In a bright and welcoming 4,000-square-foot office, Teverbaugh Dental has become more than just a dental practice; it’s a beacon of empowerment, community care and cultural connection. Dr. Diana Teverbaugh, a proud Latina and accomplished dentist, leads her bilingual office with a mission to transform not only smiles, but also lives.
Teverbaugh, born and raised in a close-knit Hispanic community in Peru, deeply understands the importance of feeling seen and heard, especially in health care. Her practice is not just a dental office, but a warm and inviting space where everyone, regardless of their background, feels a strong sense of belonging and inclusivity.
After graduating from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2009, she was determined to combine her passion for oral health with her dedication to uplifting her community. In 2013 she opened her practice, starting in a modest 2,000-square-foot space on Allisonville Road in Fishers. Over the years, as her reputation and patient base grew, she expanded the practice into its current location at 8180 East 106th Street.
What sets Teverbaugh’s office apart are its modern amenities and bilingual team, including a second practitioner, Dr. Maria Karol Valbuena. This deliberate choice creates an environment where patients can comfortably express their concerns and understand their treatment plans. Teverbaugh notes the significant growth of the Hispanic community in Fishers over the past few years and aims to ensure these residents feel at home, knowing that their dental office understands their unique needs.
Teverbaugh emphasizes the importance of dental care in overall health. She says many people only seek treatment when they’re in pain, but her goal is to educate families about preventative care. She wants to show them that regular checkups can significantly affect their health and quality of life.
Teverbaugh Dental offers comprehensive services, from general family dentistry to cosmetic services like teeth whitening, veneers, and smile makeovers with clear aligners and dental implants. Teverbaugh stays up to date on dental implant training as well the latest advances on digital 3D dental technology. Whether it’s a child’s first visit, a routine cleaning or a more complex restorative procedure, the practice ensures every patient, regardless of age, is treated with compassion and respect.
Teverbaugh believes in creating lasting relationships with her patients, many of whom live in Fishers, where she lives with her husband, Scott, and three children. She says she wanted her practice to be a space where families feel safe and supported, especially those who might have faced language or cultural barriers in other health care settings.
Her patient-centric approach extends beyond the office walls. Teverbaugh actively participates in several dental organizations, including the Indiana Dental Association and the American Dental Association, ensuring she stays up to date on the latest advancements in dentistry. This involvement also allows her to advocate for equitable access to oral health care, a cause she holds close to her heart.
For Teverbaugh, success is not just about creating smiles, but also about her profound impact on the next generation. She is deeply passionate about mentoring young adults, particularly those from underserved communities, to pursue careers in dentistry. Her commitment to this cause is about providing opportunities and inspiring and empowering the next generation of health care professionals, instilling a sense of hope and inspiration in her audience.
“It is so important for young people and students to find mentorship if they’re trying to find a path for a career,” Teverbaugh says. “That’s what helped me find my path. I had great mentors and people who inspired me to be a dentist and a business owner. I believe it’s so important to find one’s passion. One of the greatest compliments we receive in our practice is how happy we are and what a great culture and environment we have. This is because we are passionate about what we do, love what we do, and it shows daily.”
Teverbaugh emphasizes that dental care is about much more than just teeth. Oral health is closely linked to overall health, with conditions like gum disease potentially contributing to serious issues such as diabetes, heart disease and pregnancy complications. This knowledge empowers her audience to take control of their health and well-being.
“Your mouth is the gateway to your body,” she explains. “Taking care of your teeth and gums is essential for your overall well-being.”
Looking ahead, Teverbaugh has big plans for her practice and her community. In addition to expanding her mentorship initiatives, as part of her lifetime commitment to giving back, Teverbaugh is working on organizing future dental mission trips to South America with nonprofit organizations to provide dental services to those in need. This trip is part of her commitment to providing dental care to underserved communities and promoting oral health globally.
Teverbaugh’s journey from a young woman from Peru with big dreams to the owner of a thriving bilingual dental practice is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion and purpose. Through her work, she’s improving oral health, building bridges between cultures and creating opportunities for the next generation. As patients walk out of Teverbaugh Dental with brighter smiles, they leave with more than clean teeth; they leave feeling cared for and respected by their dental practitioner.
