Family Care Dental
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About the practice

Four doctors. One family practice. Three decades on Gilbert Road.

Family Care Dental has served Mesa for 30+ years as a comprehensive practice — preventive, restorative, cosmetic, periodontal, and emergency care for every age, all under one roof. We would be honored to walk beside you on your journey to optimal oral health.

Inside Family Care Dental
30+
Years in Mesa
4
Licensed Dentists
1
Board Certified Periodontist
6
Days a Week, Open
Our story

A neighborhood practice that grew up with its patients.

Family Care Dental opened on South Gilbert Road and has stayed there ever since. Patients who first came in as children now bring their own kids through the door. That continuity is the whole point — visiting the same practice for years lets our team monitor your oral health closely and catch problems early, before they become bigger ones.

Today our care lives under one roof: cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, dentures, Invisalign, veneers, sleep apnea oral appliances, TMJ therapy, emergency visits, and dental implants surgically placed by our Board Certified Periodontist. Most patients don't need a referral across town for specialty work — we collaborate as a team in the same building, with the same charts and the same standards.

We don't take the trust required for dentistry lightly. Anyone who has felt anxious in a dental chair knows how much the room's tone matters. Our team leads with kindness, clear communication, and the time it takes to actually listen.

What we believe

Three things we will not compromise on.

Patient-first, always

You came to us for help with your smile, not to be upsold. Treatment plans are explained in plain language. Questions are welcomed. Pressure tactics are not part of how we work.

Comprehensive under one roof

Preventive, restorative, cosmetic, periodontal, sleep apnea, TMJ, emergency. Four doctors collaborating in the same building means fewer referrals and a faster path from diagnosis to treatment.

Calm, never rushed

A gentle chairside manner is non-negotiable. Our hygienists and assistants are part of why patients keep coming back — even patients who used to dread the dentist.

Meet the doctors

Four credentialed dentists. A combined career that spans the modern history of the field.

General Dentist

Dr. Katie McDougall, DDS

USC School of Dentistry

Undergraduate studies at the University of California, then her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from USC. Committed to continuing education, and to staying current with the latest advancements in dentistry.

Dr. McDougall experienced dental anxiety herself as a child — which is exactly why she works so hard to create a positive, comfortable experience for every patient. Outside the office: family time with her husband, daughter, and dog, plus reading, organizing, and cooking.

General Dentist

Dr. Nathan McLaws, DDS

University of the Pacific · Practicing since 1999

Undergraduate degree in Biology from ASU, then his DDS from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 1999. Active member of several professional dental organizations.

Known for a kind, compassionate approach — and for taking the time to truly listen. As a father himself, he understands family-centered care firsthand. Outside the office: traveling, cooking, mountain biking, scuba diving. Also a big Star Wars fan.

General Dentist

Dr. Aaron Wildung, DDS

Virginia Commonwealth University · Practicing since 2015

Discovered his passion for dentistry while working as a dental assistant after high school and through college. Earned his doctorate at Virginia Commonwealth University and has practiced since 2015.

Focused on helping patients protect, strengthen, and optimize their smiles — with a gentle chairside manner and a habit of making patients feel seen, heard, and valued. A loving husband and devoted father; enjoys racquetball and bowling when schedule allows.

Board Certified Periodontist

Dr. Stephen Folson, DDS, MS, PC

Loyola University of Chicago · Board Certified 1988

DDS from Loyola University of Chicago in 1979, followed by a VA General Practice Residency with the University of Michigan, then a two-year Residency in Periodontics back at Loyola — Master's Degree and Certificate of Specialty. Started his own private practice limited to Periodontics in Peoria-Sun City, AZ in 1982, and completed the rigorous exam process to become Board Certified by the American Board of Periodontology in 1988.

Has surgically placed dental implants since 1991. After 38 years in private practice, transitioned to independent contracting in 2020 and joined Family Care Dental in September 2024. He collaborates closely with Dr. Wildung — together they handle extractions and immediate implant placement, surgical crown lengthening, gingival grafting, pocket reduction surgery, and evaluation of gingival lesions.

Originally from Grand Forks, North Dakota. Married 45 years to Gretchen; together they have a daughter, Berit, and a son and daughter-in-law in California. Cruises, gardening, movies, and their wire fox terrier Finnegan fill the rest.

Meet the full team Book with a doctor
Milestones

A practice that has earned its decades.

A few moments that shaped the care you receive today on South Gilbert Road.

  1. 1979
    A foundation in periodontics

    Dr. Folson earns his DDS at Loyola University of Chicago, then completes a residency in Periodontics. The specialty training that now informs implant work at Family Care Dental begins here.

  2. 1988
    Board certification

    Dr. Folson completes the rigorous examination process to become Board Certified by the American Board of Periodontology — a credential he still carries into every implant case today.

  3. 1999
    Dr. McLaws begins practicing

    Fresh from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, Dr. McLaws begins his career. Twenty-five-plus years later, he is still chairside in the same practice.

  4. 2015
    Dr. Wildung joins the field

    After working as a dental assistant through college, Dr. Wildung earns his doctorate at Virginia Commonwealth University and begins practicing.

  5. September 2024
    Implants come in-house

    Dr. Folson joins the practice to collaborate with Dr. Wildung. Patients no longer need to travel for surgical periodontics or implant placement — the full arc of care happens in one building.

  6. Now
    Open Saturdays

    Saturday hours from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM are open, so patients who can't take off from work during the week have a real option for routine and urgent care.

Insurance & financing

Getting the care you need shouldn't be complicated.

We are in-network with most PPO plans. Our team files claims for you, helps you maximize your benefits, and accepts major credit cards, cash, and CareCredit financing. If you don't have insurance, ask us about a payment plan that works for your family.

Verify your insurance Or call 480-926-7363
PPO
In-network with most plans
CareCredit
Financing accepted
Claims
We file on your behalf
Cards & Cash
Major cards accepted
Always welcoming new patients

Find a dental home that knows your name.

Whether you need a six-month cleaning, an emergency appointment today, or a long-term plan for implants or Invisalign — our team is here for you.

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