment needed
  • Walk in with a damaged tooth, walk out with a beautiful, permanent crown

This technology is a huge advantage for busy patients who can't take multiple days off work or for those who struggle with the anxiety of multiple dental visits.

Learn More About CEREC Same-Day Crowns

Special Needs Patients

Dr. Grady has extensive training and experience providing dental care for patients with special needs, including those with:

  • Autism spectrum disorders
  • Down syndrome
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Developmental delays
  • Physical disabilities
  • Sensory processing challenges

She understands that these patients need extra time, patience and adapted communication approaches. Dr. Grady works closely with caregivers to create a comfortable, positive dental experience.

Learn More About Our Special Needs Dentistry Services

 

Complex Medical Histories

Many patients have medical conditions that complicate dental treatment. Dr. Grady has experience coordinating care for patients with:

  • Blood thinning medications (anticoagulants)
  • Heart conditions requiring antibiotic premedication
  • Diabetes and blood sugar management during procedures
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Multiple medications with potential interactions

When needed, Dr. Grady coordinates directly with your primary care physician or specialist to make sure your dental treatment is safe and appropriate for your overall health. Your wellbeing always comes first.

Anxious & Fearful Patients

If dental anxiety has kept you away from the dentist, Dr. Grady gets it. Her years as a hygienist gave her firsthand experience with patient fears, and she's developed approaches that help:

  • Detailed explanations before every procedure so you know exactly what to expect
  • A "stop signal" system so you're always in control
  • Gentle techniques refined over 20 years of patient care
  • The option to go at your own pace - no pressure to complete everything at once
  • Sedation options for patients who need extra help relaxing

Many of Dr. Grady's most loyal patients came to her terrified of the dentist and now look forward to their appointments.

 

Comprehensive Dental Services

Dr. Grady provides a full range of dental services for patients of all ages, from young children to seniors:

 

Family & Preventive Dentistry

  • Routine cleanings and exams
  • Pediatric dentistry (children welcome!)
  • Dental sealants and fluoride treatments
  • Oral cancer screenings
  • Digital X-rays (90% less radiation)

Explore Family Dentistry Services

Cosmetic Dentistry

  • Porcelain veneers
  • Professional teeth whitening
  • Dental bonding
  • Smile makeovers
  • Tooth gems

See Cosmetic Dentistry Options

 

Restorative Dentistry

  • CEREC Same-Day Crowns
  • Dental bridges
  • Dentures and partial dentures
  • Root canal therapy
  • Tooth extractions

Learn About Restorative Services

Specialized Services

  • Emergency dentistry (same-day appointments)
  • Gum disease treatment
  • SureSmile clear aligners
  • Special needs dentistry
  • Bilingual care (English/Spanish)

View All Dental Services

 

Beyond The Dental Chair

When she's not caring for patients, Dr. Grady enjoys spending time with her family and giving back to the Yuma community. She believes in building relationships that extend beyond dental appointments and creating a practice that feels like family.

Dr. Grady chose Yuma because she loves the tight-knit community atmosphere and the opportunity to truly get to know her patients. Many of her patients have been with her since she opened Arizona Avenue Dentistry in 2022, and she's had the privilege of caring for multiple generations of the same families.

"What I love most about dentistry is building relationships and helping people gain confidence in their smiles. Whether that means finally fixing a tooth that's bothered someone for years or helping a fearful patient realize dental visits don't have to be scary - those are the moments that make this career so rewarding." — Dr. Shannon Grady

 

 

Ready To Experience Dr. Grady's Compassionate Care?

Whether you're a new patient or returning after time away, Dr. Grady welcomes you. Call today to schedule your appointment and discover what judgment-free, patient-centered dentistry feels like.

(928) 782-3685

Request Appointment

Compassionate Care, Proven Results

We're proud of the care we give, but hearing from our patients means everything. Read the reviews that reflect our commitment to comfort, compassion and exceptional dentistry.