CREEDE - For the past two years, Creede Dental Works has been serving the Creede community, offering top of the line dental care in a rural setting after the clinic was sold by Mineral County in 2022.
The clinic is a wonderful addition to the Creede community, who until recently, have had to travel for dental care to places as far as 20 to 60 miles away. The clinic was purchased by local resident Leslie Leggett and Dr. Eric Smith of Pagosa Spring, Colo. In spring of 2024, the clinic welcomed Dr. John Quigley who also serves the Lake City area just on the other side of Slumgullion Pass.
Dr. Quigley, who is an avid outdoor enthusiast grew up in the Colorado Springs area has practiced dentistry for the past 34 years was very excited to come to Creede. “I have enjoyed my time in Creede and getting to know my new patience. This is an extraordinary place.”
The clinic was approached by a local veteran about participating in the Veterans Smile Day and all the staff were eager to participate. “A local veteran suggested we participate in the Veterans Smile Day, and we thought it was a great idea,” said Hygienist Leggett. “We recognize the obstacles to quality dental care that can exist for our Veterans, especially in rural, isolated communities. We are proud to honor them however we can, and I hope we will be able to make this an annual tradition.”
Leggett was born and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas, and has resided in Creede for the past five years. She came to the clinic with 20 years’ experience as a hygienist and has enjoyed her time in Creede as part owner of the clinic.
The Veterans Smile Day will take place on Nov. 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Creede Dental Works will be honoring Veterans by participating in this wonderful opportunity, offering dental screenings, cleanings, and x-rays for absolutely no cost to those who have served.
To participate, Veterans can call the clinic to make an appointment at 719-658-0322 and accommodations will be made to those who cannot make it that day or are not able to make an appointment through the end of the year. Patients who have existing appointments on that day will be seen as scheduled.
This event was made possible through a partnership with the Creede Community Church.
“We think of our patients as family, and that is how we treat them,” said Practice Manager Bethanny Andre. “My father, grandfather and grandmother were all Veterans. I wish they were here, so we could make them smile.”
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Creede Dental Works at the number listed above or stop by the clinic during business hours at 802 Rio Grande Ave., Creede.
