Dr. Erin McKinney, RDH, DMD
For years, Dr. McKinney called Woodinville, Washington home. She attended the University of Washington for her Bachelor’s Degree before moving on to receive her Dental Hygiene degree from Shoreline Community College in 1995. After several years as a practicing dental hygienist, Dr. McKinney decided to make a move to Las Vegas to persue her passion in dentistry. Her dental education came from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine. Dr. McKinney received her DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) in 2007, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
“My love of nice weather brought me here, to beautiful Arizona, along with my husband, Dr. Dustin Putnam. I began practicing as a dentist here at Tatum Creek Family Dentistry in 2008. Outside of the office I enjoy spending time with my family, and brushing up on my love of cooking.”
Dr. Dustin Putnam, DMD
Dr. Dustin Putnam was born and raised in Winnemucca, Nevada ( a very small town in Northern Nevada), and graduated from the University of Nevada at Reno in 2002 with a Bachelor’s in Health Ecology.
His dental education came from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine, where he received his DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) in 2007, and moved to sunny Phoenix to practice dentistry.
“I really enjoy practicing dentistry and attend numerous hours of continuing education every year to stay current with the latest techniques. I also recently completed special training for Oral Appliance Therapy for the treatment of Sleep Apnea disorders.”
Dr. Jeffrey “Jeff” Tuller, DDS
Dr. Tuller was Born and raised in Boise, Idaho and graduated DDS (Cum Laude) from Creighton University in 1990. He enjoys spending time with his family and 5 children. His interests also include fishing, hiking, biking, scuba diving and snorkeling. Dr. Tuller loves Hawaii.
Experience
•General Practice Residency, VA in Salt Lake City, UT
•Commissioned Officer (Dental Officer) US Public Health Service, Indian Health Service. Served in Santa Fe, NM and Chinle, AZ
•Private Practice (General Dentistry) in Boise, Idaho from 1994-2018
•Residency in Oral Maxillofacial Radiology at the University of Washington from 2018-2020
•Fellow in the International College of Dentists, Inducted in 2001
Dr. Tuller has also served in various positions with the state and local dental societies while in private practice in Idaho.
Shaleen Knight, RDH
I was born and raised in sunny Phoenix, Arizona. I have recently moved to the Cave Creek area and am enjoying everything this beautiful, historical town has to offer. I had the opportunity to venture off to Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama on a volleyball scholarship. After earning my BA in Liberal Arts, I returned home and received my Associate degree in Dental Hygiene from Phoenix College.
I pursued dentistry because of the relationships that are created and the unique impact we can have on our patient’s lives by contributing to the esthetics of their smile and to the enjoyment of their appearance.
When I am not at work, I love spending time with my husband, being a mom to our little boy Wilder, outdoors-hiking, going to the lake, camping and having bonfires.
Melinda Kennedy, RDH
I have resided in Arizona for over 30 years of my life. I have also experienced living in California and Colorado and I feel Arizona is hands down the best state to live in. My husband and I have been together over a quarter century and I have two beautiful adult daughters. I am an avid road cyclist, hiker, mountain biker. I enjoy sprints as well as 100+ mile rides on my bike and local hikes as well as rim to rim to rim of the Grand Canyon. I love to travel locally and abroad.
I am very active in the Dental Hygiene community and am always highly involved in continuing education to stay relevant. I find my idle moments consumed with playing Candy Crush or Words With Friends, trying out new recipes or restaurants and loving our 2 rescue dogs. I am so thrilled to be part of the team at Tatum Creek Family Dentistry. I feel very fortunate to have the potential to impact your personal health. Thank you for your trust.
Mary Longpre, RDH
Mary moved to Arizona from Grand Haven, Michigan in 2018. She graduated from Grand Rapids Community College in 2008 with an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. Mary brings us 12 years of experience. In addition to her associate’s degree, she holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Western Michigan University.
Mary prides herself in caring for her patients in a kind and compassionate manner. She loves helping patients achieve optimal oral health. She feels dentistry is her true passion!
Mary enjoys spending time her the people that mean the most to her which also includes her puppy Teddy.
Becky Lord, RDH
I was born and raised Michigan and moved to Carefree, AZ in 2016. I have three grown children, twins in California and one in Michigan. I enjoy hiking the beautiful trails with my Bernedoodle “Maizy-Blue.” I look forward to working with you.