Shira F. Scholten, DMD, MS, Diplomate
Dr. Shira (SHEER-ah) Scholten (SHOLE-ten) joined AZPerio in September 2022. She sees patients at the Paradise Valley and Pinnacle Peak offices.
Dr. Scholten has a passion for providing evidence-based dental care, with an emphasis on patient communication and comfort. Dr. Scholten was first introduced to the art and science of dentistry at an early age by her grandfather, Dr. Byron Butt, a general dentist who practiced in Central Phoenix for over 40 years. After watching her grandfather’s keen attention to detail and ability to put patients at ease, Dr. Scholten realized she wanted to follow in his footsteps.
After receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree with a neuroscience major from the University of Pennsylvania, she attended the University of Pennsylvania's School of Dental Medicine. Upon graduation, she attended the University of Southern California‘s Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, where she completed her residency in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, as well as a Master of Science in Biomedical Implants and Tissue Engineering.
Dr. Scholten is a published author in the field of periodontology with research interests including the design and synthesis of new bone grafting materials, and the improvement of reporting quality in periodontal literature.
Dr. Scholten is committed to the advancement of the fields of dentistry and periodontology, and maintains a strong clinical focus, empowering patients to take control of their oral health. She is an avid supporter of organized dentistry and is an active and board-certified Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology, as well as several other professional dental organizations.
IN HER FREE TIME
Along with his passion for dentistry, Dr. Scholten’s grandfather imparted on her a love for the Phoenix Suns, Camelback Mountain, and dogs. Dr. Scholten grew up with a Bichon Frisé named “Missy” and brushed Missy’s teeth every night with chicken-flavored toothpaste.
Dr. Scholten loves spending time with her family and exploring the outdoor activities that the Valley has to offer. She enjoys hiking, yoga, and dance, and teaching biweekly Zumba classes. Dr. Scholten speaks fluent English and German, and intermediate level Spanish with advanced training in Spanish for dental professionals.
MOST REWARDING ASPECT OF DENTISTRY
“To me, the most rewarding aspect of dentistry is helping patients feel comfortable and to look forward to their dental visits!”