Dr. James Patel, DMD
Invisalign Diamond Provider with over 1,500 cases completed and a passion for making straight, healthy smiles accessible to patients of all ages across the East Valley.
Locations: Tempe (primary) · Gilbert (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
Languages: English, Hindi
Meet Dr. Patel
Education & Training
Dr. Patel earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in 2016. He then completed a General Practice Residency at Lutheran Medical Center in 2017, where he gained intensive hospital-based training in oral surgery, trauma management, and treating medically complex patients.
This combination of clinical training and real-world hospital experience gives Dr. Patel the confidence to handle everything from routine checkups to dental emergencies with skill and composure.
Dr. Patel has earned Invisalign's Diamond Provider distinction — a tier reserved for dentists who complete a high volume of cases annually. With over 1,500 Invisalign cases under his belt, he's one of the most experienced clear aligner providers in the Tempe and Gilbert area.
Professional Memberships
Specializations & Services
Dr. Patel is the primary Invisalign provider at Summit Ridge Dental and also sees patients for a wide range of general, pediatric, and urgent dental needs. His calm demeanor and gentle approach make him a favorite among younger patients and anyone who feels nervous about visiting the dentist.
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Patel's approach to dentistry is straightforward: treat everyone the way he'd want his own family to be treated. He takes time with each patient, answers every question, and believes that understanding builds trust — which makes for better outcomes.
"I love working with families because I get to watch kids grow up and adults gain confidence in their smiles," Dr. Patel says. "There's nothing better than seeing a teenager take their last Invisalign tray out and look in the mirror for the first time."
Beyond the Office
Dr. Patel is a Phoenix native who grew up in the Valley and has deep roots in the community. When he's not treating patients, he coaches a youth soccer league in Tempe — a role he says teaches him as much about patience and motivation as any dental residency ever could.
An accomplished guitar player, Dr. Patel occasionally brings his acoustic to the office for lunchtime serenades that the team either appreciates or politely endures (reviews are mixed). He's also a passionate Arizona State University fan and can often be found at Sun Devil football and basketball games.
Dr. Patel speaks fluent Hindi and English, and enjoys connecting with the South Asian community across the East Valley.
What Patients Say About Dr. Patel
"Dr. Patel made my Invisalign experience incredibly easy. He mapped everything out with the iTero scanner, explained the timeline, and checked in regularly. My teeth look amazing and I barely noticed the process."
Jessica W. — Invisalign, Tempe
"I called at 7 AM with a cracked tooth and Dr. Patel saw me before lunch. He was calm, reassuring, and fixed the problem completely in one visit. This is what emergency care should look like."
Daniel R. — Emergency Dentistry, Gilbert
"My kids actually look forward to their dental appointments because of Dr. Patel. He's so good with children — patient, funny, and genuinely kind. We followed him from his old practice to Summit Ridge."
Sarah L. — Pediatric Dentistry, Tempe
"As a college student at ASU, I was nervous about finding a dentist. Dr. Patel made the whole experience comfortable and affordable. He even helped me understand my insurance benefits."
Kevin T. — General Dentistry, Tempe
Articles by Dr. Patel
Book an Appointment with Dr. Patel
Ready for a straighter smile with Invisalign, or need a trusted family dentist in Tempe or Gilbert? Dr. Patel is here for you.