What makes us tick?
Our Core Values are what brings our team together.
For each patient we try to make FETCH happen.
Fun - We want Yippee's and Yeehaw's when your child finds out they have a dental visit.
Excellence - We are always striving to make our best even better.
Team Focused - Our guests are in great hands, from "Howdy!" to "Happy Trails!"
Compassion - We're West Texas friendly.
Honesty - We'll always steer you straight.
FETCH
Joel Edwards, DDS (DR. JOEL)
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Practice Philosophy
My whole goal is for my patients to have a fun and great experience when they come to the dentist. Our office is state of the art and will give patients and parents all the education and tools to properly take care of their kids' teeth for a lifetime of BIG SMILES!
Education and experience
l was born in Odessa, and grew up in Odessa for grade school and then later moved to Abilene. I received my Biology degree from the University of Texas in Austin. I then went on to attain my Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Following Dental School, I practiced General Dentistry where I discovered my unique talent of working with children. I then returned to San Antonio to attain my specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry, completed the Board Certification in Pediatric Dentistry in 2009, and have remained a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. I came back to Odessa and hung up my shingle in 2009, starting my practice as Joel Edwards DDS. After a few thousand calls, we rebranded the practice to Big Smiles Ranch to capture the fun West Texas Way and our standing as a Pediatric Practice. I am proud of my role in this community and love being back in West Texas.
Memberships
Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
The Southwest Society of Pediatric Dentistry
The Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
American Dental Association
Texas Dental Association
Permian Basin Dental Association (Past President)
Off-Duty
Most of my time is spent with the love of my life and better half, Deborah, and our son Andrew. Outside of family time, I love the outdoors and enjoy any active sport. Currently I really like to play golf and pickleball. I like to fish and also bird hunt (but don't tell my wife – she loves birds). I dabble as a chef from time to time and love to try new recipes on family and friends. When we do get the opportunity, we love to travel. From mountains to beaches it is nice to get away, but I love coming back home to Odessa.
I look forward to meeting you and hope to give you and your family a fun experience at the dentist!
- Dr. joel
Refugio Gonzalez III, DDS (Dr. Tres)
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Hello! My name is Dr. Refugio Gonzalez III, but I go by my nickname “Tres.” I am excited to be a part of Big Smiles Ranch and helping the amazing children in West Texas.
Education and Experience
I am originally from South Texas. I was born and raised in Kingsville and graduated from Kaufer High School in the neighboring small town of Riviera. From those small-town beginnings, I moved to Austin to become a Longhorn, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from The University of Texas. From there, I moved to San Antonio and completed my dental training at The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHSCSA), graduating Cum Laude in 2008. While at UTHSCSA, I was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Dental Honor Society, which is one of the highest honors a dental student can receive. From 2008 to 2010, I attended the Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program at Texas A&M-Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas where I trained at both Children's Medical Center and The Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. I then became a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2011.
I have a strong passion for organized dentistry, where I have been involved at the local and state levels. I served as the President of the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, an organization that advocates for children's oral healthcare in Texas, from May 2019 through May 2020. I am also an active member of the Texas Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Permian Basin Dental Association.
Off-Duty
My wife, Ashley, and I met during our time at The University of Texas. After completing my residency program, we moved to Corpus Christi, where I practiced for nearly ten years before coming to Odessa. We have two fun and adventurous sons, Conner and Easton. During our free time, we are often watching our boys play sports, watching Texas Longhorn sports, or spending time with family and friends.
I look forward to meeting you and your family!
- Dr. Tres
Drop Us A Line
We look forward to meeting you and your cowpokes.
Call (432) 272-1190 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We'll be in touch soon.