Know Your Dentists: How Dr. Kelly B. Wettstein and Dr. Payton Harker Help Patients Feel Comfortable During Dental Visits

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By Affinity Dental | May 14, 2026

Dental anxiety is real — and incredibly common. Nearly 36% of Americans experience fear about visiting the dentist. At Affinity Dental Queen Creek, our approach is different. Dr. Kelly B. Wettstein and Dr. Payton Harker have built a practice where your comfort isn’t an afterthought — it’s the foundation of every single appointment.

If you’ve ever delayed a dental visit because of nerves, uncertainty about what to expect, or a bad experience in the past, you’re not alone. What often makes the biggest difference isn’t the technology in the room — it’s the person holding the handpiece. At our practice, two exceptional clinicians have made it their personal mission to change how Arizona families feel about going to the dentist.

Let’s take a closer look at the people behind the practice.

Dr. Kelly B. Wettstein – Our General & Family Dentist: Putting People First

Professional headshot of smiling man in white shirt and green tie against stone wall background.

Dr. Kelly B. Wettstein brings a warm, patient-centered philosophy to every chair in the practice. With years of clinical experience serving Arizona families, Dr. Wettstein understands that a trip to the dentist involves more than just teeth — it involves trust.

Whether you’re coming in for a routine cleaning, a smile makeover, or your first exam in years, Dr. Wettstein leads with conversation before anything else. His approach centers on asking questions, listening carefully, and making sure you fully understand every step of your treatment — so there are never any surprises.

What Patients Say About Dr. Wettstein

I love Affinity Dental. Great staff and very knowledgeable Dentists. Always a great experience having my dental work done by them. Dr. Kelly Wettstein is incredible and all his staff are wonderful. When in Arizona, they are my only dentist I’ll go to. Thank you all for being so professional and helpful. You guys are great!

R. Schimm

Dr. Payton Harker: Our General, Cosmetic & Restorative Dentist with Old-School Heart

Professional man in white shirt and green tie at dental office

Dr. Payton Harker represents the next generation of compassionate dental care in Arizona. Trained with the latest techniques in gentle, minimally invasive dentistry, Dr. Harker combines clinical precision with an easy, approachable chairside manner that puts even the most nervous patients at ease.

He believes strongly that informed patients are confident patients. Before any procedure, Dr. Harker takes the time to walk you through exactly what he’s going to do and why — using plain language, not dental jargon — so you always know what to expect.

Dr. Harker’s Philosophy On Patient Comfort

Dr. Harker grew up in the Southwest and understands firsthand the value of community trust. He sees his role not just as a clinician, but as a long-term partner in his patients’ overall health. “When you feel truly comfortable with your dentist,” he says, “you’re far more likely to keep up with preventive care — and that’s where the real health benefits happen.”

I recently went in to get some work done, I hadn’t been to the dentist for years leading up because I always found it uncomfortable. Dr. Harker took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I was completely comfortable throughout the procedure. His attention to detail and gentle approach really stood out. I haven’t had any issues whatsoever since my visit. The staff was incredibly welcoming, and the office was clean and organized.

D. Johnson

How Our Dentists Create a Comfort-First Experience

Dr. Wettstein and Dr. Harker have built their practice around a set of thoughtful, intentional practices that reduce anxiety at every touchpoint — from your first phone call to the moment you leave the parking lot.

  • A warm, judgment-free welcome: No lectures. No shame. Whether you’re coming in for the first time in years or returning for your sixth-month checkup, you’ll be greeted the same way — with genuine kindness.
  • Transparent treatment conversations: Both doctors take the time to fully explain your dental health status, your options, and what each treatment involves — in plain, everyday American English.
  • Stop signals and pace-setting: You’re always in control. Both Dr. Wettstein and Dr. Harker encourage patients to use agreed-upon signals during procedures if they need a break, a pause, or just a moment to breathe.
  • Minimal wait times: Anxiety grows in waiting rooms. Our team is committed to respecting your time and keeping appointments running on schedule.
  • Gentle techniques and modern technology: The practice uses up-to-date, minimally invasive tools designed to reduce discomfort, shorten procedure time, and improve outcomes.
  • A calm, welcoming office environment: From the decor to the front desk team, every element of our practice is designed with your comfort in mind.

Serving Arizona Families — With the Care You Deserve

The Valley of the Sun is home to millions of people with one thing in common: they deserve a dental practice they can genuinely trust. Whether you’re a lifelong Arizona native, a newcomer relocating from out of state, or a snowbird settling in for the season, Affinity Dental Queen Creek is built to serve you with the warmth and professionalism that reflects the best of Arizona community care.

Dr. Wettstein and Dr. Harker see patients of all ages — from toddlers getting their first peek inside a dental chair to seniors maintaining their smiles through the decades. The practice is built around the belief that great dental health is for everyone, and that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, patience, and genuine attention.

Why “Getting To Know Your Dentist” Matters For Your Health

Research consistently shows that patients who trust their dentist are more likely to attend regular checkups, follow through on recommended treatments, and maintain better oral health overall. That trust doesn’t just happen — it’s built, one honest conversation at a time.

Dr. Wettstein and Dr. Harker invest in that relationship from day one. They want to know your health history, your goals for your smile, your fears, and your schedule. Because when they know you — really know you — they can take better care of you.

Ready to Meet Dr. Wettstein and Dr. Harker?

If you’ve been putting off dental care because you’re nervous about what to expect, or because you haven’t found a dentist you truly feel comfortable with, we’d love to introduce ourselves. There’s no pressure, no rush, and absolutely no judgment — just two dedicated Arizona dentists who genuinely love what they do and care deeply about the people they serve.

Your first appointment is the beginning of a partnership and we take that seriously.

Book Your First Visit Today

Experience the difference in your dental care. New patients are always welcome, and we’d love to welcome you and your family into our community.

Schedule an Appointment