I had an interest in sciences and I liked helping people. And I had a roommate whose dad was a dentist, and I spent a day shadowing him and from that point on it was an easy choice for me. I also had my mentor, my first mentor was my dentist and when I was growing up and she was a YMCA, she’s the person that taught me how to swim and dive into the deep end of the pool. I had a mentor from life that turned into a dentist, and so she’s the one that guided me into how it’s great to be involved, and know the community and you can really be an integral part of people’s lives. So she was very special in my decision to do that.
I grew up in New Mexico and we don’t have a dental school so that was a challenge for me. In fact I was at a large state school and there were only three pre-dental students, but fortunately I won a grant and I went to Boston to Tufts University and I was very honored to get to go there and start my career there. At Tufts one of the things that they said was, “We’re going to teach you to be great clinicians but you have to go learn how to practice.” And so I did a residency in advanced general dentistry because I wanted to learn great comprehensive care to take back to the small town that I lived in. I wanted to go back and give to the rural area where I grew up, and came to Oklahoma and I actually planted roots here and raised my family and now I consider Oklahoma home.
So they don’t call it practice for a reason, well, without a reason, they call it practice because you can’t stop. The minute you stop learning then you stop growing. I feel very passionately about staying on the top of the procedures out there, the materials, the science is always growing and so I work hard and I know that Dr. Lopez, both Dr. Lopezes work hard on staying on top of technology and what we can provide to our patients. We don’t want to be doing what’s been done because it’s been done before and it’s worked okay. We want to be doing what’s the best for our patient that’s in the chair in front of us at the time.
Shannon L. Griffin, DMD Is an Accomplished Dentist
A native of Southern New Mexico, Dr. Shannon Griffin graduated from New Mexico State University. She then went on to study at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. After graduating with her dental degree, Dr. Griffin finished two years of training in complex general dentistry and dental implants at the University of Oklahoma. Following her residency, she took a position at the OU College of Dentistry and established a comprehensive dental practice in Edmond, OK.
Throughout her more than 20 years in practice, Dr. Griffin has earned numerous awards and held the role of president of the Oklahoma Dental Association. In 2022, she moved to Lawton to join her husband, Dr. Juan R. Lopez. Both Dr. Griffin and Dr. Lopez serve as delegates to the American Dental Association.
Outside of their dental work, the couple shares a passion for traveling, engaging in activities like skiing, scuba diving, and playing golf whenever they can. Additionally, Dr. Griffin finds joy in cooking and gardening.
I have been a patient of Dr Juan Lopez for many years. He is the best! I needed an implant and the results were awesome! No problems whatsoever with it. It look great! I would recommend him and his staff if you are looking for a dentist. They are friendly, kind, and caring. I have never been disappointed in any procedure I have had there. A shout out to my hygienist Jennifer! She is awesome and deserves a raise! 😁
Dr. Lopez and his team have performed extensive procedures for me over the years. Not only have strangers come up to me to compliment me on my beautiful smile, but also some of my friends (who are dental professionals) have remarked on the high quality of the work he did on my smile! It is stunning! He is a paramount professional who only accepts excellence from himself and his team! Consider yourself lucky if you are able to have him as your dentist!!!
I was pleasantly surprised by the level of care Dr. Lopez and his staff gave me during my visit. Everyone, from the receptionist to the hygienist were pleasant and took time to explain each procedure before hand. Their attention to detail reassures me that I will be very pleased with the care I will receive going forward.
My experience in the office was amazing!! Everyone was so kind and patient with me. Did not make me feel ashamed about the state of my teeth. Holly had the most gentle hands while cleaning my teeth!!! Will definitely keep going.
Such an amazing doctor and team. Not only are your health problems a concern but every treatment plan is Taylor made for you. I have the privilege of knowing and being a patient of Dr. Lopez for 25 years.
I used to hate going to the dentist. But once I started going to Dr Lopez I dont mind going at all! I feel like everyone is very well trained and that they care about the individual patient. I also think they must use state of the art equipment because they’ve never hurt me in all of the processes I’ve had done there. It helps too that Dr Lopez is such a nice and funny guy. I dont ever want to change my dentist!
What an amazing team! From reception desk, to the dental chair, it’s clear they all love the service they offer. Top notch technology, and experience. If looking for a new dental family, I highly recommend both Dr. Lopez’s, and their teams. Finally found my new dental home, and I thank you! Julie Shelton
So grateful for the awesome care with Dr. LOPEZ office. I have been terrified of going to the dentist. Such great experiences every time I’ve been there. Even with multiple root canals in the same appointment.
12/10 recommend Lopez Dental Associates! My two boys (5 and 3) and myself have been going there for just over a year now! Jesica is the best dental hygienist!!!— she is patient, kind, and has wonderful bedside manner. If you are looking as an adult or for your kids, this place comes highly recommended!
Dr. Eric Lopez and his team are fabulous! They were able to give me a last-minute appointment when I had a dental emergency and fixed the issue beautifully. I highly recommend this practice!